I am, actually, a writer. I have always been a writer. (And if you believe my grandparents, I'm destined for genius. Don't believe them.)

So I've decided that I not only can finish this dissertation, I will do so with a minimum of pain and suffering. And even though I am tired of the ideas, I don't actually need to throw out the first chapter.

I only need 15 more pages for chapter 4. I have that. Then all that's left is the final chapter, and that's no problem. In the meantime, chapter 3 is getting some much needed polish.