Many of us have had this type of dream.  I had a strange one last night and I'm long out of school.  Apparently there was some important test that was to be given in a center (like a school).  For some reason, I went to get a drink and some food, and anticipated where this test was to be given.  I came up to the empty floor alone to wait.  I was then informed, just as this test was going to begin that it was not at the location where I was, that I had somehow misinterpreted where I should be, and I began to scramble to straighten it out before I woke up.

I personally believe that dreams are symbolic.  I don't believe the school like test had anything to do with that.  However it may have been a reference to a real world test that I'm having or about to have.  How to factor in my anticipitory action followed by correction and scrambling, I don't know.  It may be my subconscious or others' attempts to tell me that I'm directing my energies wrong and anticipating something, but my thoughts should be elsewhere. 

I'm not sure what to do with this one.

Matthew

Hi

I think dream symbols are personal and are best interpreted by the dreamer.

This usually requires alot of ongoing work. I'm not good at it especially because I don't recall my dreams often enough to keep my enthusiasm up.

But it seems to help if you recall how you felt when you dreamed this and then follow the emotions to wherever they lead.

That is a good idea, PA.  But I think I know what the dream was about.  I had prepared a real life assistance to my stepson, who has basically terrorized my household (he is 18 now).  He had agreed to certain things (staying free of drugs, and joining the military withing 3 months).  In return he was given certain privileges.  This was my strategy, to try to get him on track, give him a future.

Yesterday, things went South.  He had an offer to work at a Hyundai dealership detailing cars for very little money, with an ex-con who he knew there.  He then said forget our prior arrangement.  I'm going to do this and have my own place (an unlikely possibility given the economics).

I believe that my anticipation of our arrangement was the strategy in the dream.  Suddenly, the dreamscape shifted, the examination had been moved, and I was put off.  The two situations parallel each other.  Only thing is, it happened within 24 hours of the dream.  There really isn't anything I could have done to change the outcome.


M