I agree with the other comments.
You already know you have a difficult task ahead of you and like you said, you don't need any distractions. Especially from someone that isn't all that close to you.
hey b-math: saying "no" might make U feel a little uncomfortable at 1st but it will feel soooo much better in the long run.

WARHAWK
Sounds to me like you made the right decision buddy.
Bit of a cheek to ask this in the first place
Steve