A pathetic plea for pats on the back...

[Gabby]

:boogie:

Some of you know that last year I decided that it was time to get my Master's Degree...I just finished my last paper in my last required course!

:boogie:

The only thing between me and my Master's is my thesis -- which will take me until April to complete.

I am proud of myself for being able to do this while working full-time and being a mom. :luxlove:

If I pull an A in this class ( :luck: ) I'll graduate with a 4.0, too.

Thanks to TigerLily who has been a great support system for me throughout. I think she knows more about meeting the needs of special education students in mathematics classrooms than anyone outside of the education community! ;)

[pocket]

:clap: :cheer: :clap: :cheer: Wow! Congratulations! This is an impressive achievement considering an already full life and life's demands.

Question: When did you sleep?

[TigerLily]

It's been a great learning experience for me too :) I'm glad you're finally done the evil paper!! Yay!!! I'm very proud of you and what you've done to accomplish this while staying sane :) :hug2:

:fun3: :lol2: :lol2: :fun1: :fun1: :fun2: :luxlove: :luxlove: :fun2: :scatter: :xbirthday :cheer: :magic: :magic: :trip: :bparty: :boogie: :offwall: :offwall: :offwall: :bdgrin: :lovey: :crazy:

[Kramer]

I think you deserve a HUGE pat on the back, no pathetic plea necessary!! WTG on a huge accomplishment Gabby :cheers: And yea for special friends like TigerLily who make the entire process bearable!! :hug2:

[Slitter]

WTG, Gabby! I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to squeeze all that into your life. Gosh, you'll hardly know what to do with all your free time once that thesis is done. ;) :cheers:

Hurrah for TL in her role as support person. Having people who can help you keep your focus and motivation is hugely important when you take on a big challenge like this.

Party at Gabby's house in April, huh? :D

[tahitisweetie]

Very proud of you! You are an amazing person, Gabby.

[janalou]

Well done, Gabby. A great accomplishment.

[Sunburntbeatle]

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[spf15]

Congrats, and good luck with the thesis!

[Punkin]

Bravo, Darlin'. And I'll speak for Woody, too, if she's still offline. Her whole life has been about education and we are both impressed and proud. :kiss: :luxlove:

[rielap]

Outstanding! Don't know how you do it - full time job, mom, wife, and school!

[Fuel]

Awesome job! :clap:

[frawniemae]

Congratulations on achieving this amazing goal!

[WOODTURNER]

...(And thanks, Punkin--you said it just right). Is your Master's in Mathematics? :)

[JDjr]

congrats... :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy I can't even get through high school and you did all of that good job.

[Gabby]

...(And thanks, Punkin--you said it just right). Is your Master's in Mathematics? :)

No -- it is an MEd. My concentration is in mathematics instruction. My thesis will involve strategies for teaching mathematics to at-risk learners (learning disabled; behavior disorders; at-risk for school failure)

[WOODTURNER]

...The TEACHING of Math. Next to History, the worst taught subject. Our kids, especially the girl children, really get short-changed by the education system in the Math area.

One of the reasons women don't get promoted (yes, I know about the glass ceiling) is simply that they don't get the Math: Economics, Accounting, Spreadsheet analysis, Calculus for purposes of predicting bottom line; etc. etc. In my business, Presidents of colleges had to have the Business Manager explain the budget.

Warning to all Don't let your kids slide through Mathematics OR English. Hopefully, they will apply themselves diligently to all subjects.

One more point. Without Math, no: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Psychology, Business, etc. etc.

[Sheisback]

Congratulations Gabby ! This is quite an achievement, you have every rights to be proud of yourself.

[mel]

Yay you, Gabs!

[Gabby]

Another shameless grab for attention!

I'm not done with my thesis (my advisor advised me to take my time! ;) ), but I just jumped a HUGE hurdle towards the goal of completing it: Chapter 1 is going in the mail today!

