Tonight I had to have some paperwork notarized. Unbeknownst to myself and the notary, one of the papers required not one but TWO witnesses (neither of which could be the notary).
It's very rare that being an introvert creates any inconvenience in my world. But in situations like this, it does. You see, I don't know anyone. By "anyone" I mean people that non-introvert types might just "know" as part of every day life. Local friends. Neighbors. Co-workers. Well, I do know some co-workers. Ones who would probably have no problem with me saying, "Yo, I need a witness!", if we were in the office. But this is "DC". It's a huge area that spans VA, MD, and DC. When you need a signature NOW, it's not that simple. The closest person you know might be two hours away. The only person I know "locally" is Eric. But he's deployed.
Not knowing anyone is perfectly fine with me. It's not even something I think about. Obviously a witness doesn't have to be someone you know, but would you be willing to shell out your license, and sign your name to papers for a complete stranger? I'd be hesitant. Who am I kidding? I would be all HELL NAH. Ultimately I sucked it up and knocked on the door of a neighbor that I've waved "hello" to on rare occasions. Lucky for me, he was willing. But I still had to find a second person. The notary lives two hours away so he didn't know anyone local either. Seriously. It would have been easier to have Macy dip a paw in some ink and smack the paper with it. Don't think I didn't suggest it, either.
But then I had an epiphany. There ARE people I know. LOCAL people. Less than a mile from home, local! People I see and talk to every single day. Even sometimes for more than just small talk. Who are these people you may wonder? STARBUCKS BARISTAS! Yes, you read that right. I got into my car, the notary followed me, we drove down to the Starbucks and lo-and-behold, one of the AM barista's happened to be working the evening shift. She was more than happy to be my 2nd witness.
First world problem? Probably. Introvert problem? HELL YES.
2 comments:
I'm glad you thought to go there. But, just so you know, there are lots of people out there (like me) who, had you needed the second witness at Starbucks, would happily have witnessed it for a stranger. :-)
You're awesome, Mo! I'm just a cynic.
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