Excuse me for interrupting, sylvester...

Sorry, Ann. Let me just say I am working in a type of manufacturing/processing plant. If I told you any more, I would give myself away!

Just reread my first message and realise it sounds like I am working as a prostitute! Would like to clarify I am not a hooker.

Ooh, almost forgot. Hey, Coastman...

Hello! I'm fine, thanks. Have a job for 3 months. After no success in getting a 'real' job, couldn't refuse this offer for some quick cash. The job is related to my PhD, but could be done by someone with no qualifications - it's dirty, physical and dangerous work. I have done it before and swore I would never do it again. But every cloud has a silver lining - am working with a great team of guys and we have an endless supply of jellybeans, cream biscuits, coffee and after-work beer provided!

I work 12 hours/day, 6 days/week and have an hour drive each way - leaves no time for luxuries such as the forum and sleeping. My thesis is waiting to be finished, but I have no time to work on it now. My supervisor has started texting me to ask how much longer I will be! I recommend anyone struggling with motivation gets a poo job and you will quickly have renewed determination for your PhD.

In a weird, anonymous-forum kind of way, I miss you guys. Why has it become so quiet on here lately?

Winners are grinners.

TOEFL = Test of English as a Foreign Language. I am not English so I am the wrong person to help you with this, but I googled TOEFL and there are many websites about it. Perhaps you could try a little bit of internet searching for your queries.

She used to be here often, but has not posted since 1st December. Hope she is okay.

Look to the left of your screen right now for the link to FindAPhD.com - sounds like a good place to start to me.

Ooops.

For Coastman...

For Coastman...(heart)

Gifted child???? Far from it. My teachers and my parents tore their hair out over me for 11 years before I finally dropped out of high school. I pulled my socks up long enough to get into university only to do it all again a couple of years later by quitting six months before I should have graduated with a Pharmacy degree.

Six months being unemployed and on government benefits was enough to wisen me up (amazing what the influence and love of a good boy can do to a girl!) and I have been well behaved and studious since then.

Gifted? No chance. I did all the dumb-ass things parents pray their kids won't do. I am lucky my parents still talk to me.

Welcome back, Athina! So glad you are on the mend and back on the forum.

Too shocked to type....

Am defecting. Will post again when settled in Abu Dhabi.

You could ask him out for a McHappy meal!

Hang about, didn't you say you were with a guy and really liked him a couple of weeks ago? And now you are fancy pants for an 18 year old? Confused. Clarification please?