Author Archives: rglw

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About rglw

Sociologist mom writes for work and for pleasure.

No typical work day

Posted on January 9, 2013 by rglw

Today was not your typical work day.  Then again, I rarely have a typical work day. 7 a.m. The usual morning lineup. Breakfast with preschooler while little munchkin slept. Note to self: must start feigning extra hour of sleep by … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, dissertation, grad school, procrastinating, work, writing | 5 Comments

We were on a break!

Posted on January 7, 2013 by rglw

Academic breaks are an awkward time for us scholars. With only 15 weeks in the classroom every semester, there is little time to escape, little chance for a “vacation” day. Academic breaks are a time to recharge and to play … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, higher education, holidays, schools, work, writing | 3 Comments

Non-resolutions for 2013

Posted on January 2, 2013 by rglw

Day 2 of the new year.  I have always been a resolutions kind of girl.  Some years have been very specific like “Stop biting my nails” (an ongoing battle).  Other years, they have been grander like “Be focused” (I think … Continue reading →

Posted in blogging, food, health, holidays, personal, work, writing | 7 Comments

A healthy dose of fear (and why I quit downhill skiing)

Posted on December 28, 2012 by rglw

It’s official. I am not a downhill skier. After my fourth lesson this past Sunday, I finally decided that downhill skiing is not for me.  I understand the physics of it and I’m physically fit enough to actually do it, … Continue reading →

Posted in family, personal, travel | 3 Comments

On grief and Newtown.

Posted on December 19, 2012 by rglw

While I have not lost a child in tragic and violent circumstances, I have lost someone unexpectedly and suddenly.  And more than sorrow and heartbreak, the grief of Newtown families is palpable to me.  I live in Connecticut, and I … Continue reading →

Posted in blogging, family, health, kids, personal, schools | 1 Comment

You only write your dissertation once

Posted on December 12, 2012 by rglw

Thankfully, in academia, you only write your dissertation once. Thank. goodness. Most graduate training is oriented towards research and writing, but the art of research and writing is less evident in the formal curriculum.  And if your graduate training has … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, dissertation, grad school, procrastinating, work, writing | 3 Comments

Faux dissertation acknowledgements….

Posted on December 7, 2012 by rglw

I am trying to lock down this final analytical chapter of my dissertation.  There is always more to write, edit and adjust with the project, but I am aiming to have a full draft together by the end of the … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, dissertation, grad school, work, writing | 4 Comments

Will an extended school day raise all boats?

Posted on December 4, 2012 by rglw

Yesterday, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, announced an initiative to expand the school day in 10 school districts across 5 states, affecting over 17,000 kids. My home governor, Dannell Malloy, was present in Washington, D.C. for the announcement because three … Continue reading →

Posted in schools | Leave a comment

Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me in My First Year of Graduate School

Posted on November 30, 2012 by rglw

As I get closer to the finish line, I now seem to qualify as an “advanced” graduate student.  I sat on a panel this week for the first year students in my grad program. I didn’t voice these things verbatim, … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, higher education, teaching, work, writing | 13 Comments

On the importance of original thoughts…

Posted on November 28, 2012 by rglw

I do my writing in a local coffee shop.  When I’m sitting in their uncomfortable aluminum chairs eating fluffy scones and sipping the house blend, I wrestle with my keyboard. I drudge up ideas, type some thoughts, erase them, start … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, higher education, teaching, work, writing | 2 Comments