problems, problems, and the meaning of a ph.d.

today i thought about two distinct problems: one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

the morning problem fated as well as i expected, sadly. it is part of a larger problem and the work we've done dates back several years. but we haven't been able to make much progress on it in the last year and a half.

the afternoon problem is newer, and pertains to the latest stage of my thesis work.

i had an idea or two from before the UM spring break, but when i tried them, they didn't work. now i have to be clever, and think of another idea to try.

i hate having to be clever, because too often i'm not, which is strange to hear out of context. for instance, when i say that in front of my family or friends from school, they'll look at me strangely.

i suppose it shows a difference of opinion.

i think that for many people, a ph.d. is something dandy which smart people get .. somehow or other.

for me, a ph.d. means someone either truly loves what they are studying, or are insatiably curious in that direction of study. cleverness or intelligence probably helps, but neither motivates .. and without motivation, there would be no point to search or study.

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anyway, both failures combined for a dismal afternoon, but that was short-lived.

marie and saara had the good taste to have planned a little party, and that made pleasant fun for the evening: nothing like a little food, wine, and light conversation to clear the cobwebs, so to speak.