Commence with the academic flailing:

I just got this e-mail from the head of special events for the Graduate Division:

Dear Kate,

I am pleased to advise that you have been nominated by Dr. Uehling to feature your original research project at our annual Spring Symposium and Dinner on Friday, May 14, 2010.

The symposium will begin at 6:00 p.m. with presentations of 3-4 student projects, followed by dinner and recognition of graduating students at 7:00 p.m. This event will be held in the Harre Union and should end by 8:30 p.m.
We sincerely hope that you are available, as well as interested, in participating with a 10-15 minute presentation about your research.

As organizer of this special occasion, please contact me via phone or email with your response as soon as possible. Thank you and congratulations on your accomplishment and the respect you have earned from the faculty.


Marsha Gerhardt
Graduate School & Continuing Education

INTERESTED AND AVAILABLE, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

I assume that this is the research material I have prepared for History of the English Language, on women's magazines in Colonial America. I gave a brief, five-minute presentation to the class last week and, apparently, it had an effect. Enough for my professor to nominate me for this great honour, anyway. This gives me great incentive to kick ass on the prepared paper version of my research, which is due at the end of the term. (Not that I would have half-assed it if I didn't get the gig but, you know, this is all the more reason to step up the caliber of my research.)

I'm thrilled to have been asked. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna' dance around the living room for the next fifteen minutes.