:boogie:

So far, I've had to write three long papers to prove that I am an "expert" in my field and submitted my "purpose" for doing this research. Those were really, really hard for me. Finishing this chapter is a major accomplishment and paves the way for my final approval. With any luck (and a ton of work), I will submit the research proposal (and 3 chapters of the thesis) by Memorial Day.

So -- I need some validation and celebration!

HOORAY FOR ME!!!!

(Everyone is now responsible for nudging me towards finishing chapter 2)

:boogie:

[An-g_BB]

Gabby Congrats on Chpt 1's mailing!!! YEAH to you!!!! :):thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

[TigerLily]

Hey That's MY Responsbility!! Ok, others can help :) Yay hon!!! So glad you got chapter 1 off and are onto chapter 2 today :)

[AvecLion]

Nudge nudge, wink wink

Good job, Gabs!

[Typhoonmary]

Sometimes just getting that first one down makes the rest flow much better. Best wishes for steady progress.:thumb:

[Pepper]

Good for you Gabby. I hope you're truly proud of yourself...Looks like the rest of us are....If I had one thing I could do over, it would be go to college and not stop until I reached my masters degree. I did let marriage and mother hood (and divorce and all that crap) get in the way....I don't regret the things I have accomplished. That's just one thing I'd like to be able to add to my list...I'm very proud of you.

[WOODTURNER]

It's hard to explain the dedication it takes to complete a thesis or dissertation--especially when one has so many other responsibilities: Full-time job; Full time Motherhood; Full time Wife; providing outstanding experiences for your children, etc.

Congratulations are, indeed, in order. Won't it be fun to read just for pleasure--before long? It's the thing I missed most during the time I was closeted in one room 8--10 hours per day, typing away (no computers, then).

:) :fun3: :fun2: :fun1: :bparty: :magic: :hug2: :biglaugh:

[Slitter]

WTG, Gabby! :clap: :clap: :clap:

I never got my masters but my mom did and I remember the summer she did her thesis. :eek: But when she received her bound copy of it (and I hope you will treat yourself to that), she was so happy and proud! Before too long, you're going to have those same feelings - and so will your family. :)

You're doing great! I don't know how many chapters you are planning but the first is always the hardest. Congratulations!

[pocket]

Good for you, Gabby! With everything you have on your plate, you deserve even more pats on the back. Good luck with the rest.

[Gabby]

Thanks everyone...I felt really good today, but then started outlining my "Review of the Literature" and got that sick feeling in my tummy again.

I know I'll be really thrilled when it's done. Probably like having a newborn -- once you get past it -- you don't remember how tough it was.

Woodturner -- I can't even fathom how hard it was to do this before computers. When I need to look something up, I can usually get to the Journal within an hour or so. Don't even want to think about not having a word processor! :eek:

[Sunburntbeatle]

:thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

[Gabby]

Big hurdle passed today!

I had a major setback earlier this summer when I submitted my Chapter 2 and got it back with a slap-on-the-hand demanding that I nearly double its length. I hunkered down and spit out as much as I could manage. I got it back yesterday and learned that I was close to being done (minor revisions).

I finished those revisions, set up my title page and table of contents and whipped out chapter 3 today! :boogie:

IF -- that is approved -- then I should be done with this professor and finish the rest of the chapters (4 and 5) with my advisor. I can see the light!

:boogie:

[tahitisweetie]

Good news!

Light at the end of the tunnel is one of the best things to see.

[Virgo6]

Whew! good luck with the rest of it.

[Slitter]

:clap: Congratulations! You'll have this thing licked in no time! :thumb:

[Mouse9]

Gabby,

That sounds so great! I just can't imagine working on a thesis like you have been doing and working and parenting and "wife"ing it and going to family reunions, etc. You are so dedicated. Good luck on it going well, too.

