Hi everyone! Have done absolutely nothing for over a week and must get something done! So far have sat at desk and looked at facebook and heatworld and now thinking time for lunch and Neighbours :$. Ahh! Oh, might try that tomatoes timer thingy - have a presentation coming up and a paper to make final changes to but am feeling bit too pottery about the house and play with the dog. Right - goal 1: make changes to paper and send to sup. Goal 2: make plan for rest of week. But a girl can't work on an empty stomach...

"Significant" is one of my favourite words as it means it worked!
Z
ps Although did just write - significant shit - rather than - significant shift. Might be time to go home...

Done! Although did get very distracted by watching corrie on itv player and Grazia magazine. Off to slap some bronzer on peely-waley phd face and go to pub quiz. Hope everyone had good day!

Good morning! Right *rolls up sleeves*! My plan is:

Morning: make stylistic changes suggested, on draft of paper
Afternoon: recheck data and results section

Just have another wee cup of tea first...

Hi Eska,
Tricky situation - maybe you could complain to your friend about your aunty and how she gives you unsolicited advice and how this makes you feel? Sort of an indirect approach - not sure if would work. Interesting to see if she gives you advice to how to deal with unsolicited advice :)

Like this thread! :) Think the polka dot outfit sounds good - formal and fashionable. Totally agree with everyone about Bravissimo - when I'm no longer a student and can afford it, I will have a very well-fitting wardrobe...sigh. Oh, and lots of luck Sneaks!

Hi Ems84,
Totally know where you're coming from! I'm not sure if you've heard of academia.edu? It's a site where students/ staff of universities post their research interests and a bit about themselves. Some universities use it more than others but it's worth a try. Might be a way to meet other phd students as you can follow people/ send people messages - bit like Twitter/ Facebook, I suppose. Good luck ;-)

Thanks very much! (up)

Hi all!
I'm running into difficulty trying to copy and paste tables from SPSS output into Word - creates huge tables with the headings all out of alignment. Any advice?
Thank-you!
Z

Tell her to sort out an out of office automated reply to e-mails when away! Last time I met with my sup I took my diary and asked when he'd be available and when away over the next couple of months. We then arranged next couple of meetings and alerted 2nd sup to when I might be contacting her in his absence. Just made life easier for all concerned!

Oh man, that is really awkward! You have my sympathy and no wonder your work is suffering as a result! I know it might seem that having your sister in that position might seem negative but is there any way that could turn into a positive? I would normally suggest keeping a diary but as you said the language issue makes that a problem but there may still be issues you could keep a note of. Perhaps the post doc is not coping with his work load and taking the stress out on others (completely unacceptable and unprofessional!). Is your supervisor aware of what's going on? Is there someone like a student rep or head of PHd who you could discuss the situation with? Sorry I can't be of more help and do hope the situation becomes better for you. Good luck!

Hi Akui,
Good luck with your decision! It does sound like Leeds is the forerunner for you in terms of supervisor. However, I did giggle at the image of Glasgow that was portrayed by another poster. That's really outdated. It now is full of poseurs 8-). I'm not even going to launch into a full defence (as have phd to write :-) ). The University of Glasgow is in the top 1% of universities world-wide and please google image the main building and the cloisters - built in 1451 and completely enchanting. Anyway, that's me off to get my deep fried Mars Bar...sigh....

You're awful nice you lot - really cheered me up! Work from home and don't really know anyone (friends or family) doing a Phd so had been using this forum to find out what it's like. Felt like was at the bottom of a mountain all ready for the ascent and see other climbers talking about how hard-going it was and back-pack started to feel a bit heavy (if that's not taking the metaphor too far :-) ). Am totally not taking away from the forum being an excellent place to vent and get support - imagine will be doing exactly that over next few years! But great as a newbie (although am 36 - ahh!) to hear some positive tales too. Thanks again!

Cheers KB - that's quite inspiring! (up).

Hi! first of all, I think this forum is great and love how supportive and helpful everyone is! I've used this as well to air problems and got some nice feedback. Looking through the posts though I've started to become really aware of all the downsides to taking on a Phd (am just starting out) and would love to know the upsides so to speak :-). What have been the positive experiences for you as a Phd student?