Today is the mid-point of our time here. It was also full of good stuff.
I went off to MHS, where the Maasai Research Group met from noon to 4:30 or so. And then I had a few minutes with Knut to go over some questions related to my dissertation and procedures here. I sent him a copy of my dissertation thus far, and noted sections to read–about 35 or 40 pages. I laid out some self-critique that I have on chapter 4, and am looking forward to his wisdom to shape it and make it stronger.
I also found out that there is a new policy for PhD projects, that there is to be a formal and public review. I’m the first (guina pig?!?) It is scheduled for June 9. Here’s how it works, from what I know. There will be two other MHS faculty who will read something I give them to critique; perhaps a chapter or even more. Then, there is a “public” session on the 9th. I will give a 10 minute introduction to my project, then each respondent has 20 minutes to critique my work, and then there is 10 minutes for public questions and comments. The purpose is to get more than just one adviser to give constructive feedback. I know who the 2 respondents will be. One is a classic OT scholar, who will probably be critiquing the non-traditional methodology. The other has done work in African biblical hermeneutics and is currently in a post-doc project which has integrated research for qualitative research. I think she will be more sympathetic to the methodology. I hope she responds first!
Anya was in a good mood. She told the story of something funny that happened today. Anya did some good artwork in a class, and it was recognized by others. Several were encouraging her. Oda told these classmates that Anya really enjoys hugs, so three went over and gave her a hug. Now, you have to know that Anya really doesn’t like hugs, especially from people she doesn’t know well. So, Oda was laughing watch Anya in her socially awkward moment. I love this sense of humor! Kudos to Oda!
My humor is not as classy. But today, I prepared an envelope for Knut to take to Sweden in a couple days to give to a friend, Lena. Knut will be presenting a paper at a conference on the prophets (the prophetic books of the Bible), and the keynote speaker, Lena, is a friend of mine. Through a mutual friend, we have been roommates at the Society of Biblical Literature conference in San Diego (twice), Chicago, and Baltimore. Lena is a Swede who teaches in Aberdeen, Scotland, (married to a German). Lena has a small stuffed animal that travels with her, the Moomin.
I once called it a hippo, and found out that that was not appreciated by Lena–in a light-hearted way–I think. It has become a bit of a joke for us now.
So, I sent Lena a—non-hippo reflector Moomin! (Shhh!)
Here in the Scandinavian countries reflectors are very prevalent for pedestrians. There is so much darkness during the winter that reflectors are seen on backpacks, purses, dangling from coats, and very often as slap bracelets on a coat sleeve.
In Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, pedestrians are required by law to wear safety reflectors when it is dark. So, now Lena will have a Moomin reflector.
So, give someone a hug or a reflector!
With blessings,
Beth
I love your commentary on life in Norway. You have a lightness of verse about everything except the technical aspects of your dissertation, as it should be! Thanks for showing that, even though you are in a stressful situation you can shine!
Oh, and give Anya a hug from me! 🙂
Beth–
Thanks for all of your sharing in these blogposts. Congratulations on all of the successful adjustment and good work that you have done in the first half of your time in Norway!
–Charlie