Bad Government...

So I had to get my fingerprints recorded and my picture taken this past weekend for my Visa application. I really didn't think it would be that bad, maybe a little bit of a line what, but your basic small line, information form and semi-awkward moment with the official who takes the picture and fingerprints. Let me tell you, the government has insane rules for simple fingerprints.
I arrive, on time might I add, which is an accomplishment in itself for me, and get through the security ok. The lady who went through my purse was kind of obnoxious but in a "doing her job" sort of way. She didn't HAVE to unzip every compartment of my purse but I'm over it. There is basically no one there, which is exciting cause I had an hour long drive to get home and didn't want to stay long. So I go up to the counter, present my passport and my paper that they required and I get this look. It wasn't an "are you stupid?" look so much as an "I'm really sorry I have to say this to you cause I don't know if you're psychotic and evil" look. The man tells me that I have the wrong paper, the RIGHT information but the wrong type of paper. Tell me how that makes sense?!?!? They don't need any other names, numbers or dates, but it's in the wrong format and on the wrong type of paper. Were this an assignment for class I wouldn't complain, but really America? You care what kind of paper this stuff is on??
I'm not really a confrontation kind of person in these situations, so I just tell him that that's all I got and could he accept it or not. He told me to find a library, an hour away from Lawrence, and print off the right piece of paper in the right format. Normally, this would be no problem, but I wasn't in my town and I had no earthly idea where a library was.

GPS TO THE RESCUE!

The library was a mile away and really easy to spot, so I had no problem with it. However, I get in there to see 20 computers but all with limited access. I needed a library card to get onto the computer. I get another look. I could probably make a collection of the looks I recieve on a daily basis. I don't mean basic looks of happiness or sadness or excitment. For some strange reason, these unique looks of sarcasm or judgement are reserved for me. This woman, a little older than your average bear, already had a natural way about her that made you want to avoid her, but I was stuck. She processed my information, questioning me about having Laurie as a last name, why I was in Kansas City if my lisence said Texas and what possible use I could have for a library card in this area. Finally, she gives up her vendetta or denying me a card and gives me one. I am now the proud owner of a library card for a random library I can't remember the name of!!!!
The moment has finally come, and I get the right piece of paper. I return to the office and get my purse searched, yet again; each pocket opened, yet again. I approach the desk, give my RIGHT piece of paper and am accepted into the world of the US Government. Whoopee.
The actual process of fingerprinting wasn't as awkward, although the computer screen (no ink! yay!) kept rejecting my fingerprints which caused a bit of a self-esteem complex. The guy who processed the fingerprints told me stories of the weirdest people to come through the office.
One woman apparently met a guy online and was getting her Visa so she could go to London and marry the internet man of her dreams. Wonder if that worked out. No really!! I do!!! Another man had decided that he wanted to be in the European film industry. Oh, but not just any film industry, this guy wanted to be an adult film start. That little tidbit almost made me not want the guy to touch my hands anymore.
The drive home was pretty boring and the rest of the weekend as well. This was more of a venting entry than anything else, or maybe it was a warning. Whatever it was, comment below!

Meredith