This picture has nothing to do with what I'm about to say...except that I love it and it makes me happy. And that's enough for me. :)
Anyway, onto the Good News!
I passed my national licensing exam!! Ha! Take that EPPP!
So that's where I've been lately. I really didn't tell many people when I was taking it, or that I had taken it when I was finished. I just really didn't want people asking me every day if I had heard anything yet...although K-Dog and T asked a number of times anyway!
After such a drawn-out application process with the state, I had been approved to take the exam and originally scheduled it for February 22. I was mentally ready to have it over in February. But alas, it wasn't meant to be- I took a practice exam and didn't score as well as I thought I should, which really shook my confidence after being SO ready. Then some major stuff was going on at work and K-Dog and I decided I should just reschedule. It ended up working out really well because even more major stuff went on with a coworker getting very ill, a blizzard, and some client issues. Plus, it gave me more time to overcome my confidence issue and prepare.
I took the exam on March 22...and barely dodged having to travel in another blizzard. It was bad enough I had to drive a couple of hours in rain, sleet, snow, and wind. Both ways.
I was not sure how I did when I left the exam, which is common based on what lots of others have said. I tried to think positively, but I'll be honest- in the excruciatingly painful weeks I had to wait for my score, I was nervous. In the beginning I did pretty well, but as time went on I became more nervous and cranky! It didn't help that I am nursing a rib injury that has seriously restricted the physical activities I can do- so no Pilates or yoga or walking two strong dogs! I am certain that would've helped me manage my anxiety.
But Friday I came home from work and there it was...the letter from the state. I was scared to open it, but K-Dog was texting me to just rip it open...I know he wouldn't have left me alone until I did. So after a moment or two of hyperventilating, I tore it open and saw that I passed. I burst into tears! K-Dog called at that moment and I blurted out the words and started sobbing again...I'm pretty sure I was kind of laughing too...and I remember saying, "I'm just so happy!" He told me we were definitely going out for a drink now! He told me to call my mom and dad immediately and he was going to go call L and "everyone".
I managed to tell my mom I passed after I randomly updated her about a situation we had during the day. I was bawling again. She yelled to everyone in the room that I passed, which was kind of comical. Then I sent a few texts and the craziness ensued. Then my friend J called- apparently K-Dog even called her! Aww, I was touched that he called her too. (I had finally broken down and told her about the exam one night when we went out to dinner.) She was out of town but was so excited for me and promised to celebrate with me later.
So now I need to let the others at work know...I know they've been thinking about it. It's been tough to duck out of answering questions like "So when is the exam?" I'm not sure, but telling some people at work might make me start weeping again.
I did tell The Crush that I took the exam when he and I had a phone conversation a couple weeks ago at work. He told me to make sure I let him know when I pass as it will be a reason to celebrate. Then he said he'd have to sit on the sidelines because of his knee, but could "watch the festivities". Um, what the heck does he think we'll be doing? Pole-dancing? Psshhh.
Now I just have to finish the last couple requirements and I will officially be licensed! Woohoo!
