Kristin, I had the same experience with my letter writers and it was v. annoying. You might want to draft a letter for her that she can tweak and sign. I did that with one of my people and it seemed to light a fire under her. I was just talking with classmates yesterday about how the application process (GRE, statistics class, programming class, letters of rec., personal statement) was way more difficult than the program is.

Sparky, thanks so much for your feedback. Normally I would agree, but she knows that I'm counting on her, and I do think she'll pull through. She is the head of the history department (higher up on the food chain), and someone I do respect. She got frantic this past month and forgot about it entirely, but I know she is determined to write a great letter for me. That's why I'm trying not to be annoyed, because I really believe she's going to make this right. It's just nerve-wracking--you know how it goes.

Anyway, trying not to think about that. I'm going to throw myself into re-writing my introduction and assume that the recommendation fairy will bring me the letter later today.

ETA: GC, I can't. I have to sign a waiver that I haven't seen the letter when I send this packet.

I need to get in the shower. I have plans in 45 minutes with a friend I haven't seen in ages. I want to see her and have some social time (because, really, I haven't done that with ANYONE in weeks), but I just can't seem to find the energy. For some reason a day at home sounds fabulous.

ETA: GC, I can't. I have to sign a waiver that I haven't seen the letter when I send this packet.

you won't have seen the letter. She's not going to just sign what you send her, you are providing her with a draft, which she is free to use or not. You will have no idea what she's done.

Yes, what Vortex said. I didn't see the final version - just provided her with a draft that she was free to change as she wanted.

I like the way the smart chicks think there. Suggestions /= final letter.

You are absolutely correct. I did do that a couple of times in college when a professor was lagging. Luckily (since I am really uncomfortable with writing even a draft of my own recommendation in this instance), I don't think it will be necessary in this situation, but thank you.

Does anyone know how long it takes your body to regenerate, say, two pints of blood?

This site [link] at the University of Illinois says (regarding a 1 pint donation):

After donating blood, you replace these red blood cells within 3 to 4 weeks. It takes eight weeks to restore the iron lost after donating.

when I am queen, I will buy another wee house. I love this one - the Spite House in Alexandria: [link]