I am the Tortoise

Can you believe I still have a cold lingering and it's been a month?  I think the antibiotics I took probably did nothing as the sinus infection was most likely viral.  I'm telling myself it was worth it, though, because I had the start of an ear infection too, and in my book, they are not something to take lightly.

I am quite a bit improved but I still have a thick post-nasal mucus and what feels like sinus headaches.  It has even woken me up a few times.  Also, I am still hoarse.  But I finally had three, yes THREE decent days in a row!  I'm talking about decent days M.E. wise and/or energy wise which just goes to show that M.E. is far more debilitating than a cold virus.  So that was great.  Of course I did too much, but after a month of feeling crap without a break that's not unexpected.  I'm crashed today but still happy about the 3 days which also coincided with some "sit outdoors" time.

On the PhD end, progress is very very slow.  I worked 90 - 120 min every day the last 7 days and feel as if I am no closer to getting things edited.  I'm at the point where I am fine tuning and rewriting some things to go to my committee.  Once they are approved, I will "defend" my portfolio which is basically an oral mid-term exam....If I pass I become what is called a "PhD candidate" instead of a PhD student.

I realize I have many obstacles other students don't have (mainly that I'm quite ill and I just finished a year of medical leave). On the other hand, it's been difficult lately to watch the announcements for all those who started 2 years after me (one even three) and who have just finished defending their portfolios.

I keep telling myself "slow progress is still progress" and "the journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step"....I've made these into my mantras so I don't loose momentum.  Perhaps I am the tortoise in the tortoise and the hare?  I like that analogy......partly because I have always loved tortoises and turtles.  In fact once, when I was in grade 2, I disappeared from school for hours and my Mom finally found me at a local pond "looking for turtles"....I was so engrossed, hours had gone by.

As for art, I have done nothing in a while as I've been focusing on the editing.  Still, I have sold a couple pieces which can pay for the ink I just ordered.  I also created a facebook page and a website with all my more favourite prints I've made since 2006. I used a blogging site as I'm more familiar with those and here is a link if you'd like to look: http://gjkuhl.wordpress.com