It's not my normal weigh-in day (that's tomorrow) but I'm so excited that I have to blog about it. I saw the number 204.0 on the scale this morning!! I feel great. I haven't done a great job of logging my food this week but I have been staying away from the processed food the last few days and I can feel a difference. I am really excited to cross the 10 pounds gone mark, only 0.8 pounds to go :) Then, to have my weight begin with a "1" will be amazing. Maybe in two weeks I'll be back in the one hundreds. Ahh, just daydreaming about the day.
What else has been going on? Oh, my dissertation, ugh. I'm still not done with it. As soon as a post this I'm going to pack up and head to my "office" aka Starbucks and get to work. I'm determined to finish the revisions today, have the husband proof read and edit tomorrow and then e-mail it to the Prof and hopefully set a defense date so that I can book my flight to Indiana and get it done! I wonder how much less stress eating I'll do once the dissertation is done? I'm guessing I'll lose 5 pounds instantly :)
Showing posts with label dissertation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dissertation. Show all posts
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Down another pound this week! I'm very happy with that result since I had a pretty bad eating week. With so much going on over the weekend I'm ecstatic that I lost anything. Here are this weeks calorie and weight charts:
As you can see, I was up over my calorie range quite a bit this week. Fortunately I still never went over my BMR. My average calories consumed was 1653 but it may have been higher because some of my meals were really difficult to guesstimate.
Here is my weight chart, there is a huge increase that corresponds to Sunday's baby shower. I'm so happy though because I still didn't go over 210 pounds this week!! I'm at my 2009 low right now at 207.4 and I really think that in 2 weeks I can be below 200 if I just keep logging and making good choices.
My eating is doing well but I am suffering on the exercise front. I just haven't had time to get out and exercise. This week I started my job as a nanny and it is much more active so I'm hoping that will make a big difference for me. I'm going to start the sweatsuit to swimsuit bootcamp tonight after work. I really would like to get into a smaller cuter swimsuit :)
As you can see, I was up over my calorie range quite a bit this week. Fortunately I still never went over my BMR. My average calories consumed was 1653 but it may have been higher because some of my meals were really difficult to guesstimate.
Here is my weight chart, there is a huge increase that corresponds to Sunday's baby shower. I'm so happy though because I still didn't go over 210 pounds this week!! I'm at my 2009 low right now at 207.4 and I really think that in 2 weeks I can be below 200 if I just keep logging and making good choices.
My eating is doing well but I am suffering on the exercise front. I just haven't had time to get out and exercise. This week I started my job as a nanny and it is much more active so I'm hoping that will make a big difference for me. I'm going to start the sweatsuit to swimsuit bootcamp tonight after work. I really would like to get into a smaller cuter swimsuit :)
Thursday, June 04, 2009
I'm feeling so much better today. After yesterdays fiasco, I am back on track. The amazing thing is that I did not go over my calorie goal for the day yesterday. I actually sat on the couch thinking about what terrible food I could eat to make myself feel better. I thought about a pint of Ben and Jerry's, a pack of cookie dough, making brownies, Jack in the Box and many others. I did end up going to Jack in the Box but only after I planned out my eating for the day to make sure it would fit into my goals. It did, so, I went. It was good. Jack did not solve all of my problems but it was tasty and nice not to cook anything. After lunch I went grocery shopping and then came home and cleaned up the house, that made me feel instantly better. I also turned on some tunes and just enjoyed some upbeat music while reading my favorite blogs. It felt very indulgent to take the day off when I have so much to do. But, today I'm making up for it. I've been cruising through the changes and am still hopeful to have a draft to my chair tonight. I don't think he'll read it until next week but at least it will be off my plate.
Oh, and now I'm e-mailing my paper to my husband at the end of each day so that there will always be a copy of the latest draft hanging out in cyberspace.
