10 Comments
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Sara Mani's avatar

As a PhD survivor, I loved this so much. You captured the chaos of thesis writing so well — the rabbit holes, the overthinking, the sudden brilliant idea that makes you rewrite everything, and the moment when you ask yourself what your research question was again.

I also really liked how honest and funny this was. People often talk about PhD writing as if it is this clean, logical process, but so much of it is really trying to make sense of your own confusion while pretending you are very calm and academic.

Katerina Schmitt's avatar

Hi Sara, firstly I love that you introduce yourself as a PhD survivor! It is an intense experience. I am usually quite reserved and diplomatic, but I had a lot of fun adding all my thoughts into this piece, it is a chaotic and confusing time while holding composure, I heard it will just click one day...I am waiting! Thank you for being here reading and writing. Much appreciated. 🙏🏼

Anne ✨'s avatar

Perfect Sunday morning journey. Thanks so much for sharing 💕

PS re: cat bed… probably because it’s soft? Mine has kindly trained me not to leave towels or laundry on the floor.

Instead she has a special soft rug covered by an absorbent liner. (I use disposable but there are also washable versions.)

Katerina Schmitt's avatar

Thanks Anne for being here and reading. It was the perfect emotional release for me.

Thanks for the cat pee tip, she has peed three times now. Grrr also likes to sleep on my clothes too so the soft texture makes sense. I heard spraying citrus spray on covers might work, have you heard of that?

Anne ✨'s avatar

I have a spray that’s supposed to keep them off the counters and includes citrus… mine doesn’t care about it, maybe worth a try though.

Katerina Schmitt's avatar

Thanks so much yes I will look for it, she jumps on our kitchen counter too and it gives us the eeeks! I guess it's a cat thing...

Patrick LaRose's avatar

This was great, funny, and above all, human! Thanks for the kind shout-out. Happy to be following you on your journey.

Katerina Schmitt's avatar

Thanks Patrick, glad you enjoyed it, it was a great creative release for me... For sure 😁

Man With No Name's avatar

A brilliant piece of writing and extremely funny. Thanks for the shout out 🙏

Katerina Schmitt's avatar

Thanks, funny man, my app keeps glitching, now that Heaths picture is up it makes more sense:-) Thanks for the inspiration