Gap Year – Page 2 – Snark on the Side

Another Open Letter to the USPS

Dear Postal Worker, We’ve spoken before. I just need to apologize in advance for this week and next. And maybe a few more after that. Please come early. Sincerely, Jen

Rejections #3-4

Two in one day! How cruel is that? Right on time for VU, too: one day later than the rejection email last year. News flash: Jen is not PhD-program caliber at this point. Two to go – let the nail biting commence.

Acceptance #2

Mary Baldwin College, Staunton, Va. Masters of Letters in Shakespeare and Renaissance Literature.

The Phases of Anticipation OR How to Avoid Snoman SMIOS

Sustaining a high level of anticipation for a long period of time is something like trying to put clothing on a snowman. A scarf is manageable, and maybe mittens. But once you pull out the hat – and the wool socks – and the long underwear – and the turtleneck – and the overcoat –Continue reading “The Phases of Anticipation OR How to Avoid Snoman SMIOS”

All or Nothing

“Is it all…or nothing at all? There’s nowhere left to fall, when you reach the bottom, it’s now or never…” Congratulations to me. I now have that good ol’ O-Town song stuck in my head. I’ve been reading Richard Winter’s book Perfecting Ourselves to Death, and one of the most interesting ideas he challenges readersContinue reading “All or Nothing”

Acceptance #1

Emerson College, Boston. It’s really cold there. But… IT WAS A BIG FAT ENVELOPE THAT I COULD HOLD IN MY HANDS AND KNOW DID NOT CONTAIN A TWO-PARAGRAPH REJECTION LETTER! Somebody wants me. 🙂

Rejection #2

Northwestern. Happy Monday.

Rejection #1

They don’t even dignify it with a paper copy of the letter.

An Apology to the USPS

Dear Mr. or Ms. Postal Delivery Worker, a.k.a. Mailman/Mailwoman: It is February. It can’t be a pleasant month for you. Riding in a vehicle whose heat-holding powers appear relatively low, and then repeatedly opening the window to let in more cold air cannot be fun. Delivering perfumed pink and red cards dripping with glitter mustContinue reading “An Apology to the USPS”

Reflections on Visit #1

Well, it’s over. Round one, anyway. The interview was less painful than I expected. However, there is something about visiting graduate schols before they decide to admit you that makes me sympathize with the little frogs in a biology laboratory, except they might be more fortunate, because they’re dead and don’t have to hear peopleContinue reading “Reflections on Visit #1”