If you have been following this blog for a while, you are well aware of my lack of posting due to working on my thesis.
In less than a week I will travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to defend my investigation in front of a room filled with people. I can't deny I'm a bit nervous.
And last Friday it was too much. I found out that I can't get my degree unless I do the paperwork to become a resident all over again. Even if I don't live or plan to live there anymore. The university told me that even though I had the go-ahead for defending the thesis, they couldn't register me for it.
EXCUSE ME??? I've been asking since last March about costs, papers, etc. and one week before I find out that I wasn't going to be able to defend and get my degree??? After e-mails, phone calls, conversations, arguments, etc. I had authorization to defend it on November 30 as I was told before. But I can't get my degree unless I become a resident again. Ok. No comments on that one, as I've been pretty upset due to that.
This morning I decided to just leave the bad news behind and move forward. I decided to go for some birding-healing.
Vermilion Flycatcher - Sooty MorphTommy and I took a walk before lunch. I have to confess I was still a bit grumpy, but my lovely hubbie did a great job cheering me up. He even let me use his camera for a few shots :)
I can't believe how good for the heart that was. It was sunny and a bit too hot, but we had a nice time and an ice cream to take care of the heat.
We found this Croaking Ground-Dove just relaxing in the sun. I'll do the same. Just close my eyes and relax in the sun.
Then it will be time to go back to work again. The thesis era is almost over, even though massive bureaucracy is ahead.
Nature is healing. I came back in a totally different mood. The brightness, the colours, the sounds. It is all good for the heart.
Tommy saw this Tropical Kingbird perched high on a tree. I managed to take a pic of it. It looks so proud! I like it! Will I be after defending the thesis?? Maybe.
It's amazing how much you can learn from birds. But you knew that already.
9 comments:
No comments about that but I'm sure you know what I'm thinking.
A walk with a spot of bird and flower watching is always good for the heart.
You'll be great in defense of your thesis, your university however is another story.
Well gosh Mel, doesn't bureaucracy just suck! I hope you get everything straightened out. Best wishes and good luck on the 30th......I'll be sending positive thoughts and prayers your way!
Just found your site through several links (can't remember them all) I enjoy getting connected with birders from other parts of the world than just NA, and seeing their birds. Just spent a week in Texas, but missed the Tropical Kingbird tho saw the nearly identical Couch's - a professional birder told me he has figured out how to distinguish them in the field other than by song, but you can't look for clues if you don't see them.
'Croaking Ground-Dove'-what a cool name.
Sorry to hear about your troubles. Damn paperwork.
Dear Mel,
So glad Mother Nature was able to work her magic.
Birds and bugs and blooms do it for me! I love seeing your birds!
Having a darling new hubby helps to chase away the blues too.
Will be sending lots of smiles on the 30th. I just know everything will work out perfectly.
Hugs,
Sherry
How do they hope to attract foreign talents in those universities?
this is soo ridiculous!
I just saw the name of your blog on someone else's blog and was intriqued :-) It looks like you are doing a very good job of bird watching....lovely photos of these birds and the lilies. Good luck on your thesis.
Hello guys!
Thank you for all your support, I don't think I've could have done it with out so many great people motivating me all the time :)
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