It figures that after having a day off I’ll have a few days where I’ve got a lot to do all day. I was supposed to be at the elementary school this morning, but all the “specials” (art, music, etc.) were cancelled so they didn’t need me. I figured I’d go to Landover Mall, but it’s apparently been closed - as of November 2000 it was in bad shape, and by now the only thing open is Sears. So I found a library on the map instead, and headed over…except not half a mile from my destination I got a flat tire. I was driving carefully, but the roads are pretty slick due to constant flurries, and when I turned the wheel to go around a curve…the car didn’t turn. I pulled over, called my parents, and decided (with their advice) to drive to the gas station a lady told me was a mile up the road. Once there, I got the tire changed for $12 - the guy told me I’ll need a new tire and a new rim…great. I backtracked to the library and here I am.

This afternoon I have the high school like usual, except I can’t access the Internet there anymore…I may ask one of the other interpreters for her password so I can get in. (Nobody seems to have a problem with interpreters using the computers while they’re not working, but because most of us aren’t school employees, we don’t get our own logins.) After school lets out, I’ll have to hustle halfway around the beltway to get to the mall, where I’m working 5:30 to close.

To my amazement, a Metro train derailed last night between the Crystal City and National Airport stations. No injuries, fortunately, but it sure is screwing with today’s commutes.