Foiled!

So, I was none too happy yesterday when, for the first time ever, Mapquest let me down. One of the previously mentioned work functions of my husband's that I had to attend was a retirement ceremony for a Senior Chief that my old man works with. I had to drive out seperately as I didn't want to wait an extra hour while the husband was doing the pre-ceremonial work. It was a relatively good distance from where we live and I allowed plenty of time to get there. I had my trusty Mapquest directions prepared.

Mind you, I pride myself on being an EXCELLENT navigator. I have a good sense of direction, I can find things easily, I know that (aside from the Jersey turnpike and a few other ill-planned highways) exit numbers correspond with mileage. Odd numbered highways generally run north/south while even numbered ones run east/west. I've got game when it comes to navigation.

So there I am-- 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Knowing I must be within mere feet of the destination. All the roads have corresponded with my directions. I have driven the appropriate distance. And yet.... there is nothing in the spot where the building should be. It couldn't be Mapquest-- I must have done something wrong?! And, yet, I hadn't. To make a long story less-long: I eventually found the place and was able to partake in the after-ceremony festivities but I did NOT get to see the ceremony itself.

Mapquest had me turn left about half a mile from where the building was sitting-- right on a main road. It had me drive through a neighborhood and end up on another segment of the sidestreet that that place was located on. I only ended up finding it once I gave up and went searching for a service station (to relieve myself of the large cup of coffee I drank on the way!).

Oh, Mapquest....

It hurts. It hurts deeply.

As a sub-topic I think it's worth mentioning that this was my first time hanging out at a VFW. I highly recommend it! Good times, even better people. I do not, however, recommend doing as I did. Try to refrain from engaging in shot-taking and carousing with retired soldiers and sailors at 2:00 in the afternoon. Especially the ones who grew up in Brooklyn! If you are anything like me, I assure you... you CAN'T hang and probably shouldn't try! =)