post-exam musings

1. I have no clue how the exam went. I walked out of there feeling like I failed, which is, allegedly, actually a sign that one has passed. I walked out of two other exams (that I passed) also feeling as though I failed, so we shall see. In mid-November.

2. My hotel is insane. I was seriously upgraded because my room does not have water views (also, I think, because I told the concierge that I was in town for the bar). While it may not have water views, the upgraded room, does, however, have more square footage than my apartment and several more bathrooms and televisions than one person would ever need. I am immensely tickled that I am sitting in a massive suite with little more than a backpack crammed with books and sweatpants, my Nalgene, and a laptop. I feel like accessories more appropriate to my surroundings would include the following: (1) large quantities of cocaine and (2) high-priced escorts.

3. After the last day, everyone goes out to celebrate. I didn't know anyone there and really just wanted to go back to my hotel and shower using a shower "system" that requires a manual to operate. Which I did. But I got antsy. I threw on a pair of jeans and headed out with (1) no idea where I was going and (2) unfamiliar with the area. The concierage and valet both had shots waiting for me when I left, bless their hearts. Somehow, I managed to wander smack into some kind of ethnic/cultural festival. I don't know what precise culture we were celebrating - eastern European? - but a central part of said culture definitely included handing out copious amount of free liquor. At some point, I got lost and had to phone a Philadelphia friend who grew up in Boston for directions on how to make it back to my hotel without walking off a pier.

4. Yesterday, I met my sister's boyfriend and then my mother and I got pedicures. I somehow only got my first pedicure a year ago and promptly fell in love. I don't particularly enjoy the process, but there is nothing quite like waking up and seeing pretty toes. Attached to one's own feet. That makes me happy.


5. Oh, and a funny exam story...

Scene: about 1200 people standing in line after 2 days of testing, waiting to retrieve checked bags. We had just finished 10 essays in 8 hours, and 200 multiple-choice questions the previous day. The sweet Midwestern girl who sat next to me and I were chatting in line. She asked for advice as to where a sibling moving to Philly should live. I said something to the effect of "basically, all of Philly is bad except for certain areas," and rattled off the names of safer neighborhoods. Mid-rattle, some girl several people behind us started yelling. "That's not true!* It is not a dangerous city!** Stop telling her lies!*** I went to Temple!****"


Ok.

I looked at her. She looked at me. I cocked my head. And I burst out laughing. "You're going to start a fight with me now? After two days of testing? Seriously?"

And then I peed my pants at the absurdity of it all.*****

* Yes, it is.
** Yes, it is.
*** See above.
**** Which is in one of the worst areas.
***** Ok, that is a lie. Sue me.