I wish I could remember everything

I am saving everything in various formats and it drives me crazy at times. I know I have edited Chapters 2 and 3 as far as I can, but when I checked for a routine word on my work machine - paradigm- it was still there. I left my memory stick at home,which is a real bother, and because I am at work, I obviously can't check the home PC, which is where I think everything is stored. I've emailed myself so that I check the HD tonight and at least I work from home tomorrow, so I can change anything that needs it then.

I think I am losing things because I am just doing way too much. Home is full on and I have been working on the research CD, the systematic review, getting research participants for my work (which is a nightmare story in and of itself), editing Chapter 3 and preparing a summary of Chapter 1 and 2 for the Language and learning service. In addition, I keep getting drawn back into other issues around me.

But I don't think there is another way really... I mean what am I supposed to do while I wait for participants to contact me? I thought the survey part would only take a few weeks, but a few months is more like it. I have almost finished 1 site and am part of the way through another site. The final site looks like being a bit of a pain really, time will tell I guess. I am trying to sort it all put before I go into hospital for surgery on my shoulder on 13 June and I'll be out of action for a few weeks. Once I have the data, its just a matter of time and work to get the PhD. I'm keeping a chart of participants at the moment and I ring or contact some every week- there is one I have contacted every day. I have 10 interviews in the metropolitan area and I'd like 20. I'm on the track of another 6 metro participants right now... I hope they come through.

I have 4 tapes for transcription... I'll wait until I have a few more before I work on that.  ¶ 12:30 pm

  Transcription

Home soon. Its been a hell of a day.

I have just discovered that doesn't guarantee accuracy.. I can't believe how messed up some tapes are. I will need to transcribe at least 10 minutes of one tape because I can't figure where the transcription starts... I think they pasted something from the start of the tape over it... I don't really know what to do now.

I am 6 tapes along, with around 24 to do.. Sigh

I also can't work out how best to remind/prompt my hospitals for participants. I have another interview on Friday so that's something I guess.

One of my supervisors called in today and said I should focus my efforts more, although she agreed I was kinda stuck and making good progress considering the whole health/lack of drivers license thing.

Oh well, more transcribing and reminder calls tomorrow... At least it is progress I guess :)  ¶ 5:34 pm