holy crap, tomorrow is february.

where is the time going? this month went by so quickly, and i'm finding myself getting more and more behind my timeline of completion. yikes.

i've been noticing a lot of other female phd students have blogs like mine (only they are a bit better about updating, i'm afraid). hence, belated new years resolution one: blog more.

i find that when i do blog, my frustration and (sometimes) doubt is relieved, even if just for a moment. that should be reason one. second, it really is a nice way of looking back on the year and having a good sense of what you finished (or didn't).

belated new years resolution two is related to blogging: to do lists and the follow up. i need to be finished with this degree. yesterday. recently i encountered a blog post by sciencewoman with her list of helpful hints on finishing your phd in a timely fashion. i've already missed the boat on several of her suggestions, but on those that i can salvage... take less time off on holidays, commit to external deadlines, make to do lists and goals, these i can do.

goal one: Chapter outline for dissertation by end the of February.
goal two: Advance to candidacy at end of semester.
goal three: Prep one lecture for class every fortnight.
goal four: Finish data collection for group one by April.

from this I arrive at these to do's for the month of February:
1. email prospectus to entire committee
2. set up pre-prospectus meeting with committee
3. make any edits required for prospectus
4. first draft of outline for dissertation chapters
5. prep two lectures for class
6. talk with adviser on new plan for experiments, including surgery updates
7. order extra batch of experimental animals, begin twice a week data collection
8. analyze any and all data collected
9. prepare presentation for CI class
10. prepare group led discussion for CI class
11. write response paper for business class
12. complete exam one for NEUS class

blast, i'm tired already...