In which a school-loving graduate student reflects on the balance and intersections among her life as a doctoral candidate, her love of all things knitting-related, and her adventures mothering an amazing boy along with her wife!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

me and the lovely dissertation

This is me. Well, not really ME, but an image of my past few days. Me, the keyboard, a messy study, a strong desire to procrastinate (is Top Chef calling me on the Tivo? I sure think so....), and usually a nice cup of tea.

The dissertation proposal is chugging along. Well, I think. But I'm in that twisted up brain space where I've thought about it too much, perseverated WAY too much, and now just need to once again hand it off (of course after a bit more obsessing, hopefully not at 3am). Mostly, I just want to get through this hurdle. It seems ridiculous to even stress about it since I'm already far into data collection for the beloved dissertation, but so it goes.

Not sure what my purpose is here, except to put a little image of my small life out there (to share my misery? Not really, as I haven't really been miserable).

So here's me now:


And hopefully tomorrow, after having turned in my latest and greatest, this will be my state of mind:

Zen.





Until, of course, the next upswing in the work. But I'll take it while it lasts.




Coda: Today is the 15th anniversary of my grandmother's death. She was an amazing woman. Powerful, outspoken, passionate. She was never without gaudy jewelry, wouldn't leave the house without spending 45 minutes "putting on her face" and yelled at Reagan on the TV. I love her with all of my heart and aspire to live with her kind of passion and commitment. Although I could spend time thinking of all that she's missed during these 15 years, I prefer to think, instead, about how her life has influenced mine. So I thank her for the passion she gave me for education, making a difference in the world, trusting my heart. And for showing me what it really means to have fire in your belly. Rest well, Grandma Geri.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Great time!


This weekend with Q made me really feel the strength and love of our community here, as folks reached out their arms to embrace the two of us.

Last night we had a raucous and fabulous time with great friends.

A sneak peak, thanks to a new fantabulous blogger!

Where's my love?


How very cool is this? (excuse the screenshot "noviceness")

I was wondering how very late my beloved wife's plane would be tonight, as I am awaiting her return quite eagerly, of course.

It's been an amazing weekend with just me and the Q, but after tears at bedtime, I know that it is time for our family of three to be back together.

So, I wander onto the Delta website for flight info. Once finding it, I happen on a little button that shows me the route. Not only the plane's route, but it's CURRENT location. I can track her virtually!

Nice to learn that she is merely 50 minutes away from landing and presently over my dear home state.

Waiting with baited breath here...

Friday, April 11, 2008

Home Alone

Katie is on a tropical adventure this weekend.

Q is asleep.

Me: Not quite tired enough to sleep, finding my few favorite websites uninteresting, nothing good on the telly...what to do?

I know, I know, I should and could knit, but I usually like to accompany that with some good viewing.

So, how do you cure those low moments? Any great new web finds that I must investigate?





I suppose I could just enjoy some peace and quiet a la this early morning lakeside mist....