I'm back and ready to get to work

Hi, all. I'm back and ready to get to work on the dissertation. As you might know, I have been distracted to other-- decidedly more important things-- the past several weeks, but I'm ready to get back to work. The one thing this time away from the dissertation has taught me, and indeed, going through all that I've been through the past few weeks, is that there are clearly more important things in life than academia. (We do tend to forget that . . . as the academic world can just suck us in and suck us dry. Or at least it can me.) But that perspective is important as I head into the final stretch for this degree, and as I begin to extricate myself from activities that do not serve me in this work. It's all good.

I meet with my advisor at 4:00 this afternoon, and together, we'll plan out the next few months so I can (1) go on the market in the fall, and (2) be finished with the diss within the year (May 2008). Wish me focus and clarity as I talk with him about the future.

P.S. Thanks for all your well wishes and good thoughts through the difficult time. I appreciate them very much.