Closing a book of four years...

I am absolutely exhausted. But proud. Not exactly "relieved". I am not just "happy it's all over". I am content. It's been a worthwhile four years, through much effort, pressure, stress and sacrifice.I've earned this PhD, this title of Doctor of Philosophy. And no, that doesn't make me a philosopher, but it makes me a Dr!

And although it's been a one woman's battle and many times I felt I was on my own, I really need to acknowledge the kind support and genuine interest from people around me.

My good old friends, who have always been there for me even though I had distanced myself for a while. To the great new friends that I made throughout these 4 years who filled my time in Cambridge with great memories and hope I can enjoy their friendship for longer. My colleagues who have been supportive and created a pleasant working environment. To my boss who knows how to get the most and best out of me by motivating me for science and pushing my "competitive" button. To all of those who by a little text or call or note have expressed their interest and support, it has brightened my long stressful days and given me an extra push. To my dearest parents who have been my scaffold to climb higher, without them I would be nothing. To my sweet sister who teaches me what unconditional love is and made my life brighter by bringing her little son into life, to those who are not around and are dearly missed but never forgotten, I know they would be so proud and happy for me, I wish I could share this moment with them. Eternally indebted and always grateful to all...

So what now? While I was at the binders waiting for my thesis to be prepared, I was enjoying a fresh juice and watching Wimbledon on TV...It felt good to be relaxed again...Ah, so this is what normal people do in the evenings...Wait a minute, that feels weird to me!

PhD thesis writing for dummies

My mess.  My desk, where I live and write for the past months.

Or, HOW TO WRITE UP AND COMPLETE A PHD THESIS SUCCESFULLY! 

Not in one night but many ones.

My top list consists of those necessary couldn't-have-made-it-without things below:

• Apple Mac G5 computer, connected to a Time Capsule (backing up automatically every hour) and 1 TeraByte external memory drive
• Extra memory sticks for quick transfer of files from the laptop to the main computer or other devices, such as a microscope
• Scientific data, or results, properly archived per date of experiment and project
• Starbucks Tall Latte coffee (alternate doses with Red Bull)
• Sandwich with chicken/mozzarella/spinach for lunch
• Isostar power drink for extra stimulation
• Favourite photos and articles from newspapers on the wall for extra motivation; visualize where you can go after the Thesis submission; have images of marathon runners to remind you of perseverance; or have a written note of your name followed by the title "Doctor"
• A lot of courage (not shown in the photo)

Good luck and keep strong,

PS. Follow the bread crumbs on the floor and you will find me under the pile of books !

Running the last mile in the a.m.

Just a brief update. For the last two weeks I have been going to bed at the earliest at 5 in the morning, sometimes even at 8am. I allow myself to sleep for 5 hours and then off to the lab again for another long night. I ve written up most of my Thesis (capital T, due to its importance and significance). Not been to gym, not out for a run, no drinks (which is good for health, but socially catastrophic)...

It is funny when in the early morning hours I take the bus to go back home from the lab, I get to see a different view of London, I had never had the chance to see before. When everyone else is asleep, it is all quiet out there, the buses are still running, the Royal Mail guys wearing their uniforms like soldiers waiting at bus stops to commute to work-sometimes they talk to each other just by identifying themselves by the common outfit- cleaners and newspaper delivery men already working, the sun is coming up, the pigeons are strolling around the streets to look for leftover food before the humans wake up...I am not the only one working these hours. With the only exception, when they finish they go for a good meal, a beer and a goodnights sleep, while I am still there writing up.

I should be finished soon though and I will be back to the land of the living. I was just wondering, due to overload of work, WHO IS GOING TO CRASH FIRST ME OR MY MACBOOK? We re both robust hardware with complex software running simultaneously, but who of the two of us, if any, make it to the finish unscathed? This bloody thing has already crashed a couple of times and it scares me it will die before we submit, gosh, these machines dont know the word perseverence...
Speak soon
K