Well, I realize I've been m.i.a. from the blog world...let's be honest, m.i.a. from much of the real world as well the last month.
The Olympics happened, right?!
But what have I been doing? Well, one word...studying. On August 1st, I started my preliminary examinations. These are essentially the comprehensive exams over a four day period. The first, second, and third days you meet in a computer lab, receive a question, and have four hours to answer it. Then on day three, you are also given a take home question that is specifically written for you, you have twenty-four hours to read/write/submit your case.
On August 4th at 1pm, I submitted my case study. And now, I wait.
In the midst of waiting, I started classes yesterday and I am working on the introduction, literature review, and methodology chapters for my dissertation.
I should find out at the beginning of September if I passed my written prelims at which point I'd schedule an oral defense. So for now, I wait, and work, and go to class, and write. This is a big step in the journey and I'm grateful to have it behind me (and I'll be even more grateful when I find out that I've passed).
Happy New Year! (yes, I measure my year's by the academic calendar)
