A hefty resolution

This entry has been weighing on the back of my mind since I first started this blog on the last day of June. Actually, I've been thinking about it for the last couple years. Which is a long time to think about something and not do anything about it. So, I'm going to finally get it out in the open, which I believe must be the first step in doing something about it.

I'm going to write my paper.

Yes, THE paper. And then I can finally get my degree and become Dr. Price. (That looks kind of weird to me as I type it...)

For those that don't know, I currently hold ABD ('all but dissertation', usually, but in this case, 'document'. Document = way shorter than dissertation) status at MSU. That means I've taken all the required courses, played all the required recitals, passed the hardest test I've ever taken in my life (that the professors said "set the gold standard" for the history comp, please forgive that tiny indulgence of vanity) and the only thing that stands between me and getting my doctorate is this paper.

Here's my plan.

I recently left my job at Spring Arbor. It was time to go; the commute was too long and there were too few flute students to justify the time it took to be there. I used to teach there on Fridays. Now, my Fridays are completely open. Fridays will now become my research, and eventually, my writing days. I think that if I can contain the mess that this researching and writing will become, I can handle it and it won't completely disrupt my life.

Today is the first Friday of 2009.

I am going to do this, and it will be done by 2010.