Revelation(s)

Recent revelations in my post-defense glow.

• I'm tired. As in fatigued/exhausted/drained/pooped. I am sleeping well at night now, but I need more sleep. I am going to take a nap today--even if it means turning off every form of communication in this house.
  
  
• I know too many people. Everytime I think I'm done informing folks of the PhD news, I think of someone else to contact. Related revelation--I need to send out a more formal announcement (especially since my mother has already told her friends to expect something in the mail from me).
  
  
• I am starting to experience withdrawal. Dissertation withdrawal. It is weird to have been married to this project all year and then suddenly have no need to "work on it." I predict that I will have read through this thing for typos before the end of next week, just because I am starting to--dare I say--miss it. What a weird dysfunctional relationship this is! Just two weeks ago, I wanted to bury it in the backyard or something so I wouldn't have to look at it.
  
  
• A thesis defense is not about the details. I wish I had known that going in.
  
  
• I need to figure out what to do about this whole academic regalia thing. I know I'm going to want it for later. Should I try to buy now or just rent? Is it "ok" to purchase a gown from a place other than the major supplier my institution uses? I think I just want a plain black one with my hood color rather than the $600 one my institution has designed in its colors and insignias and all that. Would I be violating some doctoral gown etiquette?
  
  
• This could be a very, very busy summer. I need to make a concerted effort to resist that.