earned appraisal

The eighth and last day of Appraisal Board Course One was marked by a 100-question final exam containing some of the weirdest math I’ve ever had the pleasure of doing. Being the first one to turn in the test was an interesting phenomenon — once I stood up, test packet in hand, there was no going back. I could feel the eyes of the 40 other students tracking my progress. As I handed my exam over to the instructor, the weight of the moment was immediately intensified and then relieved. It was over. The moment of truth. I waited in the lobby for my results, alone.

As Steve turned the corner, my exam in hand, I could just make out what could only be the score. 92. I had passed with flying colors. He shook my hand and wished me luck. While I was very confident in my abilities, this test was just hard enough to make me start to wonder.

Erin and I took Kai up to Thai Delight to celebrate — what a feast. Garlic pork chops, two different curries, sauteed napa cabbage with oyster mushrooms... it was dangerously close to gluttony. Kai was so sweet and my mom & dad got to see his progress. His eyes are starting to change color to a slight hazel tint. Although he can’t balance himself, he can stand on his own. He’s beginning to space out his feedings — sometimes up to four hours between meals. Erin is quite relieved, to say the least.

For now, I’m just glad that I don’t have to get up at 6am tomorrow for a 9.5 hour day of appraisal school. I’m looking forward to sleeping in, if Kai allows it...