I got really behind my personal deadline for writing the draft. I was distressed about my incapability to deal with it, and I spent the whole week reading, writing and editing. I can describe my Week 22 as ‘a traffic jam’ caused by work I needed to do for the ethics applications, the research protocol, a chapter of the literature review and teaching two different classes. I was stressed out and had some arguments with Luca about our personal issues. That made my mental stress worse! We made friends again though.

Eventually, I finished editing my draft on Sunday night and submitted it the following morning. I managed to deal with everything at the last possible moment. It was such a heavily congested path, so I’m relieved it’s over.

My goals for Week 23:

• Submit my ethics applications to the committee
• Enjoy teaching
• Take a day off
• Bake muffins
• Prepare for a workshop
• Enjoy dinner with my new friends on Friday

My Ethics applications are nearing completion. I had a meeting with my primary supervisor to get her feedback on my draft of the applications. I also have my final meeting with an expert on Research Ethics next week.

My work environment has changed a bit. I moved into another shared office, and I got a larger, shared desk, with separations between workstations. My colleagues are in the same room, and we have air conditioners in the room! I am happy with the new office and am definitely going to spend more time working there.

My goals for Week 22:

• Complete the final version of my Ethics applications (send revised documents by Tuesday morning)
• Enjoy teaching
• Structure one chapter
• Expand the literature review on pragmatics