Oh, and now I'm e-mailing my paper to my husband at the end of each day so that there will always be a copy of the latest draft hanging out in cyberspace.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
This has been one of the worst days I've had in a long time! Yesterday I worked for 10 hours on my dissertation, I interpreted at least 20 tables and felt really good about my progress. I got up at 6 am this morning and ran 16 new analyses, created a table and wrote up the results. I was just moving on to chapter 5 when I decided to go to Starbucks. I clicked the "safely remove hardware" button to remove my flash drive and it said I couldn't take it out because it was working, so, I waited a few minutes and then tried again. My computer said it was safe, my computer lied to me. I went to Starbucks, ordered my beverage and opened up my laptop. When I clicked on my document an error came up. OH NO!!!!! The file has been corrupted, it asks if I want to try and recover it, I click yes, of course. NOOOOOOOOO!!! Not an option. It is irretrievable. I called my husband, left Starbuck's and started crying. This was 9am. My husband tried to open it on his computer, we e-mailed to his techie dad. No luck. It's gone.
Now for the good news, I saved a separate copy on Monday afternoon. I have lost 10 hours of work, everything that I did in the last 24 hours is gone. I'm not sure why or how but I do know that it sucks and it still brings tears to my eyes. I had hoped that by this time today I'd be clicking send and e-mailing my entire dissertation to my major professor before he hops a plan tomorrow morning. Now, I can't stop crying and I've been reading archived blogs for the last 3 hours. I haven't even eaten yet, I just got home and put on my PJ's. I didn't even drink my coffee, I gave it to my husband.
I know that I should snap out of it and get to work that it should go quicker the second time around but I just can't do it right now. I want to continue my pity party for just a bit longer - even the sky is crying for me and I can't believe it but some massive thunder just sounded, see, even the sky is angry at my computer. Or, is God telling me to get off my a$$ and get to work? Hmmm...
Now for the good news, I saved a separate copy on Monday afternoon. I have lost 10 hours of work, everything that I did in the last 24 hours is gone. I'm not sure why or how but I do know that it sucks and it still brings tears to my eyes. I had hoped that by this time today I'd be clicking send and e-mailing my entire dissertation to my major professor before he hops a plan tomorrow morning. Now, I can't stop crying and I've been reading archived blogs for the last 3 hours. I haven't even eaten yet, I just got home and put on my PJ's. I didn't even drink my coffee, I gave it to my husband.
I know that I should snap out of it and get to work that it should go quicker the second time around but I just can't do it right now. I want to continue my pity party for just a bit longer - even the sky is crying for me and I can't believe it but some massive thunder just sounded, see, even the sky is angry at my computer. Or, is God telling me to get off my a$$ and get to work? Hmmm...
Friday, May 29, 2009
Let me set the scene: I went to Starbucks at 9am this morning to continue the revisions on my dissertation. I ordered my grande decaf soy caramel Machiato and sat down to get to work. I managed to work for 4 hours straight and get a lot accomplished. Then, I got hungry and I realized I had to go to a library for some resources. So, what to do? It's a straight line from my house to the library with Starbuck's about 1/5 of the way towards the library. Do I go home and grab a quick bite and then head to the library or do I try to save time and stop for fast food on the way? Quite the dilemma! I was really craving some fatty, greasy food so I went to my nutrition planner page and plugged in the meal that I really wanted. It left me with 235 calories for dinner. So, I have to ask myself if I'm willing to have this one delicious meal now and then veggies and maybe a little meat for dinner or would I rather spread out my calories a little more evenly.
The decision: Eat the burger and fries and eat bird food for dinner. Yep, that's the one I went with and I really enjoyed the burger and fries.
Here is why I'm not upset about the decision: I did not act in haste, I didn't react to an emotional urge to eat. I thought about it and used all of the available information to make a good decision. So, tonight I'll enjoy green beans, small chicken breast tender and strawberries for dessert.
I feel like I'm learning to make choices and think about the overall effects of those choices rather than just think about what I want at the moment. For me, this is a huge step. I'm such an emotional eater and I've been under a lot of stress lately so it's amazing that I seem to be in control of my eating. Or, maybe God is in control now that I think about it. I have been actively praying that God will take away my anxiety and help me to focus on the tasks that I need to get done. Yep, that's probably why this attempt is going so much better than my previous attempts. Amazing how that happens!
Thanks for all of the positive feedback. I guess that I'll know if this is truly the last time I start the journey towards health in a couple months! If I'm still going strong then I really have done it.
For your entertainment, a comic strip that expresses my exact dissertation experience:
www.phdcomics.com/comics
/archive.php?comicid=1112
The decision: Eat the burger and fries and eat bird food for dinner. Yep, that's the one I went with and I really enjoyed the burger and fries.
