Ah, loan consolidation time. Lucky for me my FAFSA pin was right where I left it, on the freakin' moon.

Would-be freshmen take note: your FAFSA pin is way more important than you think it is. You know about the loan applications, but you'll also need that pin (technically PIN, but acronyms don't get much deader) to consolidate your loans, enter yourself in the weekly FAFSA lottery, and gain admission to your school's Spring Carnival.

That's right, cotton candy. So remember it. And always store in a cool, dry place.

Which is good advice, generally.

Speaking of high holy holidays, I'm picking up my as-yet unnamed car on Friday – I leave for B-town tomorrow night. Apparently various people and faceless corporate entities are proud, proud, of my credit rating, so this will be my first very-own car.

File that under The American Way, especially the pride.