Nose, allow me to introduce you to Mr. Grindstone

One of the symptoms, and drawbacks, of being a habitual procrastinator is the "Missed Opportunity"... Or, more specifically, the "Stare Blankly at that Ideal Window of Time as It Passes You By."

For me, one of those windows was when I was unemployed (then later, unemployed and pregnant), sitting at home twiddling my thumbs. At that time, I could have been studying for the final step in obtaining my license to practice architecture - the California Supplemental Exam (CSE).

In February 2010, the California Architects Board - allegedly under immense pressure from several lawsuits brought on by disgruntled candidates who had repeatedly failed the CSE - decided to convert the long-standing oral format of the test into a computer-based multiple choice format. The original version of the CSE involved candidates being individually grilled by a panel of three architects.  It was an extra step towards getting your architect's license in California, necessary to make sure qualified candidates understood the legal and geological idiosyncrasies that make being an architect in this great state that much more complicated. The exams were conducted twice a year over several days, usually in a hotel, and if you failed you had to wait six months before trying again. About half the folks passed on their first try, the rest on their second, third, and then some...

I became unemployed, for the first time, in March 2010. I got my letter telling me I was finally eligible to sign up for the new computer-based exam in July. Now why didn't I dash to the nearest computer and schedule myself for an exam? Because I am a habitual procrastinator!  Here are the other excuses I kept telling myself as the months ticked by...

- In October/November, I realize I'm pregnant and am finally holding down a full-time job.
- In December, I lose my job AGAIN.
- In January, we move.
- In February, I start another new job.
- In May, I had the baby.

So, now, it's August - over a year since I received the letter telling me to get my act together and take the CSE already (in so many words).  And with every parenting book I read and every person that asks me when I'm going back to work... I realize that it would be REALLY AWESOME if I could work from home.  One thing that would substantially increase the chances of me doing that would be to finally get my license, so that I could start my own little practice and do little residential remodels and the like while being a stay-at-home mom.

Today, I signed up for the CSE.

(beat)

AUGHHHHH!!

Saturday, October 29th, Ladies & Gentlemen!

Mark your calendars! 

Cuz it's Doomsday!

And, maybe, finally I can call myself an Architect!