I've had a few colleagues do this kind of project and I know that losing time in the early setting-up phase is very common. They have had problems usually in liaising with local staff/helpers e.g. interpreters or local institutions. Paperwork is often tortuous especially is you need to ship items in or out. A friend of mine had some problems with her interview questions - she didn't feel she had chosen the best set for the purpose and tried going back but it is very difficult to retrace and add in information with this kind of study. On the other hand - you will always look back and think you could have done things differently and better. I suppose you just have to keep in mind what your minimum information set is likely to be and can you get that. If you don't, would it be possiblet to go back again? That does often happen. Your supervisor may not have a clearer view than you as you probably have more specialised knowledge of your topic/region.

PhD related:
1 The big one - submit and be DONE!
2 Get 2-3 publications at least in press.
3 Work on a grant proposal for a post doc, but probably to submit 2010.
4 Look into some teaching for next year.

Other:
1 Lose the 8 lbs I put on last year.
2 Exercise more.
3 Drink less.
4 Make sure my daughter can do all the things for herself she needs to be able to do when she starts school.
5 Play the piano again (I say this every year...).

Gosh Speigelboy - if I can just manage another 1000 words before NY I will be mightily pleased;-)

PhDbug - I was an only child with a dog sibling. He died in my third year undergrad - I tried to get home in time but didn't make it :-(

Sending tea and sympathy..

Oh Olivia that is really sad about your dog.

When I first sat down to work today I really felt like I had no idea what I should be doing. Then I got a folder of papers out and just started reading though and writing into a chapter and a notes file. My aim is to get 1000 words out per session but I downed tools after 950. I need 20,000 more words by end Jan plus some tables and revisions. I think the break was good for me.

My husband and I are taking turns going to the cinema. He went to 'The day the earth stood still' last night so now it's my turn (no chance of a baby sitter at this time of year). Can't decide if I want to go to the same one or something else. Anyone else going to the cinema?

Back working today. I've written 700 words!! I am a GODESS:-x

My 3 yr-old is home all day now so I don't expect to get anything done until I can persude dh to take her out for the day after Xmas. Must be something about Xmas - even I'm going to meet up with an ex over the holidays too! All my ex's have remained good friends. Just waiting now for another friend to arrive with their kids - can't wait then mine will have some other playmates and give me a break. The constant refrain in this house is 'Is it Xmas yet?' and 'Can I have another sweetie?'. Must really get down to work though after Xmas - Jan deadline is going to be tight.

It's very common to apply for funding after starting, in fact some funding bodies make you prove every year that you have applied for any alternative funding possible (mine does - and every year I resend the email explaining that there is no other possible funding...).

Very unlikley. I think if you didn't get into this kind of stuff in your first-second yr undergrad it is even less likley that you will as a postgrad.

I feel your pain. I was looking forward to a break over Xmas after finishing a first draft (even though I know it needs a ton more work). But I need my revised draft completed by end Jan and it's going to be very tight. My husband is going to be just thrilled..........

Pity me! I have a complete draft deadline to my supervisor tomorrow morning! Then i'll finish my Xmas shopping in the afternoon and down tools over the holidays.

Congratualtions!

Oh I could waste hours on there. I've seen some of the stuff before. Scroll down to the '9 types of principal investigator'. Which one is your supervisor? Mine is a Demi-God, and yes, I very rarely actually see him and then it's short.

Well done Stressed! I was so excited when I got my MPhil - but I think I'll just be in a stupa when I finally get my PhD....

I did my first degree at UCL. Great location in London - loved it. Living expenses might be high though.

If you know who the panel members might be - google their work. That will also give you some idea of where there questions are likley to come from. Do a quick search and see if there is anything new published on you preferred topic areas.