Solved the computer glitch…apparently VPN interferes with my local area network. I use VPN to access the library. As soon as I connected it apparently disconnected my LAN which meant I was unable to access my printer; I know TMI.
First on the docket this morning–BACK UP!!! Don’t want any electronic mice losing all my work.
Dot is making avocado omelettes for breakfast. That’s right, go ahead and feel jealous. Lady made sure I was up before 7; apparently she’s on the cheerleader bandwagon too.
Going to flesh out the Problem Analysis this morning. Who are the stakeholders? Why should we care about this particular policy?
From there I have to move on to clearly outline my theoretical and leadership perspective. I have three main labels here but no words beyond that yet.
I’ll check in later.

My energy is definitely waning. I took a break to catch the end of the local news and to throw the ball to Lady a few times. It was good for both of us to get outside.
I think I’ll focus on cooking dinner for now.
Final touches tonight will probably involve re-reading the 4 pages I have written and setting up a plan of attack for tomorrow. I have some technical computer glitches to work out (not able to print from the laptop via the wireless…don’t know what’s going on there.) I’m tuning up my references in EndNote and I hope to be ready to write promptly in the morning.
My goal is to “finish” the 15 pages tomorrow and use Sunday for re-reads, edits, flow, etc.
Off to cook.

Still moving steadily forward. Feeling really inspired by my problem and thinking this could really work. I switched over from coffee to juice two hours ago. Finished all the trail mix in the house (yikes!)
Got a couple of pages of problem statement and analysis. Just found some more good “stuff” to include there. Even might have found a role for me in the process (that’s a requirement of the paper.)
Index cards on the wall past 15 and growing.
Thanks for all the good thoughts.

Time for a lunch break. It’s taking shape (the problem, question, paper, connection to course work.) I can’t quite envision the completed project but I’m trying to keep my focus more conceptual, big picture, less detail just yet.
I’ve got index cards, post-its, print outs and newsprint. It’s actually kind of motivating/inspiring to see your writing up on the wall.
Always remember to return to the rubric regularly when trying to do this kind of work. It guides me. It separates my thinking into subsections (M thanks for the reminder about sub-headings) and it clarifies my purpose.
Fortunately, it’s not too gorgeous outside so I can sit inside and look out the window periodically without having too much of a distraction.
Now I’m going to eat.

Got a good idea but i’m struggling to get supporting data and articles.
Love those librarians, though, they are so helpful and cheery.
Keep going.

Closing in on a topic…it’s only 15 pages not 20! hoo-ray ! ?!
Snacking has begun, thanks to my friends for all the trail mix, nuts, and coffee.
Focusing on the organization
that and on staying focused (oops, why am I blogging instead of organizing?)
Feeling a little overwhelmed.

Slept in until nearly 8am and then went with my honey to our favorite breakfast spot. My polenta and eggs were delicious as usual, of course there was lots of coffee. Stopped and picked up some flowers and surrounded my work desk with cards and well wishes from colleagues, friends, and family…almost ready.
11:15am took the dog for a walk in the woods, reflective time. She’s such a joy to watch romping through the leaves and brook.
11:45am returned home and I’m ready ?!?!?
oh wait, the dog rolled in something stinky…I HAVE to deal with that first.
12:00noon The exam has arrived.