Here is why I'm not upset about the decision: I did not act in haste, I didn't react to an emotional urge to eat. I thought about it and used all of the available information to make a good decision. So, tonight I'll enjoy green beans, small chicken breast tender and strawberries for dessert.
I feel like I'm learning to make choices and think about the overall effects of those choices rather than just think about what I want at the moment. For me, this is a huge step. I'm such an emotional eater and I've been under a lot of stress lately so it's amazing that I seem to be in control of my eating. Or, maybe God is in control now that I think about it. I have been actively praying that God will take away my anxiety and help me to focus on the tasks that I need to get done. Yep, that's probably why this attempt is going so much better than my previous attempts. Amazing how that happens!
Thanks for all of the positive feedback. I guess that I'll know if this is truly the last time I start the journey towards health in a couple months! If I'm still going strong then I really have done it.
For your entertainment, a comic strip that expresses my exact dissertation experience:
www.phdcomics.com/comics
/archive.php?comicid=1112
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
So, I'm doing two entries today because I didn't want to mix up my progress report with talk of the dis. Several have commented that they'd like to know what I'm writing about so, here it is:
CONTEXT, CONGREGATION AND COMMUNITY: THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL CONTEXT ON CREATING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY IN CATHOLIC PARISHES
Yep, that's the title, catchy isn't it? No, well, too bad.
So, in a nutshell I have a data set with 500 participants from all over the country who answered questions about their Catholic parish and then I matched each participant up with census data for the county that they live in and some religion data for the county and am trying to explain respondents feeling that their parish provides Sense of Community with changes in the county. Doesn't that sound exciting? Let me know if you are a grammar nerd and I'll send you a draft of the 100 page document to proof :)
Today I'm back at Starbucks, a little disheartened after looking up nutritional information, but ready to get these revisions done! Thanks for all of your encouragement - I may change my username to Dr.Suzie once this is done, just because I can!
CONTEXT, CONGREGATION AND COMMUNITY: THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL CONTEXT ON CREATING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY IN CATHOLIC PARISHES
Yep, that's the title, catchy isn't it? No, well, too bad.
So, in a nutshell I have a data set with 500 participants from all over the country who answered questions about their Catholic parish and then I matched each participant up with census data for the county that they live in and some religion data for the county and am trying to explain respondents feeling that their parish provides Sense of Community with changes in the county. Doesn't that sound exciting? Let me know if you are a grammar nerd and I'll send you a draft of the 100 page document to proof :)
Today I'm back at Starbucks, a little disheartened after looking up nutritional information, but ready to get these revisions done! Thanks for all of your encouragement - I may change my username to Dr.Suzie once this is done, just because I can!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Yep, I'm feeling like Eeyore right about now. I was super excited yesterday when I finished up the last pages of my dissertation draft and then this morning I started looking through the comments from my Chair on chapters 1-3. Boy did that take all of the helium out of my balloon 
Here is a sample of comments sprinkled throughout the pages:
This page is weak; try again
This is all subjective
EXPAND!!
Text is often sketchy
Have you thought about hiring an editor?
Really, those are real comments - and I haven't even gone through chapter 2 which I know is the worst.
There is one positive thought in all of this, if I can figure out how to fix all of these problems I will not need anymore revisions. I'm trying to focus on this bit and take it as constructive criticism because obviously the Chair being nice to me for the last 2 years has gotten me finished. I'm also glad that I'm at my husbands office and brought a fixed amount of food with me because my first instinct was to go to the closest Jack in the Box and order: sourdough Jack, curly fries, eggrolls, maybe some tacos and a milkshake. Instead I ate Trader Joe's enchiladas (260 cals) cherries and a diet coke. I'm so thankful I wasn't alone when I read all of this!!
So, that's what's happening here. I'm trying very hard to be positive and remember that the Chair doesn't hate me, he wants me to finish, he wants me to do well and I'm reading way more criticism and negativity into the comments than were intended. I've already had a good cry about it so hopefully it's out of my system and I can work through it and be done with it soon!
Here is a sample of comments sprinkled throughout the pages:
This page is weak; try again
This is all subjective
EXPAND!!
Text is often sketchy
Have you thought about hiring an editor?
Really, those are real comments - and I haven't even gone through chapter 2 which I know is the worst.
