How My Ad-Sense Got Approved For My Personal Blog in 2017

I always wanted to write. But, the only problem was I didn't know what to write about. I am not an expert on anything and who would care about my opinion.However, I started a blog in 2015 and wrote 4 posts. Yes, that's right. For the whole year, I just wrote 4 posts and it got buried somewhere. 

In 2016, I got a triumph over my fear of driving. I got my Driving License. Well yes, that was my heroic tale. I was excited and thought of sharing it with everyone. I started another blog to communalize my experience. After that, nothing significant happened in 2016 and hence I did not get much to talk about.
This year(2017), before a tech interview, I was looking for my notes, that I made last time. But soon I discovered that notebook has turned into my daughter's scribbling pad. I thought of starting a Tech Blog where I will keep my notes ready. I opened Blogger to create a new blog and then I found out all my old blogs. I was stunned to see that my driving test blog has so many views! It was an amazing feeling! There are people who are reading my blogs, whom I don't know and who don't know me! There is no judgment and obligation and that's a relief. It occurred to me, that I don't have to be an expert to write. I have my share of stories to tell, my memories to look back.I can voice my opinion and my experiences. I started "My Little Bag Of Experience". So at that point of time, I had 4 separate blogs with 3-4 posts in each and with no or very fewer views for each post. 
I saw the earnings on the blogger left side bar and it was lucrative. Without any prior knowledge, I clicked on the link and applied for Google Ad-Sense for a blog with 2 posts. The status went straight into 'pending approval'. That Blog was a year old and thus I was allowed to apply. I started imagining myself earning a side income, once it is approved in two days. I was ignorant(Read it Stupid) of any policies or eligibility criteria for Google Ad-Sense approval. I did not know how the Ad-Sense works. 
In two days, I got an email which says:
"Thank you for your interest in Google AdSense. Unfortunately, after reviewing your application, we're unable to accept you into AdSense at this time. We did not approve your application for the reasons listed below. 
Insufficient content: To be approved for AdSense and show relevant ads on your site, your pages need to have enough text on them for our specialists to review and for our crawler to be able to determine what your pages are about.... "
My first reaction was "Okay, I need a few more posts!" So, I thought of merging all my blogs into one and I did that labeling each post for different categories.I decided, once I have 50 posts, I would re-apply. I googled "how to get Adsense approved". Well, the search results quashed my hope. I realized, it is impossible to get it approved for my journal. I did a few small changes in the look-n-feel of my personal blog and continued writing. On reaching 50 posts, I reapplied. This time, I was not hopeful. In 2 days, I got the reply.

Now, am I an expert on Ad-Sense after my single account got approved? NO, Off course not! I am here to share what I learned and to answer the questions that I asked. If you are thinking of starting a new blog and looking for answers to your naive queries, you are at the right place. 

Does Google Ad-Sense gets approved for a Personal Blog?

Yes, it may get approved, even for a personal blog.

Do I need to buy a custom Domain?

Not necessarily. Your blogger account can also get approved.

Is there any specific number of Posts required to get an approval?

I did not get that number in any policies or terms and conditions. But, in my case, it got rejected in 2 posts and approved in 50 posts. May be somewhere around 25 posts, it could have got approval. I should have tried.

Does Blog Traffic play an important role in getting Adsense Approved?

I don't think so. I am not yet aware of the tricks to increase blog traffic. I am still working on that. My blog traffic is minimal.

Is Google Adsense worth a try?

Being realistic, I no more consider Adsense as my alternate income. Adsense pays you if someone is clicking an Ad on your page. Well, nowadays, many people are using the browser options to stop appearing ads on their page. Even if Ads are there, who are going to click on those? Even I hardly do it!And then comes the CPC(Cost Per Click). It depends on the Advertisers who are bidding on keywords. What are the conditions and factors?Well, that's another story, I yet to learn.

To me, Google Ad Sense is an approval. I am here to write what I feel. I am learning daily and I am trying to share what I know. Adsense Guidelines is here if you are looking for help.

      "Start Writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on"

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Lemon-Honey Water - A Magic Potion

"When life gives you a lemon, make a lemonade".

