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KERF, RD

SURPRISE!!!

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I passed the Registered Dietitian exam this afternoon!!!

I really didn’t want the pressure of the blog world knowing when I’d take it – what a let down if I didn’t pass! So I kept it a secret – and it was a hard one to keep!

If my posts were brief today, it’s because the entire day was spent like this:

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What kind of nut takes the RD exam in between huge blog conferences!? It just worked out to be a convenient time (since there wasn’t a testing center in Charlottesville) so I scheduled it anyways, knowing at the very worst I could always re-take it.

I’ve been studying for a few weeks, and piling it on in the past 7 days. I memorized all of the RD In A Flash cards and took an 800ish question practice exam on my flights to NYC. I really had no idea if it would pay off or if I was even close to being ready to take the exam!

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Do not interrupt

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But at 4PM Matt drove me to Cary and I spent an hour and 45 minutes staring at a computer, holding my breath

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I was shaking ALL DAY and cannot tell you the relief to see on the screen that I was an RD

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The test was not super hard but it was super random. I just tried to use my brain. Apparently it works 😉

While I was testing, Matt went to visit the Cary Great Harvest and came back with a bite of Cinnamon Chip to replenish my brain!

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Gnomph gnomph! I was starving

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I had a welcome party when I got home (mom was going to decorate the cake in another fashion if I hadn’t passed!)

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The Bears and Grammy spent the afternoon baking

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And flower picking

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We were also celebrating my dad’s first day at a new JOB!!

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For dinner tonight mom made a spinach soufflé (I don’t have time to type a recipe, but it was fantastic!)

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Plus ravioli and sauce

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Fruit salad

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And Great Harvest rolls

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Plus it wouldn’t be a celebration without…

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Somebody got into the cake during dinner!

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Bad Churton!

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I had two little slices – the icing was fabulous!! I asked mom what she did differently from her usual recipe and she said Emily had told her in culinary school you just "add more butter." So she did and it really made a difference in her old recipe!

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After dinner we went on a 50 minute walk all around downtown Hillsborough

SO GLAD the exam is over and I can relax ….a little! Excited to start reading books again!

Hard to believe it’s been 3 years since I decided to go back to school. My goal when I started was to open a private practice someday. I suppose I have in my own way. I do hope to do some more online nutrition counseling…sometime in the future. And writing. And blogging. And speaking. So exciting!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  7. Justy2003 says

    Congrats! I still remember when you decided to embark on this journey to become an RD. All of your hard work has definitely paid off!

    Reply

  12. Meg says

    A MILLION CONGRATULATIONS, KATH! 😀 Wow, you are SUCH an inspiration to so many people. I hope you realize how amazing you are! Celebrate immensely!

    Reply

  15. Megan says

    Congrats to you! I wondered about no commitment to a test date when you were studying those cards so hard, but I understand the need to relieve yourself of the public pressure 🙂 Take a moment to breathe and enjoy all that you have accomplished!

    Reply

  24. Laura says

    Congrats!! You are such an inspiration to me! I decided about a year ago to quit my corporate finance job to become a RD. I have been taking online classes while working still and I am FINALLY quitting my job THIS FRIDAY! I start full-time in person classes in two weeks! I have two years for a bachelors (DPD requirements) and then an internship/masters combined program. 4 years in total, but it will be so worth it!

    I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to join you professionally in 4 years 🙂

    Reply

    • janna @ janna's keeping it real says

      i just have to say, GOOD LUCK! You, like Kath, are an inspiration!

      I am in accounting, and I have often thought of pursuing my actual passion, like you both. I was actually guided to Kath’s site by an RD that was acting somewhat as a mentor, and helping me with career change questions. You both are awesome! =0)

      Reply

      • RC77 says

        Way to go, Kath!!! I just wanted to chime in and say that your blog and several others inspired me to leave my corporate job after 10 years to go back to school to become a RD. It took a huge leap of faith on my part and my husband’s (we have 2 young children and I commute 2 hours a day to class), but pursuing something you’re passionate about is always worth it in the end. Thanks for being such a great inspiration.

        Janna- I admire that you found someone who could serve as a mentor and guide you throughout your soul searching process!

        Reply

  31. Lindsey @ Sound Eats says

    Congratulations, Kath. 🙂 You have worked so hard, and are more of an inspiration than you even know. 🙂 I can’t wait until I see the same “congratulations” screen pop up, although it’ll be more like 4.5-5 years for me. I start the going back to school process in 2 weeks from today! First a 2nd bachelor’s degree, then a master’s/ internships, then the exam! I can’t wait. 🙂 Congrats again!

