Erie:
From someone who's survived a defense, lemme just say it's not going to be as bad as you expect. I dont predict that you'll believe me, I certainly didn't believe those that came before me, but hopefully soon enough, you'll see that it's the truth. My advisor and I HATED each other by the time I defended, I was shaking in my boots. Minutes prior to my defense the two of us were in the hallway, alone, walking towards each other and he didnt say A WORD to me. Grrr. Anyhow, he was disgustingly polite during the defense, and actually passed on the second round of questions!
A couple of tips if I may? You are never going to cram the details of your thesis into your presentation. The presentation is a brief overview of the blood sweat and tears you've poured into this over the last however many years. They have your thesis and your question period for details, so keep that presentation short and sweet. And as for the question period... this is your mantra "Nobody knows this topic as well as me." Honestly hon, YOU'RE the one that is the expert on this stuff. All the other so-called experts in the room are experts in different (albeit related) areas. Do NOT let them intimidate you. You are an ASKicker, let them hear you roar (or at the very least import Ben ASAP).
For what it's worth, I wholeheartedly believe the theory that Ottis has suggested ... and honey, I know that you've spent nearly every last cent you have on surviving the writing/printing your thesis, but if they wont cover the cost of the delivery, pay to have it delivered. If you have exhausted potential options and still not received your Rx, try the ER. I'm worried about the pain and the potential for any type of withdrawal...
Listen you, go rest up. Being an expert takes a lot of energy
Give 'em h-e-double hockey sticks, or at the very least, like my favourite relative says - give em turkey.
Not that you'll need it, but it's the 'right' thing to say: Good luck, break a leg and other assorted sayings of well wishes
I'll be thinking of you.
sign me,
defended-and-lived-to-tell-the-tale-wishing-you-all-things-good-and-a-rocking-party-afterwards
(jeanna)
PS - If you're sober enough to post anytime before Friday, I'll be sorely disappointed
