One chapter down...

I have made it to my first thesis deadline--chapter one is drafted and looking not too terrible... Finally getting into a writing routine, which is nice. Chapter two *should* be done by spring break in a couple weeks, which seems highly plausible. However, having just met with my supervisor this morning I realized there's a whole lot more to write about in that chapter than I had initially considered...it is, after all, my philosophical perspective chapter (each chapter is taking a different discipline's perspective), so really I could probably go on forever about the ethical considerations there, all about where we see society going, considering what we're capable of, and where to draw the line between authenticity and medication, so thought-provoking (will have to work harder on finding facts to base my philosophizing on though).....

This week I've also been fighting off a pesky cold virus that seems to be taking over the university. I started feeling a little sore throaty on Tuesday morning, but drowned myself in orange juice and decongestants so was feeling much better later in the day and into Wednesday. But last night into this morning I'm not so sure I was able to avoid the illness entirely, so I can only hope it will blow over quickly (too bad my schedule is pretty packed from now until....I retire...?). No, it'll be fine.

I've officially accepted the offer to medical school (and while I plan to attend this school, will keep it slightly up in the air pending the decision of the schools I'm still waiting on, which I realize might be awhile...) So for now, things seem pretty set. And good to know that I passed the criminal background check, officially notified of this today...in case anyone was wondering, I'm have a clear criminal record (at state, national, and international levels)...well done me.

This afternoon, I attended another postgrad seminar about depositing an electronic version of my thesis once it's been approved and all that. Interesting, and good to know, seeing as it's apparently required to submit this electronic version after all is completed. Also slightly worrying, as I had no idea that once I'm done and submitted and reviewed and approved etc etc there is still more I need to do before I'm done for good. Could get interesting as I try to move back for med school in the midst of all that, hmm... In the words of Judy Plott, 'It will all be fine' (which I constantly have repeating in Judy's voice in my head...there are some things about LS that I'll keep forever, this is one of them, makes me slightly reminiscent of high school?).

Other than that, pretty standard week here. Took the first year biology labs out to the botanic gardens for their practical. Despite knowing nothing about plants really, I managed to get my students to answer all the questions on their handouts, and leave a bit early, which I think they appreciated. It was nice to be outside, and luckily the weather was pretty cooperative, except it has been a bit windy this week, and the kind of wind that chills you to the bone even though really it's not terribly cold out. I've probably already said this, but I'm really enjoying my students this semester, for the most part, not more than last semester, but it's definitely a different dynamic with a touch more banter, makes for very entertaining afternoons.

And now, back to a bit of work before my weekly dose of James :)

...Also still needing to sort out spring break...