So I just waited on hold for 3 hours and finally got to a representative.

Once again she said that based on the time I mailed my application because it was so long ago, and before some new changes have taken place, my 10-12 weeks does indeed start from the TIME I MAILED MY APPLICATION from the UPS store. She is now the 3rd person from the agency to tell me this same information.

I nonetheless had her request to expedite my passport and request 1-2 day delivery time for around $77, This will at least give me the chance to use my congressman if I make it to the 2 week mark and no passport has arrived to get an in person appointment hopefully.

She said they are doing their best to honor the time frames and travel dates. So tomorrow will be 12 weeks since I mailed my application so I just got to keep my fingers crossed. So a little bit of good news at least, I still appreciate the info though Zephyr...