Resolutions, 2011 Edition

2010 has been quite a year. I had my first professional fiction published, got my first academic job and my first real interview (coming up in January!), finished and received my PhD... All that has been wonderful. I have also spent the entire year living hand to mouth without a job, scraping and dodging, and trying to come up with every month's rent like a crisis. I guess you could say 2010 has been the best of times and the worst of times. I'm kind of glad it's over, but I have done a lot and made a lot of progress, so I am happy it went the way it did. It could have been more comfortable, but we survived.

So, now, in the last week of 2010 - some goals for the upcoming year.

1. To continue writing and improving at my writing, since i does make me happy, but to make it a smaller part of my waking hours.

2. To increase my academic publishing and conference record for the CV.

3. To continue to strive for a permanent teaching job, or, failing that, to secure term-by-term contracts all year so I don't have to deal with unemployment in 2011. Or, failing even that, to save as much as I can during the good times so the lean times won't be so stressful.

4. To do really, really well at my teaching - I need good evaluations for the job hunt, and I want to make myself proud of me.

5. To generally live a better life. Be healthier, keep a better home, stay on top of things and be less stressed. To enjoy my time with the tot more, and be a happier person. To have a better life, in all the big and small ways I can do that.

Happy 2011!

Potty Progress

YAY! The tot just went potty all by himself for the first time!

I was sitting, working, and I heard this watery sound, and I ran into the bathroom to see what he was up to, only to find proud little man pointing down into his potty to show me what he'd done.

Mommy is very, very happy.

Naked time is definitely the way to potty train.

***

ETA: This pee was swiftly followed up by a Number Two in the potty, again on his own initiative. He then hopped in the tub to wash himself without being told. Man, when this kid finally gets a concept, he runs with it!

Work Work Work

You know, for an unemployed person, I sure am busy these days.

My NaNoWriMo project is steaming along, at about 36.5k - only 15k until I meet the minimum requirement, which I should reach this week (fate and toddler willing), but the book is meant to be more along the lines of 60-65k, so it will take me a bit longer to reach that. I am also looking for interested publishers. I thought I had one in mind that seemed terrifically ideal, but with further research I am not so sure. I am thinking of playing with the big boys and sending it to Harlequin's e-book off print. We'll see how that goes.

This week, one of my short erotic romances releases for sale, and on December 10th my Christmas romance comes out. I have to remind myself to do those book trailers, ASAP. sigh. In December, I will have to write a couple Valentine's stories if I can find the time, as well, since next term I won't have the time to write much. (Planning one novella for all of next term, so I have to make hay while the sun shines.)

In other writing news, I finished off one freelance gig for a mag in the UK, and some editing work (some for money, some for my upcoming fiction releases), and am now off to re-write an academic chapter I submitted for an edited volume. The editor said he wanted the topic in the book, but didn't like my "flow." So, we'll see what we can do about that. He offered to call me to discuss it, but given the tot's obsession with the phone, that is so not a good idea at the moment. The editor has AIM, so maybe we'll go that way. Though it will be a ton of work to re-write the thing, I have hopes of doing it before the New Year.

I continue hoping to squeeze in some time to convert the dissertation for publication, as well. High hopes, indeed!

In terms of work, I submitted a really important job application (for a Real Job, yo), which was a lot of scurrying. I also applied for another class here for next term, which I actually got (YAY!), so now I am busy trying to prepare for two courses running from Jan to April 2011. It's hard work, and a bit stressful, but really exciting. I am starting to look forward to my courses. Check in again in February, though, as that excitement will likely have worn off by then. The finalized syllabi are due to the dept by December 1, so that is my task for the next while. Then I can start stockpiling lectures and materials, and start working on the course websites. I have a couple more applications for Sept 2011 due in January, and I am hoping the job ads for summer courses will come out soon, so there will soon be that fun, as well.

Aside from all that, which I think is a lot, there has also been the day-to-day mommy/life stuff, but that's a lot less interesting, so I shall spare you. Soon, I need to start preparing for the holidays, as well, so FUN FUN FUN there. sigh.

I hope everyone is well, and bears with me as I often neglect this poor old blog. I will return when I can.

There's my completely uninteresting, utilitarian post. Enjoy!

Doesn't Feel Much Like Hallowe'en Around Here...

Yet!

