“So how was the test Sonia? Think you did well?”
“Hmmmm???
Have you ever taken a test where you felt peaceful, but you’re not sure why? That was me last Saturday. I squeezed in a workout at my gym, before leaving, thinking the blood flow to my brain, would make me more alert.
My husband also took the test with me, and in a way, it almost felt like we were on a “date.”
Duke drove to Los Angeles, while I relaxed in the passenger seat, enjoying the smooth taste of Peet’s coffee with fresh cream. I had my Cliffs Study Guide on my lap, debating whether or not to do some last minute cramming, but then I thought, “Why? I prefer to talk to my husband and he hasn’t studied. Knowing my luck, he’ll pass and I’ll fail.”
We arrived an hour early, and decided to do some “sightseeing.” For years, I’d nagged Duke to spend a day with me in LA and Malibu, and it took the FSOT test, to make this a reality. We drove through the garment district of Los Angeles, and my mind focused on how “third world,” parts of LA looked.
“Duke, this reminds me of Belize?” I said. “I can’t believe rich movie stars live close by.” Homeless people and trash piles sat on street corners. Duke drove past the State Building, and as he turned the corner, I noticed a one-person tent on the sidewalk.
By now I’d almost forgotten about the FSOT. Duke parked and we headed over to the test center. Once we signed in, everything happened so quickly. Before I knew it, my “derriere,” was parked in front of computer # 11. If you know me,
# 11 is special.
During the test, I fell in a trance. The computer kept track of time and I felt like I was on a treadmill.
Duke finished thirty minutes before me and said he watched me on the video camera in the office next door. “I bet my wife stays till the last second,” he told the staff member, and he was right.
I want to congratulate, Rob-bear and Lady Glamis for getting the correct answers taken from the Cliff’s study guide practice test.
As far as the reasons why I took the test?
There are several. First, I like a challenge, and I love to experience life in different cultures.Johanna came closest when she said, “More travel experience with foreign service as fuel for the writing fire.”
Lady Fi, made me laugh when she said, “Maybe you’ll even be posted to Belize!”
Kelli also said something I’ve thought of, “I think it will somehow get you back to Denmark.”
Thanks to all of you. It’s spooky how well some of you know me, and Crimogenic, you’re right, I do love to continue learning.
Sorry but the prize won’t be given yet. No one answered all 3 plus the BONUS, although Rob-bear was the closest.
RESULTS OF FSOT WILL BE E-MAILED IN 5-6 WEEKS. IF WE PASS THEN THERE’S AN ORAL EXAM.
Glad that you are feeling peaceful about the test. Hope everything works out the way you would like.
What an adventure this may turn into! Good Luck!!!!!!!
Jeg krydser mine fingre!!!! :o)
Wishing you the best…after all, if you get to travel and have all these adventures, we all get to go vicariously through you! Fingers crossed!
How sweet that you and Duke had a date together … taking a test! 😉
Hey – maybe you'll get posted to Sweden!
Glad you felt peaceful during the process, though that was a peculiar kind of "date."
Interesting how your "mind focused on how "third world," parts of LA looked." Welcome to life in the other part of America. In the 1930s it was called "Hooverville" and every city had one. There are huge disparities in our "rich" countries. No wonder we can't solve world problems.
SIGH!
Hope the results are wonderful when you get them. (Also hope they don't upset your marriage.)
Bear hugs from the "great white north" (that is actually turning green, finally).
@Kay Kay,
Thanks. I hope so too.
@Stacy
I hope so. You never know.
@Kelli,
I'm impressed with a girl from Texas writing in Danish.
@ Johanna,
How did you guess? You're a writer, that's why.
@LadyFi
I never thought taking an exam could turn into a date. We actually had a nice lunch overlooking the Pacific in Malibu, afterwards.
@Rob-Bear,
You always bring in interesting, thought-provoking comments. Must be the journalist within you.
I hope your grade turns out as good as your feeling is! What an interesting job that would be, if you get it.
Hope you did well on the exam and that you get an offer to take the orals.
I have a blogroll of 100+ Foreign Service blogs at http://lifeafterjerusalem.blogspot.com if you are interested in reading blogs from FS officers and spouses.
Good luck!
@Betty
Yes, I'm not sure about my overall feeling on how I did. Only the results can tell.
@Digger
Thanks for finding me and for the link. I shall be over to visit.
Well, AWESOME for a job well done. Because I am sure you did excellent. What a great thing to strive for!
RE. your response:
Some places give you service with a smile; some, service with a simile. Bear country is in the latter category. Definitely!
Besides, bears have a very keen sense of smell. And you're right; this one has a "nose for news."
Good times. Best of luck!
I think that is great to better yourself! I hope you did really well. Can't wait to hear he results.
I will be wishing you the best on those results.
@Lady Glamis,
I hope you're right. Not quite sure though.
@Rob-bear
I wonder if you traveled around quite a bit to "find" your stories?
@Fred
Thanks.
@ My Three Sons
Might be too embarrassed to give the results.
@ Debbie,
Thanks.
Actually, I don't travel very well. So I sit and let the world come to me — like the bears in the river, waiting for the salmon. And the world does come — usually via the web.
All it takes is patience, thought it seems patience is becoming a lost art (or virtue).
Can't wait to hear how it goes.
Gutsy, you mean we have to wait for 5-6 weeks to know. I don't know if I have the patience…
Do let us know the results once you get them! 🙂
It sounds like you were in the zone. Good for you! Now I need to go google to see what the FSOT tesr is. Foreign service something…?
Thanks, Gutsy Writer, for coming by my blog and commenting. It is lovely to meet you. I will absolutely be back!!
You're the kind of person who will have adventures wherever you go! Good luck, and keep us posted.
I'm dying to know how things went. Way to create a cliffhanger!