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[iomhaigh]

They now reminisce about all the places that Dad took them while Mom was finishing her dissertation.

Ah - this brings back fond memories of coloring all over the drafts of my father's college papers when I was kid.  Dad would hand write them, mom would type them, and then we'd get the drafts to doodle on.  Good memories all around. 

Now, if only I could just sit and color on the drafts of my diss in something other than red ink!

Again, good luck all -- and maybe an editing session in crayons would help us all.  (Or maybe new shoes - I like that idea!)

[neniaf]

I can relate, only for me, it was not the defense that I put off, but turning in the final copy to the grad school, for which I managed to procrastinate for nearly two years AFTER the defense!  At one point
I looked at the deadline and realized that it was two weeks off,
triggering the only serious panic attack of my life.

After a seriously restless night (my roommate at the time said she couldn't understand why I was running around the apartment all night),
I called my advisor to make sure he would be there.  I then called my
employer and arranged to cover myself for that time period, after which
I made travel arrangements (I was already teaching out of town at the time).

The hotel room helped enormously.  Even if you can't afford it, I advise that you find the money somehow.  I made sure that no one was able to reach me - I called my parents regularly to make sure that they were okay, but never even told them that I was out of town.  I took time out for two hot baths a day, but otherwise did nothing but work until the job was done.

Interestingly, the department chair almost inadvertently tripped me up.   Nearly finished, I made an appointment with the Graduate School Dean to go over the final copy, the last step in the process (this was in the days when we typed dissertations, and they had to measure the margins and the like!).  Just as I was finishing up, the department chair walked into the room and wanted to show me some cool new way he had discovered of doing something, throwing the whole format off!  I had to call the Dean and ask for a few hours extension, which fortunately she granted me.  I hope never to have to go through anything like that again!

I wish you all the best with finishing, and realize that all of these people and their problems will be there to deal with when it is all over.  The next two weeks are yours.

[figee]

Bear in mind that you will be behaving strangely at this time.  Just before I submitted, I forgot how to speak English (worrying as it's the only language I do speak), and literally couldn't understand anything anyone said to me not directly related to my topic.  I also couldn't keep anything down except lime Doritos and sour cream.  Thankfully that only lasted a week.

Hang in there.

[mdwlark]

The SO could be competing with your diss for your attention.   Try explaining your dilemma at some calm time, as rationally as you can, without accusations or analysis of his/her behavior.  Acknowledge that you may have been a bit grouchy, and ask for patience as you get through the next two months.   Then disappear.

In my university's library, there was a section in the basement dedicated to map storage.  It had map cabinets, study carrels, and long tables for spreading out the maps.  Almost no one went there, and since it was in the basement, there was no through traffic.   I camped out there a lot.   The hotel room sounds better.   Warning, cheap motels can be worse than home--noisy and depressing.   I made that mistake once.  Go to a fairly nice place. 

     

[sylvie]

Bear in mind that you will be behaving strangely at this time...I also couldn't keep anything down except lime Doritos and sour cream.  Thankfully that only lasted a week.

Hang in there.

Lol!  Mine is brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts.  Hence my question & answer in the "bit of fun" topic.

Things are progressing. It looks like I will be done by next Monday and my loved ones haven't disowned me yet.

All of your encouragement and advice has been WONDERFUL!  Thanks, everyone.

Any advice for the defense?

[figee]

Sylvie,

Sorry for not checking back earlier.  My advice for the defense is based on my experiences in Britain at my viva, so other posters' experiences may be more relevant.  The best advice I was given was to relax and try to enjoy yourself.  It's about the only time in your academic career where you have (theoretically) a group of people, all of whom have read YOUR work closely and who are gathered to discuss it and you. 

The night before my viva, I was staying with a friend.  She came into my room at 2am (I was awake and anxious), got me out of bed, told me a group of students had been evacuated from their dorms (she was a warden) and did I feel like helping her sort out beds, blankets and chocolate.  So that's what I did.  It beat lying awake worrying!

Also, really liked that answer in the 'bit of fun'...

Good luck

Fi

[dr_crankypants]

I agree with figee.  You may not be able to believe that the defense will be fun, but it is a great opportunity.  You actually do have several good scholars who have read your work and have dedicated a couple of hours to talking to you about it.  Don't focus so much on trying to "pass"--in most places, by the time you get to the defense, that's pretty much a foregone conclusion--but think about how you can get good comments, feedback, and suggestions that will help you revise your work in the future (assuming you're in a field in which the dissertation doesn't just disappear into the college library).  Once you're out of grad school, you have to beg people for that kind of advice!! 

I would definitely relax before the defense too!

[figee]

 

I would definitely relax before the defense too!

I would add to this that the relaxation (or distraction) of the type I just described might not work for everyone...  :-)

Ddr_crankypants reminded me of something else though.  When I went through, one of the supervisors came in with me and took notes throughout.  So I have a written record of what my examiners and I discussed which has been really helpful for publication and stuff.  I've been told that having a supervisor in is no longer allowed, but its definitely worthwhile investigating the possibility of having someone in there writing furiously.

[figee]

Apologies to dr_crankypants for the inadvertant misspelling of the moniker in the above post.  My typing is all over the place today!

[econ_anon]

Apologies to dr_crankypants for the inadvertant misspelling of the moniker in the above post.  My typing is all over the place today!

DDR Crankypants-- the dancing sensation

[cactus]

Hi OP -- I just wanted to second John Proctor's advice: reset your clock.  Writing at night is wonderful, and this may be the last time you can do it.  If you try this option, be sure to take advantage of sunrise.  I used to take a walk around the block just as the sun was coming up.  Then I would come home and work for a few more hours and then go to be bed about an hour before my roommate woke up.

Stay hydrated, and don't go to crazy with caffiene.  Put your e-mail on autoresponse and put a "I'll get back to you after the defense" message on your voicemail.

The people close to you won't really understand why you're being so strange.  You can't worry about that now.  All will be forgiven once you are finished and back to normal.

Good luck!!!

[sylvie]

I defend my dissertation tomorrow!  Let me tell you, if I can get this far, anyone can.  I'll write back if I pass.  Now I have to get back to work being nervous and tinkering with my powerpoint.  Wish me luck!

[grad_geek]

Good luck on your defense, Sylvie!!  I can't wait to hear all about it when you write back to tell us you passed.

[figee]

Good luck!!!  I'm hoping the positive thoughts aren't coming too late!  Hoping you stay positive and have some fun with it!

Let us know,

Fi (sitting with fingers and toes crossed as she types)