Get On Your Boots

I just received these boots via UPS today. Normally, I do not buy tall dress boots on line. I have to try then on because boot shopping is just a pain the butt. I have muscular calves, which means that more often than not, I can't zip the boot all the way. And forget the boots without a zipper. Someone would have to use the Jaws of Life to get my leg out! I end up leaving shoe stores and departments frustrated.

To my surprise and glee, the boots zipped up easily. There is some stretch in them, so I guess that's what made it work. They are quite comfortable and have a nice heel. They will be perfect for work.

One less wardrobe item I have to search for. Woohoo!

I Forgot

How exhausting teaching can be.

My brain is fried. My body feels like it has played four quarters of football...as the ball.

At least I don't have to teach tomorrow! And, I only work a half day on Fridays.

I promise, as soon as I get back into the swing of things, I will have more profound stuff to post. I have so much I want to write. But, I don't dare blog on my work computer because of all the system monitoring of websites. I do post via my phone, but I am just not a fast typist on that bloody thing!

But for now, my bed is calling me.

I Have Some Much To Say...

But, I am so darn tired right now. I started at 8:30 this morning and the next thing I knew, it was 4:00 in the afternoon. I only ate 3/4 of my lunch.

Things are really crazy at New Job. Nothing that directly involves me, but does affect me. And no, it doesn't have to do with the B. (Crap!)

So, it is take out for dinner, a Lush bath enjoy the beautiful flowers that Husband had waiting for me when I got home and DVR-ing Law and Order SVU. I need some serious decompressing time.

They Shake Their Heads And Look At Me As If I Lost My Mind

I wrote this post in which I talked about writing assignments and whether you expect some basic level of proficiency, mainly that the student can write in basic English. I'm only asking that they write in complete sentences, proofread their work for spelling and grammar mistakes and don't use text speak. I do grade those assignments on grammar, spelling and mechanics, but I don't put a ton of weight on that portion of the grade.

Today, I was told by a faculty colleague that I should not grade my students on whether or not they use proper grammar, spelling and mechanics...at all. As long as the student gets the content, that's all that matters. Besides, it's not our job to correct their mistakes in writing.

Um...what?

This is not the first time I have heard this since starting at New Job. There seems to be a consensus among faculty that so long as one the student can explain the content, it's all good. We are wasting out time dealing with writing issues. Send them to the writing center.

Again....what?

I am not asking my students to write prose. But, I do expect them to communicate properly. I cannot, in good conscious, ignore a student's work that has good content, but poor grammar or spelling. I mean, we have spell check and grammar check! Sure, they don't catch everything, but at least one can pick up most mistakes just by clicking on an icon. I want my students to know that such skills are expected and required, in the real world. If I have a student with writing problems, I will work with them or send the for required tutoring. I will do what I can to help them become better writers which will allow them to be better students.

I spent the afternoon walking around in a funk over this. I just can't imagine not caring about how my students present their work. I goes against everything I know and everything I believe. What's worse is that I can't seem to find anyone who agrees with me. Everyone seems to think I have lost my mind. Just teach the material and don't worry about the other stuff.

Sorry, if I did that, I wouldn't be doing my job. And, I would be doing my students a disservice.

Back In Class

Yesterday, was the first day for my ethics class. It felt so good to be back in front of students again. (Remind me of that when I start grading their work!). They are a nice group of first year studbets, very engaging

I do see where I am going to have to take baby steps. Even though I give them an outline to take notes, so many have trouble knowing what to fill in. I don't have. Time to explain notetaking techniques given that the course is only six weeks. Hopefully, they will pick up on my cues to write stuff down.

Ar any rate, it's good to be back.

What Would You Stay?

B* has a post in which she is asking us to help a fellow blogger with a issue that has plagued all of us. I am not going to name the blogger, just go to the link. I hope you will provide any insight or support.

The issue is that of pseudonymous blogging. The majority of us do this, mainly because it allows us to open and honest about our experience as academics. But being a pseudonymous blogger can be difficult. There is that fear that a student or even a colleague may stumble upon one of our rants or complaints.

For example, I want to write a post about consistency standards, particularly those that tend to restrain academic freedom, which is going at my college. But, I am worried because there are those (Hello...Inside Higher Ed?) who link academic posts. My fear is that someone at New Job would read it and then I would be "outed". Even though I don't name my college, it's location of anything of that sort, there is still that fear.

I supposed the solution could be a password protected blog. But, I fear that no one would see my updates if the used Google Reader or Bloglines, thus losing readers. I think about changing identities or something like that, but that just seems like a hassle.

What to do...what to do.

I Know I Should Write Something

But my head hurts and I am nauseous from the prednisone. At least my joints are better and the swelling is gone.

Steal of the Day!

$20.00 cardigan at Ann Taylor Loft!!!!

Reason #546

Of why I am not longer Catholic.

Catholic Church gives D.C. ultimatum.

So, the Church wants to punish the poor, the homeless and others because they can't love thy neighbor?

OK. I get that the Church does not want to perform same sex weddings. That's their prerogative. But, to discriminate individuals in their employ because of their marriage status is wrong. It's the same kind of crapola that my parents went through with interracial marriage.

And to add insult to injury, the Church will harm numerous individuals who depend on services all based oh a philosophical difference. So these citizens are nothing more than "collateral damage"?

So much for Christan love.