True, but no-one else can ever say that it won't happen to them either. I think everyone has the capability to experience breakdown.

A member of my family had a very serious long-term drug problem, which I know is not the same as what happened to you, but the fact that they have now turned their life so completely around, and are working harder than anyone esle I know, has convinced me that people who drag themselves back up from rock-bottom and keep going are more deserving of respect than those who've never strayed from the easy life.

In addition the fact that you have held down a job is a good sign: it doesn't matter that it's temping, it shows that you are together now.
If you are still concerned, is it possible to ask your local uni for a month's work experience (a mini-project of some sort) to show that you can work and write reports? That way you have something to show at interview.

I don't think telling the truth would rule you out: at least two very sucessful professors that I know have suffered with mental breakdown (temporarily, fortunately), and have overcome it to continue their careers. Its more common than many people think (take Stephen Fry)
and there is a good chance your interviewing panel know someone whohas been through the same experience. If they are not understanding, then sod them and move on.

Yeah, riding a bike is no fun in this weather.

Good on you Dr Kronk

My mother's new puppy (yapping little thing) has been barking at her own reflection in the windows for some time, but now she's taken to barking at a painting (not even a photograph, mind you, a painting) of the older dog that hangs in the hallway. Does this indicate poor eyesight or lack of brains?

We did once have a cat that used to growl at a small tiger statue on the mantelpiece too. It never got used to it.

I'm with Matthew - he insists?!!! He has no right to "insist" you get pregnant now or at any time in you life, unless it's what you want. Tell him to bog off.

Hehe...that would go down well at supervisor meetings.

Sue, you must be the same as me (5 foot 2): I can supposedly be between 7 and a half and nine and a half, but I look chubby at nine stone or over. I'm 8 stone now but it's a constant effort not to overeat; i do like my food

As for clothes sizes, I find teenage clothes (age 13) are the best fit, but they're all a bit cartoony

Leicester, that tropical paradise of the Midlands

I haven't seen any yet, but tbis time last year I saw some in the park, closely followed by tiny daffodils

Lots of birthdays in the Jan-March period for me, that makes it OK. And I like looking out for the first snowdrops.

I wonder why he's so bothered about you (and I mean that in the nicest possible way): as far back as I have been on here, you haven't fallen out with anyone or even said anything controversial.

Good point about personal info though: I've already given out more than I thought I would about myself when I joined the forum, but I'd never give my real name or a photo to anyone on a forum (unless I'd had some email exchanges with them).

Not me, but I watch pretty carefully now cos I used to be overweight. Could be fluid retention, maybe?

Actually I quite like this time of year - I like things being back to normal after the suspended animation of Christmas and New Year. Of course I could do without the bloody gales though.

That's just damn nasty. Take no notice; everyone else likes you.