Trip To Our Capital

Since I have to file for S.S., there are a ton of things that have to be filled out, papers obtained, doctor reports from the very first doctor that has seen me for my condition, what they did and their recommendations. So, I had to go to the very first one, have all of this written down in 'Layman's' terms, then go on to the next one and the next one and the next one. While filling out more paperwork, I needed to submit my Birth Certificate. No problem, had one downstairs in the file cabinet that Debbie keeps so current beginning with the first poem that I wrote her. She tells me, "Top cabinet, second drawer, halfway in, labeled Birth Certificates". I go to the basement, and surer than sh-t, there it was, second drawer, halfway in, labeled Birth Certificates. I opened the folder, pulled it out and the folds were stuck together. I lightly pulled them apart and the paper pulled with it, wiping out a portion of my name and birth date. So, to Lansing I go.

I haven't been to the Capital for a few years and not very familiar with how to get there. I can see it in the distance when we go to Stephanie's house, but the One Way streets, dead ends, and everything thing else in that area, are not my cup of tea. But, I had to have that Birth Certificate and to downtown Lansing I go. With the MapQuest route in my hands, I was off, and 35 minutes later WA LA, right to the door. The only thing was that there was only meter parking and I was told on the phone, it would take anywhere from two to four hours, once I filled out the paperwork and I didn't have that many quarters for the meter in my pocket. So, to a parking lot I drove. I walked back to the building, filled out the paperwork and the government employee behind the Plexiglas eating chips and salsa, put down his paperback and told me "That will be $36.00. But the good news - it would only take an hour. Now what to do for roughly sixty minutes in a place that I knew where nothing was at?

After getting my bearings as I left 201 Townsend St., I started heading to the Capital Building to see if Gov. Jenny Granholm wanted to shoot the shit while I was waiting. She was in a meeting and told the receptionist to tell me, that she'd be available in two hours and to wait and we'd go have a drink. Sorry Jen! Don't want to wait around. But, on the steps on the Capital, a ceremony was going on for the start of the Special Olympics which will be taking place in Mt. Pleasant. So, as I stood there listening and scanning the Special Olympians, I knew that in my present condition, I wasn't able to beat anyone of them in a 50 yd dash. But, there would be a 'Hugger' waitng at the end race to embrace me. My luck, it would probably be a 300 pound guy that would pick me up and swing me like a rag doll. Maybe I'll participate in the 'Games' next year if I'm feeling better.

Back at 201 Townsend St., I entered the building about 40 minutes later, checked the status of my certificate and was told it was being printed as we speak. I purchased a luke warm Coke for $1.50, pulled out my new BlackBerry and checked and sent a couple of emails. My name was called, I picked up the paperwork, walked back to my car and was home by 11:30 a.m. I was going to call it a day, but decided to mow the yard instead while it was still somewhat cool out. Once that was completed, I did what I have been doing best - I laid down on the couch and took a nap.