There is one positive thought in all of this, if I can figure out how to fix all of these problems I will not need anymore revisions. I'm trying to focus on this bit and take it as constructive criticism because obviously the Chair being nice to me for the last 2 years has gotten me finished. I'm also glad that I'm at my husbands office and brought a fixed amount of food with me because my first instinct was to go to the closest Jack in the Box and order: sourdough Jack, curly fries, eggrolls, maybe some tacos and a milkshake. Instead I ate Trader Joe's enchiladas (260 cals) cherries and a diet coke. I'm so thankful I wasn't alone when I read all of this!!
So, that's what's happening here. I'm trying very hard to be positive and remember that the Chair doesn't hate me, he wants me to finish, he wants me to do well and I'm reading way more criticism and negativity into the comments than were intended. I've already had a good cry about it so hopefully it's out of my system and I can work through it and be done with it soon!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Dissertation Procrastination
Yep, just like the title suggests, I'm writing this in order to avoid writing the discussion and suggestions for future research parts of my dissertation. My husband imposed deadline for writing these pages is 7pm - it is now 5:22pm.
Anyway, I actually have something important to write about. This week I've been doing really well with my diet but then I realized that I haven't done one minute of cardio or strength training and so I wasn't sure if my calorie range was right. It wasn't, it was based on burning around 2000 calories a week in exercise. So, I decided to calculate my BMR and my "maintenance" calories. I found out that to maintain my weight of 213 I should eat about 2200 calories. Fortunately I've averaged about 1700 this week so I should still come out with a loss but it won't be as much as I'd like it to be. Anyway, I lowered my calorie burn goal to 1200 since I'm going to be so busy this week with dissertation work I don't think I'll get to the gym so I need to focus on eating healthy. We'll see how that works :)
On another positive note, I went to a picnic today and here is what I ate: 1 cheeseburger, 1 serving of chex mix, 1 cookie and lots of fruit and veggies. I'm pretty darn proud of that. I avoided the dessert and pasta salad by focusing on conversation and not wanting to have my mouth full while talking to everyone. It was great because there were lots of people that I'd never met and so I got to know a lot of new people and I didn't overeat. We also kept our timeline and only stayed 2 hours so that I would have plenty of time to work on my dissertation. So, now that I've written this and gotten it out of my system I will close out the internet and maximize my Word document and get the darn thing done!
Yep, just like the title suggests, I'm writing this in order to avoid writing the discussion and suggestions for future research parts of my dissertation. My husband imposed deadline for writing these pages is 7pm - it is now 5:22pm.
Anyway, I actually have something important to write about. This week I've been doing really well with my diet but then I realized that I haven't done one minute of cardio or strength training and so I wasn't sure if my calorie range was right. It wasn't, it was based on burning around 2000 calories a week in exercise. So, I decided to calculate my BMR and my "maintenance" calories. I found out that to maintain my weight of 213 I should eat about 2200 calories. Fortunately I've averaged about 1700 this week so I should still come out with a loss but it won't be as much as I'd like it to be. Anyway, I lowered my calorie burn goal to 1200 since I'm going to be so busy this week with dissertation work I don't think I'll get to the gym so I need to focus on eating healthy. We'll see how that works :)
On another positive note, I went to a picnic today and here is what I ate: 1 cheeseburger, 1 serving of chex mix, 1 cookie and lots of fruit and veggies. I'm pretty darn proud of that. I avoided the dessert and pasta salad by focusing on conversation and not wanting to have my mouth full while talking to everyone. It was great because there were lots of people that I'd never met and so I got to know a lot of new people and I didn't overeat. We also kept our timeline and only stayed 2 hours so that I would have plenty of time to work on my dissertation. So, now that I've written this and gotten it out of my system I will close out the internet and maximize my Word document and get the darn thing done!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Well, I was over by about 50 calories today but that included eating out at a Thai restaurant and going to Golden Spoon! I'm very proud of myself. I was up a pound this morning but I also got my monthly gift this afternoon so I'm thinking it was just a little water weight, we'll see on Wednesday - my official weigh-in day.
Today has been a bit of a struggle in one area though, I haven't been as diligent about my dissertation work as I need to be. I need to have an entire draft done by Monday night if I want a chance to graduate this Summer (for real, not just wear the cap and gown). So, now I'm going to analyze some correlation tables and OLS regressions. Wish me luck! Tomorrow I'm on to conclusions and discussion!
