THE ART OF SUPERVISION

Today I had a meeting with my supervisor – we’re applying for funding of my project, and it seems that maybe we’ve been a bit over-optimistic about the deadline… but even if we don’t make it, the process has given me a lot of energy and motivation, and today I REALLY SHOULD have brought my digital voice recorder (fancy little piece of technology) because he was just sparkling with inspiration and pushing information on to me. I tried to follow as good as I could, while slowly getting this good and warm feeling in my stomach; this it the right direction we’re going! And: “goddamn, I’ve missed being supervised!”.

The meeting was an excellent example of how supervision works at its best. Not only did he inspire me, but he also lifted my ideas to a new level (which they desperately need if this is going to qualify as a research project) and gently corrected my mistakes.

After researching this “new” angle a bit further - finding some new articles to read - I’m still filled with the belief that this is right, and that the project could be GREAT!

Cool!

THE POWER OF NETWORKS
I’ve been reading a thesis done by some of the students I ”teach” and I have to react on it and make a blog positing, because it was such a heart warming experience.
I’ve followed their process from the beginning to end (if this is the end, I don’t think so…), and they have inspired my own thoughts greatly I the process. Maybe that’s why it made me so happy and proud to see that some of my thoughts from my master thesis were included in their work; that they give me credit and that the hours I spend years ago trying to make my thoughts “sharable” by writing notes and distributing these thoughts – in notes or teaching/conversations – has actually made a difference to somebody. Due to different circumstances I don’t have a lot of people to collaborate with in this area right now, and as a hardcore Networker I have shared these thoughts with A LOT of people, but no reactions to speak of came from it. And that was A BIT discouraging… It made me fear that everybody just hoard information in a sneaky and unengaged way… not to constructive (and I hate that!)…

But reading this thesis… Wow!

And realising that I was on the right path back then, gives me the courage to move forward once again. Especially when I see the EXCELLENT work they have done! Much better than my own thesis!

I also have to work harder on getting a new network of people engaged within this area; it’s simply a necessity for my level of motivation and quality of thoughts (and action…)!

Right then, back to the “lab” ;o)

NATURAL HIGH
Right now I’m slowly ”coming down” again after a natural high – the spinning lessons in my local fitness centre always leaves me feeling a bit high! Who needs drugs anyway, just go spinning :o)
Tomorrow I’m going to buy my own pair of spinningshoes because I prefer to continue the lessons without having to share shoes – and sweat – with other people...

I’ve been working at home today and it seems that the inspiration I got Thursday still keeps me on the good energy wave. And the ADSL internet connection… I love it!

Cool, 2 comments on my blog :o) Thanks Tommy and Louise!

TODAY’S THEME: INSPIRATION – WHAT A POWERSOURCE
I’m starting to get a bit claustrophobic at my office – until recently I shared an office with my “office-mate” and we had some good talks, and I miss that, and also the noise at the floor where most of the social people have their offices. Now I'm located at the “quiet Floor”, which I good in the way that I’m able to listen to my music (pop) while working and I have a lot of wall space for arranging all my little sticky notes with my thoughts and ideas… But I guess the academic environment is just too lonely and quiet for me; I need the inspiration and motivation from socialising with other people to get some work done and to remind me that the academic work has a value.
Therefore I try to get out of the office as much as I can.

Today I went to a lecture arranged by the company I wrote my Master Thesis about. And once more the culture, the atmosphere – I’m not quite sure – but SOMETHING always gives me energy and inspiration when I meet up with them! Today’s meeting was no exception. Maybe its because I feel that they confirm my thoughts, and that gives me the confidence to hang on too what I believe and what I wish to do. I arranged a meeting with them next week, and I really look forward to starting up the dialogue once more… the last year has been… well, HARD! And one of the major reasons for that has been the absence of dialogue with people like them. I really miss that! Actually, I’m afraid I NEED that, I’ve been feeling dead in a way for a very long time, and now it feels like the colours are reappearing in my life. It’s a bit drastic to use this metaphor, I know, but none the less true. When one of the people I meet today said that she probably could help me get the project/job/whatever of my dreams, but she was afraid that I wouldn’t move (to Jylland…) to get it, it just said, “no, if that’s what it takes, then I'm ready. That’s how much I want this!” Wow, as soon I said it the words out loud, I knew that I actually meant them! With all my friends, family and network here, it’s a bit frightening to move away and start over, and I’ve always said that I’d rather move to Sydney (my absolute favourite place outside DK) than Aarhus… But… Maybe… I don’t know if there is a concrete possibility or anything in Jylland, but the thought and the willingness to explore if there is, is a bit mind-blowing… (But thats just me - it's only 3 hours from Copenhagen... and I have family there who I know will welcome me...)

Anyway… more info will follow as soon as I know more.

Now I’ll go home with these happy thoughts… I’m having a special guest for Dinner tomorrow and I need to clean up a little bit tonight ;o)

Just testing the concept of having a blog...

Today I've had a lot of fun translating my name - and my friends names - into elvish or hobbit.

I quite like my elvish name, although it made one of my frinds on MSN wonder if I had converted to Islam ;o) I've decidet to keep the name anyway!

My Elvish name is: Órelindë Melwasúl
and the hobbit-version: Goldie Gamwich of the Bree Gamwiches

NICE!!

The link is as follows:
http://www.chriswetherell.com/elf/Default.asp

Enough fun allready - I better get back to work...