I say, instead of lemonade, make some warm lemon water and gulp it down with some honey. Hey, it's tasty and it has got so many health benefits!

When I was a kid, my mom used to hand me a glass of warm lemon honey water, after I woke up in the morning. That time, I was very prone to catch a cold and it is loaded with Vitamin C.Also, I was not allowed to have Tea/Coffee. So, lemon-honey water was really a great substitute.

The main three ingredients of lemon-honey- water is Lemon, Honey, and some warm Water. Each of the components proves to be super-food for your body. But what the combo does is magical. The medical terms do not make much sense to me. So, I interpreted the benefits, my way.

Boost Immunity and Make Mamma Happy :

I used to drink lemon water during my childhood since my mom wanted to boost my immunity. Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds. Honey reduces a cough and throat irritation. As per research, “Lemons are very high in bioflavonoids that destroy harmful free radicals that damage blood vessels and cause inflammation.” Well, that's some heavy stuff! But, I liked the taste and my mom was happy to offer something healthy. So it was a win-win for both of us. And now, when my Toddler coughs, a honey stick or a honey pop or just a spoon of honey soothes her throat and gives her some relief at night.

Lose Fat and Lose Your Age:

I think a lean person looks much younger than an overweight person of same age. What do you think? There were plenty of reasons for me to lose those extra pounds. To look fit and young is definitely the primary one. You can check my stories of losing those extra pounds. I included Lemon-Honey water in my diet. It is believed that if you drink some warm water in the morning, it will kick your metabolic rate that means the rate at which your body is burning calories. 'Burning Calories' always rings a bell and if it happens by sipping something tasty, I am IN. Lemons even help to decrease cholesterol and triglycerides.

Radiant Skin and Glowing You:

It is believed that lemon helps in producing Collagen and Collagen is responsible for a glowing healthy skin. Honey is a natural moisturizer. So, the lemon-honey duo is pretty amazing for skin.

Assist Digestion and Energized You:

Warm water, in the early morning, is beneficial to flush out the toxins from your body. Lemon adds a refreshing flavor and tangy taste. Honey makes it yummy,  adding some more benefits. The warm water serves to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and peristalsis—the waves of muscle contractions within the intestinal walls that keep things moving. Lemons and limes are also high in minerals and vitamins and help loosen toxins, in the digestive tract. Overall, the digestive qualities of lemon juice help to relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as heartburn, belching and bloating.

It is believed that there are many other rewarding benefits that a glass of warm lemon honey water can do! It cleanses your liver, balances pH, reduces stress and so on. But, I just love the refreshing smell of lemon. It can be your first step to a healthy lifestyle. It tastes good. It smells good and it does good to your body. After extracting the juice from the lemon, I just scrub the lemon zest and the skin for a clear skin.

So, A lemon a day keeps all the toxins away!

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My 5-Steps Program To Reduce Those Extra Pounds

I remember I had a weighing scale. I searched for it everywhere and finally got it hidden behind some boxes in the closet. I put it on the bathroom floor and stepped on it. It showed 149.6 pounds. I  got my phone and quickly converted it to kilograms and then I just screamed. I was devastated. It was a month of January, just after the holiday season. I am only 5 feet in height and I calculated my BMI which was way high than expected. In short, I was OVERWEIGHT! Check yours here.

I was not sure where to start from. To clear my head, I just went out for a walk. I don't enjoy working out in a gym. I can't diet. So, what options do I have? The only thing I like is to walk in the open air and I decided that is what I will start with. Today, after 7 months, I am 130.8 pounds, still overweight as per the calculation. But, I know, I can bring it down within a few more months because I have learned the key to weight loss.
If you are in a similar situation and looking for some possible solutions, you are at the right place. Here are my ways of losing those extra pounds:

1. Have some devastating and heart breaking experience: 
It is YOU who have to be willing to take a step forward to weight loss. If you want to do it, you can do it.  For that, you need some humiliating experiences which will inspire you to take the step. If you are happy with yourself and want to do it since your doctor asked, you are not ready yet. So, the first step to weight loss is 'Be Ready'.  Check mine in the below-related posts:
1. Overweight - Who me?
2. When are you due?