But today, I must sally forth and find a clown wig, some face paint and some small spooky prezzie for the special little man in my life. We will hang the Hallowe'en pumpkin on the door, and maybe head to the park to carve the real one (leave those seeds for the squirrels, yo!). Maybe we'll see what little treats we can scare up, as well.

Festivities for the next few days will be hot and heavy - grad ceremony tomorrow, trick-o-treating on Sunday, and possibly some Ghostbusters fun somewhere in between.

Happy Hallowe'en, all!

perspective

You know what's crazy? I never did give myself a pat on the back for finishing my PhD. I spent no time celebrating that or savouring it. I went on to job hunting and the teaching portfolio. And then I got a course. And I didn't pause to enjoy that, either. I then moved on to getting my novel published. But then you know what happened? It got accepted, and I didn't really feel good about that, either! Now I am on to getting some short pieces published and my full length written, etc.

It's crazy, when you think about it. I never appreciate my laurels. I only see "what next?" I'm like a shark who'll die if she stops.

You know how some people look in the mirror and see themselves as fat, no matter how skinny they are? I am like that, but with brains or accomplishments, or personal triumphs, etc. I am just never satisfied, no matter what I do. I never have been.

Anyway, this song helps me pause and put all this in perspective. It reminds me that I really need to take a moment and enjoy my grad this time, since I have never bothered going to any of my previous university graduations. I always just got them to mail me the degree, because I was already off to new goals.

That's a problem. I need to do something about that.

Well - It's a Start

I just got offered a course for the Jan-April 2011 term, an upper-level religious studies course.

Alas, my application for the online course was not successful, so I am still up poop creek as far as living expenses until January, but I still hold out hope that something else will come up between now and then. Maybe one of the other departments will come through for September. Let's hope!

Either way, it's a start, at least, right?

Some good news for a change. What a concept!

Out With the Old

Today, a lady at Grad Studies managed to make my dissertation into a secure PDF, so now it is officially over - it's time to start letting go of the dissertation as a dissertation. So, this weekend and after Monday's job app, in the midst of doing other Real Life Stuff (money matters, private sector job hunt, daycare process, etc.), I will be weeding out the last of the dissertation errands.

To Dos:

• Burn all dissertation materials onto a CD and hide this somewhere safe. Maybe a backup, as well.
• Make sure all major drafts are stored in the Gmail.
• Go through dissertation files, and save all homeless material and bibliographies for future use in a separate file on the hard drive.
• Save my new secure PDF and the last draft of my dissertation in Word to a fresh file.
• Keep all the PDF articles I might need in the future to a new, organized "Research" file.
• Clear out my USB jump drive and laptop - save the secure PDF and latest Word version on there, instead.
• Delete all dissertation leftovers from my hard drive.
• Go through all paper articles and notes, to toss or file. Return all library books, and box up my books that are no longer needed within arms' reach.
• Move all dissertation related labels, tabs and folders from all sidebars and desktops.
• Archive all dissertation-related emails, etc.
• Close out the dissertation blog - maybe cut and paste it and delete the blog?
• Clean the comp hard drive and de-frag (I can hear it sigh in relief already).
• Send secure PDF off to the fellowship people on CD and via email to my committee.
• Send out thank you cards to dept admin, grad studies contacts and to committee.
• Make sure university business office account is squared.
• Go pick up bound dissertation when it is finished and find a nice shelf for it some place.
• Start moving forward with derivative publications. Say good-bye to the diss.
• Get my manual on how to convert a dissertation to a book, and start in on that.
• Apply to graduate when I can afford to do so.

And then it shall be done... Is there a ritual for such a life stage? I wish there were.

PickNicky Fun

Had my defence celebration picnic today. Food was good, and a nice variety, and the chit-chat/company was great. Tot was a bit too over-tired to eat, and had some pretty high-running emotions, but he was pretty good, despite this.

Thanks, folks!

Done. whooptidoo.

Today I submitted my dissertation, and finished my degree.

And this is what I did in celebration:

• Bought an ice cream cone, which was then highjacked by a tantruming toddler.
• Paid for printing and diapers, resulting in a $3 bank account. Decided celebration is not really an option.
• Called my husband, who promptly hung up on me.

Tonight, I submit an application that has no chance of being acceptable because I am so tired I could cry.*

Yup.

Good times.

*Actually, I likely will. Cry, I mean. At least that might be halfway enjoyable.

On a More Pleasant Note...

Finishing my dissertation is bringing more pleasant thoughts to mind. Thoughts of pomping my robes, baby!

