So I'm a Snob

I don't like to think of myself as a snob. And for the most part, I don't think I am. I mean, there's things that I might notice, like spelling and grammar errors, but it's not like I attack or look down on people for it or constantly correct them and rub their writing in their faces. Nope, not a lot gets a rise out of me.

Except data. I think I might have a problem when it comes to data.

In fact, it is progressing to the point that I might be a research/data SNOB. *gasp*

For example, I'm going through a stack of problematic data that our office worker passed on to me - she and another student entered the rest of this ginormous stack, but these ones had been causing some problems for various reasons. So now, as I'm taking care of these problem-children, I'm also running in to problems with some of the other records that were created - data under certain record ID numbers in the database don't match the data for the corresponding record ID numbers written on the hard, paper documents. Some originals have record ID numbers written on them, but these same ID numbers don't seem to exist at all in the database. And then there's the really picky things like incorrect names and hours/minutes being recorded, which, in turn, screws up the reports when you pull them...

And I am sure that is not all human error - the database is great, but has its glitches. But I find myself thinking, "oh no, oh no, oh no, no, no. This is not right. What is going on here?!? " followed by the thought that makes me feel like a data snob:
"I should have just entered this myself, because now I can't trust the numbers are accurate, and I've got to double-check it. ALL of it."

I've already gone through about 1400 individual entries for the tutoring data. Just to make sure.

I get so concerned about how the data was collected, how accurate it is, how accurately it is entered - I'm even the one who goes through and revises the instruments because how can you report on frequency or rank an item with two parts to it? For example, say I'm supposed to assign Never, Almost Never, Sometimes, Frequently or Always to a statement like "My tutor was friendly and professional." Well, what if the tutor was friendly, but not professional (or vice-versa)?
Who else even cares about these things?
[okay, so fortunately I can think of a few other people, like Kiki, so I know I'm not alone :) ]

But seriously, I think I'm developing a problem...

Oh well. I'm just very detail-oriented and aware of the importance of accuracy. That sounds much better than "data snob" ... right? :)

And in other news, I've got some good, some bad, and some ugly...
Well, more like some awesome, some good, and then some ugly.

First, the ugly: I have to spend winter break revising my lit review. It wasn't up to my prof's expectations. It's promising - it's on the right track - I've got "good intuition" with regards to the topic - but it's not where he thinks it needs to/could be. However, while the lit review may be pretty ugly, the situation really isn't. First off, how many profs read lit reviews from an entire class, give thoughtful feedback and some great suggestions (I feel like I've actually got some direction, now, whereas I was definitely lost and wandering earlier) to every single student? Second, how many profs give you an incomplete and the chance to improve your work (as opposed to just failing you?). Finally, how many profs encourage you (and mean it!) to continue bringing your work to them for feedback whether the course is officially over or not?
I seriously think I'd like him on my dissertation committee...
But, in the meantime, lots of work and fixing to do so I can get a grade in place of that dreadful "I" on my transcript.

Second, the good: passed EF with flying colors, and really, really got a lot out of the class. "Executive functions" is a phrase I have started incorporating in to conversations daily...or at least every-other day ;) Definitely given me plenty to digest.

Finally, the awesome: I actually got an "A" in statistics! What!?! I've given up on getting A's in stats classes - qualitative research courses I do well with, but the harder stats, not so much. I'd settled for working my tail off for "B's." but I pulled an A??? Yay! I still don't believe it, but I've checked about 5 times and it still says the same thing.

Aaaah. Now, just need to clean up that "I"...
But first, back to work!!

Hope everyone else is hangin' in there and is ready for the Holidays.
And CONGRATULATIONS to Kiki for PASSING HER DISSERTATION and landing a sweet VISITING PROFESSOR position!! It's "Dr. Kiki" to you! :)

A Partridge for Your Pear Tree

Haven't posted in almost a month - crazy, crazy school (and I'm not done yet! shhhhh!) - but I needed a bit of a break (seriously, it took me about 5 tries just to type "partridge" - I've been at it for a bit...)
Anyways, for a bit of a break and a chuckle, check out Straight no Chaser's rendition of "The 12 days of Christmas"

More later, but enjoy for now!

Straight No Chaser - 12 Days of Christmas

There seems to be a recurring theme in my life...

Today's Aquarius Horoscope: Nov 18, 2008
If you often help people in need, dear Aquarius, or if helping people is part of your profession, this day will bring certain ideas into the light. You need to take the time on a regular basis to take care of yourself! If you don't, you won't be able to continue to help others. Think about this, and stop making excuses! Think of yourself for once!

blech

So last week I started to panic when I realized how close we are to the end of the semester, and exactly how much work I have left to do. A large majority of that work needs to be done this week, so I figured on being super productive all weekend.

Saturday was okay - I was semi-productive - definitely took care of quite a few things that needed taking care of. But didn't get a good run on any of the BIG projects. But that's okay, I figured, I still had Saturday night and all of Sunday.

But then I started to feel like I was going to die. And while I'm exaggerating somewhat, I'm really not exaggerating that much. Coughing up mucus and crap from my lungs and coughing so hard you feel like you're gonna' puke, and couldn't talk all of yesterday (haven't tried yet, today), and the pounding headache.

Needless to say, I didn't get much done aside from sleeping. The best part is that I feel like a slacker for it. Which is just silly!

It is also definitely reinforcing the thoughts I've had of moving back into town, but that's a whole additional story...

Okie dokie - out to do chores and then off to work and school. Everyone have a great day! :)

Crazy Times...

There is some crazy, crazy energy goin' on in the world - all the changes - all the possibilities. Exciting and overwhelming and all at the same time.
Crazy, crazy, crazy - and I know it's not just me (this time) ;)

Seeing Blue

First, rest in peace, Michael Crichton. He passed away today from cancer. I still remember reading Jurassic Park to Scott as a bedtime story...

Second, go Colorado!!! We did it!!! We went BLUE!!!

And not just "sort of blue" - it was a regular blue wave last night. Our senator, five of our seven state representatives (one of whom is not only democratic, but also Gay), and our nation's president. Oh, and thank you all for voting NO on 48.



And then there was President Obama's speech. And as Neil and I sat there on his futon watching and listening and reflecting on his words (and completely forgetting about dinner - oops), I almost cried. Yes, it is an historic election for so many reasons, including the election of an African American in to office. No wonder Jesse Jackson was moved to tears - having stood by Martin Luther King, Jr. and now partaking in this election - this moment in history - can you even imagine? But even beyond that, Obama's victory speech moved me. And perhaps I was just getting all caught up in the hoopla, and perhaps my blood sugar was just really low, but his words really struck a chord in me - BEFORE he got to the Yes We Can, he spoke:


"The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America -- I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you -- we as a people will get there.


There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.


What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek -- it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers -- in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people."


Ahhhh. He's right, it will be hard and takes sacrifice, and perhaps I won't agree with every decision he makes, but no one can make everyone happy 100% of the time. And when it comes down to it, there is no reason we cannot work as a unified society. Individualism is great and important, but we also have to remember we are all living this life together. We all breath the same air. We are all responsible for all. And it is that sentiment I heard echoed in Obama's words. And while it may seem rather idealistic, I'm okay with that - from dreams we can make plans, and from plans we can take action.

McCain gave a very good speech, too - I don't know how many of his supporters actually heard what he was saying, but it really was very good, and I respect him very much.


Anywhose, speaking of action, I've gotta' get back to work now. But what an awesome moment in time. And thank you for sharing it with me, Neil. How intense, and how wonderful to be able to talk and get different perspective but share the same base ideals. Amazing and wonderful. :)