QS PRN

At the beginning of the month, I began to write Chapter 1/Introduction for my dissertation. And, I started wondering if this space (or perhaps an alternative site) could be used for my dissertation and research project. If nothing else, a site like this might provide value by explaining the purpose of the study or hosting surveys related to the study.

Meanwhile, here is a photo dump of things of things I've seen, along with a screenshot of text conversation I had last week. So far this month as of the Type-High Day [9/18]

* photos: type cabinet & .918 sticker, smoked maple whiskey, text chat, Mosquito Fire, and a commute in 289 AQI 

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. 

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. 

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. 

This month has brought change, and only two weeks have passed. Comprehensive exams almost compete. I passed Exam #1 and barely failed the other. Upside: I have another week to revise and resubmit Exam #2. No pressure, right? The successful completion of Exam #2 only dictates whether I can continue to my dissertation or wait out the summer semester and try again in the fall semester. 

This past Saturday also marked the first Kentucky Derby my parents have hosted in their new residence. That is a big change, since they have hosted 100+ people for as long as I can recall. Rich Strike, the long-shot with 80-1 odds, won in spectacular fashion. What a change from years past when the horses who won had much better odds. It gives me hope. 

I have been trying to change jobs, and I feel like Rich Strike. I feel like the long-shot, but I know there’s still a chance.