Stage 1 : Mulling.Does 'poised' come after 'preparing' ? Then we are onto 'ready' ? before having the bid turned down and then we can mull again.
Stage 2 : Pondering.
Stage 3 : Preparing.
Stage 4 : Poised.
Stage 5 : Ready.
Stage 6 : Withdrawing.
Stage 7 : Collapsing.
Stage 8 : Denial.