Friday, March 09, 2007

Dissertation Update

I'm off to basically hibernate. The first full draft of my dissertation (minus conclusion) is due MARCH 16TH!! Well, I could stretch it to March 19th, as I'll be out of town, but the 16th is the date for the first round of revisions and a butchered intro (cuz trust me, that's what it will be).

I don't think it's fully hit me yet--I've been revising and some of the chapters are in okay shape. But the notes and the bibliography (the bibliography stops at chapter 3!!) and the chapters 2 and 4 (damned even numbers): aargh!!! My plan is to take a chapter a day over the next week and look at it more. The end of the day means move on. That's the hardest thing for me--letting go.

If I plan to graduate in May, all my ducks have to be in a row (defense done, dissertation submitted) by May 4.

Keep reminding me that it doesn't have to be perfect, that I actually need feedback (I hate getting backed the damned marked up papers!!), and that I can conceivably do this. Well, Texter and Sharonica, we can do this.

I leave for Louisiana this afternoon and I'll be spending most of the week in my dad's room (much to his dismay). None of the distractions of my own room, not as bright as the kitchen (I can't work in a lot of light), and people are more hesitant to come in there.

Prayers, good vibes, powerful thoughts--send 'em out.

12 comments:

Gwyneth Bolton said...

Sending lots of good vibes, good thoughts and good energy...

You can do it, Elle!

Gwyneth

Anonymous said...

Safe travels and work hard. Yes, it is hard to let go, but it sounds like you have a plan and that is good. Stick to your plan and you will be successful!

Mon said...

Sending you much energy and positive vibes!! I hope that your work is quick and productive. You WILL get this thing off your desktop!

Meagan said...

I don't know where to attribute this, but:

The best dissertation is a *done* dissertation.

You can do it!

Anonymous said...

Sending them. Be safe!

Anonymous said...

yes, you can do it! and it will be AMAZING!!! go elle!!

Courtney said...

We're cheering for you!

Another History Blog said...

You can do it, elle!

And then, the big switch, from "elle, abd" to "elle, phd," right?

Good luck.

The History Enthusiast said...

Your diss is gonna rock! Good luck with your final revisions, Ms. soon-to-be PhD!

Anonymous said...

good luck!

Suzanne said...

You can do it! And me too! My final revisions are due April 6, so I can defend in May and graduate in June.

And I hate getting back the revisions from my advisor with all the grammatical corrections on it. Eek.

Anonymous said...

Good luck.. we can do it..

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