I need to formulate a plan on how to build enough financial stability to get out of here but I'm getting so depressed that I lose hope and don't start. I could use some advice from people who've been there before.

Spidra, insent.

Is there an option to email an rsvp, Vortex? We have that option and are thinking about not attaching stamps but including them so people could use the stamp to RSVP or for something else if they are emailing their response.

My feet hurt and have blisters. Former prof I met with loves my current work but isn't sure he has time to devote to a rec (I need 3, have 2 definitive), and tried to discourage me from applying because he found another school at the u too rigid for him 20 years ago. I am currently engaged in keeping my chin up while I wait for my train.

Thanks, Nora!

Was momentarily energized by how much work I have before me but just a little bit of typing today has already made my wrists hurt so much, I may go back to bed (the only reliable way of stopping me from doing things that make me worse).

Good luck, Sox! You're right that a lot can change in 20 years so don't let the prof get to you.

Sox, that sounds frustrating. Do you have any other contacts? Especially if you already have 2 possible advisors.

Glad to hear you may still get your vacation, Daisy Jane!

Spidra, I've been in a situation along those lines, but my guess is that my recourse (including the disability benefits and care system in the UK) would be very different to the ones you'll be working with. I have some contacts who'd probably have more relevant info, but that would depend on whether you'd be up to talking to strangers. Let me know if you'd like me to put you in touch with some people. I hope you can find some sources of support. Poverty as a result of disability is a nasty trap.

Thanks, Seska. As long as you think they'd be willing to talk to strangers, I'd be fine with contacting them about their experiences.

I'm sure one of them will, Spidra. I'll have a think about who might be helpful and let you know.

Apparently the Indian consulate's website says something like, "a validity of at least 6 months," and Jon was all ????? So he called and asked, "So I have to have a valid passport for 6 months?" and she said "Yes." (This is a very valuable lesson in verb tenses, people!)

So then he texted me, we do our whole, "Damn, but it'll be ok baby! Everything will work out." I come here, complain to you guys. The hivemind corrects my misinformation. I text him. He calls the consulate back with the state departments language, "at least 6 months before it expires." She says, "Yes!" and Robert's your fathers brother, our trip is back on!

Yeah, DJ, that's a fairly common prohibition--a lot of places, even if they don't require an actual visa, will not let you in the country if your passport is expiring in the next six months! But I don't think anybody cares if your passport is too NEW!

YAY!