I'm naming this blog in honor of my Ph.D. adviser, who never seemed to know what to say to me when I asked for help. Once, all he would say was "persistence and optimism" as if that was useful. Well, it didn't answer my question but it did give me something to remember. Thanks, Boss.
I was reminded of this, yet again, as I shoveled snow last night in my driveway. It was the fifth time in three days that I had done the same job and I was tired. The snow was heavy with slush and dirt from the road, but I knew if I didn't clear it everything would freeze solid before morning and I might not be able to get out for school. So I was out there in the cold, with more snow falling, and my wet hair flying in my face, getting more and more miserable. I just focused on getting the job done, one scoop at a time. I couldn't muster much optimism but I did persist.
Thank Bob there was no additional accumulation overnight. I got out of bed at 5:30 to have a look out the window, and I saw that there was just a dusting of new white. The sun is out as I type, and maybe we'll have a day of respite. It's supposed to warm up a little and rain this weekend.
