I have my passport in my hand! It is my first passport and the picture of me on the data page ranks with the worst passport photos on record. Nevertheless, I have it now, and just before the year comes to a close too. As it turns out, my passport is good through Christmas Day, 2016.

I have read through the information inside. One good tip is to make 2 photocopies of the data page of your passport (the one with your picture). Leave one copy at home or with family and friends when you travel. Take the other copy with you, but keep it somewhere separate from where you keep your passport. This is supposed to help to expedite things if your passport is lost or stolen.