These are some of Matt's favorite pictures to take!
Procrastination Method #24
This is actually procrastination 24 but maybe I should call it 24, 25, & 26.
http://www.dearblankpleaseblank.com/
Hilarious!
http://www.dearblankpleaseblank.com/
Hilarious!
The Journey of the Dissertation
Today I embark on the Journey of the Dissertation. I know your thinking haven't you already embarked? Well yes and no. Yesterday I solidified with my wonderful advisor what I am going to do for my dissertation, okay loosely solidified :) as I'm sure there will be some changes. I have to say that I am quite intimidated of the task. This morning I have been trying to get started but have struggled. So I asked google. Here are a few of my favorite tips I found
1. Articulate your dissertation idea into 5 sentences or less. (Yeah right! it's suppose to be a 200 page document. I guess I will have to be like Paul with an amazing amount of run on sentences.)
2. Set up social contingencies/ rewards for accomplishing a day's writing and chart your progress (I like this one).
3. Keep a certain distance from writing (Success for this one.)
4. Embrace the difficult task (this seems like a forced hug.)
And my personal favorite:
5. Moderate your emotions in all walks of life, by avoiding intense rushing, prolonged emotional escalation (I'm not sure what this means if someone has an idea let me know. I sure hope it isn't suggesting that I avoid intimacy with my husband it is our anniversary today.)
1. Articulate your dissertation idea into 5 sentences or less. (Yeah right! it's suppose to be a 200 page document. I guess I will have to be like Paul with an amazing amount of run on sentences.)
2. Set up social contingencies/ rewards for accomplishing a day's writing and chart your progress (I like this one).
3. Keep a certain distance from writing (Success for this one.)
4. Embrace the difficult task (this seems like a forced hug.)
And my personal favorite:
5. Moderate your emotions in all walks of life, by avoiding intense rushing, prolonged emotional escalation (I'm not sure what this means if someone has an idea let me know. I sure hope it isn't suggesting that I avoid intimacy with my husband it is our anniversary today.)
Completion not Competition
Those of you who know me well know that I am a tad bit competitive. In my soccer days this was totally okay. It is fine to pull someones shirt to get ahead on the soccer field. As a "semi-adult" it is a lot less okay. My competitiveness sometimes comes out in board games specifically Settlers of Catan and Chess. Matt and I actually no longer play chess because I get so into it that I actually get angry at him (I know hard to believe). Well I have to say I have somewhat over come my extreme competitiveness and was able to compete my first half marathon. Confession: I did sprint at the finish and I am up at 7 am checking my time. BUT I didn't push anyone on the course, pull any shirts, or push myself so hard that it wasn't any fun. I'd say this is progress. My self talk of "completion not competition, completion not competition," is very helpful.
Procrastination not so much!
Notice I haven't posted a Procrastination Method in some time. Well, that is because I actually made SUBSTANTIAL progress!!! This past week I defended my comps. I know this doesn't mean much to anyone not in graduate school. So basically I sat in front of three professors while they asked me a bunch of questions about stuff that seems really nerdy. I fumbled through answering them and tried to sound as smart as possible. Then they said I passed, and that was great news. So now all I have to do is write a dissertation and then my 21 years of schooling will come to an end.
I now have plenty more procrastination to do. First on my list is to watch some awesome football then post some pictures from the Triathlon Lisa and I did last weekend, and make some cupcakes for Bs birthday!
I now have plenty more procrastination to do. First on my list is to watch some awesome football then post some pictures from the Triathlon Lisa and I did last weekend, and make some cupcakes for Bs birthday!
Procrastination Method #24
I haven't posted in a really long time. This is because my comps are due WEDNESDAY!!! Don't worry! I'm almost done. Comps down and just a dissertation to go. BLAH!
Procrastination Method # 23
HAPPY 60th Birthday to my mom!!!!
We planned a surprise party for my mom. Clearly you can see (pictures on the left) she was shocked. It was great!
We planned a surprise party for my mom. Clearly you can see (pictures on the left) she was shocked. It was great!
The Big 6-0!!!
I have to say this is a bit old! BUT, I found these delightful pictures of my mom. We threw a surprise birthday party for her sixtieth fortieth birthday.
Needless to say she had NO idea.
Procrastination Method #22
Central Park is HUGE!
This morning I decided to go for a run and explore NYC Central Park. There is a lake in the park! There are also 30 some odd tennis courts, a baseball field, a swimming pool, numerous ponds, a zoo, and beautiful gardens! Obviously to hold all of this it must be large. So after my 2 hour run/walk I now have 3 blisters and will most likely be sweating the rest of the day since it is about 100 degrees this morning. Nothing like procrastination in central park.
This morning I decided to go for a run and explore NYC Central Park. There is a lake in the park! There are also 30 some odd tennis courts, a baseball field, a swimming pool, numerous ponds, a zoo, and beautiful gardens! Obviously to hold all of this it must be large. So after my 2 hour run/walk I now have 3 blisters and will most likely be sweating the rest of the day since it is about 100 degrees this morning. Nothing like procrastination in central park.
