Maybe maybe maybe

I checked the official passport application status website an hour ago and my renewal not only finally had shown up on it, but they said they'd put in in (overnight) mail and I should receive it tomorrow. So maybe this trip is going to happen after all. There have been some other issues that have come up (like which departmet is paying for it), but that was the biggie. We have an organizational meeting about the trip in half an hour, so I should know more after that. Crossing fingers.

... and it's a no-go

The passport came through, but in the end none of the relevant departments was willing to fund my participation in the trip. Ah well. Here's hoping that the next time the Big B thinks about sending me somewhere, I'll have at least a smidgen more notice. And hey -- now I have a current passport. It's a disappointment, but hardly a tragedy.