Today has been a bit of a struggle in one area though, I haven't been as diligent about my dissertation work as I need to be. I need to have an entire draft done by Monday night if I want a chance to graduate this Summer (for real, not just wear the cap and gown). So, now I'm going to analyze some correlation tables and OLS regressions. Wish me luck! Tomorrow I'm on to conclusions and discussion!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
So, today I should have been writing my dissertation and running analyses in SPSS but instead the husband and I posted most of our furniture on Craigslist in the hopes that we can make a little money and get rid of some stuff that won't fit into our new, much smaller apartment. We posted a lot of stuff with the hopes of selling just some of it so that we don't have to pay for storage fees.
Anyway, our financial situation is a mess and we are trying to be prepared for the worst case scenario: lots of lawyers fees to get our non-rent-paying tenants out and then not being able to find new tenants. Suffice to say, I have a headache and am stressed to the max.
Anyway, our financial situation is a mess and we are trying to be prepared for the worst case scenario: lots of lawyers fees to get our non-rent-paying tenants out and then not being able to find new tenants. Suffice to say, I have a headache and am stressed to the max.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Here I am, I'm back but I may be heading to Indiana sooner than I had anticipated! Graduation weekend was great, both of my sets of parents were there along with my in-laws. It really was a special weekend, although it was a little stressful. I had a good heart-to-heart with my major professor, I don't think he believes that I can finish my dissertation this Summer. It was really disheartening to see that he doesn't believe in me. I know that I've procrastinated a ton and I'm not the best writer but I know that I can do it and up until this past week I really felt like he believed in me too. It was just a bit disappointing and so, what should have been a joyous and wonderful weekend had a figurative and literal rain cloud hanging over it. Anyway, here is a picture that my husband took. I didn't really like any of the full-length shots - I don't think anyone looks good in a cap and gown!
Okay, on to the present and whats going on now. Well, I went grocery shopping yesterday and was all set to get on track and lose this weight. Then, I got a very disturbing e-mail. We have to evict the tenants in our house in Indiana, apparently their checks bounced and after 18 days they haven't gotten us the money. I feel bad for them but at the same time I feel really taken advantage of because now we have to deal with legal fees and get the sheriff involved and quite honestly, we do not have the money to deal with all of this. I felt really stressed by the news and called my husband and we talked about our options - not too many right now. I'm just frustrated by all of the obstacles that keep getting in the way of progress and it's annoying!! Anyway, I'm not concentrating here in California and the husband wants to send me back to Indiana until I finish writing and defend my dissertation. That means I may leave this weekend and come back around mid-June. Not psyched about being gone so long but I know it's probably the right decision so that I can focus and be there to deal with the house if I need to.
So, that's what's going on. With all the stress I really wanted to eat and eat and eat but I didn't, I went to the pool and laid in the sun instead. I went over my calories but not as bad as I thought it would be - progress.
Now for the whole point of this post - reworking my goals. Obviously I have not made my first goal which was 200 by 5/1. Not even close so here are my revised goals:
06/23/09 - Under 200 (my birthday)
09/19/09 - No longer "obese" (185 lbs) (hubby's birthday)
12/25/09 - back to engagement weight (170 lbs)
03/01/10 - No longer "overweight" (150 lbs)
05/01/10 - Ultimate weight goal 135 pounds!
Okay, on to the present and whats going on now. Well, I went grocery shopping yesterday and was all set to get on track and lose this weight. Then, I got a very disturbing e-mail. We have to evict the tenants in our house in Indiana, apparently their checks bounced and after 18 days they haven't gotten us the money. I feel bad for them but at the same time I feel really taken advantage of because now we have to deal with legal fees and get the sheriff involved and quite honestly, we do not have the money to deal with all of this. I felt really stressed by the news and called my husband and we talked about our options - not too many right now. I'm just frustrated by all of the obstacles that keep getting in the way of progress and it's annoying!! Anyway, I'm not concentrating here in California and the husband wants to send me back to Indiana until I finish writing and defend my dissertation. That means I may leave this weekend and come back around mid-June. Not psyched about being gone so long but I know it's probably the right decision so that I can focus and be there to deal with the house if I need to.
