Part of the reason I failed is do to nothing but my own stubbornness. I just wanted out from under my thesis so badly that I kept pestering them about a defense instead of really addressing the issues with my thesis. The university is small and in a small town in the middle of nowhere so it's pretty hard to get people to come out here. Most only stay for a few years and then move on. I certainly feel like before I try to rest blush contact with my advisor again I need to have my thesis in tip top shape, that said I think I will try to do just that.