Sunday, 6 April 2008

Still alive

I haven't been writing anywhere, not just here, so don't be mad ;-)

Haha, as you pretty much all already know, I've been in a major thesis slump, and some stuffhad to get resolved to get that going. I feel the same amount of anxiety over the thing, but that will be there until I am making progress, so fair enough. I am ready to dive back in after over a week off the case (not writing anyways, lots of thinking  guess) and I'm trying to cut down on fantasizing about being done to keep things flowing.

Other than that, it's been birthday time for me and I am looking forward to getting good at making tortillas on my new press! I have been looking forward to that for pretty much a really long time, so that's cool. Also, several family members have promised me birthday surprises still, so I get the pleasure of essentially randomly getting presents in the mail, which everyone loves. So that's pretty cool too. 

I'm still working on keeping a healthy perspective on this whole thesis thing, and it helps me tremendously to remember that is takes as long as it takes and that's okay. One thing that tends to worry me is if it goes longer into the summer than I want it to, which it may, but I can't really help that. Que sera sera, so relax, you know? 

Working on it and feeling pretty good! 

:-)

Friday, 4 April 2008

Clearly I do not know how to space paragraphs on blogs properly

Keepin' goin'

Another favorite PHD comic. Image from here.

After venting and almost crying, I feel a bit more calm about this thesis-writing situation. I just have to do a bit every day, and stay focused. Even though I haven't actually written that much, I feel a bit more clear about what I'm actually going to write, and have gotten some more sources to 'beef-up' my methods section. This weekend, I'm going to go thru my interviews, and code them, and put them into fancy tables. I'm also going to even-out my methods section. Fun times!

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Happy almost Birthday MARIANNE!!!! Why didn't you warn me??!!!??? *hugs*

Nathewrima? Nathewrinep?

So, based on Sarah's input I've revamped the Nathewrimo page, deleted the page tracker spreadsheet, and gotten rid of the rules. We've never really been "rules" girls anyways, right??

Anyways, Nathewrimo is now in it's second month so it's maybe more appropriate to call it the National THesis WRIting MArathon (or maybe closer to how we are feel...NAtional THesis WRiting NeverEnding Process). Anyways, hopefully we all continue to work hard and as my wise thesis advisor suggested lets "just get the damn thing done!"

April showers bring May flowers...

Hello ladies...


I was encouraged to contribute a little more to this blog...here is my attempt:)
This month seems to have started off an a low note for all...but may I remind you that it is April!!! Here are some lovely quotes about spring to inspire you:

"I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden."- Ruth Stout

"Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day."- W. Earl Hall

"When March goes on forever, And April's twice as long, Who gives a damn if spring has come, As long as winter's gone."- R. L. Ruzicka

Ok so these aren't really that great, but I tried. Maybe we can all get together and watch Bambi to celebrate the season...or we could start some sort of spring/summer preparation group where we could practice dodging cars on our bikes, avoiding dog poop on the sidewalk and chasing after the ice cream man at record speed (does anyone remember dickie dee??). Tomorrow I am going to walk around the block in my bathing suit and high heels to get ready for swim suit season if anyone wants to join me.

There is a little running motivational trick where, for every kilometer you run in training, you take an elastic band and start forming a ball...and eventually it gets gigantic and you get to see how much you've accomplished. I might try this trick, since keeping track of page numbers in word documents does not seem to work....so tomorrow I am going to walk around the block in my bathing suit and high heels carrying a small ball of elastic bands. I will leave bail money with my landlord.

I hope everyone has a great weekend! I leave you with these little poems...

Don't Quitby: Unknown Author
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.
When care is pressing you down a bit.
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns
As every one of us sometimes learns.
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out:
Don't give up though the pace seems slow -You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out -The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.
And you never can tell how close you are.
It may be near when it seems so far: So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again

If I had my child to raise all over again,I'd finger-paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I'd teach less about the love of power, And more about the power of love.
Diane Loomans

Wednesday, 2 April 2008

Nathewrimo - April edition

Hey guys,

Well I sent off my chapters to Ian as promise at 8pm on March 31st. As Marianne pointed out, my time to productivity ratio was very poor at that point....so I just sent it off to Ian for comments. I took yesterday off to take care of a few nagging tasks that have been neglected lately, like clipping my toe nails and waxing my legs. I'm back to work today and I've been trying to start chapter 4, but so far I have been spectacularly unsuccessful. The sunshine at this point is very distracting, so I am planning on getting out for a run later.

I hope you are feeling better Sarah! Getting sick really sucks, especially when you are trying to get stuff done.

Also, this week has seemed really long, so I think beers on Friday are in order. How does Friday, 4pm at the grad house sound??

Talk to you ladies soon!

Tuesday, 1 April 2008

Sick!!

Boo Sick! Boooo.....

I started to feel it yesterday, and today I feel terrible. I have a pretty bad cold - body ache, chest wheezy, stomach nauseous. I was supposed to go to UofG for an Alumni event - Grad Launch. But fortunately, it has been unanimously agreed that I should stay home and rest (and not share my germs with the world).

I hate being sick...