I think I have decided to think positively in terms of someday getting a tenure track job at a university and, thus, needing my regalia for use at future convocations/academic processions (which are often mandatory for TT profs), so I think I am going to start saving towards purchasing my own gown, hood and tam for my convocation ceremony in the fall.

Since I won't need to buy them until October 2010 (though possibly only until August if I have to order via Gaspard's), it is possible I might be able to afford to buy my own rig, with contributions from family, etc. I should say, though, it is not 100% certain I will actually get to attend my ceremony, as I might already be living elsewhere by then. However, if I am not going to my grad ceremony, then that will just give me a few more months to save up for my outfitting and I can just have it shipped to me for future use.

So, here's my party dress of choice (traditional PhD blue and gold lined hood and gold piped coal gown with PhD blue panels/chevrons, with a six-sided blue tam):

Front, with gold piping, gathered sleeves,

PhD blue panels of piled velvet, and three chevrons.

Hood, with gold piping and the traditional blue and gold lining.

(Note: It may be mandatory at my school to have a hood of purple and gold,

with a blue velvet lining...

That would be acceptable, but here's hoping there's some give in there.)

SQUEEEE! POMP!

(I know - I'm a nerd!)

GUESS WHO'S DONE HER PhD!?!?!?!?!!

That's right! ME!

Advisor has okayed my edits, so I am good to go.

Submitting on Monday!

They can't change their minds now.

Doctor! Doctor!

Celebrate Good Times

verdict: passed with minor revisions

Defence was a lot more enjoyable than I anticipated; the minor revisions are actually minor, I hope; my advisor is very pleased; I got a hug from my external; they nominated me for the medal (which means nothing as I think all committees do so); the free lunch afterwards was excellent.

That's basically all I remember of it.

3 Days til D-Day

OK, so now I'm scared. I can't tell where to go from here - more Q&A work, which would be useful, or more work on the lecture, which is essential. I'm nervous.

I ended up having a nice birthday - pizza in the park! Thanks to K. for coming over. It was so nice to have a spot of fun after the day I was having.

Editor got back to me - she really likes what I did to the piece, but wants me to integrate the references into the text and ixnay the footnotes. Um... not today, I think.

I'm really very nerved up.

A Great Birthday Present pt II

So get this kids - the editor of that journal emails me saying they want the piece, so I say "Great! I'm defending on Friday and will have edits to do on that, so I can get a new draft to you in early June."

So she responds to me, asking, "Can you get to it right away? It won't take long to do these fixes."

So I reply, "Well, I guess since I am taking today off for my birthday (emphasis in my head, not in type), I can take a look at the changes immediately if need be (ditto)."

Her response? "That would be great. Can you find us some images, too?"

sigh.

Happy birthday to me.


(ETA: Though I guess this means they must be trying to run it in the summer issue, which is pretty awesome, even if inconvenient.)

4 Days til D-Day

Happy birthday to me.

I admit, it will be very hard not to work today - the days are getting shorter and shorter. I might sneak some work in later, if I can. For now, I'm waiting for UPS man today and trying to get some cleaning done. FUN!

Why, oh why, Couldn't my defence and submission be before my birthday? You know, so I could actually enjoy today.

But, I am waiting for a present I have really, really wanted to arrive, and a friend sent me a comic strip she had made out of one of our funniest AIM convos - which is one of the best birthday present I have ever received. I'm so proud of my talented friends! And another friend might be coming over for a movie this evening.

So, there is cause to cheer, even if my knees are knocking.

Hope all is well with all of you.

I Smell Yummy

In celebration of the good external report, which signals that the defence truly will be going ahead as scheduled, I splurged today and got myself a bottle of body spray. Well, if $5 counts as "splurging." I figure smelling nice will certainly foster a good spirit of self confidence and poise, and it makes for a nice frivolous birthday/mother's day gift to myself.

Brown sugar and French vanilla, it says - I don't know about that, but it definitely smells pretty damn mmmm.

I'll have to resist the temptation to taste it.

ZOMG ZOMG ZOMG

I PASSED MY EXTERNAL READER REVIEW WITH "COMMENDATIONS"!!!

This means that my defence will indeed go through as planned, and that he's on board with the project - it also means he might be persuaded to help me prepare it for publication submission afterwards, etc!

(Advisor did not send me the report, but summed it up for me - she said he had some useful advice for strengthening my argument, but that he said it was solid work, etc.)

WOO HOO!