How to succeed in grad school without really trying.

Le sigh.

The end of the semester is upon us. Although I'm always thankful to be finished with classes the week after Thanksgiving, it sure does make November terrifying. I have a 20-page research paper and presentation, a group paper, another paper and presentation, a group documentary, and various other tasks to do here and there over the next few weeks.

Sounds like it's time to pull out those mantras and practice perspective-taking.

• I have time for what I want to have time for.
• Being a graduate student is a privilege.
• I wanted this and worked hard to get here.

Aaaah, I feel better already.

I'm also in the throes of negotiating my schedule for next semester, which has become a bit of an ordeal due to Baby B's unknown arrival date. Various factors could combine to lengthen my expected time to completion of the ol' PhD, but it's not like that hasn't happened to many who have gone before me. I think I'm coping pretty well with the ambiguity and unknowns. And as I type this, Baby B is doing somersaults in my belly. Can't help but smile at that.