How is everyone this week? What are your plans?

A question: do you think its OK to use '&' instead of 'and' in headings? Some of my headings in the contents page are going on double lines and its harder to follow.

Proof reading is the worst! Good luck with it all, at least you can take that outside with you and enjoy the sunshine! Well, if you're terrible like me and print it out haha. I just don't spot typos on the screen so sort of had to. Double sided and four pages on each sheet though to minimise the damage!

I'm just waiting for my viva date now. It'll be a month on Monday since I submitted and nothing, I wonder if this is normal...

Hugh- this is exactly what I am doing :) currently on chapter 2 of 10. I dreaded this part BUT I am actually finding it quicker than I anticipated. I set myself 2 weeks per chapter, and the current chapter I am working on is looking as though it will be completed by the end of this week. Also, I am surprisingly finding it quite straight forward to cut down my word count focusing on one chapter at a time. I didn't plan on chopping any from the chapter I am currently working on but just by making my wording more concise and eliminating paragraphs that do not seem as relevant, I have got rid of 2000 words!

Chickpea- Oh yes definitely. I had a rubbish day yesterday... I had a coffee with someone to discuss PhD related stuff, then mustered a tiny paragraph of work in 6 hours. I think learning when to put the work down for a few hours is important. When I have a dip in productivity now I go and do something else, even if its some laundry or washing the dishes :)

Hugh - Yes, we have that 30-month rule too. If I hear nothing by the end of the week I'll send the chair an email. I just want it to be over!! I'm actually working, got a research associate position at the same uni where I did (do) my PhD. Been here a few months, had to finish the thesis while working which wasn't the easiest. Really just want to move on now and focus on the new research I'm doing! Starting to prepare for the viva now as well after a wee break.

Chickpea - Yes! I definitely struggled! If I'm perfectly honest for me it was a sort of a 'meh, I don't even care anymore' feeling haha. Got a bit of a second wind once I'd complied it all into one document though. It finally felt 'real' and then I just wanted to get it off my hands asap so that motivated me. Good luck with the chapter!

I hope you hear back soon tuutikki, that must be frustrating.

I am applying for jobs and I kind of feel similarly- that I just want the PhD done and to focus completely on a job. Your comment to Chickpea is also very encouraging! I hope I get a second wind :)

Finally starting to be productive again. A little behind my planned schedule but on course for a full draft of the thesis by the end of the month. Have a big weekend of work ahead but feeling good about what I'm writing and editing. Will update again soon - more for my own accountability than anything! :)