I've been driving Julie's PhD bus since 2005...and it's been a long and arduous journey.

But thanks to my WONDERFUL family and friends who have cheered me on and held me up... most especially my sweetheart...who could make me believe I was a dissertation-killing Ninja Tiger when I so did not feel that way ...

 Somehow...it got done!

 And Monday, November 4, 2013 was a particularly glorious day on the CU Boulder campus!!

As the committee members deliberated, and Julie and Kim stood in the hallway waiting...to hear the 'verdict.'                                 

My deepest appreciation to all of you who posted here and sent your encouragements in so many ways.  It helped.  And I am forever grateful!!!

-Dr. Graves

Yay!

You're AMAZING! (and Kim, too!)

You are well prepared--so take off!

Prepared for the Rest of the Journey

Okay, Julie, 

You've got everything you need, you've prepared well, you've done great presentations before, and you've got your support team behind you.

Now enjoy this last leg of the dissertation journey!

Looking forward to your call when you get that backpack off!

Hugs, Gayle

D-Day

I'm pulling for you, Jules!!!!  I know you will do a remarkable job of defending your dissertation tomorrow.  I applaud you for this journey and cannot wait to celebrate your major life accomplishment! You will soon flip the switch from "git
er done!" to "Got 'er done!!!!!!"(Fortunately spelling and grammar don't matter in this instance.)   Love and positive energy to you my friend...Jane

SO close!

You're so close! And we're so proud of you!

You've got this!

Also, hilarious. Grad School Barbie (not that all of this fits your situation to be sure, but thought it was kinda funny)

Cat ate my homework?

Squidword is applying for the job to keep your computer warm, free of spider webs, and make sure all the keys still work once you are done! Keep up the awesome work Julie!!! So close!!!:)

Tip of the Top!

You go girl!!!

Dissertation draft - check!

Date for defense set - check!

Presentation slides - in the making!

Serious brain power overdrive in motion - check!

Sanity....mmmm....yep! - Still got it! - check!

It's A Date!!!!!!

Woo hoo!!! It is a DATE!!!!!! You are scraping the paint on the finish line now!!! :-) Go Baby Go!!!!!!!

 :) hee hee hee, it's REALLY a date...see :)

Within reach.....

The stars are so close you can feel the warmth and see that bright light!
Yah Hoo!!!
Closer each day, each moment...keep reaching Ninja Tiger....so close now!!!

I say you get one for Awesomeness!

Meanwhile, two for the road to the Phinish Line for the other PhD:

"If we are facing the right direction, all we have to do is keep walking."  ~  Buddha
"Smile, breathe, and go slowly." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

You can do it!  Keep leveraging those marvelous strengths of yours!

In your corner,
Gayle

Julie!!!!!  I'm so glad we have been able to celebrate, commiserate, and support each other through the PhD process!  You have EVERYTHING you need to finish this process!   Self doubt and exhaustion are part of the process, but everyone on this blog believes in you and is cheering you on!  Please let me know if I can help in any way as you get closer and closer and closer to the Phinsh line :)

"Good work Julie. Keep pushing forward!" - Longest, most positive comment by advisor to date!!! Go honey!! Go get 'em Ninja Tiger! :-)

Think Big!

Here is wishing and hoping and sending and throwing
all good and creative, ureka!-type thoughts your way! :-)
While you analyze and ponder, muse and meditate, scrutinize and evaluate;
May you discover that your work is solid, your perspective valuable and, above all, you rock! You so got this! Hope you are thinking outside the box more and more and if you need that tie-dye duct tape, I have extra rolls! ;-)

You can do itt!

If you're going through hell, KEEP going! Something is better than nothing.

"The End" is near.

I know you are guided and inspired as you near the finish line.  You have come so far, my friend and I can only imagine the joy you will feel when you craft the last sentence of your dissertation. It will happen soon.  And then we will celebrate!!!!!