reality check

When one pursues her PhD, it's hard not to look at things a bit out of focus.

It's difficult, at least for me, to not come running out onto the race track with blinders on; especially when there's something that needs to be completed. I can't really help it. That's the type of person I am. I do before I think and, subsequently, learn from my mistakes first-handed.

I know, I know, a PhD is not something you want to madly finish. I am learning, as my husband would say, that "doing a PhD is a process and not a race". I'm learning to take the time to stop and smell the roses. Or more accurately, shoulder-checking to gauge the progress of my nearest competer.

Sometimes it's hard not to fully engross yourself in all things PhD-related with scientific journals scattered on all floors of the house and chapter drafts littered on the kitchen table and duelly serving as placemats. You, unknowingly, place yourself in a plastic bubble with the goal in sight but not tenable -- at least, not yet -- like a hamster moving endlessly on a running wheel.

So, friends, please forgive me for ignoring your email messages and your adorable baby pictures. Just know that it's not intentional but rather that my perception of reality is a bit hazy these days.