2nd Year Accountability thread
Hey Sneaks!! I think maybe we will miss each other sometimes, since I think you work in the day whereas I work at night!!...
Anyways, its a good start getting these first few tentative words for the chapter, and I think getting those first few words can often be the hardest- peope have different styles as we have seen in other posts, some people will write every word carefully and really mean it (thus no need for much editing) whereas others will write like crazy anything they can think of to get them started, then edit later. I follow the latter approach which works for me, as I find if I write everything that occurs to me at the beginning (even if over 50% of it is rubbish), I find this way allows me to get started more easily on the work concerned and 'get into it'...Have you tird playing with different appraches?
Regarding the balance with other committments, it seems your time isn't as free as you would like it to be...so all I can suggest is when you do get the time to maximise the efficiency in how you use the limited time each day you have set aside for 'phd' work-I have seen some people achieve more in an hour than others will in a day- so that means no distractions close emails, facebook, bbc website etc!! Also with regard to the problem of accessing materials in the industrial place, is it possible to download your articles in intend reading before you go there at home, and then either print them or access them via an email attachement while you are there? I know sometimes, something can only strike you at the time, but often if you plan ahead your reading the day before, then I think it can help to alleviate these problems to an extent...
anyways im off to bed now! I managed to get the chapter read and summarised, and im pretty happy that I found it to be very relevant to my research in the end which is always good!! anyway, I will check back in the morning with my goals for tomorrow (sorry its today now, dint realise the time!!):-x but first a cup of tea!
Sorry - been either away from a computer/ill in the last few days. No PhD work done since Tuesday :-( apart from scouting for participants. But I'm pleased I started that chapter and plan to work on it this weekend.
Regarding reading material at the industrial partner: I find that I need ALL my articles lol and my endnote to get on with my work - which I can't do. I have a back problem which means I can't drag my laptop there either - complete pain but filled my time this week with my consultancy work and admin etc. I think in terms of balancing time I have come to realise that I just have to work all weekend to make up for the days I am at uni/industrial partners. Its a pain, but I'd rather complete my PhD earlier and then have a whole year off or something rather than have wasted days watching tv when I should be doing PhD.
Maggie - hope the work is going well, and the internet didn't 'get' you. If you use firefox there is a program you can use to block you accessing certain sites e.g. facebook during certain times of the day.
Frankie - I wouldn't worry about having days off, I seem to do it too much, and then have a week of manic work when my supervisor wants something! In terms of setting unrealistic deadlines, I think its fine as long as you don't overstress about them. I think I do this and then end up getting demoralised that nothing got done, and then give up completely.
ooh Christmas markets! Trying to stay clear of town at the moment as I have no money!! Today I have spent all morning exercising for my lost a stone for xmas diet. Half an hour on exercise bike and hour doing a video thing. Now I'm really tired and want to sit down and watch dvds all afternoon. However, if I am good, my aims for today are:
- chase up emails missed when ill
- map out rest of introduction chapter
- write 500 words on introduction chapter
oh, I can see this going nowhere but at least its an aim!
Well done Maggie! I spent all afternoon watching P.S I love you AGAIN! and then just sat about. Will try to get today's aims done tomorrow, but planning on going xmas shopping - I know I said I wouldn't but cos I work at home a lot, I seem to get cabin fever when I am in the house for too long! WIll update tomorrow to see if I got anything done.
btw, think ruth should have won cos I loved her dresses each week :-x but now I hate everyone lol. ALtho I think ALex will have the most longevity, I can't stand eaghisofnfion cos I hate kids who sing (and they have marketed him as the cute kid). The main reason why I refuse to see oliver, even tho I really wanted to see rowan atkinson as fagin.
Good luck with your paper tomorrow, sure it will go just fine. I managed to half the work today
- completed reports for consultancy work (NON-PHD)
- chased up emails from when I was ill
- thought about planning intro (does this count??? lol)
will properly do some tomorrow as other half is lecturing all day which means I won't have distractions like him wanting to watch a film etc.
admire you for doing PhD abroad! my dad wanted me to do a year out in France for my degree but there was no way! my french is passable to get me places and food but not good enough to study in!! Plus - didn't see the point as French academics are rubbish in my field. Is there not an 'english club' you can join of fellow PhDers/students?
Is the gallway girl one "and her hair was black and her eyes were blue" cos I love that song, almost tempted to dye hair black so other half can sing it to me (altho he can't sing so won't).
