Dewey's Steel Balls

I was up and out of bed around 620am. It was a work day but didn't feel like it, at least not until I was downstairs banging out calisthenics. By the time push-ups were behind me and I had a cup of coffee in hand, it felt like any other work day. This one would be a little different, however. For one, I was scheduled to take my Cisco cert test at 230pm at the CSCC campus.

I spent most of the time I usually spend playing on the computer taking more practice tests. I headed out for a run near 9am after making sure work was quiet. Ran the full 4 miles. As for the weather, it was back to winter and presently 32 degrees. There was even a few snow flurries during the run. I was happy to see it.

Back home near 940am, I thought it wise to get the Thule loaded on top of the Pilot for any inclement weather hits (supposed to get really cold again Tuesday). Went to the shed to retrieve it. Went up about as easy as ever, though I did struggle with the lock mechanism once it was mounted. A little WD-40 later and it was fine.

I'd already relocked the shed, but from the garage I realized that the deck furniture cushions were still in front of the BM'er stowed in large trash bags. Rather than procrastinate further, I reopened the shed then carried and stowed the three large bags containing the deck cushions.

Mindy was up by the time I got back inside. I got back to work while also reviewing course material. Mindy was up near 10am. She was leaving to run errands, including a stop at the grocery store. Can't remember where else. Anyway, she didn't figure to be home before I left at 130pm to take my test. She wished me luck. I was concerned but knew that I studied as hard as I could. And sink or swim, I felt like I had as a good of an understanding of the material as I could.

The work day was especially quiet, which was a blessing in its own right. I was able to use most of the morning for review. I showered around noon and then reviewed the material one last time, being careful to leave myself a solid 15 minutes before my planned to departure to clear my mind and then meditate. Mindy got home from her errands right at 130pm, or just as I was jacketing up to depart. She wished me luck again. Since I wouldn't be permitted to carry in any personal belongings, I took just my wallet and cell phones, which I knew I'd be asked to secure in a locker.

Traffic was minimal. I made it downtown via 670E in 10 minutes. Was parked and inside by 145pm. My testing time wasn't actually set to begin until 230pm. They request that testers arrive at least 15 minutes early. At the time, there were several people there in front of me. In fact, the staff seemed a little overwhelmed. The CSCC testing center is a testing proctor for several organizations. A crusty older gentleman did his best to manage the temporary chaos. Told all of us more than once to take seats. I had to chuckle when I heard another guy tell him that he didn't want to sit, because that's how I felt too.

Son enough the crusty gentleman called me to the counter and got me started with the sign-in process. He gave me a locker key and had me stow all of my personal belongings in there before he ushered me to the computer testing room and set-up the Cisco cert program. He handed me a grease pencil and two blank laminated sheets for scribbling. I had 90 minutes to answer 50 questions, a combination of multiple choice, simulations, and simulets.
I knew from the class I took that the three simulations were a must to pass the overall test. Without doing well on them, even a 100% on all else would still net a fail.

The first 5 or 6 questions were all multiple guess, and covered material I felt comfortable with. However, that said, the available answers were worded far differently than in the actual material. In other words. you better really understand the concept or else. The first simulation was a challenge, but seemingly not impossible. It took me a few minutes to figure how to do it. It was a challenge, however, and I was taking a lot of time just on it. I had to answer four questions none of which I felt more than about 70% confident with my answers. Can't dwell. No time. I had to move on.

After a few more tricky multiple choice questions, the 2nd simulation popped up. I blew it big time. More than that, I wasted at least 20 minutes simply trying to get a handle on the questions, commands, and results. I simply had to move on, but not before making a blind educated guess at all four of the questions. Hey, can't dance! More questions and simulets. Soon looked at the timer in the upper right hand corner revealing that I had only 13 minutes to go and still had 14 questions remaining, plus one more simulation. Wow! Where had all the time gone? By then, I figured I had blown the overall test, but remained determined to give it my best. Bottom line, I finished the test - answered every question with just under a minute to go.

