I know it's hard, but I've had a few summers lately where I've had to miss OCF and lots of other things I've wanted to do because of lack of funds. And now I feel like I'm being repayed for it this summer by getting to go on lots of fun adventures. On credit, sure, but I wouldn't have anticipated this, and I guess the lesson is - it'll come back around. You'll have fun summers again. Try not to think of it as "the one year I'm not going", try to think of the fact that you have gone every year since 1998. I mean, that's really awesome. Lots of people haven't even ever gone once and you've gone for like 10 years! Also, think of all the awesome Pedalpalooza fun you've had and will have, think of your awesome pool right there by your house. And your new boyfriend! There's a lot to be thankful for.

Good luck with your unemployment check adventures, however. That is rough, but I think Lani might be right - I'd go over to the office. It's sometimes easier to get served when you're there in person, and, especially, to get served correctly. If you go in person, if there's a problem or a hitch, you can talk to someone in charge. But I'd bring every stitch of paperwork you can find that might possibly be even slightly relevant, including phone numbers for all your places of business.

Good luck, Sweetie! And remember, as awesome as OCF can be, it's only 3 days long. Even if you went, it'd be over soon enough. For some reason, I find that oddly comforting when missing out on a cool thing.