jkoken

I have begun collecting data- I’m interviewing women for my study- and it’s the most exciting feeling I’ve had in ….ever maybe? This study is what I’ve wanted to do for years. I have a good feeling of ‘I’m not in the wrong profession’ and after every interview I feel so happy!
This is the highlight of my graduate school experience to date (along with teaching, believe it or not), and graduation this spring is starting to feel more like a real possibility. My goal is to complete data collection by the end of November!

I had to pass my dissertation study through two IRBs at two institutions- thankfully it wasn’t too difficult, and I’m now approved to move forward.
I just mailed a check to a magazine to begin recruiting participants. My goal is to defend this spring- and this goal recently became more urgent, as my dissertation chair is leaving my university and moving to another institution!
Well, a little motivation never hurt anyone!

I know this doesn’t mean that I’m completely out of the woods, but I’m so happy it’s been almost three months since my last cigarette. There have been many temptations (sad when a friend died, drinking tequila, post-gig celebrations) but my rule is “NO CHEATING”!
No cheating means no cheating, not ever. I think in the past I did the ‘oh it’s no big deal if I just have one’ game and I’ve found that for me that just isn’t possible. No cheating. No cheating.
I feel really good and hope that the months turn into years.
This goal is 100% worth accomplishing, and anyone can do it.