This is why American diplomacy sucks so much

Stupid Foreign Service people changed my testing site. Instead of American University, nearby and with abundant parking, I now have to go over to some hotel in Georgetown that is 20 minutes away from the nearest subway stop. I'll probably end up driving and paying a fortune at a garage. All this just for a practice test that will take up six hours on Saturday.

Frankly, I'm half inclined to say "screw it" and just not go. But that would be the easy way, and I'm making it a point to not do things the easy was as much as I usually do. Besides, I do want to join the Foreign Service eventually ... perhaps five to ten years from now. Better start preparing now.

Of course, I'm not really preparing all that much. A few months ago I was studying for the exam on a regular basis, but I haven't even opened my study guide since I left the Army. I did reasonably well on the practice exam -- perfect score on the English Expression section! -- so I'm not sweating it too much. Anyway, it is just for practice.

Countdown:

• 1 day until the FSWE.
• 2 days until the Neko Case concert.
• 3 days until I start work.
• 3 weeks (roughly) until I leave for Africa.