is that I didn't go ahead with the original PhD, that I thought motherhood was such a big deal that I would never cope. Instead, I spent 13 years absolutely loving motherhood but feeling intellectually unchallenged and brainless.
I say, go for it. Have your babies young, I did and now I have an 18 yob, 16 yog, 14 yog, 12 yob, 10 yog, 8 yog and 6 yob and I feel younger now than I did when I had my first. I am sure it is because I feel good about myself both intellectually and physically. I am training for a triathlon, doing a PhD and my daughters and I share clothes and music. Time management is important, I am very strict with both myself and my children when it comes to not wasting time but it works...My studies make me a more fulfilled person and therefore a more fulfilled and happy Mummy (Please, no flames about having seven children etc. , I am just trying to encourage).

Ok, just my 2p worth...I didn't want to post because I have been flamed before for homeschooling but who cares...
I fell pregnant during the finals of my BA Hons Sport Science degree, just 11 months into my marriage. VERY unplanned. I was an athlete, tickets booked to travel overseas to the UK (from RSA), MPhil/PhD interview arranged, everything.... We still decided to come, I went for my interview in-between feeling dire but decided not to continue with my studies. I became a stay at home Mum for 13 years, bringing up all my children (with husband). In 2002 when my youngest was 17 months, I went back to Uni part-time. I did a post grad. dip. and a BSc Hons and then an MSc and now I am doing a PhD. My biggest regret.....

Sorry, H, ran right out...quite like Assam myself, will put it on the shopping list

PS
If you go to Tesco after 10pm, loads of bargains, bread 5p, veggies, cold meats, 30p a pack, I even heard the security man say 'Here comes the Queen of bargains' when he saw me once, cheek, chose to ignore it, he was bigger than me.

Lol, I wish....more like a rusty landrover with its own ecosystem that can just about fit everyone in ...
Waitrose...Just good cookies.....and free delivery and good specials

Coming up...but, the lemon will curdle the milk, black with lemon or milk without, or milk with sugar ... digestive, I can do and very good Waitrose chocolate chip cookies
(I am a good time waster...)

lol, I will see what I can do

Hi
Just popped the kettle on, anyone up tonight doing work? Let me know the orders, Earl Grey, PG Tips, Rooibos, Fruit teas, oh, I will do coffee too, if you wish :) Must do some work tonight, been super slack lately.....
(All the lemon drizzle cake is gone but I have biscuits)

This has been so helpful to me. Pathetically, the viva was one of the reasons I didn't want to do a PhD. I feel quite a bit better now, thanks everyone, another thread to print off and put in the filofax

Exactly, that is what I am doing. I was passed from dept. to dept. so I am going to work on what I have, which is a lot, actually. I also have a few books I need to work through. So, I think I will be ok, it is just frustrating when, out of habit, I click into fulltext and get ziltsch!

So, I really don't think you can get one if your Uni is not subscribing to ATHENS or you are not a registered student. I have even tried through my old Uni Alumni and they said due to licensing agreements etc. I can't keep mine
It is hard on us legit. students but I suppose they have to protect themselves from those who are not.

It is really not possible to get Athens access without getting it through your Uni, it seems. I have been accepted to do my PhD from September, have applied for full scholarship etc. I am already working because I have a huge project and am expected to publish 6 times in 3 years but I have no ATHENS. It is hard after having ATHENS for 5 years from two disciplines, 2 Unis. My Prof. has tried to get me early access but they have all said, I have to be registered first, ie. September. It is very frustrating, I have just sent him an email, almost begging for him to get me an ATHENS password, hoping he will give me a shared one until September or can I register early.

Oh, good news about the job, haircut, so sorry about the gf, maybe she will think again soon. Hang in there, at least you have a job and a 'sofa' I don't say this lightly, we were homeless many years ago with 3 children and had to stay in two friend's homes until we could find a place of our own.
Take care...it can only get better

Well done, you must feel really great

I am a newb....I only officially start in September but have started already as it is a big project to fit into 3 years and my Prof. wants me to publish 6 times...
This site has been my life saver (Thanks guys )