New Quest: Get graduate degree

Hi there,

As some of you may know, I've been attempting to finish my graduate degree in physics education for a while now (I started in 2004!) All I have to do to finish up is write a 30 page thesis. I am a horrible writer and a terrific procrastinator. But, I have a plan now. I have decided to send an email to my friends and let you know what my plan is. I'm also hoping that a few of you would be interested in helping me out. I don't need any actual work from you... just looking for people to remind me of my plan, and help me stay on track. I understand that I'm not the only one with a busy life, so please don't feel like I'm expecting anything big from anyone, but anything, even just a "Hey, how's the paper going?" once or twice a month is beyond helpful. So, here's the plan.

Stating next Monday I have nine weeks to finish my paper. Then, on the tenth week, I will take that draft and send it to all my editors for a final look over and email it off to my graduate professor. To make this happen I need to write three pages a week (I already have several pages written) or do massive editing or research. Each Sunday I will make a list of weekly goals about how many pages will be written or edited, and what kind of research I will be doing. To make this happen I need penalties. Here are some I have already chosen. If, on Friday night, I haven't completed my weekly goals I cannot go to Amputheatre (it's a game I play with Gil and Grief and Shockin' and some other people... it's really awesome and it happens every other Friday) and on Saturday I am in purgatory until I finish the list. Purgatory means: no video games, no facebook, no email, no derby related activities, no movie night (a weekly gathering held by my non-derby friends). But, I need more.

Here is what I need:

A way to set daily goals.

daily penalties?

I can't use skipping practice as a penalty, cause derby practice is what keeps me breathing most days.

I need more penalties.

Maybe I should come up with a reward??...

If anyone else is working on school work, or a big project, I would love to set work dates... get together at a library and work

I need help with a program called LaTeX

Lots and lots of kicks in the ass.

I need to finish this paper. It is the number one albatross in my life... and I want it GONE before the travel season starts for roller derby. I'd also like the chance to become a teacher again next year.

I am going to keep a blog about my efforts, or lack of efforts, and I will do my very best to write in it every day... this email will be my first post.... I am just going to reuse my same old blog cause I see no reason to make a new one...

For me, being public about difficult things I am attempting to do is a good way to try and keep on track... guilt and public humiliation are great motivators for me.

So, if you are reading this, chances are I think you are awesome, and am hoping that if you have the time, I'd like to grow into an awesome person too, and I'm hoping to get a little help and guidance... Whatever you can spare.