    Reply

  40. courtney says

    Congratulations, Kath!!! You’re going to be an awesome RD, and an awesome baker’s wife 😉 Well done! And congrats to your dad on the new job!!!

    Reply

  44. Rose-Anne says

    Congrats, lady! RD-to-be no more–now it’s Kath, RD, Eats Real Food and Is a Real Registered Dietitian. So happy for you.

    Now may I have a slice of that cake please? 😉

    Reply

  47. Eileen says

    COOOOONGRAAAAAATULATIONS!!!

    Yep, you’re crazy, squeezing in your exam between two big conferences, but now you can enjoy your second trip with such a clear head and heart. Hooray!

    Reply

  49. NC says

    Congratulations !!! , All that stress … with the blog conferences and studying to top it off … I am sure u feel awesome….

    Reply

  52. Marie says

    Congratulations, Kath! 🙂 Now you can really enjoy the next conference!

    Love the bear stories, by the way! 🙂

    Reply

  60. emily says

    Congrats! I start my program in just a few weeks, I almost feel like you are passing the torch! And thank you so much for your advice the other day 😀

    Reply

  65. Wei-Wei says

    CONGRATULATIONS! This is such awesome news! We’re so proud of you 😀 I was looking for the “I’m not a Registered Dietitian” disclaimer at the bottom of your blog but looks like you didn’t have one to start with. Check out CNC for what I’m talking about 😉

    Wei-Wei

    Reply

  68. Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf says

    CONGRATS, KATH!

    When I came to college, I had brought in 52 hours worth of credits, half of which were credit by exam. I remember all the grueling hours studying and waiting and wondering if it was enough to pass the tests. I can’t imagine how much more challenging passing the RD exam was! Celebrate! You deserve it! 🙂

    Reply

  69. Sandy says

    Fantastic!! You’re an amazing woman!!! I’m impressed at how well you handle thing’s!
    Best Wishes!! Sandy

    Reply

  71. [email protected] says

    I’m so old that when i took the RD exam, it was a classroom and I didn’t find out the result for 4-6 weeks! Gosh, how times have changed. Congrats to you and welcome to the world of registered dietitians!

    Reply

  73. Hannah says

    Congratulations!! Of course, it’s no surprise to us that you passed – it’s so clear from this blog that you really know your stuff. Well done lady!!

    Reply

  76. Laura Ann says

    Congratulations! What an amazing accomplishment!!! You must feel so good!
    p.s. I am sooooo hoping you will someday post that souffle recipe. Looks amazing!

    Reply

  80. Angela says

    Congratulations!! What an amazing accomplishment! I hope you can spend some time really treating yourself and relaxing now that you have the exam behind you!

    Reply

  83. Claire says

    A HUGE congratulations!!! Our RD’s are such big resources…couldn’t do it without them. I must say, though, that I’m glad your test was only around 2 hours. Our inservice tests (they don’t really count for anything except measuring where we are in our learning) are 4 hours…the “real” tests are either 8 hours or 16 hours! SUCH fun! 🙂 Congrats, again! now you can “relax” and enjoy the Healthy Living Summit.

    Reply

  87. Jenny says

    Congratulations! It’s awesome that you got to find out if you passed so quickly. Way back when I took the test we had to wait weeks to find out the results. Eek! It was not a fun wait!

    Reply

  88. Tyly says

    Congratulations!!!

    I’m a new reader, and I really enjoy your blog! I need to go back and figure out the bear thing, though! I’ve seen them make a few appearances… 🙂

    Reply

  97. Kelly says

    I was so excited when I saw “surprise RD” as the title! CONGRATS!!!! What a huge accomplishment. It reminds me of when I took my drivers license but didn’t tell any of my friends in case I didn’t pass.

    Congrats again!

    Reply

  99. Maggie (livingfoodjunkie) says

    WOOT KATH! Amazing accomplishment, congrats to you 🙂 I was wondering if your exam maybe soon, because you had mentioend a couple times about studying the flash cards and such. I’m so happy for you! And congrats to your Dad on his first day at his new job!! What a celebratory day for you family 🙂

    ~Maggie

    Reply

  101. Lorin says

    Congrats, hopefully I’ll be where you are in 6 years or so. I’m just starting college this fall so I’ve got awhile. 🙂 I want to be in private practice too. Owning a bakery would be pretty awesome too, but I think I would eat too much bread. 😛

    Reply

  104. ruby red says

    CONGRATS!!! I am sooo excited for you! I *should* be an RD by this time next year, too… I start my dietetic internship in just a few weeks here and wanna review a lot of MNT before I start. I feel like a summer off from class has made me super dumb!
    But what a relief for you, and a cookie cake seems like a superb way to celebrate! I’ve heard that RD exam questions are extremely random, like you said…especially with Foodservice Management questions. I am gonna laugh so hard if I get a question about footcandles…

    Reply

  107. Comically Fit says

    Congratulations (from a frequent reader/first time poster)! Looks like a lovely celebration. Love the RD cake… Reminds me of my family and our cakes for all occasions (ranging from marathon completion to SAT scores! Haha)!

