nfnsprite

Yay!!! Congratulations

That is SO crazy bizarre!!! I have to say, though, recommended applicants to Switzerland have to send in a lot of extra stuff in January. One of the things they requested was a recent photo. The explanation was just, "Don't worry; that's just how we do things." But, yeah, you have to wonder what they need a photo for.

You guys will still hang out with me, right? I have another 3-4 weeks to go still.

Oh, man. What the fuck, Fulbright?! So sorry to hear the news. But maybe you are meant to spend the year with your wife . Also, I keep forgetting you are in Chicago too. What is with this crazy weather?!

I still think you could get bumped up! And don't count your age against you. You can do amazing things at any time of your life. If Fulbright is going to be agist, then they are really missing out on some incredible people. Have a good cry and then pick yourself up and keep working hard!

I wonder what secretlyismaili is doing? I hope he is too busy celebrating and that's why he hasn't posted.

I am SURE several alternates will get bumped. We've watched so many get bumped just on this board alone. I am holding out hope for you!

Oh no! Obviously they are so incredibly stupid. I still have hope that you will get bumped up though. You deserve it!

I was resisting checking this forum all day. And now I see we have a flood from Turkey, China, and Latvia! Congrats, everyone!!!

I am realizing that I've been extra complainy today.

I feel the same way about Switzerland! There are only 12 spots, so why is it taking so long? Especially because all the rest of Western Europe already knows (except for maybe Luxembourg.) What gives!

I did end up responding just to say thanks, too. Good idea to CC your contact in Switzerland though. I should probably send mine a note as well...

I am at the anger stage. Is that before or after depression? I move all over the spectrum, regularly!

The only thing stopping me is that I know whatever information I receive, it won't make the wait any shorter or any more bearable.

I was wondering if you got the same note, Lunita! I am sort of kind of tempted to email Eileen back. You know, to thank her for the status update. And also ask WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON.

Oh MAN! I came home from work to find this turd in my inbox: Dear Fulbright Applicants to Switzerland, This is just a brief update on your application status. I wish to inform you that we do not currently expect to be able to notify applicants to Switzerland of the outcome of the selection process for a few more weeks. The latest we expect will be the end of May. We appreciate your patience during this time. All the best, Eileen O'Malley WTF, Switzerland?!!?!?

That is how I felt after Lunita said she heard Switzerland would not find out until mid-May. I was finally able to relax and climb out of my email's butt hole for awhile. Of course, now its not even May yet, and I'm back to being bitchy and anxious

YAY!!! Now you can fully embrace your excitement So happy for you!

Congrats to all who found out today! All of the good news is uplifting!

Don't give up yet! We have seen so many people get bumped up. And even being a finalist is pretty special. Which country, again?

Exactly! I want to be able to "fully commit myself in my excitement" too! That is such a good way of putting it. I have a backup plan, too, but it's not as adventurous as yours. I would just be teaching a writing class at a small college. Still, I want to be able to start planning lessons and choosing readings, if I need to. Ugh, so frustrating.

Yeah, some days I am totally fine and don't really think about it. Other days, I just want to SCREAM. I just hate having my whole life hang in limbo like this. And sometimes I feel so angry at FFSB and IIE for dragging it out for so long. I mean, it's kinda cruel!

Does anyone ever feel DEPRESSED over not having heard yet? I know it's a bit of an over-reaction, but sometimes it just really GETS to me. The wait is so awful.

I assumed that wasn't a picture of you but also hoped it was because its awesome!

I am anxious too! I REALLY, REALLY want to get it, but I'm also scared. Mostly I'm nervous because I don't know what to do with my cat. He's my baby and I don't want to leave him but I worry the travel would be too stressful for him. I know he could live happily with my parents while I'm away but I'd really miss him :-/