The search for "burn-out" was motivated most obviously by my present feelings. Basically, after two weeks and 55 pages of editing a tiny yet persistent series of typographical errors, the problem (which shouldn't have existed in the first place) is now rectified. However, I've used virtually all my motivation and energy in doing so.
Perhaps it's just how I feel tonight, but personally I think it's a symptom of a greater more chronic problem, that I want a break. Last year I took a break in early September, in 1998 I took only two weeks off over Xmas and 1997 I only started in April so it doesn't count. However the supposed standard is that even Ph.D. students are meant to get 4 weeks of holidays a year, and considering that I've been working weekends for a large chunk of this year should justify me taking a break even more.
However, first there is the long-delayed paper to dispose of, then the impatient thesis, not to mention the need to wrap up experimental and conclude with compound analysis. There's so much to be done, and I am so worn down from an intense 9 months already of this year.
My current solution. I may be excessively tired from insufficient sleep (due to an increased demand from the hormones), hence I propose an experiment to have several slugs of alcohol (white Chinzano and dry ginger ale) to utilize it's depressive effects on the central nervous system to ensure a good night's sleep.
(Insert first drink here)
So, I'm reading "Transgender Warriors" by Leslie Feinberg, a book I got out of the library today along with "The Psychology of Military Incompetence" by Norman Dixon. Regular readers of this diary may know that "gender literature" usually gives me a headache and just makes me more pissed off then I already was before. This was published in 1996, and is extremely left-wing, perhaps more so than even Kate Bornstein. Not that I have a problem with that, just an observation. I may take an Aspirin just in case though.
11:15 pm - Today was very slow. I did virtually nothing productive, I got the car washed, made a brief failed attempt at working at the lab and otherwise fell victim to lethargy and indifference. Now to bed.