environmentisnothippy

So I finally feel like I am starting my thesis! My research director advised me to conduct a mini-proposal outlining the methods I will be conducting to raise brine shrimp, in order to hopefully gain another member for my committee. She seemed to hint that it was not necessary right now to look only in literature (research papers) as what has been done (although i have tried), but rather just looking at the simplest way possible to raise these shrimp. I just don't know the exact technical way to write this proposal. In undergrad, I have written and conducted an undergrad biology research paper, and in that aspect, I do have an idea of everything necessary for how my thesis paper should look when it is completed, but proposals are something I have never done (or seen). Where/what exactly am I looking for?

I got a dog as soon as I moved to the city where I'd be in grad school, and got my first apartment. I adopted him at 1 and 1/2 years old from the SPCA. Luckily he was potty trained then, and he was fine just roaming in my tiny studio apartment. Balancing him and everything else was definitely harder than I thought, as was my budget. He is 2 years old now, and obedience trained, and I think we have the balancing part down a lot better than I did. I don't regret getting him, even though it is definitely a lot more challenging than I expected. Still, I worry that, with my thesis just now starting, I will have less time for him than I did, even though I will be quitting my part time job for my thesis (and stipend!). Anyone else have pets (particularly dogs) and how are you balancing your time? Do you regret getting a dog?

Anyone else have this problem/issue/situation? I guess it is not so much of a problem as it was. Anyway, I met my boyfriend back when I was an undergrad, and we get a long so well in so many aspects. We've been dating now for four years and are serious, but because of certain circumstances *Ahem*, I don't see us planning a wedding in the near (4 years or less) future. And as more and more fellow classmates are getting engaged and married, it becomes more and more brought up. While I finished my undergrad in 4 years (consequetively) and, after a 2 year break, went onto now grad school (which I plan to finish in 2 years), my boyfriend, Brian, chose a different path. He went to undergrad college for a year and a half, partied too much and failed out, and then decided he just wanted to jump into working instead. After about 3 years of doing different starting jobs, he decided (and after much persuasion from me), to go back to finish school for at least an associates degree. Well, he discovered he has a hard time with school, and after not doing well for the next couple of semesters, he finally got some help with a psychiatrist to work on strategies to help him do well in school (I think he just has ADHD and needs help learning better... no biggie). Well now he plans on going back with his new-found skills, and now I am in grad school. So finally we both are steered in the right (career-wise) direction... But now, after wasting (ok learning, but from an academic standard, wasting) all that time, it seems that Brian won't catch up to be able to start on a career at the same rate that I will. It is hard to plan and be serious together about settling down when the career ladders between us don't match up at the same time. And I know I cannot support the both of us with even any beginner salary after grad school in time for him to catch up. Ugh frustrating.

I seem to always sign "thanks" lol but now you got me thinking... should i sign with "best" or maybe just something more formal than "thanks" something more professional? Ah, but then its best to be yourself too... I keep thinking about those people who have to read all those emails... one that stands out might be refreshing for a change, haha. But then again, how many people really look at the end greeting anyway?

Hey yeah I fit in this crowd too! haha Yeah I think you all mentioned the things I do too to manage. Medication, I'm part of the concerta crowd, helps me to just focus on one thing at a time, and organization is ESSENTIAL. People joke with me about how I can seem so OCD once I have the concentration down (with meds) but if I am not trying to organize myself I know I won't get anything done. Flashcards, lists, and rewriting my notes is practically all I feel like I do, haha. Also, what I seem to still have trouble with is all the technology. Things like Blackboard are great with everything in place and electronic, but I find I still have things scattered in seperate areas, with hardcopy notes everywhere, and then papers and homework and discussions online. Its hard for me because I want them all in the same place (and my printer broke). But, I have been doing a lot more things online, which helps to keep it all together, and, hopefully I will get a new working printer for my bday (next week!) which will help me so much!