So, that's what's going on. With all the stress I really wanted to eat and eat and eat but I didn't, I went to the pool and laid in the sun instead. I went over my calories but not as bad as I thought it would be - progress.
Now for the whole point of this post - reworking my goals. Obviously I have not made my first goal which was 200 by 5/1. Not even close so here are my revised goals:
06/23/09 - Under 200 (my birthday)
09/19/09 - No longer "obese" (185 lbs) (hubby's birthday)
12/25/09 - back to engagement weight (170 lbs)
03/01/10 - No longer "overweight" (150 lbs)
05/01/10 - Ultimate weight goal 135 pounds!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
So, I told my husband about yesterday's blog. He wasn't terribly surprised and he agreed that I am a huge procrastinator and he is now going to become my coach and push me if necessary. So, today I have been very productive although not getting as much done on my dissertation as I would like but I did open the document and rearrange things per my major professor's notes and I took out some parts and added a few sentences. I feel more accomplished so tomorrow I'm going to do the same again and before you know it, it will be done and I'll have to find something else to complain about :)
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
So, I told my husband about yesterday's blog. He wasn't terribly surprised and he agreed that I am a huge procrastinator and he is now going to become my coach and push me if necessary. So, today I have been very productive although not getting as much done on my dissertation as I would like but I did open the document and rearrange things per my major professor's notes and I took out some parts and added a few sentences. I feel more accomplished so tomorrow I'm going to do the same again and before you know it, it will be done and I'll have to find something else to complain about :)
Monday, April 20, 2009
So, I just realized that I haven't written about the largest stressor in my life right now: The Dissertation. Yes, the dreaded dissertation. I know that it won't write itself. I know I'll feel better if I just work on it for an hour or two. But, I don't. Why? Am I really just lazy? I mean, I have the cap and gown ordered, I have the plane ticket for graduation but I just can't seem to get over this final hurdle.
My relationship with my dissertation is beginning to remind me of my relationship with my body and my weight. I want to do it, I can see the end result. I can see a happier, healthier person. I just can't seem to take the necessary step to make it happen. I know what to do, I've written papers (lost weight), but I just can't seem to complete the biggest paper of all (keep the weight off). Interesting metaphor. I need to get to the bottom of this and figure out what is keeping me from finishing these two major goals in my life.
I feel motivated, I want it, I can see it, I know all the steps to take. What is in my way? I'll get back to you once I figure that out. For now, I'm going to muscle through and start by revising one page - eating one healthy meal - walking 1 mile.
My relationship with my dissertation is beginning to remind me of my relationship with my body and my weight. I want to do it, I can see the end result. I can see a happier, healthier person. I just can't seem to take the necessary step to make it happen. I know what to do, I've written papers (lost weight), but I just can't seem to complete the biggest paper of all (keep the weight off). Interesting metaphor. I need to get to the bottom of this and figure out what is keeping me from finishing these two major goals in my life.
I feel motivated, I want it, I can see it, I know all the steps to take. What is in my way? I'll get back to you once I figure that out. For now, I'm going to muscle through and start by revising one page - eating one healthy meal - walking 1 mile.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Yesterday ended up being a great day. I did my strength training but skipped cardio because my calves are really sore from all of the hills on Tuesday. Anyway, I made dissertation progress, teaching progress, had lunch with a new friend and made what I consider the award-winning Pillsbury recipe. Oh, and the Pillsbury recipe is going to be as low-cal as I can make it. It's a lemon cheesecake roll with strawberry topping, it was tasty! More on the recipe once I submit it and everything.
Yesterday I went out to eat and I picked a spinach salad from the menu and it was soooo good! It had a little bacon, tomato and portabella on it and a very tasty honey mustard dressing. I'd say it was close to the best salad I've ever had. I'm going to try to recreate it at home with some fat-free honey mustard and some fake bacon and more mushroom. The place we went is known for it's sweet potato fries and I'm very proud of myself for resisting the temptation.
Anyway, I also moved from stage 1 to stage 2 of the Spark plan which is exciting so now my goal is to stay in my range for at least 6 out of 7 days. Okay, hubz is out of the shower so I better finish making breakfast and coffee.
