I did hurry around and got everything done. I went first to the bank with EDC concealed on my hip with no problem and then drove to the Post Office, where I had to awkwardly disarm inside the car. I locked my SA XD9 in the car pocket along with the cash, which I had just gotten at the bank. Afterwards, I re-armed and went to lunch at a Grill with the typical "The unlicensed possession" signs on the door." No problem.
Following lunch, I went to the County Courthouse Annex and saw my first valid 30.06. I could feel my blood pressure rise and my anger level increase. Returning to my vehicle to disarm, I muttered and complained all the way back to my car, which, of course, was parked in the farthest corner of the lot. When I finally got into the Motor Vehicle Room, I saw a multitude of people waiting in front of me. So much for government efficiency! I decided to go home and take the mail route for my renewal. In my less than happy state, I did not re-arm but left the SA XD9 locked in the car pocket.
I stopped at the grocery store on the way home, drove home, unloaded the groceries, picked up my wife's car, took it to the car wash, and got it all ready for the trip. I arrived home and placed her car in the garage and left mine just outside the garage at the back of the house.
After an uneventful dinner and a little tv, I undressed and got in bed. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I thought, "Where is my firearm?" I got out of bed and looked around and then remembered it was still in the car. So, I re-dressed and went out to the car. It was very dark and I was a little concerned since I had never left the gun in the car like that before. When I unlocked the car pocket, I could not find the gun or the money from the bank. I really panicked. My first thought was that someone had gotten it while I took my wife's car to to the carwash. I rushed back inside the house and checked the two places I always keep the XD. IT WAS NOT THERE!
By now, I was in hyper-drive; dreading to make a call about "LOSING A FIREARM." I kept yelling at myself for being so stupid as to leave both the gun and the money in the car. I kept muttering, "Why didn't I re-arm after the Courthouse visit?"
I made one last trip to the car, turned on all the inside lights, and carefully removed everything from the car pocket. THERE IT WAS! The car pocket was so deep that the gun had settled down flat on top of the money envelope. While driving around, other papers had shifted on top of the gun. I was both relieved and mad. Having to disarm to go into the Post Office or Courthouse Annex when I have a CHL makes me furious. As a taxpayer, I own those buildings and under the second amendment, I should be allowed to conceal carry in those buildings. It should not be necessary to arm and disarm throughout the day because of these stupid bureaucratic regulations.
I guess, "All's well that ends well." I didn't lose either the money or the gun but, boy, did I scare myself silly. With all the adrenaline coursing through my system, I didn't get to sleep till about 4 a.m.
I will continue to carry 24/7 but maybe plan my trips a little more efficiently. I thought you might enjoy my humorous escapade.
