"Congratulations, you have new letters behind your name." This was how my committee told me they passed my thesis, which means I'm graduating. The letters they were talking about were MA or Master's of Arts. What a relief! I knew that it wouldn't be bad, but it actually went easier than I expected. Either that, or I felt comfortable enough with my research that there were not any problems with what I was asked. The toughest question wasn't about my thesis, but was what book was most useful to me in grad school. This is from the teacher who assigned 4 or 5 books. Thing was, many of my classes in the department were seminars, which used assigned articles to read and not text books.
I still have some revisions to make on my thesis. This isn't that unusual, especially as there wasn't a lot of time for other committee members to review earlier drafts of the thesis. So I will need to make those in the next week. Once those are approved, I already have the signatures to take the thesis to the Dean.
For the first time I am getting excited about graduation. Prior to this, I was blase. It almost felt that it was no big deal getting a MA. It just didn't quite feel the same as getting a BA. Maybe it was because a BA really is a changing point in one's life -- the end of school and the start of the career. I would think a PhD would feel like quite an accomplishment, simply because the hard work for a dissertation and the fact so few people have one. But there was something about getting a Master's didn't make it seem like a big deal.
But now that my thesis is done, it does feel like a big deal. Of course, being selected as a commencement speaker helps. I found out that my speech is 2-4 minutes -- not a lot of time to depart words of wisdom. Today I bought my cap and gown, so that's done. Really, the big thing now is to get the thesis revisions done, get the sign-off from the Dean, and get my thesis bound.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Good news!
Mark your calendars for August 11 at 7 p.m. That is my graduation and I have been selected as the graduation speaker. I interviewed for it yesterday and just read the email from my advisor. How cool is that? Guess I need to order my cap and gown! :-)
Today I will defend my thesis -- at 10 a.m. From talking to my advisor and one of my committee members yesterday, what will happen is that there will be suggestions to my thesis, and I will have some revisions to make. So that's the rest of this week. One last round with my advisor, Dr. Niekamp, and then it will be good to go to the Dean.
Today I will defend my thesis -- at 10 a.m. From talking to my advisor and one of my committee members yesterday, what will happen is that there will be suggestions to my thesis, and I will have some revisions to make. So that's the rest of this week. One last round with my advisor, Dr. Niekamp, and then it will be good to go to the Dean.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Top 10 politically incorrect movies
This is a great list. I think I'm one of the few people who actually liked Team America: World Police. It was so politically incorrect it was funny. I mean, only the creators of South Park would have puppets having sex on the big screen.
Speaking of South Park, I was thrilled to learn that last week the Tom Cruise in the closet episode was nominated for an Emmy. If you haven't seen it, you are probably out of luck because thus far Cruise has blocked the rebroadcast of that episode. My top three South Park episodes have to be the in the closet one, the one with Ben Afflick and JLo (or should I say Cartman's hand as JLo), and the one where Cartman confuses NAMBLA (the North American Marlon Brando Look Alikes) with NAMBLA (North American Man-Boy Love Association).
Speaking of South Park, I was thrilled to learn that last week the Tom Cruise in the closet episode was nominated for an Emmy. If you haven't seen it, you are probably out of luck because thus far Cruise has blocked the rebroadcast of that episode. My top three South Park episodes have to be the in the closet one, the one with Ben Afflick and JLo (or should I say Cartman's hand as JLo), and the one where Cartman confuses NAMBLA (the North American Marlon Brando Look Alikes) with NAMBLA (North American Man-Boy Love Association).
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Sigh of relief
My thesis is done...well, almost done. I have finished writing, rewriting, editing, proofing and double-checking. My advisor approved my final chapter this morning and I emailed the complete thesis to my committee this afternoon. I still have to defend the thesis, which will take place Wednesday at 10 a.m. If any reader is in San Marcos and would like to learn about blogging and opinion leadership, let me know. :-)
I'm not quite sure what to expect on the defense. My advisor told me I had 20 minutes to present my thesis and could do it in whatever format I'm most comfortable. Call me crazy, but I really prefer Powerpoints because without them, I think the audience can get lost with the data.