Yesterday I went out to eat and I picked a spinach salad from the menu and it was soooo good! It had a little bacon, tomato and portabella on it and a very tasty honey mustard dressing. I'd say it was close to the best salad I've ever had. I'm going to try to recreate it at home with some fat-free honey mustard and some fake bacon and more mushroom. The place we went is known for it's sweet potato fries and I'm very proud of myself for resisting the temptation.
Anyway, I also moved from stage 1 to stage 2 of the Spark plan which is exciting so now my goal is to stay in my range for at least 6 out of 7 days. Okay, hubz is out of the shower so I better finish making breakfast and coffee.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The stress of writing a dissertation
Maybe I should have stuck with my original plan to be an elementary school teacher. Yeah, the hours are terrible, the work is hard and the pay is just okay but man, I would have been done with school about 5 years ago. That's 5 years that I could have been earning an income rather than racking up the debt. I need to stop thinking about it though, I chose the path I chose and I just need to finish the race that I started over 6 years ago. I guess that if I hadn't chosen grad school and a PhD I would never have met my husband or my best friends. I probably wouldn't live in the Los Angeles area either. It's interesting what an impact that one decision that I made 7 years ago has had on my life.
Right now, I sort of wish that I had made a different choice or at least chosen to stay in Indiana rather than move while I'm still trying to finish up my dissertation. But, that's not the choice I made and now I'm struggling because of that choice. I am trying to work on my current round of revisions but I just don't want to, I don't care about this line of research anymore. I want to do other things with my career! Anyway, I guess I should turn my thinking around and get this done so that I can do those things. The quicker I get through these revisions the sooner I'll be able to move on with my research. Yeah, that's it, finish quickly so that I can move on.
Speaking of moving on, I applied for the visiting professor job. They finally approved the budget for it and I took in my application materials. Now I'm just waiting to hear whether or not I'll get to interview for the job. I really want this job. I want to teach, even if it is a lot of intro. I want to be back in the classroom interacting with students again.
Another thing that I want that really has nothing to do with my dissertation is to run another half marathon. I'm thinking Long Beach or the other Dreamin' series race in SoCal. I think I can do it and I really want something to train for. It's hard though when I can't really afford to buy new running shoes or sports bras. I know that the training will help relieve stress and make me feel better though. I'm going to start small and build up to it. It will also help me with my weight loss goals which have really stalled the last few months. I'm working on it though and I know that it will all come together soon.
Right now, I sort of wish that I had made a different choice or at least chosen to stay in Indiana rather than move while I'm still trying to finish up my dissertation. But, that's not the choice I made and now I'm struggling because of that choice. I am trying to work on my current round of revisions but I just don't want to, I don't care about this line of research anymore. I want to do other things with my career! Anyway, I guess I should turn my thinking around and get this done so that I can do those things. The quicker I get through these revisions the sooner I'll be able to move on with my research. Yeah, that's it, finish quickly so that I can move on.
Speaking of moving on, I applied for the visiting professor job. They finally approved the budget for it and I took in my application materials. Now I'm just waiting to hear whether or not I'll get to interview for the job. I really want this job. I want to teach, even if it is a lot of intro. I want to be back in the classroom interacting with students again.
Another thing that I want that really has nothing to do with my dissertation is to run another half marathon. I'm thinking Long Beach or the other Dreamin' series race in SoCal. I think I can do it and I really want something to train for. It's hard though when I can't really afford to buy new running shoes or sports bras. I know that the training will help relieve stress and make me feel better though. I'm going to start small and build up to it. It will also help me with my weight loss goals which have really stalled the last few months. I'm working on it though and I know that it will all come together soon.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Life in the real world...
Ahh, I'm just another working stiff. I go sit in a small office where the temperature is either too hot or too cold and type away at my computer all day and then come home to a house that needs to be cleaned and laundry that needs to be done. I already miss the days when I got to stay home and take care of the house and my husband, ah, the good 'ol days!
My job isn't bad, I like my boss and I don't really interact with too many coworkers so theres not a lot to complain about. I just miss my free time and time to cook dinner for my hubbie. It's going to take some getting used to. Fortunately I have a very flexible schedule and good friends to have lunch with.
