Thanks Scienceihard. Hope the iron sups help. You are right, the monthly deadlines make me worry all the time. i guess its the fear of not being able to deliver plus the pressure of  trying to produce the work and you do worry more when you are not able to work as much. Terrible business. I went jogging this eve, feeling a bit better! I just have to shift this. Thanx Juno. its rather comforting to know someone was feeling the same and got past it. Perhaps we need to understand a bit more about how our bodies work, the phases and processes they go through as we get on with the business of balancing competing claims. I suppose Olivia you have a point - understanding one's body is important.

I have also been feeling extra tired and with very little motivation for the past couple of days; an aching body plus a wonky sense of taste. the other day i literally went to bed at 8:30 pm only to wake up the next day feeling a wee bit refreshed though that feeling didn't last for long. Am still not sure what's wrong with me. the whole of last week i was just neither here nor there - told myself this week come rain -come thunder i have  to pull myself together because i am working on monthly deadlines. Today I got up early, cleared my desk and sat down... managed to read a couple of policy docs and jot down some notes. The tiredness is still very present, been eating well as usual though I've been having mild stomach upsets. Am thinking maybe its the change in weather or there is something inherently wrong with me. will see how i fair this weekend before i make an appointment to see the GP. scienceihard how are your iron levels? I know lack of iron does cause extreme tiredness and i since yesterday i have been popping some iron sups as am just thinking that I might just be having a shortfall.

count me in for Saturday...

saturday a good day for me ... don't know what others think???? would pick london as am already based there!

thanks R, had to get up at 7am as i had a class to teach at 9!!!!! going to bed right now though...

Absolutely zonked, to bed i stagger...!!!

thanks, i just have to stop reading threads NOW!!! what a force of destruction and yet so enabling.

Just checking if anyone is slaving tonight.... I have a chapter due Tuesday 1st thing in the morning and i can barely keep my eyes open. Doing some last minute tweaking. I am feeling soooo sleepy, its been a tough day. Anyhow am giving myself the next 2 hours to finish off, email it and go to bed.

soo soorrrry but am going to sound a bit ruthless- Am utterly surprised that you have so much time and energy to put up such a lengthy thread! I agree with what others have been saying in response - no need to get obsessed about the brand. if you as as good, in due course you will to be prove yourself. I hate to say this, but you remind me of vain colleague of mine you left our department for another at a different university on the basis of stupid league tables, only to discover that all that glitters isn't gold. Forget it and get on with your work: -s

Tsipat is supposed to  be writing a chapter on partnerships in international development but is out of steam, just washed her hair and is planning to watch Note Book on channel 4 @9pm!

Hi Sillysally. A big hug to you. do take heart. the writing up process is a long process with mnay things to revisit. Take a positive step by asking what needs attention and how it can be improved. I recently started writing up and i am finding it hard, cant even dream of the day when i will have to submit a first draft as it were. sometimes i feel good and sometimes terrible especially after handing in a chapter - which is usually torn apart. Take a little break like a day of feel good movies ( i usually do)  and pick things up with your supervisor. thing is you have to positive and brave about the criticism you get.
Wishing you well

thanks Adam

Out of curiosity I have just been trying to go to forum's facebook group.. tried googling it with no luck... where is it exactly????

go easy... casual, i never bother much when going for seminars and conferences ...i usually put on whatever makes me feel good and decent... and its always never formal.