August

I have (finally) managed to form a dissertation committee for my doctoral program. I have my chairperson, methodologist, and my reader, as of yesterday. Summer session ends on August 26 and Fall session begins August 29. So, if the goal is to complete and defend my dissertation within one year (i.e., earn my diploma), that means I have only two semesters to get shit done. No pressure, right? 

I did manage to sneak away to Lake Tahoe earlier this month. It’s nice to occasionally forget one’s adult responsibilities, and the existential dread that accompanies it. So, here’s some pictures I took. 

Rodeo Beach

Escaped the valley heat. Drive to Marin Headlands and had a picnic on the beach. Got a little sunburned and spent 4 hours driving home due to wrecks on I-80. Totally worth it. 

July


Passed my comprehensive exams. Decided to take a trip to Santa Rosa, and came back with COVID. At least the trip was exciting, and provided a nice distraction from forming my dissertation committee. 

phases

Passed both Comprehensive Exams! This means I am officially a doctoral candidate, and in the ABD (all but dissertation) phase. 

It’s been a month filled with phases. And, I won’t elaborate but I’m hoping that it’s true that all things pass. “It’s just a phase.” I suppose I should take that perspective if to grind this thing out inside a year, and grab that diploma in June 2023. 

In the meantime, here’s a few pictures of my favorite Sierra Nevada foothill winery…going through phases of its own.