Finally!

Three words, dear friends! I AM WRITING!

And if I wanted to add a few more specific words: MY DISSERTATION!
OK, even more specifically I am working on the literature review, a huge (and important) part of my entire study that outlines what has already been said about my topic(s). Besides the whole "I can't do this because I am not smart enough" mentality has been the overwhelming sense of "Holy Shit. There is just so much to write about!" But for some reason, I think I am now -- finally! -- ready to jump in.

Basically, my study is interdsciplinary -- there are numerous areas that I need to focus on in terms of the literature review: Basic composition theory, politics and teaching, whitness studies, themed courses, race in the composition classroom, and student resistance (and I'm not 100% sure that I have this anticipated list exactly "right"). This means that I have to be an "expert" on each of these areas of study; in other words, I need to talk about what others have said and written. Not only do I need to read (and reread) a ton of texts, but I also need to come up with intelligent things to say about everything.

Anyway -- so right now I am diving in with the politics in the classroom angle. I am always telling my students to jump into a huge project wherever you feel the most comfortable in terms of the writing. So there you go -- I am taking my own advice.

I spent a good part of this afternoon getting some texts/ thoughts down on paper (about two pages worth). And that felt good. Luckily, I have most of tomorrow afternoon off and I now have a date with my laptop! :D