Look I know its ages away and we're so far up our own do-dahs most of the time that life outside PhD, Masters etc doesn't exist .. but my mother's asked me what I want for Christmas (gift) and I have no idea.

Now... i don't expect you to know what i have already.. but i want to be sensible and ask Santa for something that will help me in the final six months of my PhD.. and don't say vodka :p . was there a piece of software, a book or a thingy that helped you ?

what are you lot asking for, if its suitable for public viewing ?

(sprout)

I'm hoping for a new phone (either an iphone or a Samsung Galaxy s - can't decide which - there's some aps for the iphone that relate to my PhD - yes honestly but I think the Galaxy is probably a better phone) and a Pandora bracelet so I cna collect teh charms (my daughter already has one)

I only want one thing for Xmas - my thesis done. It's just a pity that it's like buying your own present, since no-one else can do it for you.

possibly a nice fake fur jacket I've seen in M&S, if they have any left

I had a thought of something that I might find useful and wondered if anyone had any advice please.

Software to create graphics, simple graphics like clip art / cartoon style - nothing fancy, a stick man is beyond me artistically.

Anyone know which software is best ?    Adobe, corel draw - so they do this sort of thing or are they all whizzy photo editing etc .

ta, and have a good day.  Chuff

the thing i most want for Christmas is a rest

I started the year grafting to try and get thesis in, finshed thesis a month into my new job with no holiday. Had four days off at easter, a day off for my viva, one day off to go to the cricket, and a week off in August, it's now nearly November and i'm knackered and looking forward to having all that time off to do nothing but sleep, eat and watch old movies

I'll have a passed viva for xmas (hopefully).. other than that nice warm socks are good to have during the long colds nights sat at a computer!

I have thought about a trade with Santa this year.. if he gives me an x box he can have justin bieber as one of his elves.