Not really procrastination but vacation.
We have had three AWESOME days of vacation.
Here are some really fun moments.
1. Matt asked the Secret Service man how many push ups he could do and he asked Matt if he wanted to join the Secret Service.
2. When I saw a firefly for the first time EVER. They really do glow.
3. When we watched the sunset on The Lincoln Memorial. Which could possibly be the most beautiful place ever.
4. We ate at a restaurant called The Bald Man's Chocolate. Matt felt right at home. And then we ran into someone from Santa Barbara.
5. We saw President Obama's Motorcade, to bad I thought I was video taping but instead I forgot to push record.
Here are some really fun moments.
1. Matt asked the Secret Service man how many push ups he could do and he asked Matt if he wanted to join the Secret Service.
2. When I saw a firefly for the first time EVER. They really do glow.
3. When we watched the sunset on The Lincoln Memorial. Which could possibly be the most beautiful place ever.
4. We ate at a restaurant called The Bald Man's Chocolate. Matt felt right at home. And then we ran into someone from Santa Barbara.
5. We saw President Obama's Motorcade, to bad I thought I was video taping but instead I forgot to push record.
Procrastination Method # 21
So the US played Algeria. Matt and I went to the Arlington to watch. It was one of the most intense soccer games I have EVER watched. The US scored in the 91st minute (yeah there are only 90 minutes in a game but sometimes there is extra time.) For 90 minutes we watched in pure stress for them to finally score at the last possible minute!!! It was pure happiness. Matt actually jumped up and down so much he thinks he hurt his hip. Procrastination Method #21 US vs. Algeria. Planning ahead: Procrastination #22 US vs Ghana!
Procrastination Method # 20
This is my brain!!!! You might ask, "how did you get a picture of your brain?" Well you see I got this awesome new camera and if you put it real close to your eye... Just Kidding! I am a participant in someones research study and they gave me this CD with pictures of my brain. I am a bit of skeptic. This could be another persons brain, how would I know. It is rather large and smart looking though, so it must be mine. Procrastination Method #20 getting an MRI.
Procrastination Method #19
The President did not submit a bracket :( but 28 wonderful people did. Below are a list of the picks. As World Cup goes on I will update the scores. We have 11 for Brazil, 7 for Argentina, 7 for Spain, 2 for the Netherlands, 1 for Germany, 1 for England, 1 for Switzerland, and 1 for USA!
Procrastination Method #18
I asked the head honcho to join my World Cup bracket. Here is my message:
Dear Mr. President,
I really think you should create a World Cup bracket just like you created a March Madness bracket. World Cup is SUPER exciting and could have some Foreign policy implications (North Korea and South Korea are both in the Tournament).
If you would like to join my bracket that would be great.
I'll let you know if he joins. I kind of think he is a bit busy (oil spill, economic crisis, Gaza).
Dear Mr. President,
I really think you should create a World Cup bracket just like you created a March Madness bracket. World Cup is SUPER exciting and could have some Foreign policy implications (North Korea and South Korea are both in the Tournament).
If you would like to join my bracket that would be great.
I'll let you know if he joins. I kind of think he is a bit busy (oil spill, economic crisis, Gaza).
Procrastination Method #17
I created a World Cup Bracket because I am sooooo excited that World Cup 2010 is finally here. Unfortunately I can't figure out how to upload an Excel sheet to my blog. So If you would like to play email me and I'll send it to you.
Procrastination Method #16
Matt and I are really fortunate to have GREAT insurance. We have had insurance for 2 and a half years now. So far we have had to file two claims. The kitchen flood which pretty much destroyed our entire house (since we live in a studio) and the Matrix. Most people are kind of annoyed when paying their insurance because they never know if they will use it. Procrastination Method #16 calculating how many monthly payments it will take for us to pay back our insurance company for the amount of claims we have had in just 2 and a half years. If my numbers are correct it will take 18 years and 8 months. Remind me of this if I ever complain!
Procrastination Method #16
I have had better days. In a stroke of sheer genius I locked my keys in my car. I decided to go into an observation at an elementary and not take my backpack. Clearly a bad idea when you just put your keys in your backpack. So I took a leisurely walk to UCSB. Unfortunately, my allergies are just about the worst I have had them, and even more unfortunately I decided to wear nicer shoes today. So no I am sitting in my office with a blister the size of a quarter and snot pouring out of my nose with all of my stuff for my school/work day locked in my car (including my keys). Fortunately my precious friend Bethany can take an early lunch and we can go and get Matt's keys to open up the car.
Procrastination Method #15
You see I got in a car accident. I'm just fine, but the Matrix has seen better days. A man driving very fast hit me from behind on the freeway while I was stopped. I think my car is totaled. I'm no expert, but when the side of your car falls off and stays on the freeway it is kind of a good indication there might be some serious problems. So now I keep looking up things like: 1) How much is a 2006 Matrix worth, 2) How much does a Lexus or an Audi cost, HMMMM Highly unlikely we have that 3) How much does another Matrix cost. Procrastination Method #15 searching for a new car.
