Saturday, December 15, 2018

Doctor of Philosophy

I successfully passed my PhD defense yesterday! And best of all, my committee passed me with no revisions, so I'm done as soon as I submit my paperwork on Monday! The defense itself went very smoothly, about as well as I could have hoped for. I was a little nervous before the actual presentation, but I felt prepared, and once I got going, the nerves dissipated. I was able to start strong and finish strong. During the closed session, my committee mostly asked clarification questions about my research, which I was able to answer easily. After my defense, one of my committee members (a more junior faculty member) told me that he thought it was one of the best defense presentations he had ever attended, which made me feel proud. Overall, I'm very happy with the end result, and I'm glad I can finally close this chapter of my life.

Right now, everything still feels pretty surreal. The best way I can describe it is by comparing it to that feeling you got when you lost a baby tooth as a kid. Your tongue keeps returning to feel the gap over and over again, because it's so strange and unfamiliar. I think it'll take a while for the reality to sink in. Yesterday after my defense, J and I got dinner with a couple friends who attended my presentation to support me. Then he and I went to our favorite cocktail bar to enjoy a celebratory drink. Today we're throwing a post-defense/holiday party, so hopefully things will feel more real after that.

For the rest of this month and also next month, my plan is to be a total bum! I'm going to sleep in every day, do all of the fun stuff that I've wanted to do but didn't have time for before, watch way too much TV, read all the books on my reading list, catch up on the maintenance/chores that I've let slide for the last couple months, and clean up our place. Also, I want to lose my extra dissertation weight and get back in shape (in time for J's family ski trip in early January). There's a bunch of other stuff I need to do before I start my new job in February, but I'll worry about that in a couple weeks.

Have a great weekend!

41 comments:

  1. Congratulations! Sounds like you'll be able to take a nice, long, and well-deserved break now.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! It's starting to really sink in now that I had my party, submitted my paperwork, and cleared out my desk at school!

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  2. Congratulations! Enjoy your downtime!

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  3. Congratulations Dr. Lea!!! Enjoy the well-deserved time off!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Please read and share for others to know that there is cure for herpes1&2. I'm here to testify on how i was cured from HERPES 1&2 with the use of herbs. I got the herbs from Dr Osato and he gave me instructions on how to use them. I took the herbal product for a week and 5days after which I went for a blood test and the result was Negative. I waited for another two months and retested the result was still negative and my doctor told me I'm completely free from herpes1&2 and this Gladys my heart and i wish to share it for the benefit of those living with herpes1&2 to also get the herbs from Dr Osato and get cured just like me. You can contact Dr Osato on his email: osatoherbalcure@gmail.com or WhatsApp +2347051705853 also through his website https://osatoherbalcure.wordpress.com. Dr Osato also have the cure on the following diseases HERPES, HIV, HPV, CANCER, DIABETES, SHINGLES,VAGINAL INFECTION, HSV1&2 and so many more.

    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete
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    Thanks doctor Moses

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have been suffering from (HERPES) disease for the last four years and had constant pain, especially in my knees. During the first year, I had faith in God that I would be healed someday.This disease started to circulate all over my body and I have been taking treatment from my doctor, a few weeks ago I came on search on the internet if I could get any information concerning the prevention of this disease, on my search I saw a testimony of someone who has been healed from (Hepatitis B and Cancer) by this Man Dr. Silver and she also gave the email address of this man and advise we should contact him for any sickness that he would be of help, so I wrote to Dr. Silver telling him about my (HERPES Virus) he told me not to worry that I was going to be cured!! hmm i never believed it,, well after all the procedures and remedy given to me by this man few weeks later I started experiencing changes all over me as the Dr. assured me that I have cured, after some time i went to my doctor to confirmed if I have been finally healed behold it was TRUE, So friends my advice is if you have such sickness or any other at all you can email Dr. Silver (drsilverhealingtemple@gmail.com) sir I am indeed grateful for the help I will forever recommend you to my friends!!! with your lovely Email Address ( drsilverhealingtemple@gmail.com you can contact him also on whatsapp +2348120513902