The past few days I've been having crazy thoughts, equating my thesis defense to the Albert Brooks' movie Defending Your Life. The premise of the movie is that when you die you are sent to a place where the powers that be hold court on your life. If you didn't get it right during life, you are sent back to Earth to try it again. Daniel (Brooks) has to work hard in his defense to prove that he is worthy to stay. Julia (Meryl Streep), on the other hand, finds it a breeze going through the judgment process. I just hope that my thesis defense is more like Julia and less like Daniel.
I'm not quite sure what to expect on the defense. My advisor told me I had 20 minutes to present my thesis and could do it in whatever format I'm most comfortable. Call me crazy, but I really prefer Powerpoints because without them, I think the audience can get lost with the data.
The past few days I've been having crazy thoughts, equating my thesis defense to the Albert Brooks' movie Defending Your Life. The premise of the movie is that when you die you are sent to a place where the powers that be hold court on your life. If you didn't get it right during life, you are sent back to Earth to try it again. Daniel (Brooks) has to work hard in his defense to prove that he is worthy to stay. Julia (Meryl Streep), on the other hand, finds it a breeze going through the judgment process. I just hope that my thesis defense is more like Julia and less like Daniel.
What's my beer personality
Not sure how accurate this is. Given that our house is full of homebrew and beer is an art around here, I would have answered the questions differently than the choices allowed. For example, it asked in which city I would like to do a pub crawl. I answered Amsterdam because it was the closest city to Belgium. Maybe I should have answered my hometown because quite honestly, I could drink enough beer at home so that I would be unable to crawl out of the house.
| You Are Heineken |
 You appreciate a good beer, but you're not a snob about it. You like your beer mild and easy to drink, so you can concentrate on being drunk. Overall, you're a friendly drunk who's likely to buy a whole round for your friends... many times. Sometimes you can be a bit boring when you drink. You may be prone to go on about topics no one cares about. |
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Thesis help
Allegra has decided to help me this afternoon. I am on deadline, trying to finish rewriting the last chapter of my thesis. The ideas aren't flowing as readily as I would like, so Allegra decided to take a look to see if she could make any suggestions.
Top 10 wine movies
Interesting list from the SF Gate. Of course Sideways would be on it, but I never thought about Casablanca. Also, there is some interesting trivia about Hannibal Lecter and his famous quote about fava beans and Chianti. Only people who read the book would know that Lecter would never drink something as common as Chianti.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Sunday update on Jim
Barbara just called. Evidently Jim is much improved overnight and the doctor is releasing him today. This is good news because they thought it would be tomorrow. Meanwhile Doug is on a flight back to Austin. It lands in an hour, so I need to leave soon to pick him up.
Guess all is well and Barbara will continue the updating on her blog.
Guess all is well and Barbara will continue the updating on her blog.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Acknowledgements
Last night I wrote the Acknowledgements section of my thesis. Since most readers won't get an opportunity to read my thesis (or would want to reach an 80-page research paper on blogs), I decided to post my Acknowledgements section here.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Writing a thesis is not just a research project, it is a learning process and an opportunity to synthesize one’s graduate studies. For this reason I would like to acknowledge all the graduate faculty members of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University-San Marcos. Each class I took had an impact on this thesis.
I would like to especially thank my thesis chair, Dr. Ray Niekamp. His enthusiasm for the subject matter and ability to help me see the forest through the trees was invaluable.
I appreciate all the assistance Dr. Kate Peirce gave me with research methods, statistical tests, and the dreaded SPSS. She spent many extra hours with me, trying to help me understand it all. Dr. Sandy Rao is tireless in her dedication to the graduate program and I value all her assistance in completing both this thesis and my course of study.
Finally, I would like to give special thanks to Doug French, my significant other. He sacrificed many times over, supported me both emotionally and financially, and kept me focused on the end-game so that I could fulfill my goal of attending graduate school and becoming a teacher of public relations. I dedicate this thesis to him.
This manuscript was submitted on July 5, 2006.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Writing a thesis is not just a research project, it is a learning process and an opportunity to synthesize one’s graduate studies. For this reason I would like to acknowledge all the graduate faculty members of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University-San Marcos. Each class I took had an impact on this thesis.
