I am writing this with an enormous sense of relief.

For the past two weeks, since I came back from Tokyo, I had been concentrating on editing my chapter, although it was a struggle and I had to ask my supervisors for a two-day extension. I finally submitted my work last night at 10 pm, even though I do not normally send any emails to my supervisors in the evenings. Soon after I sent it, I collapsed on the floor as if all of my physical and mental strength had gone!

The revision I made this time was really tough, because I needed to identify an essential theory from a broad range of concepts to support my arguments. It only means narrowing the focus of my paper, but it took a considerable amount of time and effort to read, write and link to my points.

But, my effort towards this revision paid off! My supervisors’ reactions were very positive, and the supervision meeting this morning went very well. Now I can feel more confident about my research protocol and the literature review chapter, because the core theory for my studies is accurately identified.

I really have to thank Luca, who is always patient with my irregular lifestyle and my continuous work on weekends. Last Friday, he was unwell and took a sick day. We ordered two bento boxes from a Japanese restaurant for lunch. What I really want to do now is have a meal with him and spend the weekend without doing any work.

I only want to spend this weekend relaxing, cleaning the house and ironing our shirts.