The last few weeks have been a trial.

Most days have started early and gone late, requiring every ounce of intellectual energy I have to bring my research to a presentable state. Late last week and over the weekend I ended up having a very severe reaction, presumably to stress and exhaustion. The details are ugly, but I basically had an immunological meltdown that knocked me out of commission for two days.

The only reason I managed to get through that and the last days is Katie’s help. I also found it to be a real test of my integrity. With the severity of the reaction, we considered taking me to the emergency room several times. Considering all my obligations, it seemed an easy way to get extensions on some of my work.

I couldn’t stop thinking of a quotation I had read in a manual about how to finish a dissertation. It opens with this passage:

“A Finnish proverb goes, strong sisu (guts) will help get a person even through a gray rock. Now I chant “Sis-u, sis-u,” inside my head as I lug myself up those weary hills toward the end of a long run”

-Richard Rogin, in the Runner Magazine

Well, the last few weeks have been all about sisu. I’ve taken no extensions, and presented my work. I’ve gotten through my gray rock.

As my advisor is fond of saying, you can’t slay the dragon without the help of a few really good friends.