Qualifying Exam Questions

Now that I completed all of my coursework for my Ph.d. I have to advance to candidacy by passing my qualifying exams. It's not an actual exam, but three questions that are thrown at you with a short time frame. I get two weeks for each question and each question is about 20 pages long. I am a little stressed and write about 3-4 hours each day. Here are my three questions:


1. What are the major tenants of feminist theory and how does it apply to the study of women's financial management?

2. Explain the purpose and characteristics of a narrative analysis study and what methodological approach would be appropriate for the study?

3. What is the current state of personal finance and how does gender impact personal financial management?

The only benefit from this process is that the three questions have something to do with your dissertation and will be able to slip write into my dissertation proposal. The proposal is typically 80-100 pages and it will really help to use pieces I have already written. My proposal is due by the end of August so that I can defend it before the fall semester begins. It will be really nice to have my proposal completed as soon as possible so that I can start data collection before the baby comes.

Summer Plans

Brian is teaching summer school June and July, and I have to do my qualifying exams during that time too. However, we do have so much planned.

First, we are taking a trip to South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore and eat amazing BBQ. Brian won't be able to join us on this trip, but it will be like old times with my family. My parents, Savannah, and my brothers are going on the trip and I am very excited to experience long car trips with them. When I was a kid we drove across the country in my dad's Suburban and laughed the entire time. Peter and I would even get in trouble for laughing too loud. Good memories! We fly into Montana, then drive through Wyoming and end up in South Dakota. I am looking forward to three more states Savannah can add to her list.

Second, my paper, "Financial Literacy: Does it belong in K-12 education?" was accepted for a real educational conference. It's my first one, and I am thrilled that my writing was double-blind peer reviewed and actually accepted. The coolest part is that conference is in HAWAII. I will be going by myself for just 3 1/2 days, but staying in the beautiful Waikiki beach directly on the water. It will be strange going by myself, and not looking forward to feeling like a beached whale on the beach. This is a huge step for my academic career.

Third, I fly straight from Hawaii to Las Vegas. I will be meeting the entire family there for my dad's 60th b-day party. They booked the penthouse at the Bellagio hotel, have cabanas by the pool, and will be taking everyone to Del Frisco's for a delicious dinner.

Fourth, directly from Vegas we will be flying with Aron to Seattle for fishing and sun. We have our annual Lake Chelan trip and Savannah is so excited. She talks about her Grandma and Grandpa's house all the time and tells random people that she will go there in August. She is obsessed with the idea of jumping on their trampoline, playing in their sandbox and eating Popsicles.

Then we are back just in time to start school. Brian, Savannah and I all start on the same day. I will be starting a new job (in addition to Chapman) teaching business finance for Brandman University, Brian will be returning to his same school in Fullerton, and Savannah moves from room 3 to room 7 at Ivy Crest. This is a huge step for Savannah. She is going to pre-school and has to start wearing a school uniform. They are darling and I cannot wait to get her ready on the first day.

We have a packed summer and I look forward to posting lots of pictures of our adventures.

The Shower

I have been growing my hair out for over a year and now it's really long. A couple things I didn't anticipate to experience with long hair:

- Extra time in the shower rinsing out shampoo and conditioner
- More split ends
- Longer time getting my hair colored
- More time blow drying my hair

However, the absolute grossest thing about long hair is cleaning out the shower drain. My dad came over yesterday and I asked why my shower was backing up. He suggested cleaning it out. I have never had to do this before, but sure enough it was clogged. My dad stuck a special stick down the drain and out popped the grossest, smelliest, black ball of hair. Being pregnant, smells don't tend to agree with me. I immediately ran out of the bathroom gagging. But of course, my dad was superman and cleaned it all out. Now, the shower runs perfectly. Thanks Daddy!