2. Get a Weighing Scale:
Weigh yourself and set a possible target. Yes, that's what I did! I decided to lose 10 pounds. So, set a target and start working on it.

3. Cut on SUGAR: 
For me, the most challenging part was to cut on sugar.However, it was the most rewarding one too! I love desserts. I love anything which is sweet. It was really difficult to watch those box of muffin and ignore it. But I did! I limited my sugar intake to 2 teaspoons daily with coffee. Within 3 days, my scale was showing 2 pounds less! It was an exhilarating feeling. Those 3 days, my husband and my daughter had to bear with my terrible mood. But, when I saw my sacrifice really got paid, it raised my hope and determination. But, I didn't see any visible change in myself. And after the initial 3 pounds, my weight got stuck there and  I had to take the next step.

4. Get a Fitness Tracker:
I have a whatsup group of my college friends. A friend brought up if anyone using a Fitbit. I googled to check what it is. When I replied that I had to google it, everyone laughed and thought it was my excellent sense of humor. I didn't bother to rectify them that it was my terrible sense of ignorance. But when I googled it, I liked it. I bought 2 of them on Valentine's Day. One for my husband and one for myself. Since then, I only take it off for charging. I just love it! I am not a person who can spend hours in a gym. But I can walk and I love it. I like to walk on roads, at the park, on the hiking trails, in open air. Oxygen makes me alive and fresh. I think everyone has their own share of likes and dislikes. Find out yours and stick to it! So walking daily and the cut on sugar helped me to reduce a few more pounds. I started fitting into my old clothes and that is pure happiness. But then the weight loss process was slow. So, what next?

5. Reduce Solids and Increase Liquid Intake:
I decided to try on some healthy eating habits. I tried not to make it a punishing experience, but a rewarding one. I started having a glass of warm lemon-honey water in the morning. I take my breakfast, usually 2 slices of wheat bread and egg and coffee.  I started drinking lots of water and even milk when I feel hungry, in-between meals. Initially, I didn't curb any meals. But, I took charge of the in-between-meals snacking. I replaced my sugar cookies with fruits and milk. It worked magic.

These 5 steps may not turn you into a slim trim model, but you will surely see a different YOU. This is just the beginning. Still, I surrender to the cravings for those Oreos, muffins, chocolate and ice cream, but not daily. I have reduced almost 20 pounds in these 7-8 months, yet there is a long way to go.  I will share anything interesting that works for me. It may work for you too!
Let's join hands to "wake up with determination and go to bed with satisfaction."

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My Reason To Lose Those Extra Pounds - "Overweight - Who Me?"

A free health check-up camp was organized at my work.
Stand in a queue; 
Get a blood test done; 
Get your blood pressure checked; 
Get a Report Card; 
Get it analyzed.
Sounds simple, right? Also, it was free! So, I went there and waited for my turn. 

My blood pressure looked great! Then, the smiling lady who was taking the test, pricked my finger with my permission. Took the blood on a slide and put it in that device for test results. She frowned, looked back at me and smiled nervously. She pressed a few buttons. Uh ho, my heart sank. That Bad huh? The lady told apologetically that there was some error in reading and the results were void. She had to prick me again. Not a good sign, however, I agreed. She took the test again and the results came. She took my weight and filled the report card with all the details and I was sent to the next queue to check the results.

You don't have to be a specialist to comprehend that test results. It was just an expected range and where you stand. What caught my attention first was it was ticked at "overweight". What? That's rude!

My turn came. The lady took the report from me and without even looking at it, blurted out ''It seems like You don't exercise?, So, First of all, You need to add some exercise to your daily schedule." A forced smile pursed my lip and I nodded. I was thinking that marking the "Overweight" check box was rude! She continued talking about the changes required in my lifestyle. But all I did was sitting there all hurt and angry. The only question that keeps on poking my mind  - ' Overweight Me! How did that happen?'

Series of images flashed in front of my eyes. That mandatory dessert that I eat daily after each meal; the butter loaded leftovers that I eat after my daughter's meal; the chocolate bars that I finish in excuse to cure my mood; the sodas that I drank instead of water ;I realized EVERYTHING I did was wrong and it is only me who did that to myself! It was an awakening moment for me and another reason to stop and think what I have done!

