Some answers

Well, part of my little "EMP" experience from yesterday has been explained! I continued to have very odd problems with my credit card this morning so I gave in and called the bank. For the second time in six months my debit/credit card has been canceled by the bank due to "skimming fraud."
Never heard of it?

Skimming is the theft of credit card information used in an otherwise legitimate transaction. It is typically an "inside job" by a dishonest employee of a legitimate merchant. The thief can procure a victim’s credit card number using basic methods such as photocopying receipts or more advanced methods such as using a small electronic device (skimmer) to swipe and store hundreds of victims’ credit card numbers. Common scenarios for skimming are restaurants or bars where the skimmer has possession of the victim's credit card out of their immediate view. The thief may also use a small keypad to unobtrusively transcribe the 3 or 4 digit Card Security Code which is not present on the magnetic strip. Instances of skimming have been reported where the perpetrator has put a device over the card slot of a ATM (automated teller machine), which reads the magnetic strip as the user unknowingly passes their card through it.

Second time in six months I "may" have been a victim of this. My bank detects that there was skimming fraud activity at a place (most likely a gas station) that I have been known to frequent, and then for security purposes, shuts down my card for my own protection. Doesn't mean I was actually targeted or a victim or hurt by it. But for my own safety they shut it down. I do love my totally awesome credit union for always taking such great care of me.

So here I am 2,000 miles away from my bank and it will merely take 7-10 business days for my new card to arrive. Time to break out that credit card I never ever ever use and take advantage of it for a few days!