Thanks Teek! I managed to produce what I thought was a very dodgy draft but following comments today it doesn't seem to be that awful - just flesh out that a bit, go into more detail - there's alot more writing to be done (need approximately double what I've written already) but I think I can do it now considering that after all my panicking and procrastination I got what I did together in 2 days. It feels really great not to be in hiding anymore :-)

Aw hope the dog is enjoying all the attention Sneaks!

Well done Teek (up) I'm in the office today too :-)

So goal one for today: consolidate supervisors comments & make a plan to implement them

Oh Sneaks I hope your dog is ok? Give her a rub from me.

Thanks everyone for the support. I've re-read your comments quite a few times and have taken some of the advice. I spoke to a colleague about the way I was feeling. Now normally this colleague is quite dismissive and doesn't like to talk about emotions etc but this time I think he realised that I really needed to talk to somebody and was actually really great. We had a coffee, chatted about some unrelated stuff first - the world cup, the weather... Then he asked how I was getting on with my paper and it all came out! He made me realise that my expectations of what I'm trying to produce are unrealistic - he has plenty of conference experience, whereas I have none. So I'm a little less daunted by the prospect.
My supervisor e-mailed on a un-related matter so I replied and added said something along the lines of - the paper is taking much longer to produce that I originally expected but that I would try to have a draft in a couple of days. She was really great and said that it's always difficult and that if I can just produce a draft she'll take a look at it. I didn't take any time off though which I do regret but I don't think I would have been able to relax anyway. So I did have a couple more procrastination days. But today, I am in the office, feeling a little better and want to have a draft by tomorrow night. Does anyone think that this is doable?

Thanks all for the advice. Unfortunately, I still haven't made any progress and now feel even worse if that's possible. I have done absolutely nothing productive. All I do these days is hide at home in my pyjamas, constantly checking my e-mail in the fear that my supervisor is looking for me. I have spent the last 5 days trying to force myself to work but I just can't. I'm starting to think this is a bit more than just nerves about the paper. I don't know what to do. I don't want to go into the office because I'm constantly looking over my shoulder to see if my supervisor is there. It sounds pathetic but I am so ashamed by the complete lack of progress I have made that I don't want to have to admit it. It's not even a big deal this paper but it has just made me realise that I really am in over my head. I am going to try to leave the house now and work for a couple of hours in the local library.

Hi Eska

I think that this is a personality issue rather than an age issue. I have a remarkably similar problem with my boyfriend. He thinks of himself as a "problem solver" and really doesn't understand why somebody would discuss a problem with him if they were not seeking a "solution". It makes perfect sense to me to discuss a problem to unload a little/ understand the issue better myself / or just vent and take a weight off but to him this is pointless. I've always assumed that this was due to male/female differences but the situation you describe with your friend sounds very familiar. To be honest, I don't think you stand a chance of changing her behaviour, rather just understand that she is trying to help and switch off when her advice becomes stifling - this is the only solution that has worked for me to-date.

Best of luck,
Ev

Goal 1 - finish chapter 2

Another negative thread from me - will there ever be a positive one?? My first conference paper is due in under two weeks and I just can't seem to get it together. I don't yet fully understand the process that I am supposed to be writing about and literature on it is few and far between as it's of an interdisciplinary nature and a relatively new area. So I'm trying to piece together information from two disciplines in which I have no background and my brain has been in panic mode for the last two weeks. It's ridiculous - I haven't been able to work because everytime I try, my stomach ends up in knots, my heart races and so I can't concentrate at all. I've been doing alot of exercise to try to keep the nerves at bay but unfortunately this isn't working. I don't think I'm cut out for this at all. I just want to get this over with but it shouldn't be such a big deal.

I have to say Slizor, I wouldn't have been impressed at all had you made that comment to me (also female). I'm afraid that I am one of those sensitive souls who would be hurt by such a remark. I really think you should approach this woman, tell her that you have been made aware of her feelings and that you are remorseful (I assume that you are), that what you said does not reflect your true opinion of her etc. Even if she isn't particularly receptive, an apology seems like the way to go.

As for the 'you shouldn't apologise for who you are' argument, I agree but to a point. If your actions (regardless of how natural they are to you) hurt another, you are most likely in the wrong.

Right I've been to the hospital and the gym, now it's time for some serious work. I have a conference paper due in 3 weeks and I'm still floundering wildly and not making any progress. So my goals for to day are;

Goal 1; finish reading book chapter
Goal 2;bullet points of conceptual model
Goal 3: identify processes I cannot yet describe mathematically
Goal 4: Find potential sources for solutions of goal 3

Whew that's rather alot of work I think but must press on.

Perfect - thanks Sneaks (up)

Thanks Sneaks and Pinknumbers -saved me alot of hassle.

So would I be correct in citing it as "adapted from Brown 2050" ? As the diagram won't be identical to the original?

Finding reasons to touch you is a dead give away - a casual pat on the arm etc. Definitely smiling/giggling alot and the hair twirling thing as has been mentioned already. Listening very intently when you speak, mimicking your body language, finding excuses to come talk to you. Try watching them when you think they are not looking to see if he/she keeps glancing in your direction.

Oooh new romance - how exciting!!!!! I haven't had that feeling for 7 years...

I'm trying to explain a concept to a research group that I am a junior member of via a 1 page summary. I have a very useful diagram in a book that I have a copy of but no electronic copy and no access to a scanner (I need to get this to them asap as there is a meeting scheduled). Is it acceptable/legal for me to essentially copy this diagram by reproducing a bad version of it myself in word/paint??? If so how do I reference it??

I am feeling particularly down and negative about my PhD at the moment but I don't want to pollute the accountability and goal threads with my pessimism any further so voila - the moaning thread.

I shall go first.

I HATE MY PHD. There, I finally said it. I am completely out of my depth. My subject area doesn't interest me - even at undergrad level I chose it for the challenge rather than anything else. Nothing works properly (lab work) and I am slowly going crazy. I hate the unstructured nature of the lifestyle and working crazy hours. Also my office smells funny.

Feel free to rant away below!