Categories: random, phd, teaching
Tags: thesis, cartoon, job, Open Uni
Date: 17 October 2009 15:02:45
I did my first OU tutorial today, I think it went well! I was expecting 8 students, 5 came, but they were nice and chatty, and I think this is the first time in my life ever that I have planned stuff for a tutorial and had too much material rather than not enough! Anyway it's a relief it's done, and I don't have another till January - last night I was really antsy and feeling a bit ill, but more tense than ill really, and I remember that it was exactly the same before every tutorial day for the last 4 years, I always used to feel sick the night before until they were over! Maybe I need to rethink my idea of going into academia, it's no good if I feel sick every time I have to teach! But seriously, I did actually rather enjoy it, and I don't think they thought I was a numpty so that's always good (I've not read the feedback form yet though, I'll save that for another day!).
HD is home for the weekend - am happy about that :D
I have a provisional start date for my new job of 2nd November, which I agreed with HR yesterday (I need to confirm it with my line manager next week, assuming she's back from holiday). Unfortunately, I got home from the tutorial this afternoon and found I have been called for jury service from 16th Nov! I hope I don't get a reputation at work for taking time off as soon as I start! Not the best timing, and I can't say I'm brimming with enthusiasm at the prospect, but I guess if I do it I can at least get it out of the way.
As for my thesis chapter, and my various doomed attempts to get it finished when I say I will: I think this Dilbert cartoon pretty much sums up where I'm at with it (guess which one's me?!).