You make the last part sound easy, but I bet it is a lot harder than you are letting us know it is. I've never done what you are doing so I don't know because of lack of experience. I just imagine that it is a lot of work. (Did that make sense?) I'm trying to say I think you have got to be a great brain to have completed what you have and still continue to finish it out.

Congratulate on this last phase completed.

pat pat pat (on your back) pat pat pat

[Gabby]

TL has been with me throughout this whole process and I told her that once Ch2 was approved, it should be easier. I worked on Ch1 - Ch2 for about 3 months and cranked out Ch3 in a day. Chapter 4 is actually the handbook (mostly lessons and curriculum ideas) so that's something I do every day during the school year. Chapter 5 is the assessment and review.

I won't be able to finish in time to get my raise at the beginning of the school year (my original goal), but my district allows us to "bump up" the scale in January if we complete a degree. Not being "on the ball" is going to cost me about $1500, but like you said -- I've had other things on my plate!

Once it's approved, I'm sending the first 3 chapters to UKM who's also interested in teaching math to LD students.

[UkraineMom]

I am so so happy for you!!!!

Congrats!!!!

[zandi]

Wow, Gabby!

And I thought I was busy! :)

You deserve more pats and congrats that you'll ever know! I am actually in awe of what you've done...

Congrats, congrats, congrats - and good luck with the rest of the work! You go, girl!

[patchiepoopoo]

Wishing you well Gabby in your endeavor :thumb:

[pocket]

That's wonderful news, Gabby. You're on the downhill side now. Good for you!

[Sunburntbeatle]

Sending you "get r done" vibes!!

Many congratz on what you have accomplished!

[Gabby]

My prof has signed off on the first three chapters and it's off to my advisor!

More light coming from the end of that tunnel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tahitisweetie]

:boogie:

[Virgo6]

Wow, Gabby, good for you! You must be so relieved.

[TigerLily]

You have no idea how much Virgo. This lady has been driving her nuts!!

[patchiepoopoo]

:thumb: wonderful news. :thumb:

[Slitter]

It's all downhill from here! :cheers:

[frawniemae]

WTG, Gabby!! Many congrats and lots of "pats"! :clap:

[Irishlass]

Good news, Gabby. The worst is behind you now, keep on keepin' on and before you know it, this will be history. :clap:

[pocket]

Good for you, Gabby....WTG!

[Mouse9]

Wow! I bet that feels so good and I do hope you go out and celebrate in some fashion. Keep up the good work. The light is at the end of the tunnel and it isn't that far away.

Congratulations on completing that most difficult stage.

[Gabby]

This is getting ridiculous!

Thanks to TL for keeping up on her job of keeping me from going completely mental!

:boogie:

I got word today that I'm one re-write away from being done, done, done! My advisor estimates 1 solid day of work.

So -- keep me in your prayers this week. I'm hoping to pull this together this week into this weekend.

[tahitisweetie]

That's great Gabby! You are always in my prayers, friend!

[Slitter]

Awesome news! This has been a project and a half. I bet it will feel like the weight of the world is off your shoulders when you finish it!

Put the champagne on ice - party at Gabby's!!! :D :clap:

[Virgo6]

Wow Girl! I really admire all your accomplishments! My thoughts are with you as you head towards that final goal. You deserve a special day of pampering once this project is complete. Good for you!!!!:thumb: :cheer:

[TigerLily]

I can hardly believe. It's been what - 2 yrs now? The classes, the wacko people, the researching, the writing.....and that's not even what you do for your regular stuff. 1 rewrite!! Now if only we could get the kids away for Saturday or Sunday....

[Sunburntbeatle]

WooHoo!! Good for you! I will keep you in my prayers this week and weekend.

[Gabby]

I did pretty well last night -- I got all of the changes that he had suggested done. Now I just need to do a lot of formatting work and write an abstract (and teach myself how to write an abstract...)

[TigerLily]

I especially like the cat ;)

[Virgo6]

Cute TL....I like the cat also. I feel like that alot of the time, but like most women I am more like the Energizer Battery Bunny cause I have to keep on going and going and going. Good luck Gabby.