    Reply

  114. Dani says

    Hooray! Congrats on your accomplishment and keep all the good stuff coming. Your blog inspires me every morning.

    Reply

  115. Ilana says

    Kath,
    CONGRATULATIONS! Wonderful news! You are a superstar. 🙂 Enjoy the fruits of your labor.
    (Glad to hear the test was a reasonable time and they gave you the results right away– the Bar exam makes you wait for almost 4 months. Guf, as you say. ;))

    Reply

  116. Casey says

    Congratulations Kath!
    The whole blogging community is so proud of you. You are truly an inspiration to us all and especially to me in order to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle. I am slowly but surely in the process of hopefully achieving what you just did.
    Congratulations!!!

    Reply

  123. Kim says

    A HUGE congratulations on passing your RD exam! 😀
    I have followed your blog for about 2 years, so thought id make my first comment now, cos its an awesome occasion! YaaaaaaY congrats Kath! 😀 : D

    Reply

  132. Julia @ Brit Bride says

    Well done my lovely!

    I have to say Kath, you are such an inspiration to me. I started reading your blog (along with some others, Jennas, Caitlins etc) and blogging myself in April. I have just posted my progress pictures with 10 weeks to go till my wedding on my blog and am so proud of my success with healthy eating and exercise – but I couldn’t have done it without the motivation and inspiration that the blog world provides!

    Thank you a thousand times, and enjoy your success!

    Julia x

    Reply

  141. coco says

    congrats Kath! It must have been hard to hold the secret from the blog world!!! 😀 Your exam sounds like a GRE… a lot of questions, random and in a short period of time, that’s a stress test in addition to knowledge test! 🙂

    Reply

  143. CMae says

    Congratulations! How fitting that you took the exam at such a busy time since your wellness philosophy is about balance! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for you next!

    Reply

  144. Kerry says

    I know this has already been said in the comments, but it is incredibly inspiring to see that you’ve finished and are now an RD! Count me in among the nutrition career changers – if everything goes well I’ll be taking my exam about 2 years from now. Thanks for always sharing your experiences in such a genuine way!

    Reply

  148. Elizabeth says

    No joke it’s a random exam – when my friends and I took the exam last summer we came out shaking our heads – “what was that!?” kinda thing. But so glad to have it over, aren’t you!?

    Reply

  158. Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says

    Congratulations, RD Kath!! Time passes so quickly- it feels like yesterday you were taking classes!! I’m sure you’ll build quite a client base from this blog alone!! Hope you do something fun today to celebrate!

    Reply

  170. Katie says

    CONGRATS Kath!!!!!!!!!!!!! I bet you are so happy it’s over and just so happy you are a RD now!!!

    Congrats to your dad too on his new job!

    THe cookie cake looks so good, love that the bears loved it too, lol! Cute!

    Have a great day! xoxo

    Reply

  171. Lindsay says

    Congratulations!! You are such an inspiration, Kath; it has been incredible to “watch” you throughout the entire process. You have taught us all that it IS possible to set a big, scary, life-changing goal, and work towards it bit by bit. Enjoy the fruits of your labor- a new chapter of your life is about to begin!

    Reply

  172. Kristie S says

    Congrats, Kath! Way to go. Glad you can relax a bit now. I still have 2/3 of my master’s degree to complete. So no relaxing for me yet.

    Reply

  175. Nicole says

    Congrats, Kath!
    Following your blog has been an inspiration to me. I’m starting the prereqs in 2 weeks and hope to enroll in the RD program in 2 years!

    Reply

  183. Lu says

    Congrats! I don’t blame you for not wanting to share with the blogging world when the exam was. I would have done the same. Also, thanks for introducing me to chia seeds and steal cut oats. My life would not be the same without them 🙂

    Reply

  192. Emily says

    Congrats, Kath! I knew you could do it! Glad that the cards helped, too. 🙂 The test is super random…it is really hard to know what to study for sure. Now you can relax a little!

