Tuesday, October 31, 2006

a day too full of events

i thought i would be able to manage my time and get some work done, but today was chalked full of things to do that kept me away from my desk. i am exhausted. better luck tomorrow.

Monday, October 30, 2006

still building my foundation

as much as i discuss my ideas and thoughts with others as well as write them down, i still find myself from time to time a bit lost and uncertain. i know what i want to do, and i have even laid out a plan of action to accomplish smaller goals on my way to tackling this phd monster. these feelings may stem from a day full of reading papers detailing research relevant to my interests, and i feel slightly intimidated at the fact that the work i am reading is done or at least much further along than mine.

one of these days, i will be confident in my own research and have a strong enough foundation and base of work to prevent me from being so easily intimidated. as much as i may try at the moment, you can't fake confidence.

p.s. - the ACLU has pulled back its forces after a long fight and many significant gains

Friday, October 27, 2006

feeling pretty good

after a long time of uneasiness concerning my research proposal and work, i finally feel a sense of confidence as i got some GREAT feedback from many other readers in the department today. it's a very exciting time for me, but also a time of LOTS of work on about three separate projects. i have finally filled the gaps in my knowledge expertise to help me through my research process. the final contacts i needed to help me learn what i need to are now an email or office visit away.

Thursday, October 26, 2006

what happened to yesterday's blog entry???

i had all good intentions to post a blog yesterday, but i had some things come up. i wound up rushing out of my office to get changed for an advanced students matriculation dinner at my college. on my way out of my office, i said that i would just post the blog after dinner. well.........dinner lasted much longer than i anticipated. it was also more draining. after being in the US so long this summer, i forgot how pretentious and posh events like this can be..............*deep sigh*. anyway.........when i got home around 11 pm the power went out soon after i got in the door good. the lights had been surging dim and bright for about 3-5 minutes, so i knew something was up. it turns out that a worker across the street cut a line. the power was not restored until around 6 am this morning. hence, no blog.

today, i did not get as much work as i had planned to do, but my supervision sessions went well. i have another session tomorrow. my goal for this year is to have a productive day EVERYDAY. i would prefer "productive" in this sense to mean physical/tangible work/progress, but i know that may be a bit ambitious. who cares. i am trying to get this research done, get my degree, and change the world!!!

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

just get it down on paper

i spent a good portion of the day mapping out my next moves and firming up my action items to accomplish my short-term goals. this exercise helped to quench any feelings of despair by breaking up the bigger picture into smaller, more "seeable" tasks. this actually has motivated me because i can see some low-hanging fruit at the end of this short tunnel among many.

Monday, October 23, 2006

my brain hurts

after so long away from my work here, i have really jumped back in full-speed ahead. it was a very intense and draining day, but i am happy with what i got accomplished. i guess i am back in the swing of things. *deep sigh*...................here we go.

Friday, October 20, 2006

back in cambridge

after many months back in the US, i finally made it back to the UK yesterday. it's been pretty hectic getting back, but i finally have settled in my new place and back in the office. i am preparing to hit the ground running monday as i try and pick up where i left off back in june.