Despite Wally's attempts to lower the tone (beyond gutter, he went straight to sewer level it seems) I feel the evening went fairly well. Sorry about your jacket Eska, hopefully the producers will pay for a spot of dry cleaning. I'm slightly embarassed that my beard collection was spotted, perhaps one to confess in the "guilty pleasures" thread that.

Is there anyone left to serve? It's at least two hours since lunch and I'm hungry!

I don't think you're being especially naive Someone3, to be honest we're all in the same boat when it comes to these things! It sounds as if you're well suited to the post and that you've already got your name in the PIs mind (always a good thing). I don't think you can do any more except play the waiting game now. It's true that so much is dependent on luck (how many applicants they have, HR policies etc) but I hope it works out for you :-)

Louisa, I take it you don't have that confirmation from before in writing? If it's a large amount it would be worth fighting your corner (after all they OK'd it before you bought and you shouldn't be left out of pocket).

I don't know about ESRC but with some funding they specify that the student must be reimbursed within 'x' weeks. Might get round the usual delay they apply to all student claims.

Hi Bawd

I'm afraid you're way outside my subject area so I really couldn't comment on your prospects. Congratulations on the offers from Surrey and La Trobe though! You will know best what you think of the supervisors at each institute, do consider this well because it will have such an impact on your PhD. As for scholarships - could one of the supervisors who's accepted you offer advice or help with this? Or if you've already applied, I'm afraid it really is just a waiting game, you sound very well qualified so best of luck!

Mlis you've done so well, you should be proud of yourself for fighting back like this! I had a year off during my undergrad for mental health problems and I know how terrifying it can be to try and rebuild your life, the am dram sounds like a fantastic idea (and so brave!).

The frustrating thing is that if you'd had a physical illness and come back from it, everyone would be openly patting you on the back and trying to help, with mental illness though I think people often just don't understand. It could be that your supervisor has backed off because she felt frustrated and unable to help you, she may be at a loss for how to handle things. Not that that excuses her behaviour (bottom line, you have done nothing wrong and she ought to be helping you) but it might help you to understand that her reaction really does say more about her than you.

I'd second everyone's suggestions, demand a meeting with her and be really upfront. Explain how bad you were health-wise and highlight the steps you've taken to get back on track now you're better. Detail what you've done recently (such as the data analysis) and explain where you're going with the project next. Could you maybe even prepare a work chart to show how you see your schedule panning out with the proposed part time study? I'd hope that if you go in with a constructive plan your supervisor will rally and get back on your side.

Is there maybe someone in student support who you could go to to check out the regs regarding extensions and so on? They may also be able to advise you on what to do if your supervisor does continue to shirk her responsibilities. Hopefully you won't need their intervention but it might be reassuring to know there's someone to help fight your corner.

Keep us posted :-)

Agree with the other comments, writing is good and RA type work even better. I don't even have an MSc but my year in industry was sufficient to get me PhD offers. If you really want to do this then don't give up!

Argue I shall Wally, if not for points then solely so I can upbraid you for being such a shocking dinner guest! Leaving the food, criticising my helpful signs, and then vomiting on the trampoline - what kind of philistine are you? And I thought you were such a nice boy.

The road signs are on a private road, so no harm to the council. The salmon is of course sustainable (and supports the local economy), and the ducks are free range and delicious. And if you hadn't been mine-sweeping mine and sneak's wine glasses you wouldn't feel so sick! We practically had to glue them to our hands to get so much a sniff of that nice sauvignon.

Hi Laurien

Well, if you're certain you want out of this phd regardless, you could always quit before the interview, but that might be a bit drastic.

I agree it doesn't look great to say you're currently in a phd and yet applying to others, but if they don't know (and your supervisor isn't a referee) it may not even come up. If it does then I guess all you can do is tell the truth; that your project was taken away and you're not happy with it's replacement, and hence have been looking to make a move to something that fits with your research interests. Highlight that you've been looking for something better suited and that this new opportunity is ideal for you. I'd also emphasize that your current supervisor knows you were considering transfer, and that you've merely been trying to complete work on a collaboration until such time as you could find a suitable replacement post.

I'll go next, can't see the faithful go hungry.

I'm inviting you to my delightful country cottage, set amidst snow-capped mountains and elegant pine trees. Fear not though, the roads are clear and you'll find your way with the helpful pink arrows I've painted on the road. Ahhh.

On entry there'll be a piper to welcome you to the house (set a few hundred yards back for the sake of your ear drums). My cat will most likely greet you, ignore her, she's not a waitress-cat and she's only after your dinner.

Before dinner I'll be serving amaretto sours, olives and miniature pepper tarts. Non-alcoholic beverages can be provided, albeit with a look of mild disdain.

Once we adjourn to the dining room (accompanied by the delicate musical tinkering of Belle and Sebastien) there will be a starter of Shetland smoked salmon with home-baked walnut bread (still warm) and caper creme fraiche. For vegetarians the salmon can be replaced with marinated sweet peppers. At this point cat-avoidance is crucial, she has been known to stage cunning decoys when smoked salmon is at stake.

Onto the main, Roast duck breast (served pink - no exceptions) with a bilberry sauce, creamy mash and leeks in white sauce. Vegetarians in this case can have my puy lentil moussaka.

Dessert will be rich chocolate puddings with rosewater sorbet and mint. Coffee, aged rum and petit fours will then be served for all who want, or a soothing range of herbal teas if you value your sleep. Anyone feeling too full is welcome to work it off on the trampoline in the garden, (but please, clear up your own mess if this backfires).

Oh dear Sneaks. Would hubby (and twilight) allow you an evening off to catch up? Sometimes find I can kick-start myself just by working at an unusual hour.

Well done Keepcalm. I know it being the ditcher always makes you feel like a heartless ice lady (does me anyway), but you've done the right thing. And hey, how could you be fairer? You gave him chances, you heard him out and now you've been honest - model datee I'd say! :-)

Now as Sneaks says, get going to that box of cocoa-filled true love :p

Damn! Betrayed by my luxuriant facial foliage yet again, I knew I should have worn a disguise.

@Sneaks - A crazy lady I may well be, but White Lightning? For shame Sneaks! How dare you tar my good name so.

I was "addicted" to reading as a child. To the extent that my school teachers tried to stop me.

No time this week though :-( I say enjoy your twilight sneaks, everyone needs little escapism.