    Reply

  195. JENNA says

    i’ve been reading now for the past three years! I feel so proud of you!! Great job!! 🙂 I’m excited to hear about your new adventures!

    Reply

  196. Renee says

    Hi Kath!! I’ve been reading your blog for a while now but this is my first time to comment…but I couldn’t resist saying CONGRATULATIONS! I’m also an RD and I remember how stressful it was studying for so long to take that exam and the relief that came when that final screen popped up telling me I had passed! So anyway, congrats again Kath, RD! Enjoy the extra time you have since you don’t need to study anymore! : )

    Reply

  199. Hannah says

    Congrats Kath!!! That’s so exciting and wonderful! You are definitely an inspiration to so many of your readers, including me (I’m finishing up grad school and studying my tail off for the CPA exam)!

    Reply

  201. tiffany says

    Congratulations to you! What exciting news. I love how the bears baked you a cake and the one bear got frosting on his nose sneaking a piece 🙂

    Reply

  203. Daniel says

    Wow, I can’t believe I went to bed early, I knew I was going to miss something in the blog world. Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!!!! You’ve worked so hard for this and you deserve it, I’m glad you passed!!! Ever since I started reading this blog I’ve been looking forward to the day I could say “congrats” to you for this accomplishment and I fell asleep when that day came! Haha, better late than never.

    Congrats again! ^_^

    Reply

  209. Jennifer says

    Wow, that was a surprise! I was thinking how very dedicated you were to be studying without really having a date set for the test. Congrats, that is awesome!

    Reply

  212. Courtney says

    Congratulations Kath! I don’t comment much but I have been reading your blog for three years and I’ve seen your journey! Your hard work (which is inspiring since I’m also a student – taking the GRE soon!) has really paid off.

    Reply

  216. Lauren says

    Congrats on passing! You have been such an inspiration. I actually quit my job this morning and start taking classes to become and RD in 3 weeks!

    Reply

  223. RhodeyGirl Tests says

    Congratulations Kath. Love the celebration your mom put together. I love your mom in general. She is awesome.

    I am so proud to know you, and proud of you for passing as I knew you would!

    Congrats again!

    Reply

  228. Amelia says

    Congratulations Kath! So excited everything is coming together for you. You have been such a great inspiration to motivation to me. Thanks for sharing your life and adventures with all of us.
    Now that the R.D. exam is over with, what is next on your list, besides the bakery?

    Reply

  230. Cat says

    Congrats to you Kath! You are definitely an inspiration to me as I am about to begin my journey of going back to school Spring ’11.
    Way to finish strong!

    Reply

  232. Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope says

    Congratulations! As an RN, I know all too well how it feels to take an exam like that. You’re lucky though, you got to know your results right away. I had to wait 24 hours. Let me tell you, it was the worst 24 hours of my life lol. When I passed though–aaaah, greatest feeling in the world.

    Reply

  239. Cynthia (It All Changes) says

    HUGE Congrats Kath, RD! Very smart to not tell us and have us bugging you all day about if you passed. Having been on this journey with you for part of it I’m so happy for you. It will only enhance your presentations for the bakery and at conferences 🙂

    Reply

  241. Gale says

    Congrats! I’ve been following your blog for about 6 months. It’s so encouraging…to read your blogs. Your hard work has definitely paid off and it’s delightful to see how you and your husband are a great team. Much sucess to you both!

    Reply

  243. Susan says

    CONGRATS Kath!!!!! Good idea keeping it hushed up on the blog. I yapped about my personal training exam and I was more scared at the thought of having to tell people I failed than actually failing itself! I’ve been following your blog for a couple years now, it’s pretty cool to see you finally get those two little letters – can’t wait to congratulate you in person this weekend in Chicago!! 🙂

    Reply

  261. Kristi @ Hiding in Honduras says

    I took my GRE at that same testing center..not the most stimulating environment but so awesome you passed! Congrats, Kath!

    I finally tried banana in my oats (due to an extreme lack of exciting toppings available in Honduras….luckily bananas are plentiful) and I realized what I’ve been missing! Thanks for all the little tidbits you put out there every day 🙂

    Reply

  263. judy says

    a huge congratualtions katherine! i know you will make an excellent dietician. it has been fun to hear your stories along the way. celebrate!

    Reply

  266. Danielle says

    Congrats!!I’m a relatively new reader and absolutely LOVE reading your blog. I’ve been following long enough to know what a relief this must be though! I’m taking my exam next week… getting nervous!

