Time to write.

Being a part time PhD student is a challenge when trying to juggle a demanding full time job and a life but finding 'pockets' of time always feels like a bonus and the Easter break is one of these. 5 full days to write and think and write ..... heaven ! 

For me it's not only been time over the last 6 years but also space, physically and in my life. In six years lots happens and so far I have been a single parent, waved a son off to Afghanistan for 6 months, met my husband and married, welcomed a son back, sent him off again to live in Australia and moved my daughter to Wales. Life doesn't stop for your PhD you have to work around it.  Friends soon recognise the 'gaps' you have in time and good friends know what to fill those gaps with. 
Connections via social media have developed for me over the past 6 years too, supportive forums, Facebook, Twitter have all had their place in cheering me on. 

So I'm in the writing phase and all that means ..... well all my empirical research is done! chapters have been drafted and it's re write time for some. 

So the light at the end of the tunnel is in clear view now and I just keep moving slowly towards it, allowing life to be good along the way. 
Nicky x

Blogging desert

I've been in a blogger desert for the past year so there is a fair amount to catch up on. being involved in a new blog for learning disability research and the associated Facebook page has reminded me how important this blog is. so for anyone new reading a very quick update:

Started at the beginning of my part time PhD journey the blog is a place for my musings and also to share the ups and downs of undertaking a PhD. 

I am now in my 6th year and the 'writing up' phase so please come back and have a look at my progress anytime and comments are always welcome. Nicky