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My Reason To Lose Those Extra Pounds - When are you due?

"When are you due?"
"Excuse Me?"
"You are pregnant, right?"
"Ummm No, I have a 2-year-old girl and not planning anything right now."
Some embarrassing smiles and the conversation ended right there.


That was a scene from my life, a few months back. I was new at my work. I was in the cafeteria billing queue, holding a  plate full of spaghetti and fried chicken and fruits. Another girl, who was on the same project, was standing right before me with a salad bowl. After the conversation, which ended abruptly, she paid for her salad as fast as she could and ran away from there. I was left alone with a heavy-heart wondering what just happened!

I came back to my desk and googled 'how to react if someone has mistaken by your belly size, that you are pregnant?' I got lots of results. That was a little comforting to know that I am not alone. I read that we should love our body the way it looks. My body did an incredible job when I gave birth to my baby. I should pat myself for that and believe in myself. After reading a few article, I was again feeling all better and proud. I finished my meal with a smile and was happy that I ordered those crispy chicken.  

Now, a little bit about myself.  I am Indian, Bengali, a Foodie and a Mom. Well, that defines who I am! Being an Indian, I love rice, spices, ghee. Being a Bengali, I love potatoes and lots and lots of sweets. Being a Foodie, I love to add something special to each of my meals. Before each meal, I get a vision what exactly I want to eat. Is that what you called a craving? Then yes, I am a Born Pregnant. Yummy food can make me happy and a salad bowl can turn me all Grumpy. And now comes the best part. Being a Mom, I eat all my kid's leftovers. I don't eat on time and eat whenever I have time. Before my daughter was born, I was told to eat for two. After my daughter was born, I was told to eat more to heal up fast and produce lots and lots of breast milk. Well, I did, I listened to everybody!

The outcome is here,  after 2 years, I couldn't stop eating. I ended up in a queue of voracious eaters and 6-months-pregnant-belly. So, that's me! Did something similar happen to you? Congratulations! You have already moved a step ahead on the way to losing those extra pounds.

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Applying for an L2 EAD(Employment Authorization Document) on your own

Form I-765

I was talking to a friend recently and she is also working in US with L2 EAD. She had applied for EAD for the first time with the help of the lawyers at her husband's company. Well, it was sponsored by the company itself at that time. She got an EAD in FEB, 2015 for 2 years and she had to apply for renewal a few months back. During the conversation, it came up that she had to pay a $1000 for the renewal. I was surprised because I remember to pay around $400 for the same and then we realized that she had paid the rest for the lawyers' fees. That's why I thought of writing my experience of getting an EAD without paying anything extra.

This Link https://www.uscis.gov/i-765 has all the information needed for applying an EAD.  I just printed the I-765 Form and the checklist and took a print of all the required documents and wrote a cheque and sent across to the address and got my EAD in 3 months. So, I had applied for L2 EAD for the first time on August, 2015. I got my EAD copy on November, 2015. My current EAD is valid till Oct, 2017 and I applied for renewal recently. 

So, below is the step by step directions to apply for a L2 EAD or renewal of L2 EAD.

1. Download the form I-765 from Form I-765 (PDF, 289 KB). Take a print.

2. Download the instruction sheet to fill the I-765 form from Instructions for Form I-765 (PDF, 332 KB)

3.  Download the form G-1145 to get an email notification or a notification on your mobile number once received.  Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (PDF, 229 KB)

4. Fill in the I-765 form.
    For fresh application:
    Tick off ' Permission to accept employment' at 'I am applying for:' section
    Put I-94 Number at 10 (Alien Registration Number)
 
   For renewal application:
   Tick off ' Renewal of my Permission to accept employment' at 'I am applying for:' section
   Put A- Number at 10 (Alien Registration Number)
The Eligibility Criteria, for L2 EAD is a(18)

5. Check for filing fees at https://www.uscis.gov/forms/our-fees and write a cheque for the same amount. As of today's date, the fee is $410.

