My latest gimmick for getting my proposal written resides in a cheap kitchen timer. I set it for 45 minutes (which is often the longest stretch of time in which I can sustain focus) and work until it goes off, at which point I set it for 15 minutes of blissful "do whatever you want" time. Lately, it has taken me the entire 45 minutes to write one paragraph. I won't even begin to calculate how long it will take me to write the entire dissertation at this rate. Eek! Instead, I will use the remaining 11 minutes and 42 seconds to make random comments. Here I go!
A note on the election: Like many Americans, I was enveloped in the warm fuzzy feeling of democracy in action when I cast my ballot. It was a gorgeous fall day and living in a free and peaceful country felt particularly delicious. My giddiness turned to solemnity as I listened to McCain's remarkably gracious concession speech. Then there was the historic moment when Obama took the podium as our first African-American President-Elect as the cameras panned thousands of jubilant people who were witnessing the unbelievable become reality. I wouldn't wish his position on anyone -- given the perilous circumstances of the present, it takes a double-dose of audacity to think that anyone could manage the job. Still, I just hope and pray that he will exercise wisdom and statesmanship. And I marvel that despite all our flaws, America remains a country where transitions of power are smooth and peaceful.
Additions to my "less-effective" list: 1) accidentally flushing my contact lenses down the toilet, 2) writing a check for over $600 to my voice teacher to pay for my $15 lesson (thankfully, she didn't cash it)
Favorite comfort foods at the moment: 1) "tension tamer" herbal tea, 2) homemade hot and sour soup (chicken broth, ginger, garlic, lime juice, chili sauce, green onions, and mushrooms), 3) a plain old McDonald's hamburger with the little hamburger patty, minced onions, lots of ketchup, and a pickle, 4) caramels
Strange dreams: Although I haven't spoken Russian in years or even thought about Russia lately, I dreamt in Russian the other night. Go figure! My brain really must be in overdrive these days.
Number of great workouts of late: zero
Number of days sick with apparently the same bug: approximately 18 out of the last 30!
On that note, I bid you all adieu and return to my regularly scheduled program of dissertating.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Sorry you've been sick. I really think you may have something there with the kitchen timer thing. I may try to implement it in my life as well. Although mine may look more like, "15 minutes: dishes, 45 minutes: blogging"!
That soup sounds interesting - is it from another culture?
Anny! I love your blog, I just read the whole thing. Couldn't agree with you more re. your last entry, and I think you may have saved our lives with your story about the Girl Who Hated the Nursery. That's my Avery. And now I know what I have to do. Hope you're feeling better...xoxo
Post a Comment