tag:www.beckenham.id.au,2007://5/tag:scrambler.chopdesign.com,2004://5.156- Comments for dear diary... I was just another expat in Shanghai Movable Type 4.01 tag:scrambler.chopdesign.com,2004://5.156 2004-10-19T18:19:20Z 2007-11-02T07:23:43Z dear diary... It has been a long time since I last wrote, well, it hasn't all been about the cans since our last meeting (although quite a few have met their demise in the meantime). Its all been about the PhD of... Tim http://www.beckenham.id.au It has been a long time since I last wrote, well, it hasn't all been about the cans since our last meeting (although quite a few have met their demise in the meantime).

Its all been about the PhD of late. Working, typing, working, tearing out hair, sitting the dark (literally, sometimes metaphorically), and typing typing typing. Very monotonous but very welcome. Its been a while since I have been this productive. I have my ideas on why this has come about...

]]> I would like to think that these are the main motivators:

- a more balanced lifestyle
- i am officially over the 'thesis-writing hump'
- a change of scenery
- vocal support from my family and friends

But I have to admit that of late, this has also been of great motivation:
- scary letters from UQ Graduate School
- imminent arrival of the scary supervisor
- people actually looking to employ me (very scary)

So life is giving me the hurry up. No doubt my [gf] would be glad to hear of this. She is an awesome girl and gives great support, but she has made a sacrifice to stay with me and put off her plans to travel to Germany. That was really cool of her, and I want to repay her faith in me by being all I can be.

It hasn't been all serious, I've had a fantastic birthday period (Oct. 9th for all you lurkers out there), I've seen 'The Cat Empire' in concert, been to the beach on more than one ocassion, and otherwise everything has been quite dandy. Andrew O visited from Canada, we said farewell and good luck to Anthony F in his new career path, and my lab is moving to a new building in imminent future.

The $$ factor is starting to bite though - MYPA tutoring during the week has allieviated pressure on my finances however I still find them going down at a rate of knots. Since I have been writing at home predominantly I've saved on UQ parking and transportation costs, but it still bites a bit. M&D have been good with a few yellow bills here and there to take the pressure off.

No pictures as of yet, but I am sure there will be some coming up soon. M&D head off to the Shakey Isles soon, and Alicia&Danny arrive back after an extended holiday in the UK (or is that Europe).

Should be a cracker at the end of the year with a PhD submitted, the Beckenham crew reunited, and brighter prospects & travelling for the future.

Bring on 2005

timmyb

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