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November 19, 2008

Revision nearly over

I've once again confirmed to myself that I can only finish written pieces through a stage of rush and related agony.

I started revising the text in September by reading it through, marking corrections, searching for literature. Nice, calm things. In October, I have to say for my defence, I was swamped at the office, and progressed slowly. November, deadline conscious, said no to all engagements and spent all my free time hunched over my laptop. Introductory chapter first, that was still fun and interesting. Next, one of the chapters, started to feel high-strung already, and finally the conclusions on a night shift, in a state of panic. And corrections of bits and pieces of chapters here and there. (I'm not supposed to revise anything else but what the pre-examiners pointed at, but I'm glad they made both specific and broad comments so I've been quite free to do the revisions in a way wanted to make them.)

Now I'm ready to send the latest version to be checked for language. Not a nice job. My nightly sentences can be incomprehensible and easily expand over four lines. But my sister told me that according to the authors of all great theses they have been written in the nighttime - there's that touch of passionate scientist (or martyr glamour) that I can claim now as well. Good or not, that's where the final opponent has his say next February in the public defense.

Posted by hrantavu at 06:34 AM