So we're back at that time of the year. It's been a busy month while at the same time, all the things I want to see progress on have stalled and failed. Maddenbot and programming are going bad. I've solved some problems but realized I am not the guy to figure out text processing. There are too many variables.
But beginning of the month, my drivers' license expired. I did get my car back, decided to celebrate with some solo White Castle and Micro Center. I didn't notice that and drove to Columbus, about a 4 hour drive as the crow flies. Unfortunately, I now drive an EV. This means that I had to map out the places I could stop and charge. But I'm good at planning so I did just that.
I pulled into the first charger, 50 miles to spare. Most of the way through Ohio. Error on the charger when I plugged it in. Did the repair shop break my DC charger? 25 miles to the next charger. I crawled there and uh-oh, it's got a sign on it that it had been broken for about 15 months. Next charger is another 20 miles down the road, car estimates it'll make it about 12 miles. But as a consolation prize, there was an AC fast charger next to it. I plugged in and my car's app told me it will get about 10% an hour if steady charging is assumed. Time for an early dinner as I watch the sun go down.
Wendy's was interesting, but there was a drifter who came in holding a bible. Sat down in the table where I was facing with purpose and told me he was a fan of the bible. He was reading through John and feeling very inspired. The bible was leafed about 50 pages in which would not be the Gospel of John. I wished him luck and he went to pester someone else in the restaurant. Imagine trying to get money out of someone by proving you're religious then walking up to the most staunch atheist in the entire state. Anyway, a cold but sunny walk back to the car. Two blocks.
The car is at 35%, very cool. That will get me to the next charger. Newark, Ohio comes slowly as I inch along the highway. Tension made that 20 or so mile drive feel eternal. I arrive to the car dealership and the charger works. All things estimated, 45 minutes to charge to 90% then a smooth drive to the computer store.
I made it, ate the food I was excited for as the restaurant closed, charged at the same spot on my way back through, barely made it through the charging dead zone, one more charge at the edge of Ohio, then made it home safe.
Did my taxes the next week but the accountant didn't have time to meet with me. She called me that evening saying the driver's license she had on file was expired. I checked and sure enough, it was. Registered my new one moments later, sent her the temp information. This month was a lot of paperwork, waiting at the driver's license center, tax offices, and general shenanigans.
But most importantly, I got my finances straight and will be in Japan in just over a week. I actually want to live blog this trip. But I'll have to figure out how to account for the time difference in this blog's code. Another thing to prepare for, I guess.