I feel like the past several months (the past year or more, to be honest), have led up to this day. Today I had my qualifying examination for school. This is an oral examination that leads to advancement to candidacy. In other words, passing this leads to a Ph.D.(ABD)–a Ph.D. All But Dissertation.

I have been so stressed out about this exam. I knew it was coming, so I even pushed our wedding back a year due to it. I have literally been thinking about this every day, every night, in every shower, during every walk and run, for months. It’s a really big deal, and I was terrified.

But…I passed with flying colors, a unanimous decision paired with many flattering comments. I am so thrilled, so relieved, and I feel like I can live life again! I can’t count how many times in the recent weeks I have said to my mom, “November 8th will NEVER BE OVER!” and to Nik, “I’m not even living life!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Well, now I can live. Amy, Carolyn, Nik, and Alessandra took me out right after the exam to celebrate. I indulged in my favorite, raspberry mojitos, and I ordered myself a big salted caramel cheesecake, thankyouverymuch.

A note of thanks to everyone who has supported me lately. Nik was endless support in terms of technical difficulties, stress relief, equipment setup, shopping, organizing, etc. Carolyn, again, thank you for talking stats with me. Mom, thank you for assuring me that tonight would come. Amy, oh Amy…let me show you what she did. Amy volunteered to help bring snacks for my committee members to enjoy during the exam. I was endlessly thankful for this, because this meant that I wouldn’t have to bake pumpkin bread the night before the exam, all whilst lamenting the fact that the next day would never end… But take a look at what Amy did.

Seriously, Amy? Really? Look at what she did. She went so above and beyond anything I could have imagined. Knowing my fall obsession, she decorated the entire room (and let me keep the decorations!). The room even smelled like pumpkin! And she slyly placed a pumpkin spice latte next to my laptop. What a friend. And Carolyn should be thanked for those beautiful flowers. You two really are something special.

(And there is Nik, helping me set up. Thanks, Niko!).