    Reply

  274. Melanie says

    I am one of those readers who just reads your blog but never comments (maybe once) but I am a LOYAL reader! So I had to say congrats what a great accomplishment and those index cards paid off! Your blog is fantastic with or with out RD next to your name! Enjoy the mental break you deserve it!

    Reply

  282. Veronica says

    Hi Kath, here’s one more congratulations on the RD!! I remember a while ago leaving you a comment about loathing chemistry, and you told me “time will fly” and it did! I’m done w/all sciences and just have to knock out MNT. Thanks for the daily inspiration. Good Luck with the bakery.

    Reply

  286. Erin D. says

    Hey Kath!
    I discovered your blog last year, and since then have been a loyal reader. I don’t know if I’ve ever commented–probably because I felt nervous about that–but I just wanted to say, Congratulations (on achieving your dream and more)! Your blog has really helped me understand how to eat and live healthier–so thanks much for all you do! I’m attending the Summit this weekend (I live in Chicago), so I really hope I get a chance to meet you.

    Reply

  287. Angie says

    Kath, Huge Congratulations!

    I have read your blog for several years now…you are always an inspiration. So proud of you for passing your RD exam!

    Welcome to the RD world from a fellow dietitian- Congrats!

    Reply

  290. Jennifer says

    Congratulations! I just came across your blog while I was thinking about the exam I have to take in a month to become a certified fitness instructor. I think it’s like 100 questions plus a demonstration. But man, all your studying and preparation for the R.D. really encourages me to get to it and do well!

    Reply

  294. Jenifer says

    congratulations on all of your blessings!! Just a thought… my gym does seminars about once a month on nutrition, etc. It’s American Family. I don’t think there’s one in charlottesville, but there is one in short Pump (probably about 45 min.) and one in Fredericksburg. It might be worth checking into. Not to mention I’m sure there are tons of women who would love the opportunity to have a little nutritional counseling.

    Reply

  295. Amanda Sensabaugh says

    Help me please…I did the same thing a month ago and I studied RD In A Flash and that was it thinking I was totally prepared and was so surprised at how random the exam was! I hav enow purchased the Inman study guide and am so overwhelmed and discouraged what can you suggest if anything because I do still think that RD In A Flash is a good study guide! But I struggled through school and this exam is ruining my life right now!

    Reply

  296. dcwright02 says

    congrats!! nuff said! 🙂

    p.s. soufle (don’t think I know how to spell that, too lazy to scroll back up 260 comments) looks quite yummy!

    congrats again!

    Reply

  297. Tara says

    Oh Congrats!!! Doesn’t it feel like such a relief?

    I didn’t tell anyone when I took it either. I’m not a good test-taker (I over-analyze everything and second-guess myself), and I knew SO many who had failed the first time… but I studied hard and passed the first time too! I remember groggily staring at the computer screen and thinking to myself “does that say congratulations?” Haha!

    Reply

  298. hemp jogger says

    WAY TO GO GIRL!!! enjoy your time ‘off’ 😉 thats really fantastic, great job! have fun at the summit!

    Reply

  300. Christin S says

    This is a late comment, but CONGRATULATIONS!!! I have been following your blog on and off for over 2 years of your pursuit toward becoming an RD, and it is great to see your dream fnally come to fruition…best of luck to you!! 🙂

    Reply

  302. Danica says

    Congrats Kath!!! It has been awesome following along in your 3 year journey and seeing you get your RD. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you 🙂

    Reply

  303. Torey Jones says

    Congrats Kath! I took the RD exam a year ago and you’re right – it is totally random. Jumping around between food temps, clinical nutrition, and subsidized government meal programs! I’m new to your blog – what are you hoping to do with your degree?

    Reply

  308. Ilane says

    Hey, Kath,
    I know it has almost been a year, but congrats!! I have been visiting your blog for a long long time, but this is my first post. I am in Nutrition grad school, but am planning to apply to the CPD this Fall. I have a few friends who are doing the same thing. I know it will be intense next year, but if I do not do it know, I won’t do it in the future after I get my PhD.
    As you said the exam was “random”, I wonder which questions were the most unexpected ones. Were you tested more on Food service management, medical ntr therapy…? Thanks.
    Finally, congrats on the bakery too! I hope I can visit it some day. If you are ever in Austin, TX, please let us know 🙂

    Reply

    • KathEats says

      Best of luck with your internship llane! My test had all of the topics it was supposed to, but I don’t even remember the questions!! It was so long ago.

      Reply

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