    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete
  10. I want to thank Dr Osato for the help he has rendered to me by getting Rid of my Herpes. I was Diagnosed this year February 2022 but after the Usage of Dr Osato Herbal Medicine, My test result was Negative and I was cured from Herpes. The virus is completely gone from my body. The Symptoms of Herpes are Completely Gone.. I urge anyone who is having herpes should contact Dr Osato to give you herbal medicine to cure yourself. Dr Osato also has the cure for different types of diseases like HERPES, HIV, HSV1&2, DIABETES, CANCER, HPV. You can contact Dr Osato on email: osatoherbalcure@gmail.com or WhatsApp him on +2347051705853. His website is osatoherbalcure.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I don’t have time beating around the bush, instead I go straight to the point…. So to you doubters I ain’t expecting you all to believe my testimony but only the few chosen ones by God. In a short summary, I’m here to tell the whole world that I recently got cured from my long term herpes disease, both the HSV1 and HSV2 through the assistance of Herbalist doctor Oyagu I pray God continually blesses Dr Oyagu in all he does, because he is indeed a very good, nice and powerful doctor. I’m cured of herpes disease at last! Wow I’m so much in great joy because I’ve never in my life believed herbs works, but meeting doctor Oyagu was an eye opener and he made me believe that herpes truly got a complete cure. I used the doctor’s herbal medicine for just two weeks and I was totally cured from both my HSV1 and HSV2. I’m so excited. For help and assistance in getting rid of your herpes virus you can Call/WhatsApp doctor Oyagu on his telephone number: +2348101755322 or for more inquiries you can as well contact the doctor on EMAIL: oyaguherbalhome@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I finally was able to conceive a child of my own the year 2020 after 7 years without any issue. this really was the worst thing ever. It was a miracle that indeed shocked me because i was left with no option but to use a Herbal Health Concoction that was prepared from Herbs to help the Immune. I got to find out about this from someone, and i talked to the direct source about my problem. He`s name is Priest Babaka and He told me how some necessary few herbs will be useful as to women`s health and recovery and He had to do what He knows best. He sent the Herbs to me and gave instruction on method of use. this all happened and i really have been able to say i`m glad God did this.

    You can get in-touch with Priest Babaka via Email: babaka.wolf@gmail.com Or Facebook at priest.babaka
    Really just felt like dropping this.

    ReplyDelete
  13. MY HIV HEALING TESTIMONY

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    that i am now HIV Negative, i am very happy, thank you Dr voodoo for
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    ReplyDelete
  14. I am free from Herpes________________with herbal remedy from Robinsonbuckler11@Gmail com...”

    ReplyDelete
  15. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  16. Goodnews to everyone out there with different health challenges as I know there are still a lot of people suffering from different health issues and are therefore looking for solutions. I bring you Good news. There is a man called Dr Osato, a herbal practitioner who cures me from HSV2 and I got my healing by taking the herbal medicine Dr Osato sent to me to drink for two weeks and after the completion of the dosage, I went for a medical checkup and I tested Negative and my doctor confirmed with me that I was completely free from HSV2. All thanks to God for leading me to Dr Osato who was able to cure me completely from this horrible virus, I’m sharing this so that other people can know of this great healer called Dr Osato because I got to know him through Martha Jecorick post who he cured from HSV1&2 . I was made to understand that he can cure several other deadly diseases and viruses. Don’t die in ignorance or silence thinking that there is no cure for HSV1&2 or HIV and don’t let that illness take your life. Contact Dr Osato and get the cure from him. Dr Osato email is osatoherbalcure@gmail.com or WhatsApp him on +2347051705853 and His website is https://osatoherbalcure.wordpress.com. Be kind enough to share as you read for others to know and get cured.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Am very glad to share this testimony with everyone for the marvelous work Dr Aluta has done for my life, 6months ago i was diagnosed with Herpes virus and ever since then i have been very unhappy, i was so down broken everyday, until one day when i came across a shocking testimony about how Dr Aluta cured someone of his Herpes virus, and Lupus without wasting much time i contacted him immediately on his WhatsApp number (+2347051147339) and after i explain myself to him about how terrible i have been, and he assure me that he will help me to cure my herpes virus,after he has prepared the herbal medicine he sent it to me and when i have received it and started using it i was totally cure within 6 days, i am forever grateful to Dr Aluta for helping me out with his herbal prescription that cured my virus. contact his email address: alutaherbs@gmail.com or you can call or whatsApp his Mobile number:+2347051147339,,,.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I Recommend DR Harry to everyone for his great work for curing me from hepatitis with his Herbs Remedy and today i'm cure i am happy to share the good news and to also let everyone know how great his herbs remedy is with no side effect. an am free from the hepatitis virus with no side effects. kindly reach him out xx..
    Website Drharryherbs.wixsite.com/natural
    email Drharryherbspell01@gmail.com
    Call/whatsapp +18598135172

    ReplyDelete
  19. God bless Dr Akhigbe for saving my life. I was infected with HERPES for than 2 years, I tried different doctors over a period of time but no one work, but when i came on the Internet i saw great testimony about DR AKHIGBE how he was able to cure someone from HERPES virus with the help of herbal medicine I contacted him and he promised to cure my herpes virus.well i decided to give him a try, DR AKHIGBE put his best in it and gave me good and effective result just as he has promised. well after taking all the treatment sent to me by Dr AKHIGBE I went back to the Hospital for check up, and now I have been confirmed HERPES Negative. You can contact him if you have any kind of sickness like, HERPES, HIV, CANCER, PILE, HEPATITIS, DIABETES, and alot more you can contact him ON Whatsapp +2349021374574 or Email Drakhigbeherbalhome5@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. The world is astonished by the rate of poverty all over the globe, therefore Axis Capital Holdings Company is offering a loan to individual, Group of person's and companies with 2% interest rate. Email for more details axiscapitalholdings@mail.com

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  21. I would be ungrateful if I don't tell the world how marvelous are your works. Your herbal medicine remedy is legit for all who needs healing. @dr_itua_heal / drituaherbalcenter19@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Posted by Sophia


