One month and a few days and my thesis will be handed in.  It’s weird how concentrating for so long on one topic can make your brain go a bit loopy - I’ve noticed lately I’ve turned into a bit of a ditz when it comes to everyday stuff, my hand-writing has become increasingly small and tense looking, and I’m turning into a grumpy old man.

I was asked yesterday to give a talk to the current undergraduates who are considering taking an honours year next year - it was really hard to put a positive spin on something that I know many people don’t handle too well.  Half of this year’s class has dropped out or changed their load to part-time; those that are still full-time (like me) have quit jobs, lost boyfriends/girlfriends, had falling-outs with friends and family, developed stress-related illnesses, and so forth.  As Geoff put it yesterday, “It’s the most intense year of your academic career - you’re expected to write around 35,000 words in total in a very short amount of time, and it’s expected to be of a first class standard… so really have a good think about your own life and whether you’re ready to make that sacrifice.”

Having said that, I could honestly say to the undergrads that while it is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, I am incredibly proud of myself for being almost finished - ‘no pain, no gain’ has become a bit of a motto.

Anyway, I promise that once the thesis is handed in (25th October) I’m going to be back to normal… at least for a week, after that I’m leaving the country!!