Passed!

Thanks for all of the thoughts, prayers, emails, and encouragement -- it's over with a happy conclusion! I had my viva this afternoon and passed with only the requirement that I make very minimal changes to my thesis. This is basically the best outcome that can happen. (Almost no one gets by with no changes. There's always at least one typo!) They thought I could make the required changes with white-out and a pen with an hour's work, but I somehow think I'll print it out again.

The examination was a good experience. The examiners were friendly but challenging, pressing me on points they didn't agree with, but satisfied with my responses. They said I "viva'ed" well.

We also talked about how my work might be developed into a book. On that front there were many more comments about things they thought could be improved. But for the Ph.D. it was deemed "Plenty Good Enough" (my paraphrase)!

My special thanks, as always, go to Crystal, who has supported me through so many different things. And today was the sacrifice of sharing our fifth wedding anniversary with the biggest exam of my life!