A hard slog

I'm still working on the piece of writing that will eventually become my dissertation introduction. It's a hard slog through the first parts: laying out the various arguments between scholars in my sub-sub-field and constructing working definitions of my terms. In other words, the theory parts. (Being a little hung-over from backyard "camping" doesn't help a lot.) It's almost over.

The rest of it should be a lot easier. Because the theory arises from the films I've been watching, conveying how the theory applies to the films is just the same thing but backwards.

I've been confident before in a piece of work, only to get it back with significant, heavy critique, but this time, I think it really will be good. Or it will be horrible. My committee will let me know either way.

At this point, though, (like so many things in life) it's just a matter of doing.

Canoeing

We went to the Buffalo this weekend, which was fun (but would certainly have been more fun if someone hadn't backed out. M.) The water was high, and the canoeing was fun. I think I'm getting better at it, partly because I'm not so worried about dumping the boat and partly because I have these new magical water shoes. I don't have the best balance, and these shoes keep me from falling down so much. 

Serious water at the end of our run. It was awesome, and I'm proud of Sam's and my communication through the whole thing. He's a good instructor. 

On the second night, I slept on the hammock. It's super comfortable, even if you're a restless sleeper. I got through the night pretty well: I only fell out once.

And then there's coming home. It always feels good to come home, as clichéd as that might be. I think we'll go canoeing again weekend after next.