When we were kids, my mom would say, “I have a scathingly brilliant idea…” Soon, we started to groan and wonder what we were going to be doing soon. Well, I had an idea that was just a tad bright. Two weeks ago, I participated in the qualitative research seminar and honed my understanding of this method of research. While some was review of my independent learning, there was good information about the analysis step, which is what I’m in the midst of. So, I’ve been doing the NVivo-aided analysis.
However, the course–and being able to say I completed a course in qualitative research–requires a 2,500 word essay. Tina and I checked with Knut whether he thought we should do the essay and complete the course (not just sit in on the seminar). It sounded like it would be beneficial for Tina, as she is applying for some research grants and this would demonstrate a broader capacity. For me, it seemed that I wouldn’t really gain much in the long run, and in the short run, it would distract from writing my thesis. However, the essay is to relate to our PhD projects, and I’ve written for my dissertation descriptions that discuss my qualitative research. I asked Knut if I could basically cut and paste what I’ve written already, and then add an introduction and a few explanatory comments for the essay. He thought it would be fine–and since the essay is pass/fail–I thought I’d take a couple hours to compile the pieces and have them make sense. So, that’s what I did tonight (with a somewhat tactful note that Knut approved this approach, since Knut is the pro-rector of research and PhD coordinator!).
I have to figure out how to log-in and submit the essay on the student management Internet-based system tomorrow, but I think this was a great idea, especially because the course doesn’t cost me anything more.
Earlier in the day, I got Anya off to school and hopped on the bus. I’m re-reading an ethnography about Maasai women on the bus.
My workstation was in my office, so they figured out the problems. Then the main archivist (with a cabin in Minnesota) and info tech support guy showed me how to print, copy, and scan. I did a bit of work with Nvivo (with my laptop plugged into the nice large screen) and then went to chapel. It is Holy Communion on Mondays. However, today, the service was in Norsk! But as I know the Lutheran liturgy, it actually helped me learn a few more Norsk words. Still, I’m mostly clueless during the announcements at the employee lunch gathering. I was given a summary translation that the rector has something to do with the World Council of Churches work on World Mission and Evangelism, but I couldn’t tell you what.
I worked a bit with the Maasai project questions from a colleague and took the bus home. However, getting to the bus as schools are getting out is not ideal. The buses are quite full, and there are some youth who are a little obnoxious. There are 2 who are very obnoxious (crudest I’ve ever heard in all of life), who unfortunately I’ve heard before on this route. I was ready to get off the bus and wait for the next one, but fortunately, they got off.
When I got home, Anya wanted to get some more yarn and I needed some groceries, so we walked downtown. There was some nice yarn on sale. I got a few things from the drug store, and hit a sale on bandaids and toothpaste! (OK, I have to celebrate the little things). I also bought a tube of ibuprophen. Yes, in Norway, you can get ibuprophen in a cream or gel for topical application. This one has methol too. After my 6 miles of walking up and down hills yesterday, I knew my chondromalacia knee would appreciate a little ibuprophen love. With guest arriving next week and some hikes planned, I also want to be ready. I am working on strengthening the muscles with rubber tubing exercises to strengthen the quadriceps. I’ve been told a walking stick helps too, so perhaps I’ll look for a collapsible one for hiking.
With blessings,
Beth