Ok, I haven't posted two days in a row in a long time, but the events of the morning will likely provide you with a good laugh. Let me set the stage here, a little bit…
It all started a few weeks ago, when I got a notification that my teaching license is due to expire at the end of June. Now, I just became licensed in Minnesota in November, but I was issued a temporary license, which would give me time to complete the MN state licensure tests. This whole ordeal was frustrating from the beginning, because I took equivalent tests when I lived in NV, at a cost of something like $90 each. And there were 6 tests. Naturally, there is no reciprocity, so I have to take nearly identical assessments, all over again. Anyway, I registered to take the tests today, because I knew Charley's childcare was covered, and I wanted to ensure there is time for the paperwork to process before the license expires. Last night, Charley was crabby and tired, because we'd spent the whole afternoon at the gym. In fact, she was beyond tired. She was overtired. Which meant, it was harder for her to get to sleep, because she was so cranky. When she finally did fall asleep, around 9, I got to work studying for the 4 exams I'd registered to take this morning, starting at 8:00. That lasted for about 20 minutes, before I decided it was more important for me to finish writing a student evaluation and sub lessons for the day. Originally, I'd planned to start all of this around 7, because that tends to be Charley's bedtime when she hasn't napped. But no luck! So, I got off task (typical), and went to bed around 11, knowing I had to be up at 5:30 to get Charley to daycare in Forest Lake and be in Brooklyn Park for a test at 8:00. This is where it gets fun.
I got up on-time, and got myself dressed. I threw on some yoga pants and a hoodie, knowing I wouldn't be going into the school today, let Oscar out, got Charley dressed, and headed out the door. When I got Charley in the car, she determined that she wanted to wear different shoes. Normally, I wouldn't give her an option, but she was so tired from getting up early, that I decided to run in and get the shoes. As I walked into the living room, I realized that Oscar had peed on the floor…and he had literally been let out 5 minutes prior! I was so mad. I grabbed an old towel, cleaned up the mess, grabbed Charley's shoes, and ran back to the car. I dropped her off at school, and made it to Brooklyn Park with plenty of time to spare. Phew. Or so I thought. As I walked up to the counter to present my ID, the testing administrator looked at me and said, "I have you down for 10:15." I stood there thinking, "I hope I'm at the right place. I couldn't have been THAT flaky..." I reached into my bag to grab my phone, and show him the 8:00 testing confirmation, but was told in no uncertain terms that my phone had to stay away. He clicked around on his computer for a minute before saying, "You are registered for an 8:00 appointment. In St. Paul. So…. Run? And I'll see you back here at 10:15!" At this point it was five minutes until 8, and the St. Paul location was 30 minutes away. I called the testing site, told them I was on my way, and prayed that traffic wouldn't be too brutal. Well, it was rush hour. But I made it to the testing site by 8:30…30 minutes late! But they let me take my first two tests. By the time I was done with the first test, my ADD had kicked in, and I found myself reading the same questions over and over again, like an idiot. After an hour, I'd finished both tests, and thank goodness, I PASSED. Phew. For real.
But my morning wasn't over. From there, I had to drive BACK to Brooklyn Park for my 10:15 tests, and it was already 9:55 as I was leaving the testing facility. I had my game face on, and made it to Brooklyn Park by 10:20, and got started on my second set of tests. At this point, I was tired, and my morning caffeine fix had started to wear off. I was only about halfway through the first tests, when I started getting antsy, and SO sick of reading on a computer screen. It was funny, because I noticed myself doing some of the things my students do, when they're testing…crossing and uncrossing my legs, sitting on one leg, changing positions…I'm sure I was amusing to watch. Anyway, 100 questions later, I had FINALLY finished 4 exams, in 2 different locations and passed them all. What a relief. After that, I went straight home to eat some lunch, before going back to Forest Lake to get Charley. And you know what? I think I am going to take a nap. Ha!
So, to sum up…since 6:30 this morning, I've been from Minneapolis, to Forest Lake, to Brooklyn Park, to St. Paul, back to Brooklyn Park, and now back to Minneapolis. I felt like a ping-pong ball! I'm exhausted. And it's not even one o'clock! Not the way I planned to start my week….but at the end of the day, it's okay because I've gotten the testing done. Woohoo! Have a great week!
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