Hey there, wonderful readers! It feels like I've been away for ages, but I promise it's been for a good cause—I've been knee-deep in dissertation writing! Yes, I've been grinding away at that academic beast amidst the chaos of life, work, and family. But guess what? I've emerged victorious! Dissertation defended, sanity somewhat intact, and ready to dive back into the blogging world.
A Quick Update to Get Us Started
So, where do I even begin? Let's start with a quick update to get us back on the same page. Life has been a whirlwind, to say the least. While I was buried in research and writing, my amazing wife April was doing the same while our kids were living their best lives—gymnastics, basketball, volleyball...you name it, they were doing it.
Remember that trip to the Bahamas we took during the holidays? Ah, good times. That was our little recharge before diving back into the chaos of life. And oh boy, has there been chaos. But through it all, there have been some silver linings.
Health and Work: Finding Harmony While Dealing with Life's Demands
Health-wise, I'm doing a lot better. The complications are under control, and I'm closely monitoring things. You know, watching what I eat, staying active, and trying not to stress too much. I have to keep this old ticker ticking!
Work has been incredible, too. I've been able to make a real impact at Florida State University, where I work. From implementing new initiatives to recognizing the hard work of our staff, providing developmental and growth opportunities, and community building, it's been a rewarding journey.
Now, about the blogging...yeah, it's been slow lately. From weekly posts to monthly ones, life just got in the way. I'm back and have a shiny new title to flaunt—Dr. Lovett! Yep, that's right, your favorite blogger is now officially a doctor. A very formal announcement will be coming soon enough.
Lessons from the Dissertation Trenches
The dissertation trenches—where my self-acclaimed grit was put to the test. Reflecting on this journey, I can't help but marvel at the challenges I faced. From drowning in research and writing to battling self-doubt, this journey was anything but smooth. Through it all, I learned valuable life lessons about perseverance, resilience, and passion. Commitment, consistency, and determination became my driving force, guiding me through the longest nights and transforming doubt into fuel for progress. I realized that these lessons aren't just for this level of obligation—they're the keys to conquering any challenge life throws your way.
Family as the Anchor
One thing is for sure: my family stood firm as my unwavering anchor, keeping me grounded through the most challenging moments. Their love and encouragement were the lifelines that kept me afloat when doubt threatened to knock me down. I'll never forget the countless times my kids barged into my reading and writing sessions, wide-eyed and curious, as they watched me work on my dissertation. It gave me a little boost to keep going. And then there was April, my partner in crime and fellow dissertation warrior. As a team, we navigated through the challenges, committed to staying the course and finishing strong.
So, here's to new beginnings, renewed energy, and lots of exciting stories to share. Thanks for sticking with me through it all. Let's make this next chapter of the blog and everything even more epic.