18 days to takeoff...

So, my dissertation proposal is due today.  Brett has been a lifesaver the past week going above and beyond the call of duty helping me.  I am still sick (seriously, am I ever going to be well again??), so it's a struggle to just keep moving and to try my best to meet the deadline (it is for turning it in to my advisor so he can give me feedback before it is sent to my committee prior to the oral defense on June 10th). 

I know that once I finish it though I will be SO ready for a break. Of course, I don't get one.  I immediately have to finish all my cramming for sitting for my comprehensive exams this Thursay and Friday.  But in 96 hours, we might be able to get a bit of a breath.  Just until I start stressing about how to prep best for my oral defense of the proposal and my comps answers.

In other, happier, news.  We have exactly 18 days until we get on a plane bound for the land down under.  I am super excited.  I was hoping to get some shopping and stuff done before we go, but at this rate, I think I'll be satisfied with just getting on the plane in one piece. 

P.S.--> So, Brett tells me this week about the immigration paperwork that needs to be filled out for him to be allowed back in the country after visiting home.  I PROMISE to make sure this happens...(though from what he tells me, Lyn wouldn't be that disappointed if there was a mix-up and he had to stay in Australia a few extra weeks/months). :-)

I'm famous!

My professor forwarded me a news story about our article that we got published:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/04/unemployment-up-divorce-down_n_857503.html

It actually mirrors our article quite well, which is not always the case when the media reports on academic research. And it's only in an on-line newspaper, but that is more attention than I thought it would get!

Done with Classes!!!

Officially done with classes!!! I just handed up my last assignment and I am now due for some much needed relaxation.

In lieu of a proper post (and in honour of mother's day), here is an article about how Australia is the second best place in the world to be a mum:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/05/04/3207010.htm

Kangaroo Island Days (fun details)

So what do you do when it is 2:30am and you still have 1/2 your grading left and 12 hours to go and feel like crying?  You go and look at all the pretty pictures of Australia as inspiration to keep going. 
Just over a month left before our trip.  I'm looking forward to it all, but esp. the Kangaroo Island Days.  Maybe because Brett has talked it up so much.

*Map of KI

We are staying at Waves and Wildlife Cottages: "The cottages are set on 80 acres behind the cliff directly surrounding Stokes Bay Beach with no roads in between. Much of the property remains natural bush land which is home to large mobs of the Kangaroo Island Kangaroo which graze around the cottages every evening. At the beach penguins, dolphin pods pass by and occasionally we spot a seal or two."   Not sure how much of this is true in Aussie Winter. 

But I bet the views really are this beautiful year round...