Hi. I'm Phelan Sadie. For seven years, I worked full time while also completing my PhD and I finally finished my PhD in December 2016. During that time, I enjoyed writing about some of my shenanigans, experiences, observations, and insights as a way to connect with other aspects of myself, especially my romantic life which is chock-full of nutty stories. Just when I think things can't get any more weird, life surprises me with more weirdness but it all seems normal to me. At first, I emailed some stories to friends and family, then a couple of friends suggested I start a blog. So, here I am. I've written these stories to the best of my recollection. Some of my stories are funny; some aren't. Some are sexually explicit; some are downright lame. Either way, I hope you appreciate or enjoy them.

About three years ago, I arrived at what I call the intersection of Fuck It Rd. and I Don't Give a Shit Ave. It's a crude way of saying that I've let go of outcome and a sense of absolute control over my life. That I have faith that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be (fuck it) and am being my authentic self despite judgments other people may make about me (I don't give a shit). It's a fantastic place to live, but sometimes my residency is threatened when my romantic life presents challenges. But, my foundation becomes more sturdy as I navigate each challenge. It's a journey rather than a destination, and I'm still human after all. 3/31/17

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Dating My Dissertation?

I've been off track with my dissertation for a couple of months now and knew I needed to get back on track. It's paradoxical because I want to finish it, yet I don't want to do the work required to finish. Sometimes I see my dissertation as an obstacle, so I constantly have to remind myself that earning my Ph.D. is something I want to do - no one is forcing me to do it. Yesterday, my dissertation coach challenged me to have more "dates" in April with my dissertation than with men. Given my various boy-related challenges right now, I accepted her challenge...but took it one step further which I explained below in my email to her:

"Well, I took your suggestion to date my dissertation quite literally. Last night, I took a bath and then put on my sort-of-sexy-but-never-leaves-the-house peach strapless cotton floor length loungey-type dress and a lovely slender and soft lavender boa. Then I put on some Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (dark and relaxing music for me, especially their Murder Ballads CD), made myself a skinny cocktail (spiced rum on the rocks), sat down at my computer, and made out with my dissertation. To add a geeky flair to my seduction, I wore my reading glasses and my retainer. :) Committing to an encounter of only 15 minutes, we made out for 1.5 hours with some caressing and massaging here and there. Then I rewarded myself with some pleasure writing.

Thanks again for the ass kicking!

Warmly,
Phelan"

Her reply?

"Phelan, finish that dissertation then start your writing career. Fund it on Kickstarter. I'll contribute--and extra if I get to choose the author photo for the cover of your first book...
Laughing my head off,"
after which she included this image:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/33762577/boa-for-barbie-made-with-lavender

It's all about the mindset. Tonight I get to go home and molest my dissertation some more. I feel comfortable being the dominant in this relationship. Score! Sometimes it fights back and I get a paper cut, or my data doesn't cooperate when I try to organize or analyze it but there are specialists who can make my data and analyses conform to my will! Muah ha ha ha! Otherwise, I'll leave the dominating to Andy. Wouldn't it be funny if I go through the whole process of earning a Ph.D. only to become a non-academic writer? It's all about the journey rather than the outcome, right? At least that's what I keep telling myself: just enjoy the journey...and sometimes I take Xanax to help me believe it. Hee hee.
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2 comments:

  1. Patricia HulseJune 7, 2013 at 1:56 AM

    How’s your dissertation now, Phelan? I think it would be a good idea to have a time management. That way, you can have time to work with dissertation writing, and at the same time with whatever you like to do. Anyway, I wish you good luck with your dissertation.

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  2. Phelan SadieJune 10, 2013 at 1:44 PM

    Hi Patricia. I finished the draft of my first empirical chapter last week, and will begin working on my second empirical chapter this week. You're right: time management is key. I want to have my entire dissertation written by mid-December and I'll succeed with good time management. Thank you for good luck wishes.

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