Certified Paralegal exams begin tomorrow!

Tomorrow, it begins…

My paralegal certification exams start tomorrow. Yikes!

While I’m not nearly as nervous now as I was a couple weeks ago (wherein increased anxiety led to a panic attack which led to baking), I’m still a bit edgy about it. I’ve been studying on and off for the past couple weeks, and I’m feeling increasingly confident as I realize it’s paying off and I’m retaining more than I thought. However, I don’t think I’ll feel truly at ease until they are over and done.

Which won’t be until 3pm Wednesday. Phew.

Fortunately, I’ve had a bit of time to take my mind off it, and I consider that a blessing. Yesterday, Matt and I had a picnic lunch near the Greenbelt Metro and headed into DC to hang out and have a bit of fun. Below are some photos of our tours through the Smithsonian museums and a sculpture garden on the Mall.

Sometimes you need a bit of zen in your life.
… occasionally with a nymph at your side.

I’ve realized something since my freakout: I can only prepare so much for this exam and, more broadly, for all things in life. Best to be as prepared as possible for these situations, but not to drive myself crazy with “what ifs” and crazy mind-ramblings. While this is sometimes impossible because of situations out of my control (have I mentioned I have OCD and GAD? I think so, but I should probably talk in depth about that someday…), sometimes it’s best to try to get away, let your mind relax, and generally feel a sense of calm that will ultimately help you through life’s trials and tribulations.

And exams, of course.

So yesterday, I took a little time to myself (and Matt, of course). It means I’ll be studying my ass off today and before tomorrow’s first two exam sections, but I also feel more relaxed today than I have in months. And that makes it all worth it.

Anyway, wish me luck as hell officially begins tomorrow, and enjoy these pictures!