Dissertation Completed!

Hi there!  It's been almost a year since my last post.  I have a good reason: I've been researching and writing my dissertation.  My work took me to four states - West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina, as well as the District of Columbia - as well as extensive online research.  I read 24,000 pages of newspapers from the 1850s and 1860s.  Anyone who says our media today in the 21st century is biased ought to read a 19th century newspaper.  They make contemporary sources look medical in their objectivity.  Anyway, after months of work, I printed it off and submitted it to my committee this week.  I defend it before them on June 17.  Am I nervous about it?  Yes, naturally.  But I will prepare for it.  Wish me well.