One of the fun things about being a Ph.D. student married to another Ph.D. student is that you randomly discuss research methods over your morning coffee.

The number of people I actually know on Bluesky has increased significantly in the last week.

How the Ivy League Broke America. Incredibly thought provoking article about education, society and the concept of merit.

When income level is the most important division in a society, politics is a struggle over how to redistribute money. When a society is more divided by education, politics becomes a war over values and culture.

I haven’t been active on Twitter in a very long time, but I deactivated my account this morning. Now I have to find all of the links to Twitter on my blogs and other profiles and delete them. Going to take a while.

Really, really don’t understand how people are still on Twitter. Communities will reform elsewhere. So many people have left, your follower count is an illusion at this point. There are other options. I just don’t understand.

Then: Reflections from 11.10.24

Posts in the “Then” category were originally shared on my “Now” page.

I skipped last week’s post. Sunday, I was busy with schoolwork and didn’t have time. I planned to post something later, but the election happened and I just didn’t feel like posting at all.

Favorite Picture of Last Week

Our oldest, Norah, joined us at the polls to cast her first vote in a presidential election. And while most of the races didn’t go the way we hoped, I love that I was able to share this experience with her.

Three people smiling in front of an 'I voted' sign.

Feels

  • Nervous. I’m worried for the future of our country and the future of democracy in general.
  • Optimistic. I had advisement this week and feel like I have a strong path forward toward finishing my Ph.D. I’m planning on taking two courses in...
    Continue Reading →

Today, everything in my life seems small. My job feels inconsequential. My career choices, misguided. My research, misdirected. My dissertation, pointless. The world is so broken. I feel like I could have — should have — committed to making more of a difference… somehow…

I have grad school advisement this afternoon and class this evening. I have decisions to make about my next step in my Ph.D. process. I’m not at all in a mental state to think about next semester.

Then: Reflections from 10.27.24

Posts in the “Then” category were originally shared on my “Now” page.

This week was busy like the last couple, but felt much more manageable for some reason. I have an insanely busy week ahead of me and as the semester wraps up, I have a lot of school work to do. But emotionally, I feel a little more focused.

Favorite Picture of Last Week

My son, Ryan, is a lacrosse goalie. He played four games this weekend and did amazing. Probably his best week in goal ever. I also try to capture the action and yesterday, a kid made a great move a slipped the ball past Ryan. Great shot, and a fun picture.

Youth lacrosse player jumps in front of a goal with a goalie defending.

Feels

  • Motivated. I have a lot to do this week. And I’m feeling good about getting...
    Continue Reading →