I would like to especially thank my thesis chair, Dr. Ray Niekamp. His enthusiasm for the subject matter and ability to help me see the forest through the trees was invaluable.
I appreciate all the assistance Dr. Kate Peirce gave me with research methods, statistical tests, and the dreaded SPSS. She spent many extra hours with me, trying to help me understand it all. Dr. Sandy Rao is tireless in her dedication to the graduate program and I value all her assistance in completing both this thesis and my course of study.
Finally, I would like to give special thanks to Doug French, my significant other. He sacrificed many times over, supported me both emotionally and financially, and kept me focused on the end-game so that I could fulfill my goal of attending graduate school and becoming a teacher of public relations. I dedicate this thesis to him.
This manuscript was submitted on July 5, 2006.
Saturday update on Jim
There is not much news today on Jim. He continues to improve and seems to be doing well. This morning the doctor said it will probably be Monday before he goes home. Doug and Barbara are heading back to Chillicothe this afternoon to get some stuff done and ready for Jim's return. They will spend the night and then head back to KC in the morning, where Doug will catch a flight back home.
Bugged
When I’m on a deadline and get into a zone, I sometimes forget to stop for personal hygiene. I know it sounds gross, but I’m in air conditioning, on the computer, with no one around but the dogs, and let’s face it, they have no room to complain. Late yesterday afternoon I had reached a stopping point and decided that it had been 30 hours since my shower and I was feeling gross.
Looking forward to hot shower and several minutes away from the thesis, I cranked up the radio and turned on the water. Ready to step into the tub, I looked up and saw a cockroach the size of my thumb. Shrieking, I leapt away from the tub, letting the curtains fall. Of course, the dogs came running to see what was wrong. Normally, I’m not a girly-girl, but when it comes to creepy, crawly things, I am. Snakes, cockroaches, rats, anything icky, I’m out of there. So here I was with a dilemma, I really wanted this shower, but it was blocked by a bug the size of Rhode Island that looked like it could eat a cat whole. When this has happened before, I’ve been able to do what any brave-hearted woman would do – get my man to kill it. But Doug is in KC with his dad, so that wasn’t an option. I did the next best thing and got my camera phone, took a picture of it, and sent it to Doug, but he chose to ignore it and let me figure it out myself.
I thought for a minute. I couldn’t just use the other shower, as Doug had it filled with blueberry wine, thinking a shower was easier to clean than the kitchen. I did think about waiting until Doug’s return to shower, but I don’t ignore my hygiene to that degree. Standing there, wrapped in a towel, I realized that this was one battle I was going to have to fight on my own. Steeling my nerves, I picked up my weapon, my Executioner, and hoped that I didn’t electrocute myself doing battle in the tub.
This cockroach, which given its size survived the comet that killed its neighboring dinosaurs, was just above the tile, in the corner of the shower. Standing on rim of the tub, the Executioner in one hand, balancing myself with the other, I took the first swing. I heard a small zap and saw a blue bolt of electricity, but knew it didn’t work. The location of the cockroach in the corner didn’t allow for full electrical grid contact with the bugger – he got as much of the plastic racquet as he got the electricity. Pulling back, I saw Goliath twitch, so I went after him again. This time, when the electricity hit him, he jumped off the wall, into the shower caddy and then jumped again. I didn’t see where he went as I was too busy screaming and trying to get off the tub and away from the shower without breaking a leg. The dogs stood there dumbfounded, trying to figure out just why I was acting like a crazy lady.
I wait a few seconds to see if this monster is going to emerge. Nothing. I gingerly pull back the shower curtain, ready to step back if I see him. When I don’t, I think maybe he’s playing hide-and-seek in the shower curtains, so I start batting them with my Executioner racquet, daring him to come out. After several minutes, I think maybe he’s crawled down the drain, so I turn the water back on to see if he’ll come back out, or, better yet, if I can drown him.
