Absolutely. Just back today after 3 weeks away (although one week was spent writing a paper). Feeling much refreshed.

In all honesty, there's never a good time to take a holiday, but take them you must. The break appears to have done me the power of good.

Big hug coming in from Sylvester...(caravan)

Ditto robber. At the end of the day it's your life and you should do what you want to do, not what pleases other people. I'm sure your supervisor will understand, if you tell them that this is what you want to do.

Yeah, spill the beans...

Thanks for asking. Back from a data collection season, so much to keep me going. How's 404?

..reporting for duty.

Dunno. Haven't seen him.

The winner takes it all.

Welcome on board! Don't worry too much at this stage about the apparent lack of work, the hard work starts later.

Some great ideas here, which I will take on board. Just a word of reassurance for you, motivation comes and goes. Sometimes you can't get going, other times you're really in the zone. Try the ideas above and see if you can kick start it.

One library for everything, otherwise you'll get lost in which database is which, duplication of references, the need to check more than one library etc.

You're probably just feeling isolated and therefore losing confidence and motivation. Talk to someone. If your supervisor is worth their salt they'll give you a pep talk to boost your confidence. Demand a meeting! Good luck - you'll get through this.

Like a history lesson this, god knows what we'll do after 2007. Anyway:

-December 22 - Afraid that Old Cairo would be captured by the Crusaders, its Caliph orders the city set afire. The city burns for 54 days.
-Prince Richard of England becomes duke of Aquitaine.He later becomes King Richard I of England.
-Emperor Takakura ascends to the throne of Japan
-King Valdemar I of Denmark conquers Arkona on the Island of Rügen, -the strongest pagan fortress and temple in Northern Europe.
-The Chinese write the first "movie script" on bamboo. The script is believed to not be inherent with a play, for imaginary events we now call "special effects" are inferred.
-King Sylvester IV on return from putting the fire out in Old Cairo, accidently discovers Belgium and appoints Prince TheCoastman (Duke of Cleethorpes) as Protector.

1160

- Eric IX of Sweden is succeeded by Karl Sverkersson. See Swedish monarchs.
- Heiji Rebellion in Japan
- Yasovarman II succeeds his uncle Dharanindravarman as ruler of the Khmer Empire. Dharanindravarman's son Jayavarman, acquieses to his cousin's succession and goes into exile in neighboring Champa.
- Spital am Semmering founded by Margrave Ottokar III of Styria
- The City of Tomar is founded in Portugal by Gualdim Pais
- Reynald of Chatillon is arrested
- Foundation of Derby School at Derby, England
- Sylvester Morgan IV becomes King of Idrisi

Unless I've been in denial all this time:

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) = Doctorate