Something came across my "desk" today....

My friend working on her Master's in Mathematical Biology posted this on her FB wall today.  I think this is THE BEST piece of advice about making the decision to go to Grad School that I've ever seen.  I think I might even print it off and put it on the wall in my office.  I really like it.


...on a related note, I'm also becoming a "Dena-version" of my supervisor....and his wife....combined *facepalm*.
I wrote the first draft of my Teaching Philosophy last night, and I'm pretty sure Supervisor and Wife could agree with about 90%  of it.  I'm also starting to look at problems and write like them.  So far, it's working....I'm also going through a lot of wine....

I know I promised a rant

Yeah, I have a rant, but I'm not going to post it tonight. 
I was cheesed off about something I read this morning and I'm still cheesed about; that hasn't changed.  Bottom line - I love my friends and all of their imperfections.  That's what makes them awesome.  But sometimes my friends don't think things all the way through.  Neither do I half the time, so it's all pretty even.  They call me on my short-comings, so I only feel that it's right to call them out.  Healthy debate is what makes the world go 'round. 

I don't agree with my friends this time around, and that's cool.  It's what makes life interesting. 

I primarily don't agree with them because I've come across sources in the recent past to counter-argue their opinions.  (Don't judge, counter-arguments are what keep life interesting)  Today was one of those days when those sources would have come in handy; too bad I don't have them handy and can't find time tonight to look for them.  Damn you Proposal Revisions.  Damn you!  (shakes fist in air). 

I'm hoping to find these sources tomorrow sometime, after my Proposal Revisions or my Teaching Philosophy document have kicked my ass, then I can get back to ranting.  Well, not just ranting, but ranting with some back-up. 

I promised a rant....oh, and there will be ranting.  But it will have to wait until I get my shit in order....so I can make a direct hit at the fan. 

Philosophy of the Week

I think I'm starting to realize that less is more, and I'm going to start practicing that ideal with this blog.  No better place really, seeing as the last few posts, and the few before that seem to go on FOR. EVER.
Sorry guys.

Here it goes:

"Make it simple, but no simpler." - A. Einstein (I think this quote is the embodiment of simplicity.  To the point, no other explanation needed. <3)

"You can't solve the World's problems in a Master's thesis." - Supervisor's Wife (I think I've heard this before.  Sometimes you need to hear the same thing from a few different people for it to sink in.  Thanks.)

"Don't let it overwhelm you.  Deal with one chunk at a time; no more, no less."  - Supervisor (Again, I think I need to hear things a few times to fully appreciate them and understand them.)

...and my favorite, that I've also adopted as part of my teaching philosophy:

"Do it.  Try.  When it starts to hurt, that means you've started thinking.  Keep going." - Dr. Roberge (It has more effect if you say it like an angry red-headed Frenchman tapping your forehead.)

I think that is all.

I "started" writing my actual thesis.  By "started" I mean that I did more than bubble plots and sketch notes.....I actually put more than two words together....in complete sentences.  I also started my 2nd logbook and finished a bottle of Saskatoon berry wine.  It was a good night.

I also need more wine.

Writing don't come easy

Advice of the week: "The best way to get rid of writer's block is just to write, about anything really.  If you're having trouble, sit down with a bottle of wine.  If one's not enough, open a second.  If you need a third, go to bed and try again."

Tonight, although I'm not writing, I cracked bottle #2 and am moving through my Research Methods material fairly quickly.  I want to get through it all before I have to crack bottle #3 and go to bed.

I stocked up on wine last week.  I'm almost out.  I'll have to stock up again.  Soon.