I didn't realize it had been so long since I blogged! I guess I will blame it on being busy (as usual).
What is new...
I passed the third level of the CFA exams, which I had taken in June! This means I have now earned the right to use the CFA designation. So 'Kara Larson, CFA' it is! Still a little weird to see in print. Think of the CFA designation as a CPA designation, only for investment people. Passing three 6-hour exams that are offered around once a year, and which you studying for about 300-400 hours per time you take the exam. The pass rate for each exam is about 50%. Let's just say I didn't pass the exams on the first try. But it is now over! I was a little surprised that I passed, as my studying for the exam was a sidetracked by all the health issues and I had a really bad headache the day of the exam (not a good thing when you have to concentrate for such a long time). Results came in August 9 and I was ecstatic to see the word, "Congratulations!" on the results e-mail. What am I going to do this spring?!?!
Within an hour of receiving the results I also got a call from my doctor's office. I had been in a week or so before for an updated MRI scan and the results had been sent on to Iowa City for review. Feedback was the blood clot had shrunk enough that as long as my headaches were gone I could stop taking the blood thinning medication! More amazing news. I decided that maybe I should play the lottery that day given the amount of good luck I was having. But I didn't, because the odds were not really in my favor. So far so good on the headaches and I haven't had any troubles since going off the medicine.
I decided that I would fill my free time with teaching Faith Formation class at church. I have 11- 3rd graders for an hour every Monday night. They are a blast and very talkative. Ellie is in class at the same time so it works out perfectly.
We also figured Ellie needed yet another activity to add to her busy schedule. So she joined Girl Scouts! And because I had free time, I became a troop leader! Our 13- 1st graders are such a joy and so well behaved. Not sure we could ask for a better set of kiddos. Come February we will have Girl Scout Cookies to sell if you are interested!
So we have church on Mondays, Girls Scouts on select Tuesdays, Ellie has two dance classes on Wednesdays and Neve has her dance class on Thursdays. We keep pretty busy and try to schedule in some 'free time' on the weekends. With both girls not taking naps, we have been able to accomplish so much more during the weekend hours (or so I tell myself).
Ellie celebrated her 7th birthday in November. Seriously, how did she get this old? And where is that dang pause button I have been looking for for the past 7 years? We went to Disney World over her birthday, so we kept her party very small and simple- a couple girls from school came over for pizza and movie night the week prior to her birthday.
The day before Ellie's birthday we headed to Disney World! But that is probably better covered with pictures in a different post.
My aunt passed away from cancer the week before we went to Disney, she was an amazing woman that is greatly missed.
We head to Ames a few times over winter break to celebrate with family and are excited for some family time at home as well.
I wonder what 2017 will bring?
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