So I've done it. I've completed my first week of my doctoral education. Only roughly 300 million weeks to go (that's obviously just a joking, outlandish estimate. It could very well be more). So, from my vast experience and wisdom, here are some general observations:

There will always be more to do and learn in this program and at some point you just have to say to yourself, "I have absorbed all I can, and in fact if I try to do more I may start rocking back and forth in a crazy manner. It is time to quit." And then you actually have to stop. I actually think the real trick will be not deciding that it's time to quit before it actually is, and I may not be so zen about the whole thing when I have ten major papers due the same day. Nevertheless, that is what I have decided for now.

When you essentially have no life because you don't know anyone in the area it is easier to complete tasks in a timely manner. However, this is already ending as I am getting to know my fellow grad students. Today I had to spend ten minutes watching some guy play a computer game because despite my replying in the negative when he asked if I liked video games, he still felt he needed to show me an awesome new rocket launcher game he had found on the internet.

I know that's only two observations, but what do you want from me? I've only been here a week.