Dissertation Blues

After much thought I have come to the conclusion that writing my dissertation is THE MOST boring and frustrating thing I have ever done so far in my life.

My adviser may not believe me but I have spent DAYS staring at a blank monitor. I have read countless books and articles already but for some reason I can't get the words out.

If ever I do get to squeeze some words out it is either inappropriate or downright insufficient. Dissertations are all about content and substance. Where's the substance if you can summarize an entire article in a paragraph?

My time is almost up and I have yet to submit anything concrete. This is definitely not one of my better days. I pray that inspiration may once again shine on me.

Nothng Changed

I met the friend I mentioned last October this afternoon. He borrowed money from my Mom for a business venture. After months of not speaking with each other it's unfortunate that NOTHING changed in him.

He still remained as conceited as ever. We spent the day talking almost entirely about himself. Some people never change. I guess there's no hope for people like him. Good luck to you, my friend. It was great while it lasted.

_______________________________________________
Illustration Cited:

http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/jby0186l.jpg

Abstract Accepted

I just received word stating that my abstract was accepted for presentation this coming May. This is my second abstract accepted for a foreign conference this year.

Such a message could not have come at a better time. Just when I was beginning to be intellectually demoralized.



Working on my dissertation is taking its toll. I'm not sure if it's stress or maybe my brain is slowing down. It is probably the most boring activity I ever did in my life!




Acceptance of an abstract may not be such a big deal however, if it was screened by the National University of Singapore (NUS) it's a different story. The NUS is the 20th best university in the world according to Times Higher Education Supplement.

Being acknowledged by one of the best universities in the world is a feat in itself. Even if it wasn't NUS that screened it the very fact that foreign scholars recognize your work is truly gratifying.

It's a pity that many of my efforts are not recognized in my home country. Sometimes your kin could be your worst critic.

____________________________________________________
Illustrations Cited:

http://www.cartoonmotivators.com/pages/MikeMoore.html

http://www.terrace.qld.edu.au/terrnews/tn220799.htm

http://www.nus.edu.sg

New Begginings

I just finished recording my major activities for 2008 in my journal. Looking back at my 2007 journal I can't help but feel guilty. There's just too much time wasted.

Yes there were major developments in 2007 but not in the same scale as 2006. Sad to say but the hardest part about regret is knowing that it cannot be reversed. There's simply no turning back.

Before I wrote in my 2008 journal I said a prayer. I prayed that I will be given the strength to accomplish what I am supposed to do.

I don't aspire much for 2008. Just to finish my dissertation and to gather enough clients for our business is good enough. Better stop making excuses and get moving!


__________________________________________
Illustration Cited:

http://www.offthemarkcartoons.com/cartoons/1999-09-07.gif

Memorable Pump Class

My last Body Pump class was something to remember. Our instructor for that day did something he felt uncomfortable doing ever since. Joining a dance class.

I have known Arvin, our instructor, for almost a year now and I know very well that he dislikes dancing. He probably thinks that it's not a manly thing being the image conscious guy that he is.

Despite that I still kept asking him to join the dance class every time. There's nothing to lose in a dance class except one's pride. Especially if you're a sucky dancer!

Arvin joining a dance class was unthinkable for the gym community. He was too much of a stiff for that. But there he was grooving away. I never expected him to be such a fine dancer!

After the class I asked him why he had a change of heart. He simply told me that he just wished to grant my request.

Who am I to compel him to do such a thing? I'm not his boss. We're not even friends. Besides, he had every reason to decline because he just conducted two very intense workouts that day.

Despite that he took time to grant a stranger's request. What a guy!

What Arvin did that day really impressed me. He was willing to risk making a fool of himself in public for what? A playful suggestion? He had everything to lose and nothing to gain but he still went on with it.

I really think that what Arvin did shows a trait of a good friend. True friends should be willing to make sacrifices to help others out. No wonder many of his peers adore him.

I will definitely miss Arvin's classes when he leaves for Singapore. I will miss his energy, and his cheerful and caring disposition. Someday I hope that we could be good friends. You can't find people like him around every corner.


______________________________________
Illustrations Cited:

SVEA Training Center
http://www.sveatraning.se/kvalitet.htm

Sports World
http://www.sportsworld.com

Fusion Fitness
http://www.fusionfitness.biz/index.cfm?page=5

Devastated

Just as I was contemplating to give my full commitment to Perps I received the shock of my life. Sad to say Perps has intensified its inhumane work practices.

Full time faculty members were only to be given a pittance on mid pay to be deducted at the end of the month.

Part-time faculty are in a worse position. They will receive no pay at the middle of the month. The worst part of it is that they will only get half month's pay at the end of the month. The other half for November will be given at the end of the semester.

What does Perps think of its teachers? Are teachers beggars who receive alms only at the whims of some kind benefactor?

Sad to say but teachers there are treated like third class citizens. Aliens who do not have rights nor a say on anything.

Teachers have their needs too. They have to travel to work and they also have to buy their food. It's not fair for them not to receive their just wage when they should.

It's a pity that a lot of dedicated and wonderful teachers are awfully treated there. They couldn't leave because they have dependents studying there and that they're too old to have any place to go.

How I wish I could help my fellow teachers. Someday when things are going right I'm going to return to help my fellow teachers. They gave everything to nurture their students s I believe they deserve a better life.

________________________________________________
Illustrations Cited

RGB Artworks
http://rgbartworks.com/rgb6.html

The Hobo Code
http://akugel.wordpress.com)

Back to School

By Monday I will be returning to life as a college educator. I missed this job tremendously after being stranded at home doing my dissertation. Teaching will finally give me the peace of mind I can't seem to find elsewhere.


I love my "home" university, Perps, very much. It saved me countless times from professional oblivion. Whenever I had to leave certain universities for political reasons Perps was always there to welcome me back without asking a word. It is a place where I really feel appreciated.

This semester will be a turning point in my career. The administrators at Perps are asking me for the nth time if I want to stay for good as a tenured faculty member. Tenures are hard to earn taking at least 3 years probation but they're giving it to me on a silver platter!


I'm really confused. I really love Perps from the bottom of my heart but I'm not sure if it is the place where I can grow academically. Research priorities and funding are limited to studies about Perps. Promotions there are done every three years only. This means you won't get promoted even if you win a Nobel prize unless the three years isn't up yet!

I really don't mind the not so spectacular pay. What I do mind is their ambivalence to faculty achievements. Productive faculty members should be compensated for being productive especially those who bring honor to the university. They deserve it.

Well, I will have to make a choice sooner or later. I don't have the heart to say no for the nth time. I guess I'll just have to make the best of the current situation. For now I'll just relish the moment for having the chance to teach once again.


____________________________________
Illustrations Cited:

The Online Learning Centre
http://olc.spsd.sk.ca/newsletters/06issue1.htm