I finally came up with a mock table of contents (TOC) sprawling up to 14 Chapters (Semangat tuh!). It looks kinda impressive [puji diri sendirik, minta maaf lah yer, kawan2.;-)]. Lawrie was very happy with it, though he thought I would have to cut down on some areas. But he believed more is better, so I'll be able to cut down rather than make up something. With this TOC, I will be able to write with a proper perspective and theme in mind.

My theme would be: Advocating a Caring and Justifiable Dispute Resolution System, a More Balanced Approach in Settling Custody Disputes. So all my writing now will have to build up on this theme, rather than write aimlessly, although I have earlier on chosen an area and topic . There's a whole lot of differences, between an area, topic and theme (perspective). Can't explain though...but if you don't get it, you'll never be able to finish writing in 3 years.

Bad News

Laurie broke the news today...by making an introductory statement before we initiated the meeting today:

Well, it was easy for him asking me not to panic...my heart was racing like "Viewed" (the horse that won the Melbourne Cup last year), thinking.."O No, I am being abandoned, here!"

"Where to?" I asked.

"AIFS. They offered me a full time post, there." (Actually, Lawrie spent twice a week there as a consultant researcher)

Well..maybe not so bad, after all. AIFS is still in Melbourne CITY. He explained how the future arrangement will be. He sounds convincing enough, so it's kinda relief. I can't imagine any other situation. Please...everybody else, don't die on me!

I still feel bad though, such a loss to the uni. Pity how unis nowadays run like a commercial ventures and along the way lose their original aims and objectives and good academicians too.