It's the Most Horrible Time of the Year

It's the most horrible time of the year. That's right, it's application time! Nothing turns me into a stressed-out prickly hedgehog like filling out Ph.D. applications. There's always a million forms to fill out, usually requiring data from years ago. Seriously, I have a freaking master's degree. Who cares what I did as an undergrad besides graduate?!! No, I do not know my registration number for a test I took three years ago. I assure you I have no trust fund and my parents have not been supporting me since 2003, so you'll have to forgive me for not knowing their net worth off the top of my head. That's right, Columbia, I'm looking at you. I'm sorry I haven't been a publishing fiend, Princeton, I'll get right on that. And why in heaven's name does it take $100 to process an application? Of course after the forms, there's the statement of purpose, the resume/CV, the writing sample, the transcripts, the letters of recommendation. Ugh, it makes my head explode. Why can't I just say "I want to do this, I've done well in grad school so far, here's some letters of recommendation." It's the stupid dancing and BS and grrrrr.

This is why grad students drink heavily and mutter bitterly from their Fortresses of Solitude. Well, one of reasons anyway.

The World's Most Expensive Cheap Coffee Table

Top: IKEA as-is, $2.

Shelf: IKEA as is, $4.

Metal separators and legs: $70

Cordless drill: $140 (?!!)

Bit set: $10

Total cost: $226.

I think I'm going to curl up in the corner and weep.