Testing, Testing...

Had my first test last night.
I have been studying really hard, and was prepared.
I told myself to stay cool, I worked hard I knew the material. I got this.

Sitting at my desk, I was pretty mellow.  I know this stuff. I like to work hard, and when all else fails, I fall back to : I've done my work, I am prepared. Dan Gable type stuff. I know this.

The professor puts the test in front of  me. I immediately feel my hr spike. I'm sitting at my desk, looking at the paper in front of me, and I swear that I feel the blood pumping through my body. I see white spots. I'm sweating, and from my experiences as a bike racer, I know I don't do my best thinking in oxygen debt.

"Deep breaths dude, deep breaths." I think my heart rate comes down to about 160 beats per minute. Am I taking a test or doing an  interval? "settle down buddy, settle down" I settle in and start reviewing the problems. I immediately go to the problem that the professor said would be the hardest. I crush it. Then slowly, I just try to focus on the work. One at a time. Just like at the kitchen table. I know this stuff. Step by Step Heart rate starts to feel normal.

I'm sure I did well. I'm sure I made some mistakes,but I'll get better. What I really hope is that next week, when the professor puts down the exam, I can keep my heart rate from blasting off the chart. Back to the work, lots of problems to work before next week....  Worst case scenario, I know to bring an extra t-shirt for after the test.

Great, not only am I the oldest guy in the class, I'm the oldest  sweaty guy in the class.

respect
fatmarc vanderbacon