Don't smile.

It's official - I, Angie Good, am going to Ireland in October.  My mom will be traveling with me on this once-in-a-lifetime trip!  There are exactly 229 days until we leave...not that I am counting.  It's just I found this countdown website on Thursday and I typed in our departure date - just for the fun of it - and I discovered that as of Thursday, we had 231 days until we leave.  

Yesterday one of the "Sequester Requesters" (that's what I am calling the dynamic duo that is requesting the annexation of M---- and myself) asked, "How many days until your trip?" which I was totally able to answer "230."  Said person said, "It's going to be a looong time until you go."  Yes.  Yes, it is.

Last night I watched a cutesy chick flick that was filmed in Ireland.  The landscape was amazing...and just think in 229 days, I will be there or en route to there.

Thursday night I called my local AAA office to confirm passport photo times.  The guy on the other end of the phone warned me to not do anything (and I quote) "crazy or outrageous with your hair."  Sir, I have naturally curly hair.  I cannot control the beast.  Thankfully my hair stylist gave me a rockstar haircut 2 weeks ago, so my curls were behaving themselves.  The second thing the guy warned me about was (again - and I quote) "no loud makeup."  Ummmm...was he meaning not to re-create my 2nd grade clown Halloween getup?  I guess some people might get all dolled up (I'm thinking Marge Simpson hair - even though it should be noted that I don't watch that cartoon).  

When I got to AAA, the lady taking the pictures resembled Ethel Beavers from Parks and Rec.  {I would like to just say - the series, in and of itself, was delightful.  I was not thrilled with the last season which makes me sad.}  Any-whoooo...Ethel.  Very serious.  "Ethel" made it very clear that I was not to smile during my passport photo shoot.  When I inquired as to why, she said (and I quote), "Passport photos double as mugshots."  What kind of shenanigans does she possibly think that I am going to find myself involved in when in Ireland with my mom?  A) I love Jesus.  B) I like rules.  C) I'M GOING TO IRELAND AND I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY WANT TO SMILE!!!  Too quote Buddy the Elf, "Smiling's my favorite!!!"  

I obeyed.  No smile.  All I can think is - man, Europe is going to miss out on my fab smile!  Hopefully they will recover.