"Who Dares Wins" is a motto best kept by the SAS, as evidenced by a 72 year old lady, and the longest five seconds of her life.

A bit on the dark side, but a happy thought none the less!

Today was quite a special day for me.

I have, perhaps, mentioned that I've been working on getting a doctoral degree in educational policy and leadership. After 3 years of taking courses, I took my qualifying exam. That involved 3 1/2 months of writing (231 pages worth), and culminated in a 2-hour session with 4 faculty members today.

It's a fairly big deal for me; passing the exam means one moves on to the dissertation, whereas failing it would have been a major setback. During the exam, the student (me, in this case) is expected to go off, do the work, and have minimal contact with the faculty. It's a "you're on your own" kind of situation.

I'm pleased to say I passed, and the faculty also said some good words about the quality of the work. :) There is still considerable work to be done - writing a book, essentially - but from now on, it's different - more cooperative. In essence, I have made the cut. This was the last test.

So this is a happy thought. But there is something else.

Even though the challenges faced by those who experience the SFQC are very different (and far more uncomfortable!) than anything I went through, the advice and guidance supplied to them helped me. The mindset and attitudes, the determination, and the internal strength spoken of by the Quiet Professionals and others were, in the truest and best sense, inspirational. So, along with my happy thought of the day - thank you. You helped me across my own finish line.

My son turned three today, and I have received an A on my first major English Assignment.

Edit: Nmap, that is excellent news! Congratulations.

Congratulations to you both.

PL-- May success follow success! May you enjoy the choice piece of your son's birthday cake.

Nmap-- Congratulations on making ABD. (Do not be surprised if you find yourself doing more studying in the next few days. Not that I did such a thing...I'm not compulsive, nor obsessive. I'm just a guy who likes to wash his hands.)

nmap, congrats to you that's quite an accomplishment!

nmap,

Congrats on your accomplishment............:lifter

Big Teddy :munchin

Wow, nmap!!!

Good job!:lifter

Holly

NMap!
Congratulations, Sir! I applaud you and I am proud of you! :)
Saoirse

Met Colonel (Ret.) Roger Donlon, Special Forces Soldier, and the First Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War. A true hero. Inspirational to say the least, and a honor to shake hands and talk with a man of such caliber.

"We have learned to swim" Her parents are moving home to Fla. I was dismayed when I discovered my grandchildren could not swim. Her mother swam before she walked. The sunglasses, are mine. She finished her swim classes this morning and called me to tell me she passed. Her brother needs more "time"... she told me that all boys need more "time" to learn things. In that big sister, 6 yr old voice.. :p

It looks as if she had a good teacher! :) Cool sunglasses!

My daughter has returned home from school today, happy and full of stories about her new friends. It was a perfect end to her first week of Kindergarten.

Anniversary
 

Today is the 50th of the 50th state :D

completed the Final for Accounting 220.. wave of relief on that.

only 80 more credit hours to go for my BA.

Saw an old team mate last night for the first time in 13 years.. spent the evening around the Stammtisch at Charlie Mikes with some SF legends. Life was good..