Having certified some 12 years prior, I knew that the program would let me know if I passed or failed even before leaving my chair. Somehow or another, I managed to booger up the feedback process that followed the survey/ feedback section. I find it somewhat funny that they ask you to complete the survey before showing you your results. Probably a good plan. :)

I walked out and to the counter to get my results, my driver's license, and sign out. The young woman working the counter handed me my results printed on a sheet of paper. I didn't bother looking. I was all but certain I had failed. I gathered my belongings from the locker (cell phone an coat) then stopped in the bathroom to pee before heading out. I waited until I was in the Accord to review my official results. Failed! I believe my score was 642 out of 1000. Needed 810 to pass. In my world, I missed it by a mile. I was a little discouraged but not for lack of effort. I knew that I tried my best. Once I was driving home, I phoned Mindy to give her an update and let her know that I was on my way home. Even though I didn't get the cert, I felt a sense of relief having the testing process behind me. However, I wasn't really looking forward to sharing my failure with my boss.

Got home near 3pm. Mindy was busy upstairs giving the master bath a thorough cleaning, its first in quite a while. Needed it bad! While she did that, I got busy again with regular work. There was a work issue needing my attention. I spent the next couple hours involved in that. Meanwhile, we had dinner plans with the Jump's. We were supposed to meet at Dewey's in Grandview at 6pm. Mindy asked if I was going to be able to go given my predicament. I planned to, and worked hard to get all my ducks in a row before it was time to depart.

Turned out, things were in a good place near 530pm when we left for Dewey's. At least there wasn't much more I could do. Arrived at Dewey's near 6pm, just as we had planned. The Jump's were already inside watching pizzas being made through the glass wall. Cute! We were soon guided to a table. Been a while since I've been to Dewey's. Think it was shortly after they opened a few years ago that I was last there. Not only do they serve up some really good pizza, but they also have some decent draft beers on tap. Courtney & Jeremy & kids had a busy day. Spent the early part with family in Willard and then the afternoon at the pool at their hotel. I was a little surprised when they shared that they were flying home on Tuesday (Xmas Eve) around noon.

I ordered their guest draft a porter/stout mix. Not sure the brewery, but it was really good. At the same time, Jeremy went with a Fat Head's Head Hunter IPA - popular and good! Mindy & Courtney only water. The two kids, Porter and Ella each had Root beer. Very cute kids! Ella is 4 and a handful. I think it's fair to say, all the two of them can handle. :) Mindy gifted the kids chocolate santas. Ella was eager to eat hers even before our pies arrived. In retrospect, probably should've held off on giving them chocolate until after our dinner arrived.

Pizzas arrived about 20 minutes later, and we ordered 3: the special, which was a meat lovers, a buffalo chicken, and lastly a small cheese. I ordered a 2nd beer, too. Yum! The company, pizza, and beer was good. By the time we finished dinner, the place was packed - several families waiting in the smallish lobby. We said our goodbyes and wished the Jump's a merry Xmas. Lastly, they extended an invite for us to come and visit them in Ft. Lauderdale.

Mindy and I had talked about the possibility of stopping at Barley's on the way home for one beer, and while it was still relatively early, Mindy cited being tired and had a stronger desire to rest at home. I agreed. We had plenty of beer at home. I planned to try one of the Twelve Dogs of Xmas she picked up earlier that day at the grocery store.

One the drive home, I called Lindsey asking that she go ahead and bring the boys over at 830pm. The original plan had her bringing them over around 530am so she could be at work by 6am. The boys were very excited to be coming over to spend the night. And that way, we wouldn't have to get up some dang early. Home by 8pm, I poured a pint of Xmas ale while Mindy enjoyed water. She did, however, try the 12 Dogs.

As expected, Lindsey dropped the boys off at 830pm. Once they were settled we put in a Xmas movie - Chevy Chase, Xmas Vacation, which is one of my all-time favorite movies. I've seen it no less than 50 times and still laugh. The boys loved it too, at least while they were awake. Landon fell asleep no more than 30 minutes into the movie. And by the end, Rocky was asleep, too. Mindy suggested rather than waking them for bed, that we simply make them comfortable in the family room. She went for extra blankets. Rocky slept on the sofa. Landon slept on the floor. Mindy and I were in bed by 11pm.