Thursday, April 23, 2009

zero motivation, zero attention span

Seriously. I cannot focus on school, on words, on learning, on edumacation, on anything. Nothing. Zilch. Zip. Neal. Nada. No-thing. Not a thing. Not one thing. Zip.

All the words seem to be in Swahili and they are very, very big words with way too many syllables. Today, next week, and then finals week. Then, done. DONE! Done, I say!

It wouldn't be so bad, except that, in dealing with such issues as restraining orders and "advisors" who did not feel like abiding by accommodations granted by the school, therefore, I have to go in on Saturday and make-up a public finance test. Blech. Ah, opportunity costs and short attention spans which could not be accounted for back in February.

Okay, and typing. Apparently I've lost the ability to type. Oh dear god! Let the pain and suffering end.

On the comps front, I have not made a decision one way or the other. I'm just going to concentrate on the next two weeks and go from there. OMC asked why I came to grad school. I came to learn and to get a job in the human rights field. I did not come for the piece of paper, for the glory of the cap and gown, for the initals behind my name, or for a bigger paycheck. Of course, I would love a bigger paycheck, but let's be honest, human rights doesn't present a lot of monetary benefits, the benefits are in other ways. As long as I can pay my bills, get out of debt, and still have a few dollars at the end of the week to hit a happy hour, I'm golden. So, I'll keep you posted.

However, the way the job market is right now, I'll be lucky to land a gig at Starbucks by the time it's all over with.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

another year older, so that surly means another year wiser

Oy, yesterday was my big birthday, 35. I've been dreading this birthday for some time, 35!!!...However, the closer it got to being here, the prouder I became to say that I was turning that age.

Interesting time last night. A friend who I have not seen since 1995 came up to stay with me. we reconnected on Facebook back in March and he and I talk everyday. Weird how the world works.

In other news, comps and orals did not go so well. Orals was the most horrific experience, ever. Horrible. It was only supposed to last 45 minutes, mine was one hour and six minutes of pure interrogation hell. Not at all what I was expecting...the others was just as bad, not just me being grilled. Has anyone been through this process? I'm just curious as to what others experiences have been.

Anyway, my question is: I'm not sure I want to re-take the portions I have to re-do. The thought of it is very daunting to say the least and the twitch that has been in my left eye for the past few months has moved to my left cheek, quite annoying. So, my question: does anyone know what the difference would be between "masters degree" versus "masters degree candidate" on a resume and interview process?

Any help would be appreciated. I want out of this town. And yes, of course, I have gone back and forth and forth and back over and over all of this and cycled through all the emotions about 46 times since Wednesday night.