6. Get ready with the below supporting documents:

• Filled Application form I-765
• Filing Fee Cheque for $410
• A copy of I-94 (front and back)
• A copy of last EAD copy (front and back) for renewal
• 2 recent color photographs
• L1 Visa copy
• L2  Visa copy
• L1 I-94
• Marriage Certificate Copy

7. Send all the documents to the USCIS lockbox address. Address depends on the category that you have chosen.For category a(18) address is available at : USCIS Phoenix and Dallas Lockbox facilities chart

8. Check the EAD status at https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do

Edit1: Got my renewed EAD copy in exactly 2 months. But since my L2 Visa was valid for 1 year (11 months to be precise), got my EAD for 11 months this time.

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Behind-The-Wheel Driving Test at Santa Clara California on March 2016

I was reading anything and everything available on Google, regarding driving test experience at Santa Clara, before my Behind-The -Wheel test. I promised myself that I will share my experience once I get my License. Hopefully, it is going to help someone who is going through the same phase.

Well, my first-time experience was not so good. I had booked my first Behind-the-wheel test, right after clearing my written exam, at San Jose DMV. I took a morning slot, around 8:30 AM, at Santa Clara DMV, within a month time gap. I thought that a month of driving is enough to get a license. But sometimes I can be so wrong!

I took a driving class of 6 hours to learn the traffic rules and to get the initial confidence of hitting the road with our own new car.  I started driving on weekends and a few times on weekdays with my husband. As the D- Day was approaching, I was getting nervous and was not sure if I were ready for the test. Finally, the day arrived.

My First Driving Test - A BLUNDER!

We reached 15 minutes before my scheduled time and was waiting in the queue. At the counter, they checked my fingerprints and the insurance document, registration document and my husband's license. Once everything verified, I was told to wait in my car, in the lane, meant for driving test. 2 cars were already there, waiting before me. My turn came and an Inspector came for my test. I had to sign my "Driving Performance Evaluation Score Sheet". She checked all the documents and started my "Pre-Drive" Test where I was checked if I knew all the controls of my car. Once satisfied, she sat inside the car and told me to drive ahead. There was a very clear instruction that she was going to tell me where to take a right or a left. If nothing was told, I had to follow the road and traffic rules.

We hit the road and she told me to take a left turn along the "Granade Ave". At "Flora Vista Ave." she asked me to take a left turn. Now, did it ever happen to you when you get confused between your left and right? If not, believe me, you are lucky! Unfortunately, I was not among those lucky ones. I said "Okay" aloud. But inside my mind, I was ready to take a right turn. Near the intersection, my Inspector again repeated that she wanted me to take a Left turn. Then it struck me that I did a big mistake and I panicked!I had already missed my left turning lane and some car was waiting there to take a left turn. I was not sure what I needed to do and then my inspector intervened and asked me to wait till all the traffic clears and then to take a left at the "Flora Vista Ave.". I knew that I had screwed up my test. I was asked to enter the DMV and park on one of those allocated slots. She explained to me that I should not be that nervous and drive more and then again take a test and it was over.

My Second Driving Test - A SUCCESS!

After my first awful experience, I was not willing to go for the test unless I was absolutely prepared. I continued driving, but only on weekends. 3 months passed and  I didn't book any appointment. Then one day, suddenly I realized that I would never feel confident enough for the test.So, I told myself " bring it on"! I booked an appointment, again at Santa Clara DMV after 3 weeks time. Although I got advice from many people to take the test at Las Gatos DMV as apparently, it is more strict at Santa Clara. But I took a chance. I started preparing, both ON road and OFF Road. I saw a few videos and the common mistakes that people do in driving test. I started searching for the routes that they usually take the driving test at Santa Clara. I took a print out of the routes and drove on those roads, 2 days before my test. But I was still worried. Reluctantly, I searched in Google if anyone else has faced the problem of getting confused between left and right and if there is any workaround. I was really surprised to find out that it is a common syndrome. Well, that is a different story that I will tell some other day. Somewhere I read to repeat aloud LEFT or RIGHT before taking the turn so that my brain can hear me clearly and can act accordingly.

This time I had booked a slot at 2:30 in the afternoon, on 8th March,2016. We reached there on time and repeated all the steps as before. Only, this time, I had to pay $7 for the re-test. After the initial checking, the inspector got into the car. He gave me the same instruction as before and we hit the road. I drove for almost 20 - 30 minutes and returned to the DMV and my inspector told that I can take my Driving License at counter D. I was ecstatic!

