Unwinding....

 Love,

from me to u

So I'm a Dr....

My husband got this for me. Wrong type of Dr but still cute. ^^

A couple of weeks ago I got my Doctorate. I am really happy, of course but I've more or less kept it quiet. Not because I wanted to, but as I was submitting my thesis for archival, I was down with the most awful cold. :P Imagine running around the uni to get signatures with dripping nose, sneezing and coughing. So I never got around to announcing it. But despite the cold, I still managed to come up with a thesis archival outfit. ^^

My dress is from Miss Patina London.

My shoes are from Gorman.

I finally told people that I got my letter and all after many people kept asking me how my PhD is going. I guess the reality that it was all done hit me when I packed up my desk at my uni and vacated it. It just felt pretty final. But I guess this is just the beginning, right? ;;^^

As I conclude my PhD journey, I would like to share this quote by Ursula K. Le Guin which summed up the whole PhD journey for me.

Love,

from me to u.

A 2012 Reflection - Lessons I learned while doing a PhD

Happy New Year!!! Now that 2013 is here, a 2012 reflection post is required, I think. :) The year 2012 did not start off in the most positive of ways, but it certainly ended on a high: I submitted my PhD thesis! Yay!

When I first started 2012, I told myself (and anyone else who would listen) that I would like to complete my studies by the end of the year. So I set off planning milestones throughout the whole year (as seen above in my calendar), such as finish literature review chapter by this date, and this chapter by this date. Despite my "perfect" plan, things really did not work out as I expected. So despite the best laid plans, I found myself adjusting my completion date. First, there was 3rd September, then 3rd of December. I finally submitted on the 17th Dec 2012. It took me about 3 years and 9 months, as opposed to 3 years and 6 months that I had planned for. On the up side too, I finally understood what is it really that I am doing when I was preparing for submission. As it turned out all along, other than researching in the area of engineering education, my research is also categorised under engineering professional practice.

As I put my thesis together, I had a couple of epiphanies. When I did my textile design degree, I was taught how to manage projects. We did not have exams, instead we have design projects. At times, we had 3-4 projects due around the same time. My biggest take-away from my design course is time management. When I did my MBA, we had to do a lot of presentations. The course helped me to grow to be a better speaker and presenter. When I did the PhD, I had to use all the skills that I had learned previously, and refined them. Certainly though the PhD taught me the most. It taught me that it is not about doing what you love. Rather, to love whatever you are doing. I actually grew to love my research, if that makes sense. The topic that I had done was not really my first choice of topic/subject area, but I came out of the PhD still loving my research and enjoying the whole process (despite the ups and downs).  I can also say that I learned a whole lot of new things about engineering problem solving processes, and working with engineers. Ultimately, I did feel that I came out of it feeling more confident as a researcher.

So what is next? I am really unsure of what my plan is, or what 2013 will bring. Nonetheless, I am excited and hopeful. What did 2012 bring you? :)

Love,
from me to u.

Merry Christmas 2012!

 

Wishing you a wonderful and safe Christmas!

Love,

from me to u.

Styling for thesis submission?!

I bought this pair of shoes to match my dress.
Of course, to celebrate too! ^^

I am happy to announce that I've finally submitted my dissertation yesterday (17th Dec 2012)! I've had about 3 extension dates, and I guess third time is indeed lucky as I've made it finally. It may be silly but I chose my dress carefully on my submission date. I wanted to wear one of my favourite dresses. It is one way I cope and celebrate little events in my life. I wonder if anyone else does this too? If yes, I'd love to hear about your thesis submission styling. ^^

Love,
from me to u.

A Movember Post

This mo certainly fits the building. :) Spotted at Cardigan St.

For more information on Movember: http://au.movember.com/

Love,

from me to u.

Almost 2!

Our wedding cake.
Photography by Jave Lee | Cake by Ab Fab Cakes

I cannot believe that it has been months since my last update! The months have flown by as I was knocked out by an awful cold bug that triggered my asthma and caused a chest infection. And of course there is that PhD thesis I need to be writing up. I wanted to take time though to update the blog as my 2nd wedding anniversary is coming up soon. I wanted to share a little quote that I got from this book entitled Don'ts for Husbands. This book was written in 1913, but it is still full of practical tips on married life. There is the wives' version as well.

Love,

from me to u.