Monte Cristo and Dissertations
September 17th is National Monte Cristo Day. Hey, sometimes a dissertation student just needs a sandwich…
Over the past several weeks I’ve written about all manner of issues related to the dissertation process… loneliness, simplicity, perfection, life, balance, persistence, and depression.
Each day, I look for quirky hooks to twist and turn until they provide some insight into the dissertation process. Some of them are right on point and represent important strategies or tactics that you should absolutely incorporate into your efforts. Others exploit admittedly tenuous connections (at best) to make lighthearted observations about the dissertation process.
Of course, you should read everyday, because, as the great philosopher, Forrest Gump’s Mama, would say, this blog is like a box of chocolates…
My hope is that each day you’ll at least think about your dissertation. That reading my little missives will provide a few minutes respite. And, that, some days, you find insight that motivates, that renews your confidence, that helps you break through an impasse.
But, not today! Last night I discovered that today is National Monte Cristo Day. If you don’t know what a Monte Cristo sandwich is… Well, let me enlighten you!
Traditionally, it’s a grilled-cheese-meets-french-toast sandwich with some extra deli goodness thrown in for good measure. Whenever my kids ask for grilled cheese I make a toned-down Monte Cristo with ham & cheese, but forego the custard in favor of a quick-n-easy smear of butter.
But, I first had a Monte Cristo sandwich at a Bennigan’s Restaurant years ago when I was still in graduate school and living in Chicago. Bennigan’s version may not be traditional, but when it comes to comfort food, half measures are a curse.
Why accept a pan-fried, french-toast sandwich when this deep-fried, powder-sugar-topped, raspberry-jelly-dipped, #fairfoodgoals, sandwich exists? I’m making this one tonight!
Oh, and your dissertation? Well, consider this your sharpen-the-sawactivity for the day!
Sound good? Then go cook one!
