Teek, you have echoed my thought's with frightening precision. I'm in exactly the same situation as you at the moment, a stick in a pile of cow dung. I just feel really, well, angry (though I'm not strong enough to come across as imposing), despondent and and questioning my capabilities. Of late, I sit down to do work but nothing gets done. A whole day with stuff all to show for it! If only people could really see what it's like for some of us PhD students.
I'm really glad that you're getting some help. You'll soon be on top of it, I'm sure, and sprinting for the finish line. Not to sound self-indulgent but I feel like a priest, helplessly dedicated to a religion (my PhD) that I'm just furious with. And I think my personality has atrophied as well because I'm sure I come across as interesting as the instruction manual for a Black and Dekker workbench to other people.

I've written you a poem to help you get your Mojo back, called Mojo Come Home.

Teek needs her Mojo,
Where did it go?
She's lost her drive,
Because her Mojo has decided to skive

Oh, Mojo can't you see,
To Teek, you're the sugar in her tea,
Oh, Mojo can it be,
You're truly lost at sea?

Mojo come home,
You don't have to roam.
There's a place in Teek's heart,
Of which you are a part!

Dolphins cannot swim,
Birds crash into to bins,
They have no last Rolos,
Not without their Mojos

Teek is not the same,
Writing is a pain,
Graphs fall off her pages,
Her computer's taking ages.

Teek needs her mojo,
to launch Operation PhD A Go Go
Without you she's too slow,
like moonwalking through deep snow

If you come back,
no one will attack,
not the army or the navy,
everything will be just gravy.

Mojo, come home.

So it should, Chrisrolinski. If you can get work published from it and get such a positive reaction, you have every reason to feel confident.

Calibri (Body) is the way forward. It's the future.

These are the kinds of costs you'll be looking at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/table/2009/feb/17/postgraduate-sports-science-courses-table

It might be worth taking a look at the fees pages of particular universities you are interested in as well. Good luck. (up)

I think you should get an 'air supply' for your air-powered drill, then you can put (I think you said) coat hangers up. A great way of taking a break but using time productively. I'll just be working over the weekend, though I'm watching Boys From the Black Stuff tonight (my Easter treat), as I've heard it's a really good and powerful drama. Have a nice Easter weekend, Eska.

Yes, it's enough to do a Masters provided you'll be paying the fees. Funding is very difficult to get for a Masters, even if you have a 1st. BTW, what's SPexSC?

The comments came back on that paper a paper I peer reviewed. I've noted some comments that another reviewer made about the paper. Nothing really constructive at all - just nastiness. Keep_Calm, I feel your pain. All criticism should be justified, encouraging and, at the very least, constructive.

I'm really pleased for you, Chrisrolinski. Well done that man.

Politics, eh? Not been a good year for you lot, has it? I suppose watching Tower Block of Commons, and their ritual humiliation in the real world, made up for it a tiny bit though. I'd rather exercise my democratic rights by watching paint dry or pulling my teeth out than getting involved in politics. I think a good proportion of the UK population agrees too. I'd better stop, lest I sound hackneyed. No offence directed at you of course. Good luck in your quest.

So, an evidence-based opinion of the long distance relationship scenario... You will not be surprised to learn that it is a common dilemma in the Higher Education System for academics (Lonsdale, 2010). Indeed, it is referred to as the 'two-body' problem and is an increasingly common phenomenon (Ciere, 2008). I think that, as you are eventually going over there to be with your partner (if I understand you rightly), after your 3 month training post, it should not be a serious problem. In fact, you'll be delighted to know that there are may advantages associated with conducting a long distance relationship. Let's check it out...
Rose (2008) has argued that long distance relationships lead to the perception by both partners that time spent together is and should not be wasted. Gomez (2007) adds that it counters the over-familiarity dilemma. Goldberg (2007) concludes that true love does not know boundaries such as distance. However, the author is not clear on the methodology that he used to reach such conclusions.
There are also a wealth of studies available that have examined strategies for ameliorating the difficulties that may be associated with long distance relationships. For examples, Johnsen et al (2008) studies college students' use of relational management strategies in email in geographical long distance relationships. The authors concluded that email is a highly efficacious medium for maintaining a long distance relationship between romantic partners. Of course, there is also the telephone (Hoskins (1985) has stated that it's good to talk), and it's not like it's forever. BUT, I think you should also remain a little cautious because of difficulties that may arise with your saliva...
Hamilton and Meston (2010) have demonstrated that salivary testosterone decreases in females when they are long distances away from the partners for more than 1 week. Now, I'm not sure if this is dangerous or not, but I'm fairy sure there'll be some misleading story in the Daily Express or Daily Mirror about it causing hair loss, limb shrinkage or red eyes.
Anyway, the bottom line is, you have to think of you and your career. It's also not a unique situation (millions of relationships go through this), so your boyfriend will understand and be patient.(up)

I recall that you've mentioned this niece of yours once or so before, and what a nasty, venomous piece of work she is - she's horrible. You clearly want to go to remember your sister and pay your respects, so I think that you should. Sorry if I'm overstepping the mark, but what bloody business of hers is it, if you decide to go? It's your sister that you're going to remember. Is she really going to throw a paddy and spit her dummy out? Blood is supposed to be thicker than water and an occasion like this is no time for personal vendettas or public spats. I only hope that she doesn't act up for you and your relatives sake, but at least you've got old friends with you for moral support. Best wishes.

Algaequeen, I actually have something genuinely really intelligent and helpful to say here (for once), so I shall be back later when I've finished writing (so I don't break my chain of thought) to, quite genuinely, give you the benefit of my experience and wisdom. It's good news as well. (up)

You know, if it wasn't so serious and dreadful, you could actually write a sitcom (like Green Wing) on life pre- peri- and post PhD in the UK. There's just so much about it you could lampoon, from conferences and grant applications, funding and teaching to social life or lack thereof. Now that's an idea for my career box if things don't work out. :-(

Got it, thanks very much everyone. (up)

Hello, please could I be really cheeky and ask if anyone has a few spare moments, could they see if they have a copy of this paper? My uni doesn't.

Dietrich, H. and F. Ehrlenspiel "Cognitive Interviewing: A Qualitative Tool for Improving Questionnaires in Sport Science." Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science 14(1): 51 - 60. It's on Informa world.