Final Hurdle - Positivity Needed!

[SarzWix]

I have 3 days (including today) to finish a 3000 word mini-dissertation for this year's OU module (Children's Lit). It's worth 50% of the mark, so quite important! The other 50% comes from continuous assessment, and I managed a good average for that, so would really like to keep it up! I'm flagging badly now though, got bunged up sinuses and my ribs hurt (costochondritis), and still have 1000 words to write and a major edit. I could cry

Please can I beg some virtual support, crossed fingers, prayers, whatever.

[Two_Sheds]

1000 words, you're nearly there: and you'll find the editing not so bad as writing from scratch.

I couldn't concentrate at home when I wrote mine (too noisy, too many distractions) so I used to go to Starbucks and nurse a coffee for 2 hours while I worked

[zazen999]

1 day to write it, one day to edit and one day to do your final final edit.

You always do this and then get excellent marks! Remember the excitement when you started the course?

Final heave ho Sarz - do it in 2 hour blocks with a cuppa in between [but don't stop if you are on a roll] and you will probably have it cracked by this afternoon.

[SarzWix]

It's been a bit of a weird one this time. The tutor I've had either didn't understand what I was writing (didn't know any theory, and tried to correct things like 'interpellate' into interpolate'!), or didn't agree with my argument, and my marks have been up and down like a yo-yo as a result. And my confidence is a bit, um, diluted? as a result. He won't be marking this one, but then I have no idea who will be... Plus I keep losing my thread, my sign-posting is all to pot, and I'm far from convinced that my argument is sound. *sigh*

I really don't want to fall at the last hurdle like I did last year - pass 1 for all the assignments and then pulled down to a pass 2 by the exam grade.

[Jeanied]

I'm sending some of my braincells through the ether to you Sarz!
They used to work OK.

Mind you I haven't tried using them for a good while now!

Try setting your timer and doing a stint at writing, then have a break for thinking, then the timer on for the next stint.

[lottie dolly]

first things first,{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}},a coffee,box of tissues,get it out your system,then start with the advice already given,you have come a long way thus far,YOU CAN AND WILL DO IT,everyone is allowed a little woble,what i always say when feeling realy down is,when you get to the bottom,the only way up is the top,in your case,think of it as a journey through a cannal tunnel,long and peacefull,suddenly you see a chinc of light in the distance,the end is in sight,and honour be thine,well done thus far,braver than i ever would be,X X

[zazen999]

It's been a bit of a weird one this time. The tutor I've had either didn't understand what I was writing (didn't know any theory, and tried to correct things like 'interpellate' into interpolate'!), or didn't agree with my argument, and my marks have been up and down like a yo-yo as a result. And my confidence is a bit, um, diluted? as a result. He won't be marking this one, but then I have no idea who will be... Plus I keep losing my thread, my sign-posting is all to pot, and I'm far from convinced that my argument is sound. *sigh*

I really don't want to fall at the last hurdle like I did last year - pass 1 for all the assignments and then pulled down to a pass 2 by the exam grade.

If you don't know who will mark it - then you can't second guess them...so remember the mantra:

Tell them what you are going to say - then say it - then remind them what you said.

Can't believe that a Uni tutor didn't know the difference between interpellate and interpolate - what a numpty! However, neither does my computer as a red line has appeared underneath. Sigh.

[donnakebab]

Lady Sarz, I shall take the stopper out at 10am, at noon and at 2pm.

Thou just needs to breath the air deeply in and rest for a few moments. Thy braincells shall tingle and the words will flow.

Stay calm and do not despair for we are all virtually in your aura and we shall embrace thee and give thee strength.

[veggiechicken]

When I had to do written work, I would sit down, relaxing music on CD on replay, so I didn't have to stop to change it, and work for a couple of hours. Then go for a walk, clear my head, and think about the next part of the assignment.. Plot it as I walked, come back, write it down and do the same again 2 hours later. I found that by taking myself out and away from the project I could come back to it afresh.
First thing is to get it written down. Come back to it cold and revise it, if necessary, tomorrow but don't get hung up on tweaking it, often your first thoughts are the best.
You can do it Sarah, we believe in you

[HeyWayne]

Sarz, if anyone can do this - it's you.

Zending posivibes your way.

Ooohhhhmmmm.

[bearded bloke]

Go on girl you can do it

[VirginVegGrower]

Coffee overload and no carbs/sugar. Somewhere quite and for every one word you write I'll be moving a brick in your honour...999 to go!

[zazen999]

Coffee overload and no carbs/sugar. Somewhere quite and for every one word you write I'll be moving a brick in your honour...999 to go!

Will be feeling both your pain today. If only I could help either of you...

[Nicos]

Well said HW!
Sarz you are a VERY capable gal and have always managed to pull out some of your best work when cornered...stay calm, deep breaths- and focus.
A wash of the hands and face and a bit of a stretch of the ol' back neck and limbs and a quick trot around the garden ( but NO deadheading/tugging of the odd weed though ) Quick slurp of chilled water, always helped for me.
Briefly look forward to Thursday when you are free to do other things...and focus.......

[VirginVegGrower]

Will be feeling both your pain today. If only I could help either of you...

You can once it's done Head down for all of us today, hey! Get some words down, I've just moved another 14 bricks...