It's too early to think about a dissertation... right?

It seems that way... "too early" to think about a dissertation.  But it's not. 

So, here is what I have done so far for my dissertation: Some preliminary research on what has already been done on the topic I want; e-mailed people who know more than I do (and received an extremely helpful and encouraging response from someone important- who offered to share their personal library with me); made an appointment with my thesis advisor to help narrow my topic; discussed my topic with my primary advisor who said, "This sounds like a great topic."; Made a list of possible grants to help me do overseas research; scheduled an appointment with a grant specialist to help me find funding; made a preliminary appointment with the graduate advisor who can also give me guidance; bought many recordings of the composer whose music I want to research; created room in my schedule to take language courses next year I need to take to help me research.

With the list above, it is apparent to me I have already thought about a lot.  I often think I have not done enough, I am behind, and I'm not "on top of my game."  But to be sure, I feel I have not dedicated much time to this, and I have already gotten the ball rolling on so much.  I am very excited about my potential topic (to be discussed at a later date). 

In the meantime, I still have a semester to finish.  And six Italian composers to present on.  And Stravinsky to memorize.  And a music philosophy paper to revise and present on.  And a Jesu Meine Freude double fugue to conduct. 

Calm Down for my Research

This will be brief, because I am doing reading and taking notes on rhetoric and German 17th century music theory, but I need to say this somewhere. 

I need Russia to calm down.  For sake of my potential future research, I need Russia's leadership to chill out.  Researching over there would become much more difficult if they don't calm down.  I'm not saying I wouldn't go, but it would be more difficult. 

I register for classes in about a week.  Guess what?  Still need to take 15 credits next semester.