I would pull my hair out if I hadn't just cut it off

I want to hear from the study abroad office. I want to know that I'm accepted to the program. I want to know that I'll go to Australia for sure. I want that e-mail badly. So badly, in fact, that I've checked my email about once every 10 minutes since I turned in all my paperwork on March 1. (That's in the neighborhood of 1,700 times, for those wondering. 1,701 by the time I finish this post.)

Every time I check, I only find the same disappointing assortment of unimportant e-mails: University announcements, bank statements, various offers for herbal supplements and low-rate mortgages. Bo-ring...

Once I finally find the acceptance e-mail (hidden in the midst of many irresistible offers), I will continue the intricate two-step I began with this program. Until that point, though, I'm at a loss for what to do. My partner has stopped leading, leaving me in an uncomfortable limbo.

With luck, I'll hear soon, and I'll be able to start my victory dance.

I live in a procrasti-nation

It's ten 'til midnight. The deadline for all the paperwork was midnight. I finished the paperwork minutes ago. On some level, I'm tempted to brag. On another, I want to cry. For the most part, I just want to heave a huge sigh of relief and go to sleep.

Studying abroad is one of the most exciting prospects in my life, and I still managed to neglect its paperwork to the last minute. I guess no matter how excited I am by something, I will not cease to be me. That's comforting, but inconvenient at times.

I didn't neglect all of the paperwork. In fact, I had the majority of the papers done before today. I turned in transcripts, passport photos, and checklists. I had not, however, written the essays.

That's a minor oversight, really... right?

OK, probably not, but that doesn't matter anymore. I've submitted all the paperwork, essays included. I should know their decision soon. Then, I'll start on paperwork for my passport and visa.

I hope the State Department doesn't want any essays.