Thursday, August 25, 2011

"This is a Test. This is Only a Test."

I had a 3:00 appointment scheduled with an academic advisor
     at the local college.  

I am 42 years old, and with my youngest child now in middle school,
     I am finally taking the steps towards finishing my degree.
Now, I say "finally", but the fact is that I have been making attempts on and off,
     for many years.   

But, something is different this time.

Could be my age, could be the divorce . . . . . . could be that I am just finally READY.

I have spent the last year (or so) gathering information. 
Last week, I attended a meeting at George Mason University about a degree program designed
     specifically for "adult learners" like myself. 
And, Tuesday, I was scheduled to sit down with an academic advisor to come up with a "plan".

As I mentioned, my appointment was scheduled for 3:00.

Who KNEW that an EARTHQUAKE would happen shortly after the 2:00 hour.  

I was bound and determined, though.

"I will NOT take this as a  sign!" I said.

Instead, from the words of the Emergency Broadcasting System - 

"This is a test.  This is only a test."

The University is only two minutes from my house, and I made the drive over.

When I turned the corner towards the parking garage, everything was blocked off,
     and there were students and teachers everywhere.

The buildings had all been evacuated.

What???  

It was just an earthquake!  

I HAVE A 3:00 APPOINTMENT ! ! !

Sadly, I turned around, accepting the fact that I had no control over the situation. 

My advisor called me the next day to reschedule the appointment.

     "I can't imagine there will be another earthquake," I told her.

In the meantime, Hurricane Irene is on its way.   

"This is a test.  This is only a test".  









 
 

2 comments:

  1. Well, know you guys over there on the east coast know why we always only PENCIL IN appointments. We live with the understanding that there could be a totally unexpected interruption to our day at any time.

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  2. Yes, I am getting a small sample of what living like that must be! ; )
    Funny thing is that, though it is somewhat unsettling, there is something oddly comforting about being reminded that we really do not have a whole lot of control over things.

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