Claire's blog

I’ve moved to Ireland now, but haven’t been posting as I don’t yet have internet access in my apartment – lovely though it is in every other way. But I’ve come back to England for the last few days for my viva (which was on Thursday). It was scary and nervewracking, and took 2 and 3/4 hours before they asked me to step out of the room while they considered their verdict, but I PASSED. So once I’ve made a few corrections, and been to the graduation ceremony in December, I get to put Dr. in front of my name!

I popped by my old lab after the viva to let them know the good news, but it had gone on too long and there were only a couple of people still at work. But a card and present had been left for me from everyone in the lab, along with an invite to meet them for lunch the next day, and my supervisor had a bottle of wine for me. Once I got home Mum and Dad had cooked a lovely meal (with chips!!!), and had a bottle of champagne waiting for me. The next day Rob was a little angel, and drove me back to Manchester so that I could have a drink with my meal. It was great to see everyone, and catch up with what they’ve been up to since June when I submitted my thesis.

Once we got back from Manchester we went out to the cinema last night to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I wondered what I’d think of it, but I loved the film.

Finally, I’m off out tonight with a few of the Notts Goddesses to celebrate new job and finishing PhD (although it’s lashing it down at the moment, and we’re supposed to meet in Market Square in about 40 min!), before getting on a plane back to Galway tomorrow.

I should have an internet connection in a couple of weeks, so I’ll be able to post some of the pictures of the beautiful beaches I’ve been revising my thesis while sitting on 😀