Avoidance techniques

Avoidance is an art form. I wish my brain could simply shut up my head and appreciate my skill in this art form. The tension in my gut helps nothing, not even deadlines.

I make myself chase interviews and have half scheduled some at my rural site. I don't know why I find scheduling so hard, but I think its selling more than scheduling. I need to sell my work and I don't want to because I think the benefit of the work is self-evident. I suppose you get there in the end and I can't wait to get through this part. When I look back I think that all I have done over the PhD is complain about the research process, but it isn't that! It's the being accountable stuff in addition to doing things that don;t come naturally to me, like selling my research.

When I got into work yesterday, my review was sitting on my keyboard. My computer died and the saved version was lost yesterday. Thank heavens I printed it out first. This morning all I needed to do was type it back in again. I was so thankful for that print out. I wait for feedback and then submit it next month I guess.

I'm also still waiting for feedback on the systematic review and my draft journal article.

I heard from Walt and I need to change our survey a little before placing it online.

Right now I am checking transcriptions... Its the winter solstice today and it fits my work and mood. Its nice that its miserable and the sun is not shining even if I am being a bit pathetic.  ¶ 12:37 pm

  A bit confused with Quant and Qual data collection

I realised yesterday that I've been a bit confused about the difference between quant and qual data. Quant is generalisable and when collecting qual data, I don't need to extrapolate to the broader community. I think also my orgnanisations are very different and so I have been trying to get a representative sample to validate what I am finding out. But I don't need to do this in order to hypothesise about security at organisation A and B. Except for an IT interview and the possibility of a medical practitioner outside allied health I am done with data collection at organisation A. At organisation B, I need a nurse clinician, a doctor clinician and 2 IT people. At organisation C I am right at scratch! Tomorrow morning I interview my final allied health worker at organisation B. I have to admit I am so tired of hounding people for interviews and following up on stuff. It will be very nice to stop.

I have also realised that I am really going to need to get into my theory on qual case research. I thought I was on top of it, but I think I am a bit shaky.

This afternoon I will do more chasing of participants. Its all so dull, but I have to make myself do it. I think one needs to be very committed to finish a PhD!  ¶ 12:43 pm

  My to-do list is so big right now

Well I finally finished interview 12, with another 6 or so sorted though not finalised or scheduled yet. It has been so full on. I can't wait until I finish it all. I will organise the 2nd lot of transcriptions later on this week. Hmm I must email my supervisor about that respondent she knew of...

Walt came over from the States last week and we have drafted a new research proposal. I am going to have to web-ify a survey for validation. There is also the research to do, so there is heaps to learn. It will also mean writing another journal article too. He was so nice. He gave me a badge thing from his home town and I will write and thank him later on this week.

I also need to update LLS about a 3-4 month delay on my operation so I don't need her feedback in a hurry.

I have done 30 of the 140 articles for the systematic review... Such a drag, but at least it will be another article.

Also, we tested the CD. Its coming along really well, but there will be heaps of work to do there too.

I think I need a cup of tea now as I feel quite stressed...  ¶ 4:10 pm