Welcome!

So, I've started a blog! This has been something I have been considering for a while now, and since life has gotten crazy lately, I figured it would be a good way to keep all those I love updated on what is going on. Keeping this updates is going to be a challenge for me, but a good challenge. So...let's start at the very beginning. (Is the song from Sound of Music running through your head?)

I am almost finished with my second, and last, year of graduate school...praise God! It has been a lot tougher than I was expecting. Don't let anyone tell you graduate school is just a continuation of undergrad, because thats a lie! The most challenging part of school for me is how independent it is. I have really had to step up my self-motivation and learn how to be my own cheerleader as well. Its hard to not have an adviser telling you every step you need to take to get finished. But it has been worth it (since I am so close to the end I am now able to say that, but if you had asked me last September I probably would have strongly disagreed!) in the long run. I have learned lots of great life lessons, and a lot about myself as well.

So right now I am finishing up my thesis. I get lots of questions about this, so I thought I would create a FAQ list for you all. Hopefully I will hit all the high points.
1. How long is a thesis?
The university requires that all master's theses be no shorter than 60 pages. Mine however will more likely be around 100-130 pages.
2. So it's like you are writing a short book?
Yes, it is like writing a book, with chapters and everything.
3. What is your thesis about?
I am studying the consumer behavior of brides as they shop for their wedding gown. So basically, I am trying to figure out what is important to them as they shop and why they make the decisions they do. I can get a lot more technical if you like, but generally this results in many glazed over eyes and nodding like a bobble head, so I will spare you the gory details.
4. When does your thesis have to be finished?
I will have my defense by the end of June 2008.
5. What is a defense?
It is a presentation to my four committee members (2 professors within my major, 1 professor from the College of Business, and 1 university representative) in which I basically say "Look what I have done! Now please give me my degree!" They will then question me on what I did with my research and I will have to defend what I have done. See where the title comes from? They then send me from the room and talk about me behind my back, and decide my fate. They vote, then I get to find out if I pass or not.
6. So your whole degree comes down to this one meeting?
Yes. Scary isn't it!
7. Can people come to your defense?
Yes! People are allowed to sit in on the presentation part, but then have to leave for the questioning and voting portions. I would say that I would love to have you there, but I know you would be so bored. But if you are in to torturing yourself, you are more than welcome to come!
8. Should I get a graduate degree?
Only if you fall under the above discussed category of enjoying to torture yourself.

So that is my life right now...just writing away. That and church pretty much take up all my time. I am also trying to find a job somehow, but more on that later. I hope you enjoy my blog!