[Gabby]

I need to save the cat one for an avatar after Christmas!

[Slitter]

Hmm, I don't if this would fit with what they want but, if I were writing an abstract, I'd imagine myself getting on an elevator on the first floor with a destination on about the 15th floor. Someone notices my thesis and asks me what it's about. The answer to that question would be the abstract - short and sweet but hitting on the purpose and the key points.

Maybe that imagery will help. :)

[Gabby]

OMG OMG OMG

:trip: :trip: :trip:

I have only three things left (ALL THE WRITING IS DONE)
1) TL has to help me do the page thingy (she knows what I mean) in chapter 4
2) Once that's formatted, I cut/paste it into the 5 chapter thesis
3) Fix the TOC to reflect the chapter 4 insertion

:luck: Everyone cross their fingers that I'm approved after this round!!!!!

TL -- hurry home!!!!

[Slitter]

:luck: :luck: :luck:

It sounds like you're almost there! You've worked your behind off. If they don't approve you this time, we'll just have to organize the posse! ;)

[pocket]

Great, Gabby! I know you're tremendously relieved not to have this hanging over you any more.

[TigerLily]

Sorry I've been so long Gabs. Dad and sis wanted to play games so I've been downstairs for several hours. :(

[Gabby]

No worries!

Just so everyone knows...TL did it!!!!!

:boogie:

[TigerLily]

lol, finally - something tangible!!

[Gabby]

One more read in the morning and then it's getting zipped off and sent!

:trip:

[Slitter]

Congratulations!

And you might get a nice reward too. UCLA just beat USC. Now if Arkansas can beat Florida... :)

[Sunburntbeatle]

WooHoo!!

[Virgo6]

Well, Congrats Gabby. That is the best gift you could give yourself this year!! We are all proud of you!!! WTG :thumb: :hug2:

[frawniemae]

:thumb: Glad you got that wrapped up and mostly out of the way!

[Mouse9]

Will you be walking across that stage again for your special doohickey (hood? or sash? a certain color??) signifying you did all this hard work??? and if so, when???? (May?)

(Most December graduates comeback for the spring commencement ceremony.)

Congratulations. You are amazing!!!

[UkraineMom]

Woo Hoo WTG Girl!!!!

I am so proud of you

[Gabby]

No ceremony for me, Mouse.

1) I'd have to travel to Colorado (can't leave my kids),

2) I'm oddly one of those people who HATES HATES HATES commencement ceremonies. I always say I'm only going to 2 more: Tommy's and Charlie's. Maybe 4 if they can drag me to the college ones.

[TigerLily]

I don't like them either Gabs. BORING. The only reason I went to any of mine is because my parents wanted to.

[UkraineMom]

Oh I'll go to mine... too much work

[Virgo6]

I just went to my last commencement ceremony last Dec. when my 4th and youngest child graduated college. Well, I guess if some day I am a grandmother I will have to go to more again. I HATE them also. It was exciting when the oldest graduated from grade school, etc. because I had never been a mom before and it was new. But because my 3 older children are only a year or two apart it seemed I was going to them constantly. After high school it was college and the older one went to Law School and there was another one. I would sit there daydreaming and wishing I could leave. All those speeches from every department and the guest speakers that droned on and on made me drowsy. At each college graduation my husband would tear up. The first time he did it I was like "WTF?" but with the last one he really got weepy. I think it was because it was the last tuition check he would ever have to pay!!! LOL

[Gabby]

In a day filled with ups and downs...this was the up.

I did receive word that I am done.

I just need to send in my final copy via snail mail and sign off.

:)

[TigerLily]

:fun2: :bparty: :magic: :fun1: :crazy: :crazy: :magic: :bparty: :hug2: :fun3: :nuke: :flush: :lovies: :flame: :ys: :bash: :chased: :kiss: :kiss: :alcoholic :alcoholic :alcoholic :silly: :scream: :spit: :cheer: :cheer: :lovey: Woohoo!!! YAY!! You're done you're done you're done!!!

