Bobby,

I am not a scientist. I am an aspiring historian. So we are of different backgrounds and I can't give you very good advice. But, all I can say is that you should put up a fight until the last moment. If you actually don't continue, let it be because of the upgrade. But, don't just give up. You might always think, "what if?". So put up a fight till the end and if you don't make it, at least you'll know you tried your best. No regrets.

I personally think you'll be fine if you invest more effort and time into this. I know so many people who changed their ideas and topics at the very end or right before an upgrade.

bellaz,

no worries. Like you, I've just only began in October 2007 so it's been a good 7 months. I still feel that my argument is not strong enough yet. I still don't really know what I am trying to say. All I know is that I want to write a city's urban history within a given 30 years and that for now, I have a methodology paper to worry about and a chapter outline and then everything else will come later.

I always worry about being asked "what is your argument?" or "what are you trying to say?" cause I wouldn't know how to assemble it into one compact and direct sentence or two. I always need to refer to my methodology paper.

But, I have to admit that I am in a much better place than last month and the month before. So I am guessing that with time this argument will start to materialize into something very concrete.

Juno,

lol sounds like a good agreement. I wish we could actually eat crap and still feel healthy and immune to diseases. Oh GOD!

bellaz,

I feel you. Honestly, I have started avoiding looking at mirrors or shops windows. I don't like what I see. Not my face, not my body. I really did not know that a PhD is capable of doing all this. I am guessing if we don't try to get on top of it and devise a way to get the best out of the PhD and not the other way round, then we will disintegrate. At least I would.

Shani,

oh yes. I too have so many academic stresses. I feel that stressing about food and weight will make it worse. But like I said to bellaz, I must find a way. But it's like I can follow a healthy diet but I just get bored of apples and bananas and I start craving Kettle chips LOL I adore my SALT AND BALSAMIC VINEGAR Kettles.

fatbob,

aw, I feel so sorry for your girlfriend. I have a boyfriend myself and I sort of know how she feels. She just wants to spend as much time with you as possible. Sometimes, it's probably hard for her to understand how busy you may be...

But, generally, I understand what you mean.

Guys,
I loved the barometer jeans! I've got like 2 or 3 of them. Unfortunately, no longer fits me.

thanks for your very supportive replies and very fun as well :) Yes, I will try and get myself into the gym and some classes. I must find the time. To be honest, it's not just about weight gain but also about eating crap food and feeling UNHEALTHY.

I have recently quit smoking. I also don't drink alcohol. As an attempt at leading a healthy lifestyle, I will also follow the diet or instructions of a diet that prevents cancer and promotes vitamins and an altogether healthy way of life.

Anybody wants to join forces?

LOL

Thanks for bringing a smile to my face. I guess I will continue trying to diet and go to the gym even if I keep failing. It's better than nothing

Thanks for the laugh though ;)

I have put on 14 pounds since I began my PhD in September. It has been battle I have not been able to win so far. I go on diet for a few weeks then I lapse back or I go to the gym for a week and then I stop because I BARELY HAVE TIME and I usually FEEL GUILTY for doing something other than study especially I am running out of time and getting close to my upgrade in June.

Help...

Hang in there. PhD has been my toughest undertaking as yet. I have experienced traumatic events, I have been hurt, I have been through certain experiences but the difference with the PhD is that it requires sustained and persistent dedication, effort and love. You need to love what you're doing. What keeps me going is the end result. But once I am done, and this is a promise I made to myself, I am going to take time off to make up for the lost time with friends and family.

I go through similar periods.

Guys thanks for your reply.

Sleepyhead, I know that the JUH has been there since the 70s and there is another by Leicester. What I mean is that it's relatively new when compared with other disciplines within history and within the field of humanities in general.

I will check Beck. I am still not sure of using theories. I have mentioned in my methodology paper that the several theories I have picked are just for analytical purposes, no more. I hate to confine myself with theories.

Anybody here specializing in the topic of Urban History? As this field is relatively new and very interdisciplinary, I'd like to see what sort of other disciplines anybody out there is incorporating. I am thinking of using the Sociologist Lewis Coser's "Conflict Theory" in dealing with the idea of nationalism, class, religion and gender. Please share with me your points of views.

Definitely buy a new book. It won't look good on your behalf if you didn't. Also you may be putting the owner on the spot by making them feel bad for asking you to get a new book when you actually should. An item lent should be returned as it was.

Spacey,

as you can see you're not alone. I am very glad for your post because I've been feeling similarly every now and then. I have doubts, sometimes feel like a fraud but then I remember how much I love what I'm doing and I remember that if I weren't worth it, they wouldn't have admitted me into the program. So don't worry if you feel a bit down. Just remember why you're doing the PhD in the first place and that you love it, and that would be the best boost you could give yourself :)

Bellaz,

thanks for your reply. I, too, dislike groups. But, the problem is that I have a few very close friends who are around, who always call me and listen to me but the problem is I don't have time to even spend some decent time with them.

What year are you in?

Kronkodile,

I definitely did not mean to come across as condescending. But, by the time I got to the "Adding Message" part, I had already forgotten to the person's name. Second, I wanted to share my point of view. As to your attitude, I can say to you that "the truth hurts"... "a lot".