The Waiting Room

It’s a beautiful day in Lake Effect Snow Central. It’s already 60 degrees and is may go up to 70 by this afternoon. And it’s my day off!!! Woohoo!!!

So, after I finish this post, I think I will take the Boy out for a morning walk around the “hood. I love my neighborhood. It’s located in an older part of the suburb where I live. It is filled with tree lined streets and older homes. Plus, there are plenty of critters out and about, so I am sure the Boy will enjoy yanking my shoulder out of its socket in order to give chase.

I plan to work on my philosophy statement today. I am in the process of finding evidence supporting the crap that I wrote. I am not used tot his process; because I don’t quire understand why I have to justify how or why I reach the way that I do. I wrote a post called The Perfect Lie back in October, in which I talked about my frustration regarding this process My thoughts have not really changed since I wrote that post. Maybe I am just too cynical. Is there a positive side to this exercise?

Well, no time to dwell on that. I think the Boy can read, because he is looking at the computer and must have seen the work ‘walk’ and is going crazy now.

What the hell is wrong with my students?

Student: Why the hell do I have to take two English courses? What the fuck do I need them for if I am going to be a computer tech? Who cares where I put a semicolon?

Seeking Solace: It is important to your future employer that you can communicate using proper English. Writing is essential in almost every career path.

What I wanted to say:

Listen, dumb ass. You can’t even speak proper English, so maybe you should just shut up and take the courses so you can actually do something with your life.

Student: Yeah, well I just think that I am wasting my time taking courses that don’t matter.

Seeking Solace: These courses do matter. They are just one link in the chain. You may not understand now, but these courses will be helpful to you down the road.

What I wanted to say:

If you feel that you are wasting your time, then stop wasting my time and go someplace else.

Wouldn’t be great if we could say what we really wanted???

There are some days where I wish I could drive. Because of my vision problems, I cannot get a license. On Mondays and Wednesdays, LB gives me a ride home after our workout. But she was out sick today, so I had to take the subway home. Normally, this does not bother me, but there are times when it can be challenging. There are times that I avoid riding the subway, like around 3 PM when all the kids are on their way home from school. It's really crazy during that time. These kids are extremely rude, loud and obnoxious. In addition, it seems that during the day, there are many homeless and mentally ill persons hanging around the subway platform looking for spare change. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind helping a person who is down on his or her luck. But I do not like to be harassed or threatened because I have nothing to give.

So, I figured that since I was catching the subway after 4 PM, I would surrounded by the first wave of commuters and not so many kids or crazy folk.

No such luck.

Number of homeless people bugging me for money to buy food when they don’t look like they have been missing any meals: 3

Number that told me to go to Hell for not giving them any money: 1

Number of pain in the ass teenagers in the subway car, yelling so loud that turning up the volume on my IPod did not drown out the noise: 15

Number of teenage girls who looked at me like they wanted to fight: 2

Number of mentally ill people screaming obscenities at me as I purchased my ticket to ride the subway: 1

I am seriously thinking about taking up Krav Maga again.

I have two students who English is a second language. The students are very nice and work very hard, but their English grammar and writing skills are poor. At times, their writing is difficult to understand. Both students are taking English Composition, but I can’t believe they were able to enroll in that course when their English skills are so poor.

I was told that our college does not require any English profanely like TOFEL. All that is required is a diploma indicating that the student has taken and passed English either from high school or a GED. A student does take a placement exam upon admission to my college. If the student does no pass the placement exam, she is placed in a college preparatory English course. Once a student passes that course with a grade of 90% or better, she may enroll in the English Composition course.

I am afraid that both of these students may not pass my Critical Thinking course. Throughout the semester, I have encouraged both of them to seek help from and the Tutoring Center. So far, neither one has followed through with my suggestions.

I am frustrated because I think someone has allowed these students to move forward without mastering the required concepts. There are many instructors who feel the best to do is to let the students “just pass”, rather than work on fixing the problem. It’s a disservice to the student and I believe it is unethical as an instructor.

What do you think? Is there anything else I should be doing here?

Mason knocked off Uconn.

