FINALLY!!! I have APPROVAL!!!!

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I got up this morning and decided to check my email and I finally had the email that lets me move forward to completing my dissertation. I have finally received IRB approval!!! I am excited, but I also must admit that adding this to my plate along with the wedding planning is a little scary. Oh well, now let's see how far I can get by the wedding.

Surprise: I heard from IRB

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I was checking my email yesterday when I realized that I had received a email from the IRB stating that modifications were needed. This is good, right? I think so, but we will see. My thought is that once they verify that the modifications are made (which I think can be done in a few hours, ha), they can give me approval. I can say that the timing couldn't have been more perfect. I made all of the revisions and submitted it to my advisor. Luckily, he will be in today and I can get the signed documents from him. Now, some would think that this is not a big deal, but my advisor's schedule is so busy that I consider it a blessing for me to need him on the actual day that he will be in his office. I am getting ready now to track him down and get my signature, wish me luck and keep sending up the prayers. It is helping!

An Early Run

Nothing makes me feel more productive than a run first thing in the morning. Unfortunately, this is what I look like when it is over. LOL. Here is to a productive day.

The Dissertation Cloud is ALWAYS Lurking

This week J and I were in a wedding for a couple that we are both very close too. We spent the weekend participating and helping out with the various wedding festivities and I must say that the wedding was beautiful. Someone even referred to it as magical. For the most part, I was able to stay present and focused while not worrying about my dissertation. However, when I woke up today I was immediately aware of the dissertation cloud that is always lurking. The dissertation cloud is reminding me that there is ALWAYS something to do and encouraging me to get started. Well, here I go...

Winding Myself Back Up

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Staying motivated and positive while during this dissertation can be so hard. We saw this picture while watching television and J made a comment about how that was me. He is right. I am constantly winding myself up when it comes to this dissertation. No matter what happens, I know I will wind myself up and keep pushing through. So, that is a good thing...

So Many Obstacles

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The biggest thing about this dissertation process is keeping my mind and spirit engaged during all of the ups and downs. So... The last thing I shared with you all is that I had to re-do my IRB application and submit to my advisor. Since then I have had so many things happen. I met with my advisor so we decided to make some huge changes. I stayed up all night and made the changes and met my advisor the next morning to get his signature. We call the dean to get her signature and.... She is out for a week. So, finally after she got in town, found it, and signed it... It is now submitted and once again I am just waiting... Now a few of my colleagues have reminded me that I still have somethings I could be working on. So, that's the plan. I'll keep you posted. I have heard that this review process can take from 4 to 6 weeks. I am praying for a much shorter turn around time. Please, send your prayers and thoughts too.

I Give Up... Control.

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When it comes to planning, I can sometimes be rigid and controlling. I realize that these characteristics aren't the best, but they have been pretty useful in helping me to maintain my schedule and productivity. Yea, Yea, Yea... I know that anything in excess can be a bad thing which is why I realize that I must give up control. Now some of my friends have reminded that I have never really been in control anyways. I always agree, but I have never really allowed myself to believe that. This dissertation process is such a personal and private experience, but there is a limit to how much control I have. So, Today I have decided to give up control... I'll let you know how it goes.

Back to the Drawing Board

Bad News: My IRB proposal did not qualify for the exempt process.

Good News: It was supposed to be a two-week turn around, but it ended up being a two day turn around.

Now... I am applying for an expedited review. I have worked on updating and changing the proposal for six hours straight and it is finally ready to submit. I must admit, I am pretty proud of myself for just "cranking it out," because I originally wanted to just lay down and deal with it later. I plan to submit through the expedited process and hope and pray that it does not take very long. I was told four weeks and if that is the case, my timeline will shift dramatically. As many of you have already, keep me in your prayers and thoughts. Lets pray for a week turn around time!!!

Three Days until School is Out!!!

School will be out in three days and I am so excited. This will be the first time since I graduated from college that I did not work in the summer. Even better is... I still get paid. I will busy with dissertation and wedding planning. I am looking forward to spending time on those things and having more control of my schedule. I also just remembered that my brother's apartment complex has a nice pool so, I think I will be doing some dissertation work, poolside. Can you tell I am super excited?

Feeling Pretty Anxious

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I have a lot going on and feel very blessed with where I am. However, I must admit that I am feeling pretty stressed or anxious. I have a lot I need to get done for the end of the school year at work, I need to work on wedding planning, on top of this dissertation that won't go away. I would be lying if I said I never get anxious when I think about it. I need to just relax, make a plan, and work the plan. I am determined to do this and do this well. What do you do when feeling anxious? What helps you? I know... I know... I'm a counselor. I know a lot about anxiety, but I am willing to learn more strategies.