Now, there have been other distractions during this time, particularly some home improvement issues, helping the boys with their summer "homework," Nerf wars, picking out music for mass, etc. It also hasn't helped that I've developed a tendency to get a section of work done and then check my phone for news or Facebook posts (which require much less mental concentration). Still, I had not allowed myself to even play short video games (with the exception of one break day) since I missed the first self-imposed deadline.
My committee chair has ten days to review and comment on my proposal (he usually has it done within a week). I should have everything checked off at this point, so it will then go to my second committee member for review. Based on changes I make from their recommendations, I hope to have the University Research Reviewer's approval before school starts.
I am desperate to get this proposal done this summer. If I can get it through final review board approval, I can work on collecting data from my proposed research project in the fall, have the final write-up of my dissertation completed before the end of winter break, successfully defend it by February, and get final approval to publish (and thus become Doctor Paul Marks) before that winter term is done.
For now, I'm going to take a bit of a break to do some camping and rafting before working on my research instrumentation--something I need for my dissertation, but can work on while my proposal is being reviewed.