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[dr_prephd]

Yay, GRH!

Mine is also in the hands of the committee; defense coming soon. I did a ton of substantive revisions (suggested by the committee) prior to handing it in; however, I've still got a ton of more minor ones to go. I'm hoping that already tackling the most major things will eliminate any serious concern on the defense date.

[westcoastgirl]

Almost done. Here, they don't nag or care. They prefer to have us stay as long as possible.

[westcoastgirl]

I finished the draft of my last chapter this morning. When I say draft, I mean that I probably have five full days ahead and then some, but I'm on track to finish in May and it's looking more and more like I can depend on that.

[lohai0]

After this week I will be halfway through data collection and 2 weeks from being done with my proposal.

[egilson]

Earlier today, I realized what I need to do in my final chapter. It was one of those "Aha!" moments in which the component sections, some newly written and some developed from previous work, that I've been mentally yanking about and stacking into various unstable combinations finally shook themselves, glared at me in disgust, and lined up in what is the obviously proper arrangement that I was previously failing to see. I outlined that chapter and printed all the previous ones so that I can read them over the next few days in preparation for writing. This may be the last piece of in-depth research I ever do, so I had better enjoy it (after I enjoy the rest of the day with doing laundry and eating papadums).

[lohai0]

Earlier today, I realized what I need to do in my final chapter. It was one of those "Aha!" moments in which the component sections, some newly written and some developed from previous work, that I've been mentally yanking about and stacking into various unstable combinations finally shook themselves, glared at me in disgust, and lined up in what is the obviously proper arrangement that I was previously failing to see. I outlined that chapter and printed all the previous ones so that I can read them over the next few days in preparation for writing. This may be the last piece of in-depth research I ever do, so I had better enjoy it (after I enjoy the rest of the day with doing laundry and eating papadums).

Your post made me smile. I did my major proposal revision today-not nearly so enjoyable.

[mantis]

Almost done. Here, they don't nag or care. They prefer to have us stay as long as possible.

Totally agree.  My professor talked about setting up a defense date but I still have three more chapters to go.  Was my professor simply trying to make me feel good?

[asteria]

I was going to congratulate someone, but I lost the thread..

[westcoastgirl]

Earlier today, I realized what I need to do in my final chapter. It was one of those "Aha!" moments in which the component sections, some newly written and some developed from previous work, that I've been mentally yanking about and stacking into various unstable combinations finally shook themselves, glared at me in disgust, and lined up in what is the obviously proper arrangement that I was previously failing to see. I outlined that chapter and printed all the previous ones so that I can read them over the next few days in preparation for writing. This may be the last piece of in-depth research I ever do, so I had better enjoy it (after I enjoy the rest of the day with doing laundry and eating papadums).

My advisor made me submit a super detailed outline for my final chapter. It took hours and hours, but I'm glad I did that.

[kangaroo]

I started writing my dissertation today. Two paragraphs was all I could muster as I'm still doing research. My adviser said "at that rate, you'll be out of here in a year!" Wah wah wah.

[indirectquote]

Congrats to all who have gotten close to defending or who have defended since I last visited (quite a while ago)! I think I'll try the super detailed outline idea when I start on my next chapter - it sounds really useful, if painful. I'm not so good at structuring my chapters and this seems like a good way to avoid so much revision.

I've been battling some pretty bad depression since around Christmas, and consequently I'm finding it really hard to get anything done. This is all the more frustrating to me as things are, on paper, going pretty well - article accepted, useful new archival material found, diss (kinda) taking shape and getting positive feedback. My newfound penchent for procrastination is not going to help things to KEEP ON going well. The work is piling up. Sigh. 

[dr_prephd]

IDQ, hang in there.

[edmonddantes]

I've been battling some pretty bad depression since around Christmas, and consequently I'm finding it really hard to get anything done.

IDQ, keep up the good work and remember that there is a world outside, too. 

Sorry to hear that you're struggling right now.  I can imagine that it is very difficult to get any work done.  Again, sorry.

You're not alone, though.  A lot of Chronicle articles and posts on the fora discuss depression in grad school.  Last Summer was an especially low point for me personally.  Do you see a therapist?  Or do you have a support group, academic or otherwise?

Feel better (if that's an appropriate phrase) and keep doing as much work as you can muster.

[lohai0]

Sending good thoughts to everyone. In two more interviews I am halfway done with data collection. I will even officially file the defended revised proposal in the next few weeks. I think I am starting to see a glimmer of light at the end.

[promovenda]

Sending good thoughts to everyone who has reached milestones or who might be struggling.

I turned in my new complete dissertation draft last week. (This is the second full draft - the procedure here is that the adviser has about a month to read it and give me feedback. The adviser may demand further drafts. When the adviser approves it, it can go to the committee, who are not involved until then. Then, they have a certain number of weeks. Eventually, the defense date is set. After 6 years, I am so ready to be done!)

Whoo hoo!