Beyond Recovery: Christin's journal of progress (comments welcome)

[rcyannacci]

Friday-
B- string cheese stick and some multigrain cheerios
L- leftover Greek salsa w/ flatbread, a few bits of leftover chicken, grapes, celery with cheese
S- sugarfree fudgicle w/ PB
D- grilled trout, roasted sweet potato, and a salad
S- sugarfree fudgicle w/ PB (again...I needed something sweet)
Not too bad, all in all

Exercise- Curves 40 minutes, 5 minutes on abs

I woke up feeling a bit sore today, so I think I'll take my exercise break today and swim tomorrow.

Almost forgot- I weighed in at Curves yesterday and am at 203, so back where I was pre-trip, pre-TOM. So that's a good thing.

Better writing day yesterday (I hammered out 3 pages of stuff that I think I can use), but I'm feeling a bit stressed because I got a call from the university where I'm teaching a couple of adjunct classes. I've been teaching 2 sections of an Intro to Fine Arts class for 2 years...its great, I know the class and all of my lectures are set...but they wanted to know if I'd be interested in teaching a graduate seminar class on 20th century World Theatre. Yikes! This is a big compliment to my teaching, but it is 2 weeks before classes start and I'm still trying to draft this chapter for the end of the summer.

The Pros:
- moving up from an intro non-majors class to a grad seminar shows progress on my CV/resume and the confidence the department has in my teaching. It gives me good experience and real credibility as a teacher, especially as I'm entering the job market next year.
- the topic of the seminar is very close to my research speciality; I feel confident teaching the content, even if I would still have a lot of added prep.

The Con
-I am really trying to push this fall to get a full, if uneditted, draft of my dissertation completed so I can be on track to graduate this Spring. Prep for this class would likely take 5-8 hours away from my writing each week.
-My family is already making plans to come to TX for my graduation this May...even my nephew, the cutest little boy ever, who is ALREADY super excited about getting on a plane.

It's not even assured that I will finish by the defense deadline even if I don't take the class, but taking it would certainly put even more pressure on me. While I'm feeling stronger than I've felt in a long time, I'm not sure how much I want to tempt the fates, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, it helps just typing some of this out, but certainly if anyone has any insights let me know. I'll be calling them back on Monday.

In the meantime, DH and I are going to go to a movie today- Wedding Crashers. We've heard it's funny and a throw back to the R-rated movies our parents wouldn't let us watch while growing up .

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

 

[Lesli54]

Wow! That is great to be back on track with the weight!

Double Wow and cool on the new teaching offer. I do understand when things come to the cross roads for your goals. The "do I have time to pursue, what's the advantages, disadvantages, if I don't take it will it set me back?" Lots to think about this weekend.

Here are some thoughts though, as you have already mentioned that it would really set you up for the job market and help advance your career.
1. Is this the kind of class that you would ultimately want to teach?
2. If not, is this the type of class that you would need to teach to get the classes you want to teach?
3. Could you use planning for this class as part of your research or vice versa, something to help the mindset?
4. If you really are leaning towards this, could you rearrange some other things in your life right now to accomodate the 5-8 hours of prep a week? Backing off the dissertation is not a choice, maybe cutting some social time or other activities?
5. If you do cut out something to fit this into your schedule, could you cut it out for the next 8-9 months until you graduate?
6. Do you work well under the pressure of a deadline? If not, this may pose a problem, if yes, it might work to your advantage.
7. Would your DH be accomodating to your very full school/career load?
8. If you take the job, could you actually set in writing a schedule that would help keep you on track to graduate in May?
9. How much would it hurt your career goals if you didn't take the class?
10. How much would it hurt you emotionally if you couldn't graduate in May and how would that effect the career goals?

Sorry so many questions. If I think of more, I will let you know.

