Alas! I just finished transcribing the last interview. Well, I have three more interviews to conduct, but I did finish transcribing all of the interviews I have already conducted. I have to admit, I have been procrastinating on the transcribing piece. I just think it is very unproductive. All right, it does have some benefit to it - I can REALLY listen to what the interviewees are saying during the interviews. So, I have seven faculty members, six industry professionals, three focus groups with students, and three in-depth interviews with students. Collecting these data are the fun part - I get to meet new faculty and students, and listen to their perspective of the American dream. I also get the opportunity to spend some time with my colleagues, and understand their perspective of the corporate America. So, I collect all of these data (interviews/focus groups), and then transcribe (what a pain in my ass), and now I will be writing my results section of my dissertation, writing the results - easy! Well see!

Well, I am down to three more weeks of class. I can't believe the coursework is almost over. It will be nice to put away the books for classes and concentrate on just my dissertation.

I have been home all week, working on finishing up the transcriptions, but I have not had the opportunity to spend time working on my dissertation. I have to admit, I took some time to shop and watch movies. I was ready to crack - seriously. I think I have been pushed beyond what my brain can take - NO MORE INFORMATION!!! I just wanted to sit and veg out. I can't remember the last time I did that.

Yesterday was turkey day, and dammit, I gained four pounds. WOW - first time in months, but it was well worth it. You would have thought that I have not eaten in a year. I actually did not eat much normal food (turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, etc) - I ate so many damn crackers with cheese and pepperoni. I have not had those things in more than 6 months...I went a little overboard. Now, I feel like crap. My stomach has been bothering me all day. I did workout on the elliptical machine for an hour. OK...I need to work out for 10 hours to burn off all the calories from yesterday - no joke! As I am writing this, there are cookies, cakes and pumpkin rolls staring at me. I need to throw them away - I can't take it anymore. My jeans feel tight and my belly is hanging over. NICE!

The weekend just started, and I have a ton of stuff due for my class this Thursday. Did I mention that I can't wait until this class is over? I think I have senior-itis. I just don't want to be there - I just want to finish my dissertation.

OK - somebody asked me the other day if I regret going into this program. Now that I am almost finished with the program, NO. I have no regrets, but I would never do it again, and I probably would not recommend it to someone who works full time. It has been the best and worst experience. The best because I have learned a great deal of knowledge, worked with some of the best professors - Dr. Paul is my favorite, and I get to engage in many opportunities that I will enjoy when I graduate. The worst because I have been unable to seriously relax in three years, haven't been able to see my friends when I really wanted to, and gained a lot of grey hair and wrinkles - seriously. It is amazing what stress will do to you. :) Anyway, I know that we have to go through the coursework and dissertation to be able to be credible in our field of interest, but sometimes I wish I could skip all that and just jump into it.

Well - I think I am going to paint now. I painted a beautiful canvas for my bathroom....It is my favorite yet. Not bragging here because I have never enrolled in a painting course or art class, but it is my own masterpiece. I am sure Jim doesn't like to see my art on the walls, but I just think it builds character in the home.

Until next time!