Saturday, June 27, 2009

MAJOR VICTORY In Bethesda



I have been studying for an exam for over four months now. I have been missing for over two weeks now, and I mean to tell you that I didn't realize how much stress I have been under. I have not gone to bed before 4:00 am until last night for weeks. No one passed this exam the first time I took it. This was the last time I was taking it, ever. Not that I put pressure on myself.

The exam is put together by lawyers from the staffs of all 50states "Administrators". They like putting on questions that are trick questions for other lawyers. The last few years, fewer and fewer people have passed this particular exam. It represents a secondary license, so you aren't necessarily denied a living, but if you serve communities in more than one state, it makes life simpler to pass the exam.

I expected to have an exam of 110 questions and 180 minutes to take it. I was scheduled to take the exam at 11:00 am in Bethesda. I arrived at 10:30 am. You check in with a picture ID and the official e mail designating you are assigned to this particular center at that time. Your picture is taken and a copy of your photo ID made and sent to the authority governing the exam you're taking as you certify that you are who you say you are and not taking the exam for another person. You empty your pockets into a tray and put the tray into a locker. No watches, no medic ID bracelet, (they did let me keep my belt and shoe laces), all pockets pulled inside out. No one is smiling, and everything is as serious as a heart attack.

I was seated at a computer, went through the tutorial, and was then informed that the exam was 110 questions but only 150 minutes, they had cut out 30 minutes. My allergies were raging and I started the exam, knowing that the washing machine could handle whatever went onto the shirt (no Kleenex allowed in the exam room). I never moved from the computer, wiping eyes and nose throughout, finishing the last question at the three minute warning as it flashed on the screen. The computer informed I had answered all of the questions, and invited me to review or exit. I exited. I was informed I would be notified of my score in 15 seconds, and I wiped my eyes to read the score, not breathing, needing a 70.

Suddenly the screen started scrolling up and I saw a 66, convinced I had failed, I sat back, but couldn't read. So I looked up and leaned forward. Then I saw the small word PASS, and I saw the dual scores 72% and 80%, then final score 72%.

I had killed the Hydra!

I took the OFFICIAL EXAMINATION SCRATCH PAPER and $3 calculator back to the front desk, and the guy at the front shook my hand. I was the first person in over a month to pass the S66 (the 66 on the screen) and that guy got a 70. He hadn't seen a 72 so far this year. I was given a notarized sheet printed from the computer, emptied the locker into my pockets, and floated out of the room, and left the building.

I went to the car, and called Judy from the car. I notified her at the top of my lungs on the phone that I passed. I noticed that my hands were shaking and I couldn't see or get the key into the ignition. Something about stress and adrenaline. I got the car started and headed home, talking to my wife. I think she was just as excited as I was. She decided to meet me at home. I called my brother-in-law and told him the good news. Then I thought I had better concentrate on driving the car because I had no idea how I had gotten that far.

When I got home, Judy had some pizza, and after hugging, kissing, etc., I scarffed some pizza, and fell asleep. I know I have missed a lot of funny, interesting things, but I am still racing along at a bazillion (bz.) miles per second. I'll be normal eventually. Until then, see you soon and, have a good day!

21 comments:

MrsG said...

Woooooohoooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!! That test sounds HELLA hairy and you ROCK for passing!!! Well DONE!!! (Any test where someone has to get less than the standard 90%-ish to pass is going to be a monster, clearly). Congratulations. :-)

Mel said...

I am so, so, SO very proud for you--and of you!

Clearly a hellacious experience--the environment for testing, alone, would have done me in.

Well done, you!
Party on!!!!

(I'm sure the shirt will launder.....)

*released the balloons and tosses confetti*

PARTY TIME!!!!!!

Amy said...

I am so happy for you!!! how wonderful!!!!
Well done indeed!

Spellbound said...

My congrats cannot convey my effusive happiness over this news. Of course, I was one of the people who knew already, even before you took it that the outcome would be successful. Celebrations should include music, wine, and the happy dance, hopefully this weekend.

Yeah!!!!!!!

Allan said...

Congratulations!

Wicked H said...

Feh! I knew you could do it.

Extremely proud of you!!

Dark Cloud Nine said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I hope you are very proud of yourself. You should. This sounds awesome...!

Claudia said...

You did it!! Hell YA!! Congratulations!

katherine. said...

all the effort and time paid off...what an achievement! Have you bought a frame for the certificate>

relax, celebrate, be proud of your hard work.

and save the shirt...for a while.
blood, sweat, tears...et cetera...make a fine badge of honor....make for a good story...

Mel said...

*nodding* I say you frame the certificate atop of the shirt--good reminder of what it took to get there.....

I do hope you're relaxing and recuperating.

Pamela said...

Great for you! Damnation, what a crazy crazy experience.

skinnylittleblonde said...

Hahaha! I was right there with you, clammy hands, running nose, snotty shirt, sleep deprived, adrenaline rushed...the whole nine yards!Your words took me right there.
Congrats to you on a kick ass job!!! Such a feeling of relief, I'm sure, followed by sheer excitement. You worked mighty hard and had you not passed, we'd still love you and encourage you to go at it again...

The CEO said...

Hi Everyone,

I am trying to relax, and I apologize for not blogging at all. I am now in the process of being registered with the Federal government, and the governments of Maryland and Virginia. I should be back to normal people soon. Thank you for all of your good wishes. Now, onward and upward.

Pamela said...

all this mafia wars and you can't write a new post??? ;-)

Mel said...

'Normal people'?

*laughing* For sure I'll be waiting around to see what 'normal people' look like.

(((((((((( CEO ))))))))))

heartinsanfrancisco said...

Congratulations! I always knew you were awesome, and would still be awesome even if you hadn't passed. BUT YOU DID!!!

You worked hard for that pizza is all I can say. Try to come down from your adrenalized state and re-enter your life as the spirit moves you. We'll all be waiting to cheer some more when you emerge.

Big hugs to you, Monty!

Brook said...

Congratulations my friend!

Brook said...

Normality resume yet?

Mel said...

I'm thinkin' that's ONE heck of a pizza party you're having......

I do hope all is well for you and 'she who must be obeyed'.

Mel said...

((((((( The CEO ))))))))

NOW you're startin' to worry me....

....just sayin'.......

katherine. said...

pssst...Mel...

don't worry...he is the head of some major family on facebook....

<--- on FaceBook
<--- not playin' mafia wars....