Yesterday was the biggest day of my academic career. It was my final dissertation defense. When I get really stressed out, I get a bit flaky (pre-stroke too) & I forgot my computer - WITH MY PRESENTATION - at home!!

I started out the day with trying to find a nice outfit. I have gained about 10 pounds (I refuse to get on a scale right now so I guesstimate) since the stroke and couldn't fit into my suit. I fit into some fat clothes and drove off to get my hair done. My stylist is great - she is energetic, creative, great at what she does, and loves her job. She made my hair look great. I had 3 phone calls on my cell while there and finally answered the 3rd time - it was my advisor wondering where I was! I got into work at 11:30 and clarified some concerns that my advisor had. His wife was at my practice presentation and brought some concerns to me and mentioned them to him. She is awesome - brilliant, kind, and helpful. I had a donut for lunch - not nutritious but I was nervous about leaving and not making it back on time!

A good friend, Carol, had come for support and she & I were chatting while I was pacing when Bob showed up with my computer!! woo hoo - he is the best!! We went to the conference room at 1:15 pm to set up the computer and projection system and to wait for the committee. One of the members was about 15 minutes late - wringing my nerves dry!

I started and made a joke about how much has happened since I last saw them for the proposal defense . During the presentation, I noticed that I was talking fast and told myself to slow down (something that I am working on for public speaking). I gave a 20 minute presentation and answered 20 minutes worth of questions. I kept expecting to be blind-sided but I could answer the questions relatively well - with more time and thought, I feel as though I could have been more thorough though, oh well :blush: .

Carol, Bob, & I left to get the paperwork for the committee to sign while they decided my fate. We got back and they were ready for us - I passed. I PASSED!! Get this - I passed as presented...WITH NO REVISIONS (very rare)!!! :Clap-Hands:

We went out and celebrated :beer: :cocktail:

It is still very surreal and I don't feel 'doctor-ish' yet. I wonder if I ever will or if I will just get brainwashed with it eventually (if enough people call me a Dr. I will eventually believe it & feel like it?)

wow.