simuzosha - no comment.
jouri - thanks.

i didn't manage to do much today. attended some medical appointments.

meanwhile, am getting feedback on Friday. am really nervous. fingers crossed.

thanks catchianthe.

i managed some two hours on the paper today. 15.30 - 17.30. i must get serious!!! though am technically off. hoping to hear from one reviewer of an already submitted paper this week, and my supervisor is still silent (am starting to get worried. hopefully i'll finish the paper am writing by friday. not at this rate tho - must be up early tomorrow.

just to point out, not all partners are supportive, not all of them will be happy for you, a lot of them won't understand you or make an effort to and even if they do, you won't be able to give them the time and attention they deserve alongside your PhD. on the other hand, you will not write up forever, so you might as well get it behind you and start married life on the right note. that said, if you do decide to go ahead, at least you know what to expect. all the best.

today i worked on paper from 1.30pm to 6pm. managed to do a lit review. will start writing final draft tomorrow. taking the evening off.

i agree with jouri. if you decide to get married, there will come a point where you have to chose one - your PhD or your spouse. whichever of them can't handle this is the one you'll lose. its best to tread carefully and keep them both.

LostinOZ - i think you are being too harsh on yourself. i failed my first year upgrade. i could have quit. i didn't. i tried again and passed it and now am writing up, 2.5 years into my PhD. just have a bit of confidence. who cares how you passed? you passed - and that means you are good enough to finish the PhD.

1st April - wrote a bit of a paper i want to publish. worked between 2pm - 5.30pm.

2nd April - took the day off.

3rd April - am planning to work on paper between 1pm to 4pm.

taking it easy this week before i hear from my supervisor next week.

i would caution you against it. the pressures of writing up are not the type you want to start your marriage or any relationship on. wait til you are less stressed and then get married. you can still arrange to see your girlfriend more during your PhD.

woah! i have just had the opportunity to read thro this entire thread. BHC we are all with you on this. don't worry, everything will work out. eventually the truth prevails.

i forgot to say - nice tips.

to be honest, it will be a lot easier than you think. just think of the feeling when its all over..

lol sjo! i like your sense of humour.

thanks Cakegirl! all the best in your work.

who wants to help me here?

mellib - could you start a different thread?