Back in the Saddle*

So this morning, while the kiddie-poos are kayaking with hubby and some other friends, I am at Starbucks working on my conference paper that I will present at a national conference in January at fancy pants UK university.

The good news is that I don't have to write the paper from scratch. Essentially, I'm cobbling together pieces of two different chapter drafts from the dissertation. The bad news is that each of those chapter drafts are over 20 pages, and I have to figure out how to say in nine pages that I previously said in 40. I'm finding this to be very challenging.

But the best news is that, just now, while I was revising, cobbling, and writing, I put a couple of sentences together and thought to myself, "Yes, that's it! Well said, GEW. Concise and to the point." And I got a little rush, and then I thought to myself, "That rush? That is why you're doing this crazy PhD thing."

Yes, I'm missing the kayaking adventure with the family. But I will join them later today for gathering with cousins, visiting in-laws, and (I hope) one of my brother-in-law's famous mojitos. These are the days I like best--some brain time and some family time. What a perfect balance. Clearly, it's the day job that mucks things up.**

*This metaphor is particularly apt since a few minutes ago, here at Starbucks, two people showed up on horseback. I love my town.

**I should probably mention that I do have one of the best day jobs there is. It's just that I like my own brain time and my family better.