I love this game!!!!!

Georgetown is out. (I owe one of my students $1.00)
Nova won, but should not have. (Goaltending with three seconds left…poor BC)
Both games down to the wire.

Don’t you just love March Madness?!?!

Thanks Brazen for making me admit it to the world.

You Are an Espresso

At your best, you are: straight shooting, ambitious, and energetic At your worst, you are: anxious and high strung You drink coffee when: anytime you're not sleeping Your caffeine addiction level: high

Found on Angry Pregnant Lawyer's blog

You Are 36% Evil

A bit of evil lurks in your heart, but you hide it well. In some ways, you are the most dangerous kind of evil.

LSU BEAT DUKE!!!!!

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!

Thanks to everyone for their kind words and support during my hellish week. I am still a little pissed about the whole thing. But I have decided that I will allow myself to dwell on it until tomorrow. Then I have to let it go. But I have gained some perspective.

1. The next time I see something that I think could raise serous legal, moral or ethical issues, I am not going to say ANYTHING to the DI. I am just going to let the shit hit the fan and steer clear of any blow-black.
2. My evil student will be the focus of my wrath for the rest of the semester. The class must submit a rough draft of their papers next week. I will be loaded for bear.

Tomorrow is my day off. I think I am going to do some self care. Perhaps some pre-vacation shopping. But I think I need to lay off the chocolate martinis. They bring pain…if you know what I mean!

So why am I feeling so evil???

It began this morning. I received a ballot in my faculty mailbox to nominate students for awards at graduation. The ballot listed the eligible students’ names, majors, social security number, gender and race. Excuse me…social security number? WTF is up with that? You can’t just distribute someone’s social security number on something like that!!! There are some serious legal implications for an act like that. Many of my colleagues were horrified as well. So, I took my concerns to my boss, the Dean of Instruction, who also happened to be the person who disturbed this document in the first place. I asked her if distributing the list with the social security numbers was a mistake. She said no. I respectfully explained to her that providing a document with the student’s social security numbers was a bad thing. I suggested that the ballots should be redistributed without the social security information.

Now, one would think that someone hearing this information would have said “Wow, I can’t believe I missed that.”, or “Yes, it’s a mistake, but I do not think that it that big of an issue.” and that would be the end of the conversation. HELL NO! My boss tore me a new corn hole. She bitched and moaned that she was up until 2 AM working on this list and now she would have to do it all over again, because I have issues with how she does things. She also told me that one of my colleagues had brought the issue to her attention an hour ago. (This colleague did not bother to tell any of the other faculty members that she had already spoken to the DI, while we were complaining about the issue.) The DI began yanking all the remaining ballots from the mailboxes and bitching how she did not have time to redo them bcause of yours truly.

Well, as much as I would have loved to stick around and listen to the DI to bitch; I was late for my Critical Thinking class and my child abuse student.

Just to give you a little background on the research project for my Critical Thinking course. I ask the students to create their own law. They may legislate something new or they may change an existing law. The must provide a full explanation of their law, including background information and research supporting their law. Furthermore, they must discuss and consider those viewpoints that may be contrary to their law and determine if there is room for compromise.

Peri had commented that perhaps this student was trying to provoke me into getting assistance with her project, given that the student complained that her topic was “too hard”. Last night, I read the student’s outline and she basically regurgitated our entire conversation into an outline. She even changed her original premise to coincide with what I had explained to her in class about mandatory reporting of child abuse.

I was absolutely sick. WTF!!!! Did this girl just chump me by saying something so repulsive in the hopes that I would help her? Yep. (Peri...if we ever meet, I owe you a martini!) So I have no idea if this girl was really serious or not. Would you have thought she was???

I wrote a detailed commentary on her outline, stating that I found it rather curious that her outline seemed to be in stark contrast to her comments in class. I was hoping that I could speak to her before class, but I was late getting class because of the whole DI thing. When I arrived at class, I gave the student her outline and I told her that I wanted to speak to her about her outline during my office hours later that day. She just looked at me with this shity grin on her face and walked away. She never showed up. Who knows what she will put in her final paper.