[Virgo6]

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hip hip hooray for you!!!!!:cheers: :boogie: :trip:

[pocket]

:boogie: Congratulations, Gabby!!! :boogie:

[WOODTURNER]

Congratulations! Sorry you decided to forego the ceremony. I missed all three of mine--and I regret it from this distance. I, like you, was way too busy to take time out to attend a graduation fete.

I'm very proud of you. YOu had a lot of obstacles on your course to Master's Degree. You not only negotiated the path, but you didn't let anything f all through the cracks, either.

I'll bet you can't wait to get back to reading for pleasure--it's what I missed the most.:fun1: :bparty: :magic: :fun3:

[Sunburntbeatle]

WooHoo!! Good for you!

[Slitter]

Congratulations, Gabby!! :clap: :clap: :clap:

[frawniemae]

:fun1: :clap: WTG Gabby!

[Fuel]

Awesome! :thumb:

[Pepper]

Sorry to hear you had any "downs" But, GOOD FOR YOU GABBY!:cheers: Cheers!

[Gabby]

Guess what came in the mail today!?

My Master's Diploma!

(with high honors)

:boogie:

[pocket]

What a happy day! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[Sunburntbeatle]

WooHoo!!

[Virgo6]

:thumb: :hug2: :cheers: Gabby, that is the best news! So happy for you. What an accomplishment! Just proves that women can do just about anything they put their mind to. Hang that up on the wall with pride!!! You are too young to know this old song but it says it all.

Artist: Peggy Lee
Song: I'M A Woman


I can wash out 44 pairs of socks and have 'em hangin out on the line
I can starch & iron 2 dozens shirts 'fore you can count from 1 to 9
I can scoop up a great big dipper full of lard from the drippins can
Throw it in the skillet, go out & do my shopping, be back before it melts in the pan
'Cause I'm a woman! W-O-M-A-N, I'll say it again

I can rub & scrub this old house til it's shinin like a dime
Feed the baby, grease the car, & powder my face at the same time
Get all dressed up, go out and swing til 4 a.m. and then
Lay down at 5, jump up at 6, and start all over again
'Cause I'm a woman! W-O-M-A-N, I'll say it again

If you come to me sickly you know I'm gonna make you well
If you come to me all hexed up you know I'm gonna break the spell
If you come to me hungry you know I'm gonna fill you full of grits
If it's lovin you're likin, I'll kiss you and give you the shiverin' fits
'Cause I'm a woman! W-O-M-A-N, I'll say it again

I can stretch! a green black dollar bill from here to kindom come!
I can play the numbers pay the bills and still end up with some!
I got a twenty-dollar gold piece says there ain't nothing I can't do
I can make a dress out of a feed bag and I can make a man out of you
'Cause I'm a woman! W-O-M-A-N, I'll say it again
'Cause I'm a woman! W-O-M-A-N, and that's all.

[TigerLily]

You're so awesome hon!! Congratulations!! That's great!! Sniff. I'm gonna sit here and bask in the reflected happiness for about 10 minutes. Geesh, that just about made me cry I'm so happy.

[patchiepoopoo]

Congratulations Gabby :thumb:

[tahitisweetie]

Awesome news Gabby.

[frawniemae]

:thumb: WTG!

[Slitter]

That's wonderful, Gabby! :cheers: :clap:

So when do you start on the doctorate? No! Don't hit me! I was just kidding! ;)

[spf15]

Congratulations!

[Fuel]

Wonderful news! :D

[UkraineMom]

Congratulations that is so wonderful!!!!!!

I can't wait to read it :)

[Gabby]

I forgot about sending it to you!

I'll email you a copy. Fun read...lemmee tell you! :rolleyes:

[Kramer]

Good for you Gabby!! WTG!! :D