The problem with writing a disseratation

Ok, I was politely reminded by my brother that I haven't blogged in 10 days.  Or maybe more than that now.  I'm too tired to hit the back button to see.

I have other things to update you all on.  I even have part of it already written, just have found that big ending.  But, let's focus on the task at hand.

I was struggling with some topical dilemmas. You see, this is supposed to be a blog about my dissertation, or at least closely related.  I started it to talk about my dissertation and as a device to get me working on it.  I sit down to write and get immediately distracted by many things.  This blog is a way to get those distractions out into the open so I can concentrate on my dissertation.  Not working.  I just get distracted.

See, here's the problem with writing a dissertation.  You have to write it, or at least some of it, while you are in school.  While you are in school you also have a gazillion other things to be doing.  At least, you have a gazillion other things to be doing regarding writing, reading, thinking, and creating.  These are also all the things you have to do with a dissertation.  Let me tell you doing all that gets really boring.  Sometimes, I just want to listen to music or watch funny, mindless comedy.  Or just do nothing.  Plus, in school there are deadlines. With a dissertation there is a deadline, but it is completely different.  I set the deadline.  In class, every teacher basically believes that their class is the most important on your schedule.  Therefore, the deadlines are set and immovable.  These deadlines take priority over the dissertation, which I have until next summer to get together.  That's ages away (not really)!

So, my dilemma is this: do I spend all my thinking/reading/writing/creative time working on a really boring 15 page paper and a 12 page sort of interesting paper, but not my research area that I have to write?  or on my dissertation, which is far more interesting?

The answer: not my choice. My first paper was due last week.  My 2nd paper is due on Thursday.
No dissertation work has been done in: too many days to count.

The meeting I did not have

I was supposed to have a meeting Tuesday with my advisor. She texted me to say she didn't feel well and didn't know if she would have much to offer.  I stopped by her office anyway, to have my time sheet signed and trick her into meeting with me.
We talked a little about my research question.  That part really interests me.  I'd love to sit down right now and design the actual study.  I'm excited about that, the data collection and the results.  I could do without the lit review, transcribing and actual data analysis.  (Actually, that's kind of a lie.  I like data analysis.  I'm just currently in the midst of data analysis that is not exciting, thus dampening my excitement for all data analysis.)  We talked a bit of strategy regarding my design, who I might interview, etc.  I told her I realized how much stinking work this is going to be.  Spare me the sighs and eye-rolls.  I know.  It's a dissertation.  I know I signed up for it.  However, it is a lot of work.
After she inspired me to get going, we delved into some delicious gossip and catching up.  What fun.

Then, I left the building and it snowed. ugh. I don't like snow.

Tomorrow, Saturday, I teach my last class for the week.  My week is slightly thrown off working Tuesday through Saturday.  Then, I'm out of town for a family funeral.  More on that later.  I really need to pack. I'm not sure if I have enough clean items of the unmentionable nature to last me for the weekend.

Distraction

Right now I am supposed to be working on a paper and a powerpoint.  I am doing neither.  Instead, Elliot and I are completely immersed in redesigning the blog.  Just changing a few things here and there.  It was starting to really bug me.  The colors and lines were off and I just could not wait another day. Now, I need to get to it though. Isaac will be calling me soon.  Hope you like the new colors. I'm sure it will change again.  What do you do to distract yourself from working?


ps. Here is a picture of Elliot, my main computer assistant:

Back to Reality

I just got back in town last night, after a really great trip to Houston for my sister's wedding.  It was a great time.  I got to see so many great people and spend some time relaxing.  After my last post, I pretty much did nothing related to school at all.  So, this post is not really school/dissertation related.  The only thing I'll say on that topic is that I have a meeting with my advisor tomorrow and I honestly have no idea if I'm supposed to bring anything in or have accomplished anything before it.  ooops!  I guess I'll find out tomorrow.  I was surprised to see that I even had an appt. with her on my calendar.
Now I'm back home, to dryer air. My cuticles are already starting to crack.  Ugh, just one more great thing about being in a place with a real winter. It is supposed to snow this week and I'm dreading that.

So, I thought I'd share my sister's wedding invitation with you all.  I had every intent to actually take photos while I was there.  I think I took about 3.  Good thing I dragged my camera and an extra lens all the way to Houston and back.  Anyway, this image pretty much captures the tone and awesomeness of their wedding.

They had a photobooth too, which was super fun! I have one shot from that, which I'll post once I scan it in.

Well, I'm off to take my computer somewhere to work. Then I have a pilates appointment with a new instructor, which I'm slightly nervous about.  I really loved Dana so much.  If you live in Evergreen, CO,  you should definitely go to Dana.  It will change your life.

I can tell I'm tired and not focused based on the schizophrenic nature of this post, so I'm off!  So much to do this week!

Awkward

You know what is awkward?  Many things.  I'll post on this topic often.  It's the problem with being a counselor.  You're constantly in meta-analysis mode.  The other problem with being a counselor, you say 'meta' alot.

Back to the topic at hand.  When someone makes a joke about a personality trait they don't believe they have, but they actually do - that's awkward.

In light of the fact that I just commented on this social phenomenon, I'd like to state, for the record, that I, myself, am awkward in various social situations.  I know this about myself.  I try to only make fun of myself in a self-deprecating way, thus avoiding the awkward situation mentioned above.  And also, I try to keep some friends around who are willing to make fun of me.  If you'd like to apply, let me know.

Hello November

Well, November is here folks.  This leaves me about 9 months until my tentative proposal deadline. I absolutely want to make this deadline, but 9 months doesn't seem long enough to put together 100 pages of writing, does it?  I can't exactly put it off until the week before.
Well, at least I've started my lit search.  This process wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  In addition, I found several lovely articles, including one on the effect of gender difference on learning to play jazz improvisation.  This is not related to my topic at all, but I found it very interesting and may use it in a class project.  So, you see, it wasn't a total waste.  Plus, I saved about 15 articles.  At some point, I will have to read those articles and glean loads of information out of them, but lets talk about that another day.
Another random fact, I got a B on my stats midterm.  I was so happy, I didn't even look through it.  I'll save that task until the night before the final.
So long folks.