I got through and was able to make an appointment! 

Still, I'm going to continue the search in my house to try to save the money.  Twinkie suggested a "Find my Passport Party"  if anyone is interested let me know!  I'll even provide some alcohol and pizza, lol!  We can play "FBI" and search my house for "drugs"

The appointment at the Passport Agency is for next Thursday the 22nd at 7:30 am - cutting it close, but since the appointment is so early I might just walk out of there that day with the passport.

The ideal scenario would be - I arrive, explain my situation and how I live in Bakersfield.  The clerk is SO sympathetic and winks at me and says "Just a moment" then comes back and says "I'll have your passport to you in (oh let's say an hour) so you'll have time to go to the Chinese Embassy and get your VISA today!"  Wham Bam Thank YOU Ma'am!

I can get my VISA in one day if I pay the expedited fee and show up at the Embassy before 11 am. 

Wait, the ideal IDEAL scenario would be - my passport is found, I can cancel my appointment and just send someone down with my current passport for my VISA!

I can have someone else go do that for me because you do not have to be present to have a VISA issued, so I will only have to miss 1 day or no days of work!