Category Archives: writing

A week in the life….

I have focused all sociological thinking on dissertation writing. Here’s what it looked like (including a shameless selfie shot):

Posted in academia, coffee, dissertation, grad school, personal, work, writing | 2 Comments

No typical work day

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!

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

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

You only write your dissertation once

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….

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

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

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…

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

Parenting super highs

I am not going to pretend like I am the first person to ever have children in graduate school because I am certainly not. I am also not going to pretend like I’m the first academic working parent who chose … Continue reading

Posted in academia, kids, motherhood, work, writing | 1 Comment

On being dedicated to writing…

It is really strange having this blog all to myself where no one will find me unless I point them here.  I thought my incredible husband was my only reader, but I could not help myself and starting doing a … Continue reading

Posted in blogging, procrastinating, writing | 2 Comments