Everything's Comin' up IAN!

In the past week, I've finished one major project (my paper for Sociology of Law). That's a load off. Then, yesterday in class my prof. gave me a fantastic compliment. After I made some comment, he said, "Ian, I think we're turning you into a sociologist." That really meant a lot to me. I'm the only non-sociology grad student in that class, and as the outsider, I always feel a little inadequate talking about Weber, Durkheim, and Marx. I've never even taken a sociology class before this one. I'm more at home talking about theories of persuasion and media effects, so to get that comment from my professor felt like a real pat on the back.

In the same vein, I got ahold of a professor at UT who does restorative justice work and can train me to be a mediator. He will be coming to speak to my sociology class sometime in the next two weeks. He's also interested in working on a few grants to get funding to start restorative justice projects in NW Ohio. This might just be a perfect person to include on my dissertation committee, and a perfect forum in which to conduct my dissertation research.

Other classes are going along fine, and I've only a month left until the semester's end. I have myself a summer job, a new place to move into in August and a fantastic girlfriend. I want for no good thing.

This week's docket

Ok, back to another week of all the things that make my weeks go by. Yesterday I had the fine pleasure of speaking with two other superheros who completed their M.A.s with me in Illinois. It looks like I'm going to see at least one of them next weekend at CSCA (Central States Communication Association) in Indianapolis. I'm looking forward to that event with Cruea and Jake. I think that I'm the only student from B.G. who is presenting solo (that's a pretty good feeling).

This week, in addition to finishing my Sociology of Law paper, I have to fill out a program evaluation and meet with my temporary advisor to discuss how my program is coming along and what I need to take each semester to finish, etc. etc. I know they say that if you write down your goals, you're more likely to complete them...I wonder if that does the same for blogging your goals? I guess I'll find out. As soon as I get that program of study goals down on paper, I'll stick it up here in this forum. And now, it's off to write a few more pages here and there.

-M.D.S.

Movin' along

Today I register for Fall classes. Today I continue working on my coding "research" for Dr. Bradshaw. Today I have a meeting about my intependant readings class. Today I have my sociology class. Today I have a whole lot to do.

I feel like I really just want this semester to be over. When I mention this to colleagues they seem quick to say, "But I have so much work to do." And they're right. We do each have a lot to do, but each semester I do eventually get all my work done. So, I know this semester will be no different. I WILL get all my work done.

I just want to already have it done. So remember two things, gentle readers, first keep plugging away, there's light at the end of the tunnel. Second, sometimes that light belongs to a swiftly moving on-coming train.

Time keeps on slipping...

I've decided I'm not too good at this blog posting. I did ok last year, but I only really posted one long message a month and then pictures now and then (and heck, at least then I knew people were reading). Now it's just something else to ass into my day. Maybe I can make a discipline out of it (like every Friday, or something like that...).

The semester is winding down. Spring Break was last week. Although, by the snow on the ground outside, you couldn't tell we were in late March. Weather aside, the semester is but five weeks from ending. I have a LOT of work facing me in the next few weeks.

In fact, my goal for today is to get 4-5 pages written for my sociology class. It's one class that I'm really enjoying and I'm learning a lot. This week it really struck me the difference between classes that are taught well, and those that are not. I'm keenly aware of the differences.

My students start their second speech on Monday, which means a week and a half of lesson plans that are already done for me, (Yessss.) I sure do like teaching that class. They are interesting and talkative and pretty on the ball.

So, two more major papers to do, two more exams (including one next week), my presentation for Central States Communication Assn. meeting, and whatever homework Earley has for us in Stats...and time just keeps on slipping like I said at the beginning. But, I don't think that time slips into the future. All my time keeps slipping into the past. Doesn't that make more sense?
M.D.S., Out!