Unfortunately, I am barely making progress on my dissertation! I got a call from JD asking how I was doing and sadly, I'm avoiding him because, well, I'm not getting anything done. Today was the first time I even touched my dissertation in the last 2 months. Pathetic, I must get it done before we send out the happy Christmas card with me smiling and wearing my cap and gown :) Anyway, I am on it and no longer going to procrastinate. I'm even going out to Indiana in 10 days to get some work done and enjoy time in the academic setting again. It should do me some good.
My job isn't bad, I like my boss and I don't really interact with too many coworkers so theres not a lot to complain about. I just miss my free time and time to cook dinner for my hubbie. It's going to take some getting used to. Fortunately I have a very flexible schedule and good friends to have lunch with.
Unfortunately, I am barely making progress on my dissertation! I got a call from JD asking how I was doing and sadly, I'm avoiding him because, well, I'm not getting anything done. Today was the first time I even touched my dissertation in the last 2 months. Pathetic, I must get it done before we send out the happy Christmas card with me smiling and wearing my cap and gown :) Anyway, I am on it and no longer going to procrastinate. I'm even going out to Indiana in 10 days to get some work done and enjoy time in the academic setting again. It should do me some good.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Weekend Update
Hehe, I wish I were funny enough to warrant that title. Anyway, deserving or not, this is my weekend update.
- We are moving in 7 days!! My amazingly wonderful husband has packed pretty much everything and left me to sit back and rest (or, work on my dissertation, you know, whatever).
- Speaking of the dis. I finished chapter 4 on Saturday and now just need to finish up 2 and 3 and get them to JD for approval. Praying for approval.
- I was also able to get a haircut yesterday, it's so much better! Nice and short, I use less shampoo and it takes less then half the time to dry. My mom was awesome and sent me a gift card which paid for the lovely hair cut and a some new clothes.
- Today I led the opening prayer at church, went to Bible class and then taught Sunday school. A very busy morning!
- After church we had a baby shower planning meeting - a Tea Party theme for a baby girl! So cute. I'm making teacup and teapot shaped sugar cookies. I'm a little nervous about decorating but it will be fun anyway.
- Went to Golden Spoon for a yummy treat and then to the Commons for a free concert, it was a U2 cover band but they were pretty good, sadly, not the best acoustics.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Figured it out!
Why I'm so tired, that is. I have been taking Zyrtec (well, the Costco version of it) and it's making me so tired that after sleeping 12 hours I took a 2 hour afternoon nap and would have continued sleeping if I hadn't needed to go to work! It's so strange because I've never had that reaction to the medicine before. Anyway, today I am drug free and feeling more alert and awake.
I even put together some boxes this morning and planned a weekend of packing for the big move. Hehe. This move will be a piece of cake compared to our last 2 moves. Rather than drive 2500 miles we only need to go about .25 miles! We don't even need to rent a truck. I'm going to pick up some furniture dolly's on Sunday and that should get us through.
Today is my first payday and the first time I've been paid hourly in about 6 years. I'm excited to see the check and spend it on a new couch! Working hourly really makes me want to work all the time. I have much more motivation. Maybe I should pay myself per word to work on my dissertation, do you think that would improve my speed?
I even put together some boxes this morning and planned a weekend of packing for the big move. Hehe. This move will be a piece of cake compared to our last 2 moves. Rather than drive 2500 miles we only need to go about .25 miles! We don't even need to rent a truck. I'm going to pick up some furniture dolly's on Sunday and that should get us through.
Today is my first payday and the first time I've been paid hourly in about 6 years. I'm excited to see the check and spend it on a new couch! Working hourly really makes me want to work all the time. I have much more motivation. Maybe I should pay myself per word to work on my dissertation, do you think that would improve my speed?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Twelve hours and still exhausted!
I went to bed at 8:30pm last night. That is way earlier than normal but I was sitting in my chair reading blogs and my eyes kept closing. I decided to give up and just see if I could fall asleep. And, I did, pretty quick too. I got up at 8:30 this morning out of guilt that my husband was already awake and getting his day started. I don't know what's wrong with me, maybe it's the extra activity from working or the stress of the dissertation getting to me but it sure felt good to sleep for those extra four hours!
Today's agenda includes chapter 3 and 4 revisions. After my shower I am off to the library to pick up some books and then on to Starbucks for the afternoon until work at 4:30.
Today's agenda includes chapter 3 and 4 revisions. After my shower I am off to the library to pick up some books and then on to Starbucks for the afternoon until work at 4:30.
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