24 April 2009

what a long strange trip it's been


Above is a figure I made for my paper showing the human, natural, and economic resources needed to attain sustainability - if you don't get what I mean you'll have to wait and read the book - it's being bound at the library this moment.

It is done! It is done! It is done! ... and all will be well, and all will be well and all manner of things will be well! (I hope) I have pulled four all-nighters in the last 10 days (plus keeping up with teaching all my classes - planning the year-end bbq - research projects etc.) -- I wasn't sure it was worth it, but there is a slight glimmer of satisfaction starting to fill my heart.

Title: Interior Ecology: Developing a Design Methodology for Space Planning Using Principles of Sustainability and Ecosystem Models

Dedication: To my mother, Saundra Stephens Toole, I am so sorry I lost you before you could witness the final project. Mom Forever.

Acknowledgments: Completing this degree has been part of a demanding but rewarding journey. There are numerous individuals that I am indebted to. From the beginning Steve Mansfield has provided generous encouragement, competent educational and design skills, a listening ear, and an example of brilliant character. Carol Nicholas has continually forged a path through the impossible that I try to remember to follow. Much appreciation goes to a man of incredible integrity, creativity and enthusiasm, Dusty Wickham, my office partner, for tolerating my many distractions and obsessions, to Darrin Brooks whose limitless energy and passion for design are legendary, and to Sandra Turner for her kind compliments and hard-work making this paper look good. To Robert, Carolyn and Sue: thank you. To Jenny and Angus and the promise of meeting in a pub in Sydney when this endeavor was completed -- I'm privileged to have such great friends.

And most importantly to my family... to my father Doug Toole who never doubted that I could do this, and for time that otherwise would have been yours, my deepest gratitude goes to Chase and Land, and to Darren, the person who supported this adventure more than anyone else; it is you that has sustained me.

7 comments:

dixie said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Gberger said...

Yes, congratulations -- how THRILLING for you! I hope you have a wonderful weekend, some celebrations, and get some rest!

Tamara Jacobs said...

woohoo!!! good job! that is awesome!congratulations.

melforbes said...

Way to go De! Now go celebrate!

Sara Jane said...

I bet it feels so good to have accomplished such a great goal! Congrats.

Kaitlan said...

Awesome! Congratulations! Now go and get some much needed sleep, you deserve it.

ohleslie said...

I understand to my bones what it means to say "it is finished!" I am so excited and can't wait to read it. Get it put to bed, take a breather and you'll be surprised at the energy you have for the next adventure. I speak from experience - you should see what I've gotten myself into now...

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! What an accomplishment.