No, no, no, it's pronounced "fee-nee"

enfin, je finis


I passed the patent bar! Time for another whew-hoo! Yay for computer-based exams that immediately provide results! (Contrast: state bar exams that make takers wait from 3-6 months)

I took the test on Monday at a Sylvan Learning Center. Fortunately, the Center wasn't too far away and I didn't have to be there until 9:30 am, so I was well rested, even if nervous. The week before, I had taken 3 days off work to study full time. Even so, I managed to hit a night out on the town Saturday with J and a baby shower on Sunday. As I was gloating to J last night while he was trying to fall asleep, I heard myself say that I thought I budgeted my study time quite well--actually balancing work, life, studying, and extras. The second that statement came out of my mouth, I knew that if I had failed I would be (over)analyzing how I had mismanaged my time. It occurred to me that most of my resulting elation or disappointment was from my overanalyzing, not the actual test results!

What's even more profound is that I never have to take another test EVER! (Well, unless I go back to school.) My dream of becoming a patent attorney has finally been reached! Wow! All those tests in high school, the SAT/ACTs, college, LSAT, law school, OR and WA state bars, and finally, the patent bar--all passed! That, my friend, is a load of tests!
(special little shout-out here to my French college prof who taught me how to correctly say "I'm finished!")

So, time to vote. What degree/certification do you think I should get next??? (ha,ha)



Water Skipping Article Incorporating Elliptical Outline and Hollowed Interior Core
patent#: US 6905430
patently silly

USPTO