A few more minutes go by and no roach. I start wondering if it’s safe to go back into the shower. I decide to take a chance, timidly stepping into the tub, but leaving the door to the bathroom open in case I need to make a quick getaway. I look around as I start to lather my hair, making sure the beast is not going to jump out at me. I’m startled as I feel something nudge my big toe; looking down, it was only water splashing off the bath mat. The water feels good, but I am unable to relax, worrying that creature will come back. I shower quickly and step out of the tub, shaking the towels before I do to make sure he’s not hiding on one of those. At that moment I couldn’t think of anything more gross than drying off with a cockroach. I’m safe for the moment, but spare no time getting dressed and getting out of the bathroom.
Looking forward to hot shower and several minutes away from the thesis, I cranked up the radio and turned on the water. Ready to step into the tub, I looked up and saw a cockroach the size of my thumb. Shrieking, I leapt away from the tub, letting the curtains fall. Of course, the dogs came running to see what was wrong. Normally, I’m not a girly-girl, but when it comes to creepy, crawly things, I am. Snakes, cockroaches, rats, anything icky, I’m out of there. So here I was with a dilemma, I really wanted this shower, but it was blocked by a bug the size of Rhode Island that looked like it could eat a cat whole. When this has happened before, I’ve been able to do what any brave-hearted woman would do – get my man to kill it. But Doug is in KC with his dad, so that wasn’t an option. I did the next best thing and got my camera phone, took a picture of it, and sent it to Doug, but he chose to ignore it and let me figure it out myself.
I thought for a minute. I couldn’t just use the other shower, as Doug had it filled with blueberry wine, thinking a shower was easier to clean than the kitchen. I did think about waiting until Doug’s return to shower, but I don’t ignore my hygiene to that degree. Standing there, wrapped in a towel, I realized that this was one battle I was going to have to fight on my own. Steeling my nerves, I picked up my weapon, my Executioner, and hoped that I didn’t electrocute myself doing battle in the tub.
This cockroach, which given its size survived the comet that killed its neighboring dinosaurs, was just above the tile, in the corner of the shower. Standing on rim of the tub, the Executioner in one hand, balancing myself with the other, I took the first swing. I heard a small zap and saw a blue bolt of electricity, but knew it didn’t work. The location of the cockroach in the corner didn’t allow for full electrical grid contact with the bugger – he got as much of the plastic racquet as he got the electricity. Pulling back, I saw Goliath twitch, so I went after him again. This time, when the electricity hit him, he jumped off the wall, into the shower caddy and then jumped again. I didn’t see where he went as I was too busy screaming and trying to get off the tub and away from the shower without breaking a leg. The dogs stood there dumbfounded, trying to figure out just why I was acting like a crazy lady.
I wait a few seconds to see if this monster is going to emerge. Nothing. I gingerly pull back the shower curtain, ready to step back if I see him. When I don’t, I think maybe he’s playing hide-and-seek in the shower curtains, so I start batting them with my Executioner racquet, daring him to come out. After several minutes, I think maybe he’s crawled down the drain, so I turn the water back on to see if he’ll come back out, or, better yet, if I can drown him.
A few more minutes go by and no roach. I start wondering if it’s safe to go back into the shower. I decide to take a chance, timidly stepping into the tub, but leaving the door to the bathroom open in case I need to make a quick getaway. I look around as I start to lather my hair, making sure the beast is not going to jump out at me. I’m startled as I feel something nudge my big toe; looking down, it was only water splashing off the bath mat. The water feels good, but I am unable to relax, worrying that creature will come back. I shower quickly and step out of the tub, shaking the towels before I do to make sure he’s not hiding on one of those. At that moment I couldn’t think of anything more gross than drying off with a cockroach. I’m safe for the moment, but spare no time getting dressed and getting out of the bathroom.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Friday morning update on Jim
Spoke to Doug briefly this morning. His dad is doing well and is up some, walking and moving around. One thing though, Jim is getting some fluid build-up on his lungs. This is not completely unusual, but it is something that they have to watch and be concerned with.
In other news today, I have been nominated to be a speaker at summer commencement. There is a whole nomination and interview process, so who knows if I'll get it. In the spring I had been nominated for outstanding graduate for the College of Fine Arts & Communication but lost out to a music major. Let's face it, in my mid-30s I'm really not into student organizations and campus life, which is what I think hurt me. I guess being nominated is one more reason to finish the thesis. Funny thing is I wasn't even sure if I would attend graduation or not. I definitely wasn't making a big deal out of it. Guess if I am selected as a speaker I will have to go.
