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In four weeks from today I will be taking the Subject GRE in English Literature. This decision was made about four days ago. It's obviously not the greatest timing in the world. But I want a PhD and as I'm sending out applications, it makes sense to, as one of my professors said, "bring all my weapons to the war".

My hypochondriac tendencies tend to surface when I'm tired and stressed. So far this week I've tried to convince Lydia that I have arthritis and subtly hint that I may be suffering from bronchitis, pneumonia, or whooping cough. (At least that's what all the coughing was meant to hint.)

I took an espresso machine. That's a statement that has garnered a multiplicity of reactions. My mother was worried about my morals. My sister was worried about the increase in my caffeine intake. For all those who share in their fears, be reassured. It is only taken in the sense that I have moved it one room over in the building and am replacing the part necessary to make it usable. Also, my caffeine intake should remain about the same. It'll just be a little more convenient. And fancy.

Grading is going fairly well. My students write hilarious things. One of them described the Earth as earthy. I wasn't really sure how to respond to that.