 A few pieces of advice from my bag of experience!

• Know the roads and the routes well before taking the test. It builds a confidence and reduces confusion when you are actually taking the test. Here is the list of routes for Santa Clara Driving Test, that I had taken print of and practiced. Also, it includes the route that I had to take, during the exam.
• If possible, book an afternoon slot when the roads are relatively empty and the people on the road are driving in a more relaxed way.
• Need to be accompanied by someone with valid California Driving License on the Behind-The-Wheel test day, even if you are driving well and do not need assistance.
• Carry the below documents without a mistake:

1. Appointment Print
2. Learner License
3. Car Insurance
4. Car Registration

• Know your car! Below are the things that are checked as per the PRE-DRIVE CHECKLIST.

1. Driver Window
2. Windshield
3. Rear-View Mirrors
4. Turn Signals Front/Back
5. Brake Lights
6. Tires
7. Foot Brake
8. Horn
9. Emergency/Parking Brake
10. Arm Signals
11. Windshield Wipers
12. Defroster
13. Emergency Flasher
14. Headlights
15. Passenger Door
16. Glove Box
17. Seat Belts

• Be Conscious and check the mirrors every 5 seconds
• Emergency Vehicle approaching: I knew that I need to slow down and stop at the right curb if any Emergency Vehicle is approaching with sirens ON, in my lane. But I was not sure if I need to do anything if it comes on the other Lane. I did a few research and YES we need to stop at the right curb if we are in the opposite lane and there is no divider. But, no need to stop if there is a divider in between and the emergency vehicle in on the other side.
• Any single critical error implies unsatisfactory result. Critical Errors include the below:

1. Intervention by Examiner
2. Strikes Object/Curb
3. Disobeys Traffic Sign/Signal
4. Disobey Safety personnel or safety vehicles
5. Dangerous maneuver
6. Speed
7. Lane violation
8. Auxiliary equipment use

• No test on Highways and no parallel parking test. Only need to reverse along the curb, without hitting.
• Total 15 errors are allowed which are not critical

So that is all I had. All the Best for your test! Driving can be terrifying for some people like me! But at the end of that fear, there is a rewarding experience awaiting you. The story how I learned my driving is long and boring. But you can have your own tale to tell.

Good Luck and Drive Safe!

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Santa Clara Driving Test(Behind-The-Wheel) Routes

Through Homestead
Route 1:
=========================
L on Granada
R on Pomeroy
L on El Sobrante Av (Reverse & Curbside Test)
R on Kiely Blvd
L on Benton
R on White Dr
R on Las Palmas Dr @ STOP sign
R on HomeStead
R on Pomeroy
R on Granada
R onto DMV Office and Park

Route 2:
=========================
L on Granada Ave
R on Pomeroy Ave
L on El Sobrante Av (Reverse & Curbside Test)
L on Alpine Ave
R on Fresno St
R on Kiely Blvd
R on Homestead Rd
R on Pomeroy Ave
L on Benton St
R on Flora Vista Ave
R on Granada
R onto DMV Office and Park

Through El Camino

Route 1:
=========================
L on Granada
R on Pomeroy
L on El Sobrante Av
R on Via Dondera
R on Cala Blazas
L on El Camino Real
R on Lawrence Rd (Not onto Lawrence Freeway)
R on Warburton Avenue (Reverse and Curbside Parking)
R on Pomeroy
R on El Camino
L on Flora Vista
R on Granda
R onto DMV office and Park

Through Both El Camino and Homestead

Route 1:
=========================
L on Granada
L on Pomeroy
R on El Camino Real
R on Kiely Blvd
R on Home Stead Rd
R on Qunice Avenue
L on Brook Dale
R on Pomeroy
L on Benton
R on Flora Vista Ave
L on Granda
R onto DMV office and Park

Route 2 (My Driving Test Route)
=========================
L on Granada
L on Flora Vista Avenue
R on El Camino Real
R on Pomeroy Ave
L on Benton 
R on Keily Blvd
R on Homestead RD
R on Pomeroy
L on Benton
R on Flora Vista Ave
L on Granda
R onto DMV office and Park

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