I've got another confession to make...

So the saga of Kim and the Work Keys Assesment continues. For those to whom I have not complained about this test, in order to work for a local company that hires a lot of folks, where I could do some clerical or customer service work, I need to take a test that proves I can do basic reading and math. It's one of of the dumb hoops you have to jump through. I had to do something similar to begin applying to university positions, and back home, I had to take a similar test to apply to positions with the county government. For some reason, however, I cannot seem to get to the testing station on time to save my life. Here's the history:

Last March: I visited Iowa, and decided to take the test, as well as the university test, so that I could start applying to jobs, in case I moved out here. I made it to the university test, but on the morning of the Work Keys exam, I took a bus out to the location of the actual company where I would be working. Turns out, that's not where the test is given. Plus, the bus I had taken didn't run back out that way until the end of the day, so I had to walk a half mile through the snow to another bus stop, to get back into town.

Two weeks ago: I look up the address for the testing location, wiser from my previous attempt. I mapquest it, and leave with what I think is enough time. Unfortunately, the route is unfamiliar, and I get pretty lost. Actually I think I was angry that day, and a really angry song had just come on the radio, and I was singing full force, so that may have distracted me too. Anyway, I finally found the general area where the testing location was, but I couldn't be bothered to find the actual building. I figured I would come back later when I was less pissed off.

Last week: I try for the test again. I didn't ever go back to find the place, but I figured if I gave myself plenty of time, I could drive around till I found it. Too bad I forgot my car was parked in the middle of nowhere; so much for my "plenty of time." Though I was late, I worked to find the building. I found NO building that said anything about Iowa Workforce Development. I was baffled.

The other testing day, last week: I call ahead to find the testing area, and get explicit directions from a lady in the office. I ask for landmarks, etc. She tells me that it's "cattycorner" to the mall, whatever that means. Feeling fairly confident, I set out again. However, I again give myself not enough time to walk to the car, and thus, just enough time to get there. Once I'm in the area, I call into the office again, I don't see anything. The only thing "cattycorner" to the mall is a shopping center called Eastdale Plaza. Finally I ask, "Is it in Eastdale Plaza"? "Yes, yes", the guy says. I finally find the right building, and when I come in the door, I'm five minutes late. "Sorry", he says, "it's a timed test and it begins exactly at two. But you can come back next week."

This morning: I wake up in plenty of time, and skip my shower to make sure I'm not late. I spend too much time eating a big bowl of cereal though, and end up joggging to my car, which, though I've parked it in the closest possible space, is still a few minutes away. I arrive at 8:32. The nice guy at the desk (we're old buds at this point) goes to check with the examiner if I can still take the test, but she's already begun, sorry.

Is that not the SADDEST thing you've ever heard? And by sad, I mean pathetic. I mean, how hard is it to plan for the time it takes to walk to one's car? Do I unconsciously not want to get a job and starve?