A Change in Plans...

So, as everyone knows, I have been applying for jobs and working on finishing my dissertation with the hope of relocating this summer. A few things have set me back in the dissertation process, namely illness for the past 3 weeks. Applying for jobs has also taken a larger chunk out of my time than expected as well. Add to all of this an e-mail I received Sunday morning from Bryony Lavery (my dissertation subject) that offered herself up as an interview subject in April; I did quite the happy dance.

I had come to the realization that we probably weren't going anywhere last week. The job market sucks (even in education) and the jobs I applied for were submitted 5-8 weeks ago which generally means that I'm not on their short lists. The diss is behind but perhaps that is how it was supposed to be in order to include an interview with Lavery. Humanities and Women's and Gender Studies GTF applications for the 09-10 year are due in 3 weeks. All these factors are guiding me towards hanging out in Eugene for another year.

If I don't get a full year GTF I will graduate in fall term. If I get one I will graduate in June. There is a part of me has been feeling like I'm doing everything half-assed, from being a mom to being a student to being a friend. Yesterday, after I talked to my advisor and various other folks it feels like a giant weight hs been lifted off my shoulders. I will continue to write with the hope of having a full draft by the end of the May. I'm applying to conferences which will add a little sparkle and shine to my CV. And we are planning a trip to England mid-April! Thankfully I have departmental funding for my travel/accomodations! We are off to get the girls' passports this morning.

This is a big switch in thinking...but I feel like it is the right choice. I'm not thinking of it as a delay so much as just part of the process.

Thanks for reading and being patient with our ever-changing life circumstances!