If it was me, I would probably take the job, but then I am an over-achiever and tend to take on a lot, sometimes too much. But last fall I was in the position where I needed to graduate by this past May or take more hours to finish my degree as they were changing the program. All I needed was 2 classes. I was very busy, didn't have much time and knew I would have less time as I prepared for DD18's graduation. But I took those 2 classes anyway since I didn't want to lose the opportunity of being done on time. In order to do that at the time, I told everyone that I was going to back off quite a few things (not out, just off) for a short time and that my main concentration was my classes. I rearranged and pushed really hard, knowing that it was a short time and that it would hold a great reward in the end. Making a schedule really helped.

Family will understand if you choose to graduate a semester later than planned, especially if you explain how this would enhance your career. They just want to see you earn such an honored degree (still waiting for my dad's graduation).

Tough decision, but I know that you will make the choice that is right for you. As long as you think everything through and know all the consequences and can live with them whatever your decision, then you will have confidence in your choice and no regrets.

Sorry for taking up so much space.

Have a great day!

 

[rcyannacci]

Leslie- you're fantastic! Thanks for taking the time, thought, and energy to respond. You ask some excellent questions.

Yes, it is the type of class I eventually want to teach; it will be a treat, actually, to teach students who are really motivated and want to be there.

I do work well under stricter deadlines, actually. I tend to get more stressed during the summers when my schedule is less defined.

Yes, I will have to set a strict schedule. What will I have to cut out? Primarily social outings and the various performances we all attend as a group. Also the long lunches that my friends tend to take. Also the hour or so every morning I spend surfing online. Honestly, it might be nice to have a solid excuse to bow out of certain things...I've been getting so frustrated lately with people expecting me to adapt to their schedule.

The time I want to make sure I protect is the 5 hours or so of weekly exercise, especially since it gives me added energy. And, I'm going to have to be really strategic about food, planning healthy lunches to pack so I don't have to leave my office. DH said he'd help me with dinners and keeping the house together.

I guess I've already talked myself into teaching the class, so I'm mostly trying to psyche myself up for 4 really long months. I also talked to my Dad, whose a professor, and who said, essentially, that's it's an opportunity that I really can't pass up.

Wow. OK. Now, I have to get to work

Thanks again for the advice!

 

[Lesli54]

Well, congrats on the new job. Boy that was fast. It obviously is something that you really wanted and it is great that you are finding a way to make it work. I agree, you don't want to give up that exercise time. The extra social stuff will come as you have more time.

Who knows, maybe you will be back on a great losing streak with your weight since you will be too busy to think about unnecessary snacking. Just make sure you keep good foods on hand. It's great that your DH is going to help you out. The months will be long, but it will go quickly.

Thanks for mentioning some reading material for DD18. Enjoy your weekend.

 

[rcyannacci]

Saturday-
B- english muffin w/ PB and some grapes
L- went out with DH to a new pan Asian place. I had the lunch special w/ egg drop soup, sweet and sour pork, lemon chicken, and fried rice. I left most of the rice on the plate, but it was definitely a "splurge" type meal.
D- homemade pizzas w/ whole wheat crusts. I was fine after 4 small pieces (we tend to make small rounds so they fit on the grill), but then DH brought me another which made me feel stuffed.
At least with two big meals today I didn't do any snacking.

No exercise- took the day off since my muscles were feeling sore.

Back to work today after my day off with DH yesterday. Although I did spent time yesterday cleaning my desk and organizing my office so I can be more focused this week.

 

[Lesli54]

Isn't it amazing how cleanning your office can really motivate you and help you to get more done? I know. Still working on it.

We are having homemade pizzas tonight. Do you make your own dough or is it prepackaged? Also, how do you grill a pizza?

Good luck on the writing.

 

[daisy_77]

Do you like Curves? I was thinking of going there. Right now I am at Gold's Gym. It is expensive! Plus, I get intimidated by all the "He-Man" types. I usually just do the treadmill, bike or elliptical. Have a great week!