In other news today, I have been nominated to be a speaker at summer commencement. There is a whole nomination and interview process, so who knows if I'll get it. In the spring I had been nominated for outstanding graduate for the College of Fine Arts & Communication but lost out to a music major. Let's face it, in my mid-30s I'm really not into student organizations and campus life, which is what I think hurt me. I guess being nominated is one more reason to finish the thesis. Funny thing is I wasn't even sure if I would attend graduation or not. I definitely wasn't making a big deal out of it. Guess if I am selected as a speaker I will have to go.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Thursday evening update on Jim
Just talked to Doug. He sounds exhausted and I know Barbara is, but the good news is that everything seems to be going well for Jim. He got out of ICU and into his own room about mid-afternoon. Doug said the color is coming back to his face, although he's still pretty groggy. They think he'll be heading back to Chillicothe Sunday or Monday.
The plan is that Barbara and Doug will stay at the Embassy Suites tonight and tomorrow night and will head back to Chillicothe Saturday. They need to get some errands done in town and get a few other things done. They'll spend the night at the house Saturday and drive back to KC Sunday. Doug has a 9 a.m. flight home on Sunday. I know things must be going well for Jim as Barbara is being her usual "we don't want to be a bother" self and is insisting that Doug sticks to his flight plans (when in reality we just booked a return flight because we had to and knew we could change it). Given that this blog has significantly increased the number of readers from Chillicothe, I'm sure Barbara will get plenty of help if she needs it once she gets home.
One thing Doug told me is that Barbara is going to have to start chauffeuring around Jim while he's in the back seat. Evidently with all the front-passenger airbags and safety equipment, they don't want heart patients to sit in the front seat in case of a wreak and the airbag is deployed. Let's hope this doesn't have to last too long, as I don't see Barbara taking kindly to Jim being a back seat driver. Poor Barbara! Jim will insist she back into every parking space!
If/when Doug calls tomorrow, I will try to do an update. In the meantime, no news is good news, meaning Jim is doing well in his recovery.
The plan is that Barbara and Doug will stay at the Embassy Suites tonight and tomorrow night and will head back to Chillicothe Saturday. They need to get some errands done in town and get a few other things done. They'll spend the night at the house Saturday and drive back to KC Sunday. Doug has a 9 a.m. flight home on Sunday. I know things must be going well for Jim as Barbara is being her usual "we don't want to be a bother" self and is insisting that Doug sticks to his flight plans (when in reality we just booked a return flight because we had to and knew we could change it). Given that this blog has significantly increased the number of readers from Chillicothe, I'm sure Barbara will get plenty of help if she needs it once she gets home.
One thing Doug told me is that Barbara is going to have to start chauffeuring around Jim while he's in the back seat. Evidently with all the front-passenger airbags and safety equipment, they don't want heart patients to sit in the front seat in case of a wreak and the airbag is deployed. Let's hope this doesn't have to last too long, as I don't see Barbara taking kindly to Jim being a back seat driver. Poor Barbara! Jim will insist she back into every parking space!
If/when Doug calls tomorrow, I will try to do an update. In the meantime, no news is good news, meaning Jim is doing well in his recovery.
Thursday morning update on Jim
Just spoke to Doug. His dad got through the night okay, but is still pretty groggy and out of it. He'll be in ICU until later this afternoon. Doug and Barbara can go in and see him for a few minutes every half hour. They'll see him at 11:30 and are then going out for a bite of lunch, shopping and fresh air.
At 1 p.m. Barbara will be attending some sort of class at the hospital on after care of heart patients. Doug wasn't sure what that was about, but figured it would be things like cooking and exercise requirements or something. Doug has actually been able to get some work done and will continue to do so this afternoon. His buddy Mark might try to get together with him later on.
That's all the news for now. Will let you know if I hear anything more.
At 1 p.m. Barbara will be attending some sort of class at the hospital on after care of heart patients. Doug wasn't sure what that was about, but figured it would be things like cooking and exercise requirements or something. Doug has actually been able to get some work done and will continue to do so this afternoon. His buddy Mark might try to get together with him later on.
