Big Accomplishments!

Jordan's graduated! I'm almost graduated! Jordan took the third actuarial exam today! I didn't cry through my last oral exam!

Yes, we've been quite busy trying to tie up loose ends with school. First up was my graduate recital, which I am very happy to announce is OVER! And I passed! I had a lot of really difficult, high powered music. I was happy with the first half of my performance, but I was quite fatigued by the 2nd half, so it didn't go as well as I hoped. There's always those things that you wish you could back and do differently... but it's finished and I can move on! I'm looking forward to singing with the Fairbanks Opera this summer. I think it'll be a great way to get out and try out my professional chops, and I certainly it leads to more opportunities in the future.

This last Tuesday was my last oral exam, which I manged not to cry through! It went... ok. Well, I made the mistake and totally forgot that I was allowed to ask my committee members what to study ahead of time, so there were some tense moments trying to define "Behaviorism" and "Constructivism" and remember what the bell curve for my supervised teaching meant. My committee was very understanding, and pleased with my responses that I eventually squeezed out of my memory. I walked away with a pass... as long as I corrected a couple of issues in my paper. I should be totally done by Friday!

Today Jordan took the MLC Actuarial Exam! On all sides, we've heard this is the toughest actuarial exam there is. He had some very tense moments yesterday when he was feeling a lot of anxiety and frustration, but we were able to call the home-teachers for a priesthood blessing. We both felt much better after that, and Jordan feels calm about the exam. The bad news is that we probably won't hear the results for another 8-10 weeks. LAME.

So the next few days are all about preparing to leave for Missouri! I'm SO excited to get out of Provo for a bit! I love spending time with the family, and I plan on spending the whole time sleeping, reading and talking to my sisters-in-law. Who can ask for a better vacation? Plus, road-trips with Jordan are ALWAYS tons of fun. They really do go by so quickly, it's kinda weird how easily we pass the time together.

Still no job news, but we remain vigilant and hopeful. For sure getting out of Provo a bit I think will renew our spirits. We're in a really awkward phrase where Jordan doesn't have quite enough work, but has got some, and we've very hesitant to leave Provo and the help of Dr. Tolley. It's a strange balancing act in trying to figure out when we cut our loses and run back to Alaska, and when to just stick it out and stay here for another month. Basically, any month from now we could scamper back to Alaska. I know for myself, it's really frustrating not knowing what's going to happen next month! But it's a great faith-building experience at the same time. We really have to rely on the spirit to figure out our best choices.

Anywho, we're ready to get out of Provo for a bit! Missouri, ho!