 

[Cruise04]

Glad to hear you are still plugging at it. Instead of going back the whole week to see how I posted in I am apologizing now in case I say something that I already said - I can't remember if I welcomed you back and glad that you had a conference. Now to just get diving right back into that dissertation - and I can understand that can be hard at times. Just think of how great it will be when you are done!!!!!

Keep on
Chris

 

[goldcupmom]

Glad you're back and back on track. Your new job sounds like a fantastic opportunity.
Hope you have a great, productive week!

 

[rcyannacci]

Sunday-
B- toast w/ PB
S- string cheese stick
L- chicken salad sandwich
D- grilled steak, 1/2 a sweet potato, serving of greens
S- sugarfree fudigicle w/ PB

Exercise- swam laps 40 minutes (had to do this late since I was at the library until 6:00. But DH made dinner AND vacumed while I swam...nice guy!)

Good day writing yesterday. I was able to concentrate for the most part at my library office, especially since it was Sunday and no one was around. Going back today with the intent of finishing up the first chapter section (probably another 3-4 pages), and starting a zero draft of the next section (laying down my research first and then going back to write around it.)

Daisy- I really love Curves, and am so happy I joined. I get incredibly intimidated at regular gyms, but just love the friendly atmosphere at my local Curves. It's circuit training, so you travel in a circle from one machine to the next. In addition to making some friends in the neighborhood, I've seen great progress in terms of pounds and inches lost. They occasionally run specials (1/2 off sign-up) so you might ask about that if you're interested.

 

[calena]

Congrats on the job opportunity. You would not be the first person to take an extra semester to finish your doctorate, and you certainly have a worthy reason to do so, so take the opportunity to teach a challenging course you will enjoy as it comes!
I'm glad things are going well. I'm eating as many fudgecicles as you are I think! Love them!

 

[crusin'minnie]

Christin-

Congratulations on the new class. That is just great. It really does sound like an honor.

Last year I worked 2 full time jobs for a little over a year. The opportunity fell into my lap. We were building a house and I did it to help with that. I am a firm believer that the Good Lord helps those that help themselves. Well I helped myself into our dream home. We were able to do alot of extras that otherwise would not have happened. It was probably the hardest thing I have ever done. I had a sketch of my house that I carried around with me to keep me focused.

I say all of this to suggest that you give yourself a focal point. Something that you can look at and say what I am doing is worth it! Something that will make you smile.

You will make it!! You have to be tough to have made it this far. Just think how much happier you till be at this time next year. Not a care in the world.

 

[rcyannacci]

Thank you both for your comments- they're really helpful. I guess I'm just already feeling behind on my dissertation because of my health problems the first year writing. The semester I had radiation, I had to set it aside; getting through work hours was hard enough. But, now I'm healthy...even pushing towards fit...so even if I'm busy, it will be a positive sort of busy.

Cindy- 2 full time jobs...that's amazing! I like the idea of having something to focus on...DH and I are planning a trip to WDW for next May, intended as a graduation celebration. If I could make it a cruise, I would, but that will have to wait until we have more $$$ in the bank. I think we might go camping at Ft. Wilderness...we used to camp a lot when we first got together, and that means we could stay longer. So maybe I'll put one of my Disney pins on my computer bag to remind me of the trip on long days.

OK, Monday (good day)
B- 1/2 a whole wheat pita w/ PB and a handful of grapes
S- string cheese stick
L- chicken salad sandwich on whole wheat and a few baby carrots
D- greek salsa w/ ww pita, ceasar salad, and left-over pesto pizza on ww crust
S- fudgicle w/ PB (I'm not sure what I'd do w/o these, calena! So yummy...I need something slightly sweet after dinner)

Exercise- Curves 40 min, abs and legs 10 min.

I weighed in at Curves and am down another 1.5 lbs. So I'm at 201.5...very close to onederland!

 

[Lesli54]

ONEDERLAND is calling your name! It really feels great to be on this side of the fence, even if things are a little stagnant.

Good luck on the writing today and planning for your class. You will be able to do this, I just know it.

