When I first read the description for my final assignment, it seemed a bit heavy, but not impossible: a 10-15 page literature review. I had picked a subject I was interested in and had downloaded something like 50 pdf reproductions of relevant articles. Surely I could cobble together 15 pages of digested results and discussion.

[1 week ago]

When I started writing my assignment, I found the going very slow and tedious. It’s not easy to summarize 50 research papers-worth of knowlege into 15 pages. Still, I answered my earlier fears of not being able to meet the length requirement by having a wealth of material and personal insight to write about. With about 7 pages complete, 15 pages should be no problem.

[3 days ago]

With nearly 10 pages of single-spaced writing complete, I re-read the assignment description to make sure I had the formatting correct. A perfect time to notice that my paper is supposed to double spaced. My 2/3rds complete, 10 page long, single-spaced paper. Time to bring out the axe.

[1 day ago]

Having made seriously gut-wrenching editorial decisions to trim my previously thorough overview into a nearly unrecognizable, highly specific (and most importantly double-spaced) review, my paper clocks in at exactly 15 pages, without bibiolography or abstract. I re-read the assignment description to make sure I get everything right. Of course, I then find out that each section needs to start on its own page, adding nearly 2 pages of whitespace to my already emaciated husk of a research project. Significant overages in length will result in lowered grades, the professor says. Time to bring out the axe yet again.

[2 hours before the assignment is due]

Having trimmed all the fat and the majority of muscle from my paper, I allow myself a moment of relaxation before I realize that I haven’t inserted the fucking figures yet. At this point, I’m ready to scream. More editing, more condensing, more omissions.

[10 minutes before final deadline]

I attach my now completely unrecognizable, criminally superficial review to an email that profusely apologizes for the brevity and lack of scope. It used to be a great paper, I promise. I briefly consider attaching the original an a following email, just to make sure my professor understands that I’m not as stupid as my edited version may suggest. It is clear to me now why directors release ‘Special Editions’ of their movies on DVD.

For many years I have believed that having a midwestern experience would be good for people. If nothing else the weather provides a formidable shaping experience, people have to pull together to survive the cold, the winter provides long nights which foster study, reading, etc. (also, unfortunately, video game playing, poker, etc also thrive). Be sure to stay in touch…

While I haven’t played many video games and haven’t touched a playing card since July, I’m not sure if I’ve experienced the supposed beneficial aspects of the winter so far. And yes, this is absolutely the winter, no matter how many Chicago natives tell me I ain’t seen nothing yet. Long evenings are so far doing a fantastic job fueling my Seasonal Affective Disorder, and encouraging me to adopt a grade school bedtime– staying up last 9.30pm is getting more difficult by the day. 5pm, 12am: the same pitch black outside. I have to venture out into the freezing cold so I can buy some underwear that will enable me to venture out into the freezing cold. I really wish I had a TV. All my friends are at home and I’m stuck in Chicago by myself. I have a huge pile of clothes to wash, dishes to clean, movies to see and professors to meet and no motivation to do any of the above. Waaaah.