Ultimatum

My Dad gave me an ultimatum today. Either finish my dissertation by February 23 or forget about it COMPLETELY. He said that I have been working at it for too long already and if I'm not done with it by that time then I have probably reached my limit.

It's just like saying I'm not good enough. I guess I deserved that. Frankly speaking I have been doing it half heartedly. I am doing a topic that is very distant from a field close to my heart...education.

Nonetheless, they spent big money for my tuition and they need payback...FAST! A person who does not contribute to family expenses has no right to complain. KNOW YOUR ROLE AND SHUT YOUR MOUTH is the rule here.

I know Daddy didn't mean it. He never meant to hurt any of us. Being straightforward is just his way of blowing off steam.

Deep inside I know he's just concerned. He would not let his eldest son be trapped in a low paying job like teaching. Why his children are meant for great things! My parents did not work their asses off reaching great heights just to have underachieving children!


I know that he meant well. However, I feel I can never be like my parents. No matter how I try I will never be good enough. Sad to say but their way is not my way.

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Illustrations Cited:

http://macriner.wordpress.com/2008/01/03/pointing/

http://flapsblog.com/?m=200609

Work Away From Your Bedroom!!!

There has been recent developments in my dissertation. I discovered that I work best when I work at our dinner table. How strange.

I guess it has something to do with being away from my bedroom. Whenever I work there I tend to feel lazy every time I see my cushy bed.

Now that I'm away from it I am FINALLY getting some work done. Our dinner table is quite long which enables me to organize the stuff I need.

My pace may not be so fast but at least I'm churning up quality work. If this keeps up I may just make it. Hope for the best!

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Illustration Cited:

http://ww.weblogcartoons.com

Blank Stare

Whenever I start to seriously work at my dissertation I always get into a fix. No matter how much effort I put in getting myself to write nothing comes up to mind.

I have never felt so stupid in my life. Imagine years of training in graduate school for this? A wannabe scholar having nothing to write for a dissertation. And after ALL that reading!!!

My time is almost up. Who knows what will happen? Good fortune has always been kind to me. The question is for how long?

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Illustrations Cited:

http://www.grinningplanet.com/2006/05-30/plural-words-joke-pun.htm

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.

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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.

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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!


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Illustration Cited:

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