FROM FAT (Tuesday) to FOCUS to FORWARD to FINISHED

So truth is, I'm just writing this post because it's been a while and I should let you know I'm still "here."  It's FAT Tuesday today.  I'm psyched more than normal because this means today I might really go a little crazy with the calories.  Tomorrow, Lent begins and I'm going to put my best foot forward to make this a Lent that counts.

If, as I have for the past nine months or so, I treat this dissertation as part of God's plan for me, than to really devote myself to the life I have - which is a life where I have a family I cherish and a job that really matters to me - I must FOCUS.  I must hunker down and get through this.  It means I must also continue to spend as much, and a little bit more, time at work maintaining that part of my life too.  And you do the math: a lot of time on dissertation + more time at work = REAL attention to my family as to how I can make the time I DO have with them, count the most.

And still I'm going to try, with absolutely no promises, to workout a little bit.  Lord knows I want to, I know what to do, what classes to take, when and where they take place, etc. but I've put dissertation and work first - because I have to.  I've been spending 2 to 6 hours outside of the typical work day on this dissertation and/or work projects - more on Saturdays and Sunday.  But still, I am going to try a one-mile challenge for all of Lent.  While I've maintained my weight, I do have some weight to lose and I've gone no where in the past month in that regard.  And while this is a time for me to focus on my job and my dissertation, I think 15 minutes per day to get ready, run and cool down really is a length of time I can sacrifice.  Best part is, I'll feel good; I'll feel HUMAN again.  My six flight-climb and descent every day isn't quite cutting it; and no matter how far away I park I just end up late and flustered :-)

In the past I've picked deadlines, counted down to the end of this dissertation endeavor, and then made up excuses as to why the deadline wasn't met at that particular time.  A huge reason for this is that I've made those projections without the input of my Chair.  And see, he is where my metaphorical (and I suppose actual, if you count tuition) "buck stops."  If he don't like it, don't no one like it.  And actually, that is a good thing - he will not let me step into that defense room until he HE is willing to defend my dissertation.  While I do have a date in mind, for now, I'll get through Lent putting my best foot forward to FOCUS.  I have 40 days and 40 nights.  Hint: That is JUST under half of the number of days I envision until I submit my draft to my committee.  If I can make this 40 days count, maybe I'll be on the better side of this (as in FINISHED) come the second half of 2014...