    It's so amazing when one finally finds joy in achieving something that’s so important to humans, which is good health, because there’s nothing more beautiful than having good health and  being free from disease and infections. I don’t even know what else to say or rather how to express my joy, but it must! Be voiced out for thy Lord God Almighty is worthy to be praised. I never knew or believed I would be cured from my hsv2. It is a miracle and a thing of joy, just two weeks of me following some real and fast effective protocols I was able to eradicate my long term genital herpes. I can boldly say that I’m now herpes negative. I’m cured from my HSV2. I’m so excited . I’m willing to help anyone who’s out there still suffering from the herpes virus. If you need any assistance on how to get rid of your herpes virus just the way I got rid of mine within two weeks, just email herbal Dr. Omosun via email omosunharbalhome@gmail.com
     WhatsApp number. +2349023705898 https://www.facebook.com /Dr-Omosun-Herbal-Medicine-
    101697838641699
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    ReplyDelete
  23. It’s obvious most people living  with HERPES are been enslaved to the antiviral and other supplementary antibiotics medicine just to help suppress the virus only.I contacted  the virus since 2020 until I was introduce by a blogger who also narrated Her story online on how she was cured of Herpes after using DR ISHIAKU Herbal Medicine.  I contacted him on WHAT-SAPP( +2348180828544) and explain to him and After he finish he sent me the herbs which i took for 2 weeks before asking me to go for a check up and getting there i could not believe that i was confirm HERPES Negative after the test, Today i am so happy because I'm free from herpes disease with the help of Dr. Ishiaku. All thanks to God for using this Him to heal me. i strongly recommend him to any one out here looking for a cure to herpes. Please fill free to share Your problems with him.

    ReplyDelete
  24. THANK YOU DR ISIKOLO COMING TO MY RESCUE AT MY WORST MOMENTS.
    My husband and I have been battling marital issues for the past 6 months and little did I know the family was the brain behind the problems we ever had. The issues escalated and he eventually moved out of the house. I was alone with my daughter and life was miserable without him by my side. I did all I could to end the problems but to no avail. So I had to seek help which led me to contacting DR ISIKOLO. Just as I have always wanted, he heard my cry and came to my aid. He resolved the problems we had and my husband and I came back together and it still amazes me when I get the result in 2 days as he promised. If you are having issues with your partner, contact him now and he won't fail you as well because he is trusted and reliable. email him: isikolosolutionhome@gmail.com or text him via WhatsApp: +2348133261196

    ReplyDelete
  25. I am amazed by Dr EGEONU herbal remedy. I Have had herpes for over 6 years with frequent outbreaks. Sometimes average 2-3 times per month. Before one breakout could end, the next would begin. Nothing has helped me. I came online in search for a possible way to see how I can fight this virus so I found Dr EGEONU here online after seeing a lot of testimonies of how he cured herpes and other diseases with natural herbs so I decided to give it a try, I only took his remedy for two weeks and I was completely cured. I recommend Dr EGEONU remedy to anyone suffering from herpes that wants to be completely cured too. email: dregeonuherbalcure@gamil.com and for quick response Message him on his whatsapp number +2348052086368

    ReplyDelete
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  27. I still don’t know the right words to express my gratitude to this great man Dr. Aza. After been diagnosed of HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS in 2months ago, i was given so many health prescription and advice with no improvement, I totally lost hope, until i found testimonies of Great Dr. Aza online research and on Facebook, Like anybody would be, I was very skeptical about contacting him, but i later did and he opened up to me and told me what was involved and he started the remedies for my health. Thank God, I was cured from herpes by the herbal medication I received from him. I never thought that herpes can be cured from the bottom of my heart. I'm truly grateful, i pray you have a long life so you can help many more people on earth with your herbal medical support, You can Email him via email  drazaherbalcenter@gmail.com   or for easy and fast communication you can also call or add him on whats-app with this mobile number  +1(315)7951518  , one thing i love most about DR Aza is honestly, and he is very polite with his patience, everything he told me was what he did, and his herbal medicine are very affordable.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I have been suffering from Herpes for the past 1 years and 8 months, and ever since then i have been taking series of treatment but there was no improvement until i came across testimonies of Dr.Ede on how he has been curing different people from different diseases all over the world, then i contacted him as well. After our conversation he sent me the medicine which i took according .to his instructions. When i was done taking the herbal medicine i went for a medical checkup and to my greatest surprise i was cured from Herpes. My heart is so filled with joy. If you are suffering from Herpes or any other disease you can contact Dr. Ede today on this Email address: medicalmediumherbal@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
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  30. I have tried all means in life to cure this herpes virus but there was no actual cure until I met Doc Excel whom I contacted and he prepare a herbal medicine for me which he ask me to drink and now I just tested Herpes Negative, I'm very happy, thanks to Doc Excel for helping my life come back newly again without any form of crisis, I promise to tell your name and good deeds to the whole world. Kindly contact him on his website for cure regarding any type of Herpes virus:https://Excelherbalcure.com

    ReplyDelete