Now that the Horrible Exam is finally over (for the moment at least), a photo-essay. To demonstrate that no matter how insane things got, the boys stayed connected to a world more real than real property, more secure than secured transactions.
Early May. The awful realization dawns: Three months is not going to be enough to cram down three years’ worth of detailed law and analysis.
Barney serene. Even despite Beninois mask peering, in semi-sinister fashion, over shoulder.
Early June. Eight-hour days cramming. Time plotted out to the very last. Can’t take a break. Go. Go. Drop. Go. Go. Drop. Go. Go. Go.
Bugs, in light and shadow. Some days it’s sunny. Some days it’s not.
Mid-June. Construction begins on a new house fifty feet away from my head. 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., every day including Sundays. I am silent(ly screaming). They are a Phil Spector Wall Of Sound, a hard-rock combo of band-saw-dentist’s drill, hammer and tong, and sub-woof generator. White noise, help me. All systems blasting – fans, air conditioner, full throttle. Not enough. Madness looms.
The boys? They just hang together.
Early July. Mao’s Long March.
There’s plenty else interesting in the world. Another skink, this time for Bugs’s amusement.
Mid-July. Staving off panic.
Barney: Bugs, what is that fool skink up to this time? Bugs: Beats me.
This is possibly the same skink who got through the window into the bedroom last time, and onto whose head landed after I threw him out. Brain damage must have ensued. Why can’t I get in this time? Because number one, lizard-brain, the window is closed now, you can’t say I don’t learn. And number two, what are you thinking? with both boys just there on the other side? not to mention the demented so-called human being?
End-July. Zero hour.
Barney remains cool.
Wednesday July 31st. Finish the exam, pee, and hit it. Want to get home. Home. Home. Fleeing to beat Little Rock rush-hour. Made it. And then. Just past Conway. Creeping stopping creeping stopping. For two hours. Two hours. Two hours. Traffic backed-up for approximately twenty miles. An accident, plus road construction.
Where to get gas. Significant detour over a mountain into Dueling Banjos country. Whoever you are, beautiful woman in the Dollar Store who found me this gas station open at 9:00 p.m. in a way-back holler, may the good Lord bless you and keep you forever.
How did the exam go? Impossible to know. Will become known at 4:00 CST, Friday September 6th.
Bugs points out that I could probably have licked that exam good and proper – if only I had the presence of mind to apply my tongue to it.
How were the boys, in my absence? Happier than if I had been here, thanks to our miracle genius of a cat-caregiver. The boys love her more than me. I’m good with that. All hail Genius Cat-Caregiver, the Woman In The Dollar Store, and all my nearest and dearest who supported me through this unbelievable ordeal.
What now? Possibly clean house. See that whisker hanging in mid-air? That’s what the spider-webs are like now, after three months of no house-cleaning.
Gotta go. Need to lie down again.
catself 
One day I woke up, and the whole world was at my feet. I made an inspiration board from an old yoga catalog. But as I sat in my chair, staring at the board, something was still missing. Then I picked up my laptop, and there was your post on your very down-to-earth blog. If the general theory holds true that when you have a question, you can open your “book” to a particular passage for instant insight, then I have the feeling that I opened my book to you. My goodness, all the amazing things you’ve accomplished, and still you create more. I am especially excited to check out your Feldenkrais Method, as I would truly enjoy a rescue, it there be one for me! haha “… by way of a gracious and kind physicality.” Very inspiring! But you had me at Bugs! 😀
You did it! Maazel tov! Now put it out of your head. I find out on Sept. 7 if we won the Pettie for Best Cat Blog and trying not to think about it. Is your construction still going on? Purrs to the boys who I hope have ear muffs 😉
We now declare worry is now over. You either passed or didn’t. You gave it your all. Now relax (and remember not to bite all your fingernails down to the quick while you wait for results). We’ve been sending all the good vibes we can, and you have crammed your head full of stuff you need to know, so we think you’ll pass. And if you didn’t? There’s always (gulp) next time?
We could tell you tales of master and doctorate exams that were totally scary and the students passed! I (Carol) used to work at a local college!
PS. I think Barney’s fluffiness is sooo cute!
QUINN
The cats are saying “live in the moment as we do”
Thank Cod for Cats, providing proPURR PURRspective! It’s over, and we have no doubts. It’s DONE.
What an ordeal! Yet through it all, it seems the cats remained nonplussed. Well, of course they did, they’re cats!! MOL. But for you, I am glad that it’s in the past.
Wow! Paws crossed for good news in September! I have to say, the cats had a MUCH better time than you did!
I have faith in your big bean brain. Roll on results day 🙂
My suggestion to you is: Leave the spider-webs alone. They will get larger and they are easier to clean off of whatever they are on. Also, add a lot of rest, cat snuggles, and whatever else strikes your fancy and does not relate to laws and possible arrests. Congratulations!
That was a ‘catilicious’ way to catch us up with your last few months. Fingers crossed for your results! That whisker in mid-air…..
Fingers and paws crossed until you get your results! We’re glad you and the boys made it through! So glad the boys look like best buddies too!
September! What a long time to wait for results! Hope you can spend it relaxing with the boys and I agree with J&S – bag the cleaning, let the webs fall where they may
You are lucky to have a cat sitter you love so much!
If you didn’t pass that exam, you definitely could make it as a writer. You are very talented and always creative and amusing. Just over a month to go before those results are posted. We’re all keeping our paws crossed. And a vacation should come before housecleaning, according to our mom. Purrs and hugs, Lily Olivia, Misty May, Mauricio, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid Lisbeth and Calista Jo
Anita, you should become a cat! They don’t do zams or nuffink!! Good luck for Sept 6th 4pm xx
PS Yes you should be a “writer” not that you’re not! Silly comment 😉
Terrible grammar!! Sorry! It is obvious I should NOT be a “writer” 😉
You poor thing! What an ordeal. Welcome back to the real world and to your precious boys.
Lovelovelove the photos. You are amazing! The last one of Barney….Bee thinks he looks like a bird.