That's all the news for now. Will let you know if I hear anything more.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Update on Doug's dad
Doug just called. Jim is out of surgery and everything went fine. Doug and Barbara will get to see Jim in a half hour after the anesthesia wears off, but they said Jim probably won't even remember.
The doctors will keep Jim in ICU for 24 hours to monitor him. This is a critical time and what happens now will tell the doctors how he is recovering. Some time tomorrow afternoon he will get into his room. After then, they will have a better idea of when he gets to go home to Chillicothe.
Barbara and Doug are staying in the hotel (Embassy Suites) again tonight. Barbara is doing well, but as you can imagine, is exhausted. It sounds like they are going to see Jim at 4:30 and then head back to the hotel. They go back to the hospital in the morning.
All of your prayers and well wishes are appreciated. I know Barbara will enjoy reading them when she gets back online.
The doctors will keep Jim in ICU for 24 hours to monitor him. This is a critical time and what happens now will tell the doctors how he is recovering. Some time tomorrow afternoon he will get into his room. After then, they will have a better idea of when he gets to go home to Chillicothe.
Barbara and Doug are staying in the hotel (Embassy Suites) again tonight. Barbara is doing well, but as you can imagine, is exhausted. It sounds like they are going to see Jim at 4:30 and then head back to the hotel. They go back to the hospital in the morning.
All of your prayers and well wishes are appreciated. I know Barbara will enjoy reading them when she gets back online.
Fw:DAD THINKS HE IS BRAD PITT
Note and photo from Doug as Jim heads to surgery. Not sure what the Tom Cruise comment means. Guess they have Jim some great drugs this morning!
Florist recommendation
This is for the folks from Chillicothe who are looking for updates on Jim. If you are thinking about sending flowers to the hospital, I recommend Westport Floral Designs at 866-391-7673. I just spoke to John, the owner, and he was very friendly and helpful. He actually had a better timeframe of what was going on than Doug, because he deals with it every day. He thought Jim would be out of surgery around lunch time, would then be in recovery and ICU. It might be late tonight or the morning before he gets to his room. However, they will get the flowers to him once a room number is assigned. Also, you will want to send the flowers to James D. (Jim) French, as I'm not sure if he is checked in as James or Jim. HIPPA regulations won't allow the hospital to give out patient's names, so if you send it to Jim French and he's checked in as James, they will say he's not there (I'm sure it's the same if you make any phone calls).
Anyway, I'm huge on customer service, as folks who know me will attest. Whenever I find someone good, I like to funnel business their way. This guy really impressed me.
Anyway, I'm huge on customer service, as folks who know me will attest. Whenever I find someone good, I like to funnel business their way. This guy really impressed me.
A pro-smoking neighborhood
This is one of the few places in Austin where smoking is allowed and encourage, although it's not the kind of smoke you inhale. If Doug reads this article, he'll want to move there.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
More details on Doug's dad
Doug made it to KC this evening, landing at 7. He hasn't seen his dad yet, but spent some time with his mom. She was very happy that he flew up for the operation.
Jim is in St. Luke's Hospital, the one near Country Club Plaza. His surgery is some time after 9 a.m. tomorrow, although Doug wasn't sure exactly when. Word is that Jim's heart is strong, there are just those blockages. This is very positive. If everything goes well, and there is no reason why it shouldn't, Jim should be back in Chillicothe this weekend, either Saturday or Sunday.
Will let you know more after Doug calls me tomorrow.
Jim is in St. Luke's Hospital, the one near Country Club Plaza. His surgery is some time after 9 a.m. tomorrow, although Doug wasn't sure exactly when. Word is that Jim's heart is strong, there are just those blockages. This is very positive. If everything goes well, and there is no reason why it shouldn't, Jim should be back in Chillicothe this weekend, either Saturday or Sunday.
Will let you know more after Doug calls me tomorrow.
Jumping horses
I'm trying to learn how to take video clips from my camera and upload them to the blog. I think I may have figured it out. This video is of my friend Karen, practicing jumping her horse. The video was taken at her ranch back in March.
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