Home stretch slack

One chapter, introduction and conclusion to go. Possible May thesis defence. A burning desire to get this thing done before summer starts in earnest.

Of course, this all means that I am spending most of my time studying the candidates for Top Model and trying to figure out who I hate the most (Jade), cheering on the hippies on Amazing Race and watching old Buffy episodes. And working various jobs in the mean time. I think the thing that really wrecks the progress is how when I finish a chapter I tell myself "you deserve a break for a few days". This stops the momentum and then I never want to come out of holiday exile because it's painful to start writing again.

But yesterday, during the exam supervision, while the students worked away at their tests, I took a few spare moments to scribble 250 new words into a blank exam book. Today, I'm bumping it up to my usual minimum of 500 words a day, no matter what. If my wrist holds out, I'll also work in some transcription of an interview. If not, article reading is go.

I continue to apply for jobs as they come along. The latest is perfect, and I think I stand a fairly good chance of being shortlisted. It's in publishing, at a place where I have a good contact (I wasn't sure about her until I submitted my application and then received a very enthusiastic email back about how happy she was to hear from me again) and is a telecommuting position. I'll know more at the end of the month.