Procrastination Method #14
Reef and Run. Matt and I went to the first Reef and Run for the summer. I sat out due to my recent foot injury. Matt and Amy had a blazing time of 35 minutes for 4 miles. The best moment came after the race. You see each week they have a raffle where you can win super great prizes. MATT was the winner! He won hair products!!! How perfect the only bald man there wins the hair products!!! The hair products seem like they will be a wonderful re-gift.
Procrastination Method #13
UPDATE
So I sold way more than 1. It has been a CRAZY selling month. I sold three books for a total of $240!!!!
Unfortunately yesterday I failed to meet Arne Duncan. :(
But I did line dance in Nashville (for sure a great Procrastination Method).
So I sold way more than 1. It has been a CRAZY selling month. I sold three books for a total of $240!!!!
Unfortunately yesterday I failed to meet Arne Duncan. :(
But I did line dance in Nashville (for sure a great Procrastination Method).
Procrastination Method #12
Selling books on Amazon. So professors often give away free books they no longer want. I have chosen to help recycle the books for them. By that I mean make money selling them on Amazon. Today I sold one for $105. After I mail it and Amazon takes their cut it leaves me with $84. Interesting thing is Matt and I have been praying about ways we can help serve our friends as they go on mission trips this summer. We have friends going to Guatemala and South Africa. I haven't sold a book in months and randomly I said "I know we don't have money to help support these friends, but if by chance we sell a book in the next two weeks I think that is where our money should go." Praise God for the weird ways in which he provides and helps me stay grounded in reality while writing.
Procrastination Method #11
Plot a way to meet U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at an upcoming conference I am going to. HMMMM I'll let you know how it goes.
Procrastination Method #10
Camping somewhere near Ojai. SO fun except I froze my rear end off. It got down to 38 and then I decided to sleep in the car. Poor Matt had every piece of clothing he had on. He even wrapped a sweater around his head with just a breathing hole. It was cold. I don't really recommend going camping ill prepared.
Procrastination Method #9
Clearly Amy needs to eat a piece of cake. She had to leave the Surprise party early and she missed out on the delicious (very high-calorie) cake.
Procrastination Method #9 Taking a Piece of Cake to Amy at Work.
Procrastination Method #9 Taking a Piece of Cake to Amy at Work.
Procrastination Method #8
SHHH this one was the best. You see, it was my precious friend's birthday. We planned a surprise party for her. She is from Brazil and her husband told us one of her favorite things to eat is Hot Dogs and Mashed Potatoes. Very odd I know. So after a bit of cleaning and cooking we invited 15 of our friends to our humble loft and threw a terrific surprise party. She had no idea.
Procrastination Method #9 Making Mashed Potatoes and Hot Dogs.
Procrastination Method #9 Making Mashed Potatoes and Hot Dogs.
Procrastination Method #7
GIVE A DAY. Today I pulled weeds for 4 hours. I have to say it was not nearly as bad as it seems. I was with one of my best friends and really all we did was talk. The best thing about it was we gave our day and new we get a FREE Disney Day. Even better Matt spent his day mowing a field of weeds. He said it was like mowing cilantro. I am not sure what that means. Clearly we didn't plant a garden however it was still GREAT.
Procrastination Method #7 Pulling Weeds.
Procrastination Method #7 Pulling Weeds.
Procrastination Method #6
Somehow I am suppose to grade papers finish my paper for an interviewing class and work on my comps and dissertation. Clearly I need a break. Procrastination Method #6 have lunch with a friend.
Procrastination Method #5
My friend Kim has started her dissertation project. I have to confess I'm a bit jealous. It is so fascinating. I get to observe in classrooms. Today I went to a kindergarten classroom and they had a record player. I am not sure I have EVER seen a working record player (besides in old movies). Kim clearly needs my help. Procrastination Method #5 help a friend finish her dissertation.
Procrastination Method #4
I'm trying to print with my new printer. It is only printing in yellow!!!!! Why not red or blue at least you can read those. Procrastination Method #4 fixing the printer.
Procrastination Method #3
Free trip to Disneyland! Give a day get a day. Today instead of writing I signed up for Disney's give a day get a day. We will be planting a local community garden. Clearly I have the time for both planting a garden and going to Disneyland.
Procrastination Method #2
People keep on telling me, "the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time." WHAT??? I don't want to eat an elephant I want to write a dissertation.
Procrastination Method #2 google search on how to eat an elephant.
Procrastination Method #2 google search on how to eat an elephant.
Procrastination Method #1
I am starting to get into the heart of my doctoral work (yes I am trying to get my Doctorate in case I forgot to tell you). So far it has been mostly easy. Now the dreaded writing has been the thorn in my side. I estimate that I have 220 pages of writing in the next little bit of my life. Writing has never been my strong point (talking yes). To keep life interesting I am going to write about all my methods of procrastination for writing (ironic huh).
So procrastination method #1 writing about procrastination!
So procrastination method #1 writing about procrastination!
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