DT2: Officially Smarter

Roy wrote "Congratulations, Dr. Tromble" on my Facebook page, and I realized that this makes me, in official Tromblegeeze, DT2! Now that I'm officially smarter, and will soon have the paper to prove it, I am told that I will automatically command a great deal of respect. It's nice to have something to look forward to now that this huge project has come to a close!

The defense went well. About thirty friends and members of Sylvain's family were there to watch so the clapping at the end was worthy of the occasion. I was a little embarrassed and felt like I should take a bow, or something, though I managed to restrain myself. The afternoon was mostly in French, to the relief of the spectators, except for the English professor who spoke in English. I also tried to respond to questions in English so that he could follow along which made for a bit of mental gymnastics on my part, but ended up going ok. I am told that I came across as serene and eloquent. Afterwards, I invited everyone to stay for a glass of champagne and a piece of my homemade pumpkin bread. The professor who was the president of the examining committee was quite impressed to find that I also knew how to bake!

Marie-Elisabeth and David helped me organize a big to-do celebration in the evening. About a hundred people were present. We ate, drank and were merry (i.e. talked and danced) until the wee, wee hours of this morning. I think I went to bed about four a.m. This afternoon is going to be like an early Christmas. So many people brought me gifts! I was a little embarrassed by all the presents, so I didn't open them right away (maybe I should have though, would have saved me a lot of thank you notes!). I feel like I should put the Christmas tree up so I'll have somewhere to put them!