who has two thumbs and just passed their qualifying exam?

THIS GUY!!!

SO I PASSED, and with flying colors, no less. the torture was over after a scant 90 minute oral examination and my chair, the dean, let me know how pleased my committee was with my presentation, my poise under fire, my enthusiasm for my hypotheses, and my well-written proposal. i was given the green light to commence thesis research.

hells yes, my friends. 2 years down; another 4 or so to go.

this spring has been reminiscent of last year's, especially the past 2 weeks where i was so stressed, i had trouble sleeping and even more trouble eating anything without the urge to vomit. i was like, where have i had this feeling before...oh yes...first year final exams and the wedding. and in 2 days, kz and i will once again enjoy a brief respite in the white mountains - exhausted and overworked and long due for a vacation, just like last time.

the familiar echoes of last spring are strange, but good; i've come so far in a year in so many ways, and have so far to go yet. every time i pass over a hurdle, personal or professional, the next one on the horizon is always bigger and more challenging. but how boring would life be otherwise?