I can't do it!!!!!!!!

[Lazylou]

That's it, I am throwing a mini tantrum. I just cannot do this dissertation and it is driving me crazy. I am too unorganised, haven't done enough reading despite having tons of books, journals and articles, and I don't know where to start .

This is the only quiet time I get to do my work and instead of sitting concentrating, I am playing stupid internet games, dossing on MN and generally getting waylaid.

Apart from that, my subject is really boring, although the most exciting out of a bad bunch. I don't know where to start and haven't got much time left.

Alcohol normally helps me through these dark nights lol, but as I am pg, I can only make do with a cup of tea which isn't really giving me the ability to write a load of passable rubbish.

There's notes everywhere and despite my best efforts to keep them seperate but together, they are taking over the house. I just can't do it.

Thanks for listening

lol SS. I am doing Early Years Childcare and Education and my dissertation is:

The role of the outdoor area of a private day nursery setting in supporting and promoting the imaginative play of children aged three and four years old.

Boooooooring.

I have been following your dissertation posts with interest but you seem to be doing so well!

You are going to think I am really, really pathetic but it is 5000 words and the hand in date is 2nd March. But... even though it is only little, I have got three other assignments going in within days of each other all at 2000-3000 words.

My email address is: [email protected]

I would be ever so grateful if I could have a look at it might just save me tearing my hair out!

Hi Lazylou

AM in a similar situation. Got to write 3 chaps (5K, 7K and 10K ) by 1 Mar

A good tip to get started is to think of the subheadings, set them up as a template on your computer and add in notes to the sections as you read. Then its a case of going over and writing up the different sections. Don't forget to set up the references at the start and put them in as you go along. Its a real PITA to have to track back to find where you got that good quote from.

Good luck and make use of the word count- its my salvation!!

Sunnylabsmum x

sally- can I have a butchers at your critiquing grid also? pretty please???

Thanks Sunnylabsmum. I did the headings thing and showed it to my supervisor who then went ahead and rubbished the whole thing so I had to start again and it seems a bit better now.

Thanks for sending that Sally. It looks really complicated but I'm sure I can adapt it. Thanks also for the links/references to research books. I am really going to pull my finger out and get on with it!

Tiredemma, what are you doing (course etc..)?

sorry to hear that your tutor is not supportive. I had this problem with a past tutor who told me to change loads. Like the dutiful student I did as she commanded and then she returned my draft actually changing her changes!! Was so pleased when she left and I got my old tutor back who is really supportive and boosts my confidence no end.

when I feel fed up with writing I set myself little rewards, like do another 250 words and have a (bar of chocolate, cup of coffee, walk with the dog, etc)

Good luck- thinking of you (Yes I should be doing some of my writing up now, but its a planned reward time as I wrote 200 words this morning, although whether they are the right 200 words is debatable!!)

hi sal- its elw662 at bham dot ac dot uk

thanks- my research assignment is due in on march 3rd and i feel like vommiting everywhere

Well, Dh took DD out for the afternoon so I am sat here on MN doing my work. I'm just going to go for it now. I've got all my books around me and it's just a matter of keeping on top of it all. Your grid is fantastic SS so thanks !