Academic update and a need for shoes

[theatokos]

Even though Adam and I are still not completely set up here (we are still without dressers or a couch or internet) the ~holy crap, we live in Wales' feeling is quickly diminishing. We've been here for only 2.5 weeks but we feel like it's been much longer - in a good way. What strikes me more often and more intensely is the 'holy crap, I'm doing a PhD!' What the hell was I thinking?

I've met with my adviser formally twice so far. We meet every Thursday afternoon at 4 to discuss my reading and writing. Which means I actually need to do both. Yesterday I turned in 1000 words that felt like vomit on a page. It was painful to try to think formally. In fact, what I'm finding is not that it's all that difficult (for me anyway) to think originally, what is far more difficult is following that idea through and unearthing the reasons and sources to back up the idea. In fact, twice in our meeting yesterday my advisor told me my idea was original but I left thinking that the hard part is expounding in a way that has meaning for others.

I vascilate between 'yay! this is so great! I love my subject matter!' to 'oh my god I'm wasting my time and money, what am I doing?' I suspect this is normal.

+++++
Also, Bennett needs shoes. Like, urgently and last week. He's had two pairs of soft soled shoes. One pair has holes in the toes, so I chucked them today after dithering about that for a week. His only other pair are bright red, beautiful but threatening holes, won't fit if he's wearing socks and if the grass is wet they soak through. And it's wet and cold here. However, finding shoes that will ship tomorrow, send to a UK address with a US card and aren't ass ugly has proven more challenging than I thought. There is a children's store in town, but they have one pair of boy's shoes that are far too large for B. Eep!

Comments

[readthisandweep.livejournal.com]

If you can bear a trip to Aberystwyth, on the bus (it's a pretty run, but takes about an hour) there is a Clarkes Shoe Store on the High Street that specialises in childrens' shoes. They will measure Bennett's feet & make sure the shoes fit perfectly.

Just a thought ~ Lampeter really isn't up to the mark for children's shoes.

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

We found a pair today. Not my first choice, but they'll do. I think we'll also look for a better pair when we go to Aber next week.

[honeyrider.livejournal.com]

if nothing more convenient works out in the shoe department, there's a children's shoe store a few blocks away from me. it sells great shoes and is now having a huge sale. i can get shoes for b and mail them out to you the same day. you could PP me the money. it'll probably take a little under a week to get them though.

also, maybe ebay.co.uk?

[lopezuna.livejournal.com]

I second the Clarks suggestion, if you can get to a Clarks at the weekend. You probably could order online, but it's better if they fit them. The Clarks fitters are usually great with kids, shoes are cute and hardwearing (both soft-soled and hard-soled), and hopefully don't break the bank. I've heard good things about John Lewis for kids' shoes, but never been there myself.

By the way, we have these and are very happy with them:

http://www.clarks.co.uk/find/EndUses-is-cruising/Tube-is-boyssport-or-boys/product-is-20332310

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

Ah! Those are the sorts of shoes I'd like for this age. Perfect. We will hit up the Clarks next week!

[msmidge.livejournal.com]

I don't know how much shipping costs, but Sam just grew out of some cute Stride-Rite sneakers (probably size 6 or 7?). I could send them to you if you want; I don't think they've made it into the attic yet. I got them at Goodwill in great shape, so they didn't cost me a lot.

[erinya.livejournal.com]

What the hell was I thinking?

I may not be doing a PhD (although I keep fantasizing about doing such a thing, crazy as it sounds) but that sentiment is very familiar to me. :-) I think once you really dig into research and get past the writing rustiness, you'll find the sources you need. And I'm so glad Wales is working out for you guys! It sounds wonderful.

Tell Adam and Bennett I say hi...I'm still holding out hope I'll see you all next year for Pantheacon.