With you each step of the way

I have a thesis update! I completed a rough draft for all five chapters. 😅

If you’ve been following my journey, you know that after I finished the first chapter of my thesis, I celebrated by visiting Disneyland with my husband.

After having a fantastic time, I decided that I should celebrate just as big for chapters two, three, four, and five. I made plans to go to the zoo, a hockey game, and Universal Studios.

But, the writing process proved to be more difficult than I had anticipated. I faced setbacks and missed due dates, which meant that the days I set aside to treat myself quickly evaporated.

But after finishing chapter two, I came home to this.

I’m reminded of Proverbs 12:25, “Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.”

Worry is a heavy burden. This isn’t the end. I still have several rounds of revision to look forward to, but I’m so grateful to those who have supported me during this crazy process.

If you know anyone who is having a hard time right now, I encourage you to leave a post it or send a card. It might just be the very thing they need. 💜

I fear red ink.

Before I presented my thesis proposal to the English Faculty, there was a trial run. First, I would pitch my proposal to my classmates. It was supposed to be a safe space, but I was still nervous. After sharing my ideas, I waited for questions, but I didn’t have to wait long. Hand after hand went up, and I began to defend my paper. I started off strong, but with each new question my confidence chipped away, and I began to recognize all of the holes in my argument. Finally, time was up, and I went back to my seat. The girl next to me slid two fruit snacks my way.

My throat tightened, and I knew what was coming, but I wouldn’t cry in front of my classmates. As soon as class ended, I hurried to my car.

This is good. It’s better
I found out
now. This is what
practice runs are for.
I’ll be prepared
next time. 

As soon as I got home, I sat down at the kitchen table. My husband, Danny, had tacos waiting for me. He asked me how it went.

I didn’t respond. I just cried while eating tacos. Then I went upstairs and cried some more.

**

Happy Saturday, ya’ll! For those of you who read my post called “My husband challenges me,” you know that I had to write 5,000 words by last Saturday. The reward: Disneyland. Just wanted to let ya’ll know that I made it and had a fantastic time!

Yesterday, I shared those 5,000 words with the chair of my thesis committee. Let’s just say, I got a lot of red ink. Tacos anyone?