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!

Great news, DJ!

That is great news, DJ!

In other news, is AIM being balky for anyone else? It's not showing any of my contacts, whether on or offline.

Man is that Flight attendant who dramatically quit his job getting the press.

I haven't even been seeking out the story (well, not much) and keep running into it today.

Someone who can curse out a couple of physically and emotionally antagonistic passengers, quit, grab a beer, check to see if anyone is outside, pull the emergency door, slide down the chute and go inside and collect his belongings, then drive home before anyone comes after him is probably going to find other work.