Categories: uncategorized
Date: 29 April 2005 20:03:51
Ok, so here's the deal. I think it may be working out.
I had an email yesterday, outlining the possibility of a project, working on a sand dune system at Whiteford (at the very northwest tip of the Gower Peninsula). This system is one of the few remaining locations where certain European protected species, such as the Fen Orchid, are found, because the particular sand dune habitat they require is declining. Management has been instigated to prevent this.
The main idea for the project at the moment is therefore to examine the effect of management at the site, by comparing the managed and non-managed areas, and also possibly comparing with another site for the Fen Orchid in South Wales, at Kenfig. While many of you may read this and think either 'so what?' or 'I've no idea what she's talking about', to me this is great news. Not only is it a project, which I didn't think I had, but it's something that (to me) is extremely interesting and exactly matches what I'd like to go and do long term!!!
But, don't uncross those fingers yet... There are a few hurdles to overcome still.
1. I need to be able to get there and back quite frequently. Which, to someone accustomed to using buses is not a big ask, but the Gower is not particularly well served by public transport (which is kind of good cos it keeps it from being spoilt).
2. Since I am obviously a freak of nature (no comments, please) and alone in wanting to spend my time looking at plants, I'd be the only one working on this project. This is not a particular problem, except that I'd be working out there on my own. As much as I am not entirely keen on this, I'd be willing to accept it. My mum is less keen. I have yet to broach this with the University. Hmm.
But, there we are, it's kinda coming together. I think. Still talking to convice Him upstairs about the above hitches, so we'll see.
Oh, and another amusing episode in the ongoing drama of the 'organisation' of this course. I went to see coordinator guy today (which I've been putting off till I had something concrete in the project line) to get some help with what to do next (yes, bad idea I know), and guess what? He's gone! Not forever, I'm not that lucky. But gone on holiday. To Italy. Will be back next wednesday. How nice for him. Would have been even nicer if he'd told us. Or not gone, given that at this time all the students on the course he is supposedly coordinating are trying to sort out their projects, exams are being marked, etc. Sounds like a perfect time to take a holiday to me! No? Hmm. Anyway, I guess I'll just sort out this bit myself too, like I have everything else. I just wish you could put things like this on your CV, under organisational skills. "Invented, chased up and organised own MSc project because the person being paid to do it was a waste of space". I think not.
Well, at least its amusing. Its one of those laugh or cry situations, and though I sometimes pick the latter, this time I refuse.
Now all I need is some nice weather tomorrow...