Mug Shots

So how many of you have passports? Lewis and I applied for passports for the first time this week. The process is actually quiet simple, but I was surprised about the whole picture-taking process. I'm not sure if requirements have changed since 9/11. And its not that the requirements bothered me. I was just a bit surprised.

Lewis was first in line to have his mug shot made. I say "mug shot" because that is exactly what it looked like....without him holding the sign with his name and inmate number on it! He was told not to smile or to make any facial expressions..... just look at the camera. Of course, that got him cracked up and he crossed his eyes and stuck out his tongue! I don't think the guy was too amused.

I was next and I stood in front of the screen just as Lewis did. The guy focused, then brought his camera down and asked one of the other worker about my hair. (What???) I was told that my hair had to be behind my ears with my ears clearly showing. (What again???) The only reason I think this is strange is because the only time you see my ears is if I put my hair up. So the way I look in that "mug shot" is not any way you will ever see me. I also learned you cannot have any earrings or jewelry showing. It is indeed indicative of a mug shot.

When it was all said and done, we looked like two common criminals that had just held up the local liquor store. It was a good chuckle for us in the middle of our very long day.