While I prepared to write my research proposal, which took months, even though I had developed it from an assignment we did during course work, I loved reading blogs. Ideas from random people, who were not taking an expert stance yet, but only explaining their views, perspectives and interpretations of sometimes complex ideas.

I also tried my hand in following blogs and Twitter handles from doctoral candidates. I soon got starved off information because they were not consistent and I really did not get to ‘see’ or feel the detail of what they were going through. I think I understand why now.

a) many times, you go through dry spells – and you can’t be bothered to write about it.

b) sometimes, like this week for me, one is just overwhelmed by so many other things that are happening, to find meaningful time to dedicate to the interpretation of data. Yet at the back of my mind, I am constantly thinking about it. I get up at odd hours to write down some idea on my phone at 2:37am, but it’s only a trigger to a view of an argument I can pursue.

c) sometimes there is honestly nothing to write to about. The data is not saying anything yet, or it is saying too many things, or my eyes  see too many things which may not be there.

I have done rounds in my Chamas and I think I am going to do a few more which were not necessarily captured in the defended proposal, just for curiosity’s sake, and perhaps these extra visits will help me gain more perspectives into my work.

In the meantime, in a little while, it shall all come together.