Morning is always the best time for me. That little window between when I wake up and take my pills has got to be my most productive and mentally clear time of the day, bar none.

I woke up inspired to work on The Handbook for the Recently Diseased. 🙂

I just figured if I didn’t take a moment to pay respects to the work done yesterday, I’d be remiss!

Yesterday, Adam and I went to Social Security and the DMV and I did some rather significant things.

First, I let the social security dept. know that we are married, and I requested a new card with my new name.

I am now, officially, Rachael Renee Shapiro Majka. 🙂

So of course, we had to head off to the DMV to fix my driver’s license to say the same thing. There was, however, on the application for name change, a question regarding health. One that specifically addressed seizures. I was forced to answer under penalty of perjury. So I told the DMV about the seizure disorder and multiple sclerosis… and had the choice either to take a driver’s test to prove that I am safe on the road or to voluntarily turn in my license and instead receive a state issued ID.

I did the right thing and turned in my driver’s license.

It wasn’t the easiest thing to do for my pride, let me tell you that. I mean, sure, I haven’t driven in a few years now. I know that I’m not safe on the road, and I would not deign to put myself or others in danger by trying to drive. I am not that selfish or that foolish. But it still hurt a little. I had an *awesome* ID photo, and it was my first and only CA driver’s license. I would have liked to have been able to keep it.

BUT! In 2-3 weeks, I ought to have a new CA state ID with my new name and a new horrible ID picture because it was taken with no makeup in a black MTV Headbanger’s Ball T-shirt (I didn’t think I’d have to take a picture!) so if I ever do show it to someone, they’ll be able to recognize me by my photo really easily at least! 🙂

I have no idea what’s on tap for today aside from working on the book. I just know that it’s up to me to prove to myself that I make a difference every day. Maybe getting help from social security is a good thing in that it really makes me feel like I owe something to society, because I constantly feel the need to give back — moreso than I did before, if that’s possible. *shrug* I know I don’t “owe” anyone anything. I just like proving my worth.