So with my theoretical framework redrafted, hence the Yes Minister quote, today has been devoted to tidying up those loose ends and preparing for next week.
It’s been really useful to have a day in the office and the freedom to organise my library books which need returning and work out what needs to be printed off and photocopied etc before I go home for Easter. As the progress review process begins after Easter I don’t want to be doing much in the way of proper work, but I do need to make sure I have sufficient materials to organise the two presentations I shall be giving in May. These will be exciting opportunities although a bit scary! I’ll feel much happier once I feel prepared for it!
Last week I had a very nice day out in Leeds contemplating the future of democracy in Europe. I saw a very interesting video made by the students to try and educate school kids about the EU which was really good. I can see it being compulsory viewing for everyone! Also some very distinguished speakers, including 2 MEPs. As keen as I am on Europe, and democracy for that matter, I don’t think the day has helped me to decide whether I will vote in the forthcoming European Parliament elections, and certainly not WHO to vote for. Keeping the BNP and UKIP out of the European Parliament is much more difficult in the proportional representationsystem and would mean voting either Labour (don’t think so on Gordon’s performance as PM), Tory (which would somewhat go against the pro-EU bit) or Lib Dem (I might as well get a hammer and sickle tattooed on my forehead!). Anyway I shall need to give this some more thought.
This coming week… I’m meeting my supervisors on Monday to discuss my theoretical framework and I need to be sure of what I am doing over Easter. I am meeting a Portuguese professor in Hull, visiting from Berlin, on Wednesday. Tuesday night will mean raising a glass or two for Saint Patrick! And Thursday I’m going home, not been home for nearly two months. Looking forward to that.
The events of the coming will be reported on in my next post. Until then…