Its always a special experience entering government buildings. Especially when your future hangs in the balance. Luckily in my case the worst that can happen is I don't get my passport and my none existent plans for Japan will have to wait for another day.

Knowing that my appointment at the State Department in San Francisco was at 8:30AM, I got up at 5 to prepare. Now before you ask, yes I choose that time out of a full day of possibilities. I even chose it on Wednesday instead of Tuesday in order to go on a bike ride in Big Sur, a further risk that might have prevented me from getting my passport on time. The bike ride fell through because my back was almost out. Apparently carrying a full size dishwasher down a flight of stairs alone is not a good idea...