I'm thinking of ordering a prom dress without trying it on?

I dont think its a very good idea to not try something on before you buy it but there may be a chance of it fitting you

What does the phrase "Debt is a bottomless sea" means? What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a?

Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? How can you translate those? And also "Misery loves company" the meaning please

What should I say to the professor?

Contact the DOE in writting and explain your predicament. I have no idea what area of energy studies your degree is in but they are bound to have something else to offer. If it requires another university, then relocate. Try not to interrupt or delay your Phd program if possible. You have had a tough break but you are a valueable asset as a graduate student and shouldn't forget that. There is a school that will accommodate you and will feel lucky to have you. Do it ASAP.

If you are not in contact with your family, how do you avoid answering questions about them?

It may seem weird, but it's accurate. People should not ask personal or prying questions, so a polite rebuff is not out of line. As one in a similar situation, I say, "I'm estranged from my sisters these days." I'm sure it makes them curious, but there's something about the word "estranged" that makes people think it's something serious and they don't press the issue. They pretty much say "that's too bad." Most of the time I let it go, and depending on the mood I might laugh and say, "Not always!" Haha. I haven't had anyone ask what happened, but I'm sure if they did I would simply say, "It's personal."

How can there be a great flood but no photosynthesis below 13,200ft (2.5 miles)?

I believe in the "Great flood" of Noah's time, but I feel it was only regional. There's no way the entire Earth was flooded. The Bible says a dove brought an olive leaf back to Noah. If everything was flooded, where would the waters have receded back to in order for the dove to bring back plant life? And I agree, all plant life not on high peeks would have died...well, except for aquatic plant life. :)

I'm about to be a senior in college, I don't know what to do with my life and I'm very unhappy. What can I do?

It's taken me three years in college to figure out what my major is going to be. I have changed it 7 times, and now I'm doing a self design major in religion and culture. But I don't know what I'm going to do with this, and in addition, I don't know what I'm going to do with my life. I really don't have any dreams or ambitions. On top of all that, I really hate my school -- but I can't afford to take a leave of absence or defer because it would end up costing me money and delay my graduation. I feel really screwed up and depressed because it's been one horrible year after another, and I feel like I've had no guidance from my advisors (because I haven't -- they've either been 20 minutes late or they've forgotten). I feel like I'm stuck at a dead end. My senior year is going to be the most difficult because I was required to create a plan for my senior year that is focused on me continuing on to grad school, etc., etc. The advisor I'm planned to have for next year is ridiculously tough (it seems) and REALLY won't like my decision to pursue something different than was arranged because it will 'reflect negatively on her credibility.' What can I do when I don't know what I'm interested in pursuing, when I don't know what I'm going to do with my life, when I cannot defer or take a year off or transfer, when it's technically my last year of college, and when I'm thoroughly unhappy and extremely depressed? I've lost all hope in myself, and I've declined in my social life, in my self confidence, and my life is falling apart.

Building a wood fence in yard with a high water table?

coat the posts to depth with a product called "Black Jack", it's roofing tar. let that set. dig down about 30 inches and place an empty 5 gallon container at the bottom then fill 3/4 with concrete. place your post in the concrete and rope it off or use 2x4s to bring it level. add concrete to fill the container. repeat for each post. after they're set and before you bury them, coat the top of each concrete filled container with the black jack. 5 gallons of concrete may seem like overkill - but when the wind blows (in addition to your high water table) you'll be glad you got them.