School's Out

You know those days when everything just goes right? Well, that would be today. First, the test. Of the 100 multiple choice questions, there were 14 about which I was uncertain. Of the rest, I had a good or pretty good idea. As to the 4 essay questions, I am confident I did very well on all of them (I am paraphrasing the questions): 1. Compare and contrast Champagne and Cava in terms of production method, style, regions, aging requirements, etc.; 2. Describe the solera process for making sherry and explain the differences in styles of wines produced. 3. Discuss the two pests that were a problem in California vineyards from the 1980s through today, and explain the remedies and the changes that occurred in California in viticulture as a result; and 4. If you were to design a wine cellar, what would be the ideal environment and conditions? Explain why.

And the blind tastings? Of 4 wines, I got two absolutely spot-on right, and I was close on one, and the other? It was a weirdo wine, a very uncharacteristic Chardonnay, both oily and acidic, without the signature Chardonnay green apple scent (in fact, it smelled a little of some kind of chemical) and I identified it as an Italian Pinot Grigio. The other was a Cabernet Sauvignon that I identified as a Malbec. Has anyone ever noticed how some Cabs can smell a little like a tomato?

But the best part is that the questions I missed gave me a very clear understanding of my weak areas in wine knowledge, so I know what I will be reading about for the next few months. Another most excellent thing is that in studying for this test, I reintroduced myself to studying, and figured out how I learn best. Well! What a good thing to know.

I walked out tall, and that always feels good.

And then, and then. The house refinancing is happening as it should, due to be completed tomorrow. I am on schedule with my work.

And I figured out another thing, perhaps the most important thing. How can I say this in a way that doesn't sound stupid. It is just about being clear, first with myself, about what I need and want, about what is important to me. And then being clear with the other people in my life. The truth will set you free. It's not just a saying. In a way, I do feel as if something big happened, and there was some kind of change in how I see things. Even though no big thing did, just a lot of little things.