Weird isn't it? At least I'm not on my own. I'm certainly content just concerned maybe I am missing the point, what if change isnt through academic endeavor and I should be out there hands on making things better and making a difference *humph* life is so confusing why don't you get a guidebook at birth...thanks for being insane with me

Anyone else ever feel there is something missing? I can't define exactly what I mean, I don't mean finding God I'm cool with my spirituality but something else. Something like I don't feel completely alive and that I'm missing the point of existence, that there must be more to life than what I'm doing (although I am blissfully happy with every aspect of my life at the moment which is why I am bothered by this feeling). I don't know I can't put my finger on it...any more lost souls out there?

Bit of blur going on here end of a century, charmless man, country house, all the old but good ones..non of which helping with the presentation

Apart from the acknowledgments I have been advised to write in the third person throughout. But my area is social policy. I guess if you were undertaking any kind of feminist methodology it would be a given to write in the first person. I think a lot of people still believe that in order for the soc sciences to be taken seriously they have to be seen to be untainted by anything other than established fact and therefore by writing in the third person you are implying your impartiality.I have never had the opportunity to write first person but would love to do it...but my sups are dead against it.

Well been using it now for a couple of weeks and am pleasantly surprised at its accuracy so far. Minimal training and set up so even a computer idiot like me could manage it. Being able to transfer direct from dictophone is handy means I can dictate notes rather than look silly as I scrabble around for paper and pen when inspiration hits. Still quite slow but once I know the different commands I can see it being very speedy. Great for dictating passages out of books too....and its spelling is a damn sight better than mine...a cautious 7/10 so far!!

mmmm def. along the 'River cottage' lines growing veg, organic animals, couple of horses and writing writing writing...self help books, stimulating topics that get people thinking and talking, attacks on the capitalist nightmare that is isolating us and ultimately will be responsible for our downfall....maybe some more kids.....*sigh*

How strange...I noticed a women in town this morning wearing what looked like theatre shoes and wondered if she were a Dr. who had forgotten to change from her scrubs then I see this post and all becomes clear!!!!
Mmmmm not my cup of tea but good for paddling in streams.

Hope someone can shed some light as I have applied for some teaching hours this semester too and any tips would be appreciated...probably won't get any hours anyway as they like to give the hours to those with experience (I do wonder how you are supposed to get experience if they prioritise to students with experience iyswim?)
My sup also mentioned giving a presentation to her students which would be good...I love presentations...that is if the equiptment works on the day!!!!

Yeah congrats!!! Passed mine a few weeks ago and I know the relief that comes with that letter...onwards and upwards!!!!

Oz, Having kids made me a much more assertive and organised person...having twins multiplied that by ten!! Theres nothing I can't do now...I intend to take life in the teeth and shake it till it lays down and submits!!! If I am looking for a solution to a problem and a solution doesnt appear then I work on the theory that I am asking the wrong question. I may have to slightly adjust my expectations and plans but if its meant to be then the answers and the means will appear. Sometimes if there are no answers whatsoever then I go on faith that its just not meant to be and I put the energy into something else. Once you appreciate there is no such thing as a wrong decision just different outcomes then you are freed from your psychological doubts....it really works

hi little miss...no I'm a full timer!! Life is hectic and its full but I have never felt so fulfilled in my life. I am a very positive person and think you can achieve and overcome anything if you really want it. I am going to provide for my family and give them the best I can...well except one of them will be half way through their degree when I finish so will be well on her way to providing for herself! I am also blessed with an amazing husband who is selfless and supports everything I do...I shall do the same for him once I'm finished the phd, he is going back to academia to do psychotherapy then...my kids are amazing too and very proud of their mum...life is good

I shipped my entire family 250 miles with just 6 weeks notice for my BA!!! And that included selling a house (it completed after I'd moved). Go there this weekend get on the books of some property agents, case out potential living areas. OR if you are alone see what halls are available for PG students. GO FOR IT...don't let mundane issues stop you..dare to live "feel the fear and do it anyway"

Shani...really you can have it all. I'm not rich, no stay at home husband (full time worker), no family to babysit (in fact my dads 90 and needs looking after himself) nothing that would make it easy to juggle teens,toddlers and study. You just have to be super organised and motivated to make it work...Ladies you can do it you don't have to choose...promise...its not easy but its not impossible.....

Probably not going to want to hear this but I say you have had a lucky escape. If someone loves you then they support you in things that make you complete they don't just say 'I need some me time'. They recognise that there is a time fir everyone and at the moment this is your time and in return you would support him later when it becomes his time. There is no room for ego's and pride in a healthy relationship. His pride, at this time, should have been in you. He knew what you were taking on and now decides he's not happy..what a ****. As for having babies well thats when you really do find you are bottom of the priority list so theres no way he would have coped with that! Take a deep breathe and look forwards..there is better out there that will recognise your worth (hugs)

heheheheh you never know it may actually improve the content of my thesis!!!! although "the respondent panted heavily whilst I pressed hard on the buttons" may get me in front of the ethics committee.....nuance promised me that dragons uniqueness is in that you don't have to teach it to recognise your voice...I too remain sceptical of this (and I was rather looking forward to reading alice in wonderland to it!!)