BTW, thanks for the pizza dough recipe. I will try it next time we do homemade pizzas.

Have a great day!

 

[crusin'minnie]

Just keep on going. One day at a time. And remember from where you have come from last year this will be a piece of cake. Or better yet a piece of fruit!

 

[rcyannacci]

Tuesday-
B- 1/2 ww pita w/ PB and some grapes
S- string cheese stick
L- 1/2 chicken salad sandwich on ww bread and a small spinach salad w/ lite honey mustard dressing
S- other 1/2 of sandwich
D- DH cooked tonight since he had the day off and it was yummy. Something called Chicken Bruchetta, essentially chicken topped with tomatos and basil like the appitizer bruchetta, but w/o the bread, and a blackbean mango salad. We also finished off the rest of the Greek salsa and pita.
S- fudgicle w/ PB

Exercise- 30 min. brisk walk with DH and the dogs (didn't feel like I had the energy for a full swimming workout today).

Writing was good; I finished my first section (15 pages down) and started zero drafting my next section. I'll go back today and try to organize everything a little better. I have a ton of research for this next bit, and I need to make sure I pull it together coherently with my argument.


Getting out of bed this morning was rough; I couldn't get to sleep last night until around 2:00 and now I'm exhausted. But if I get through today, hopefully tonight I will sleep better.

 

[Lesli54]

Great job on the writing. Now since you are tired today, watch out for the unneccessary snacking. Take a small break or power nap if you get too tired. That usually helps me.

Have a great day! (my Mickey's are gone. Imagine me crying here.)

 

[rcyannacci]

Posting late today because I slept late. Another night of insomnia, plus the back spasm I had last month returned with a vengence. So I sacrificed my morning of writing so I could sleep in.

Yesterday was a tough day, although I'm not sure why. Maybe because it was so gloomy here- we've had more rain in Aug. in TX than it's even possible to imagine. But, I pushed through with the writing, getting a good start on my next section. I feel like I'm on the right track with my argument, but I just wish I could write faster. Juggling all of the research is bogging me down a bit. Curse me for doing so much research!

Wednesday-
B- 1/2 ww pita w/ PB and strawberries
S- South Beach snack bar
L- the last of my chicken salad on a bed of spinach (I felt a little nauseous 1/2 way through eating lunch, so I didn't eat very much actually)
S- chocolate square (DH brought me this from work when he found out I was craving chocolate).
S- flatbread and spinach dip
D- stopped at the Central Market since neither DH or I wanted to cook. Got a pecan crusted chicken breast, and some creamy pesto sauce (which we put on top of ww pasta at home). We also picked up some carrots, but forgot to eat those.

Unfortunately, Central Market had just gotten in a stock of British chocolates, and DH saw his favorite, Curly Wurlies, on the shelf. He grabbed a handful, plus 2 Flakes. So I had a Curly Wurlie after dinner- only 120 calories, though. They are pretty small. But it was so worth it!

No exercise- I was feeling my back spasm coming on and didn't want to aggrivate it. I'm getting ready to head to Curves this morning (it's feeling a little better) so I can jump start my day after sleeping late.

Sorry to all if I've been a bit neglectful of others journals. I think, with one more week of push, I'll be well on track with the chapter and my class prep.

 

[Jane E.]

Christen, so sorry to hear about your back spasms. I hope you get over them soon. The physical therapist always seem to help me when I get back pain. Between the massages, heat therapy & electric therapy, I always get better quickly. For some reason the pills that my M.D. give me NEVER work & I end taking plain old asprin. Be sure to take care of that back. With all of your writing, working out & brisk walking - its easy to end up in pain.

 

[Lesli54]

Yeah, well, I am behind on journals too. Get your writing done, as it is more important.

I hope you are feeling better. Also, if you sent some of that rain up this way, THANK YOU! I actually see some green spots trying to come through the baby Sahara.

Hope you have a great night!