So in the span of three hours, my day went straight to Hell!

I spent the day in the dog house with respect to the DI. Around 4:30, The DI stopped by to apologize for her “overreaction”. But I was so pissed at that point that I just mumbled a “no worries”.

My colleague who spoke to the DI before I did never did say anything about the incident, even though she KNEW I had just had my ass chewed out.

And, I have a student who is a fucking monster, a slick con artist or both.


Once again…WHAT THE FUCKING HELL!!!!! Is this open season on Seeking Solace???

Lots to talk about, but no time to write. Let’s just say that today SUCKS BIG TIME!

I am feeling rather evil right now.

I just returned home from having drinks and snacks with my friend, Divorce Lady. Divorce Lady is a matrimonial attorney and my very good friend. We get together once a month to bitch about work and down a few martinis! MMMM…chocolate martinis!

In my Critical Thinking class, the students discussed the state of their research and could ask any questions they may have. I had the other students help come up with suggestions or solutions to each other’s problems. But one conversation blew me away. I so needed a drink after the following exchange.

Student: Professor, I am having problems with my research paper.
Seeking Solace: What seems to be the problem?
Student: I am writing my paper on child abuse. Are there any laws that outlaw it?
SS (trying not to laugh in this girl’s face): Uh…yes. Didn’t you research this topic?
Student: Well, I am having trouble because this topic is too hard. I want to change my topic.
SS: Well, it’s a little late for that. What is the thesis of your paper?
Student: I think anyone who reports child abuse should be put in jail.
SS: Well, that’s an interesting premise. But what about people like doctors and teachers who are required by law to report abuse if they reasonably believe that a child has been abused.
Student: They should go to jail because it ain’t no one's fucking business if I want to put my kid through a wall.
Class falls into a dead silence.
SS (thinking that someone should put this bitch through a wall): Well, you have a difficult task ahead of you. I guess you have to ask yourself what is abuse and defend you position with examples. But don’t forget that you must look at those opinions that do not agree with your premise.
Student: This is fucking hard. I want to change my topic.
SS: It is too late to change your topic. You chose it. You handle it. When you have a more specific question, ask me then. But I can’t help you if you have not completed any research.
Student (with a smart ass look): I guess.

No one said a word after that. What could you say after something like that?

Thankfully, another student had the courage to change the subject. I think everyone was stunned by that exchange. I was angry and disgusted. Does this student have kids? Yes. Does she do the type of thing that she suggested in our conversation? Probably. Can I prove it? No. Can I do anything about it? No.

But, I think I will say an extra prayer tonight.

Update 3/21/06: The student in question emailed me the outline for her paper. I will let you know what happens.

Last night, Husband and I decided to go out to dinner. While drinking wine and waiting for the waitress to take our order, Husband gets this look on his face as if he was going to spit out his wine. Regaining his composure, he says:

Four o’clock
Female cauc. (Caucasian)
Ass and back
Crack is whacked.

So, I look to four o’clock, which was behind and to my right. Sitting at a table was a girl with VERY low rise jeans, huge back fat and a SERIOUS crack problem.

Then I spit out my wine!

Like Whitney says…Crack is whacked.

My latest EBay purchase. Love Burberry!!!!!

And yes, it is real!!!!

I am trying to get back into some kind of routine. Being out of sync the last few days has really messed me up. I know I am now behind in all my lectures, so I will spend the weekend figuring out where to go from here. I checked my work email to found ir inundated with messages from students asking me questions about their research projects. Gah! Can’t they do anything on their own????? More on that insanity later.

I have to finish the taxes. I completed the forms, but I realized that I left out a couple of deductions, so I need to recalculate. Right now, Husband and I are getting a whopping $3.00 back. I am of the philosophy that a refund is a bad thing. The government holds your money for a year, without interest. It’s like talking your money and burying it in the backyard. I am not saying I want to owe either, because I don’t want to give the government anymore than necessary. I just would like to break even.

I also need to get back on the workout program. My rheumatologist says that I should start back slowly after this minor flare. The fact that I have been exercising regularly is why this flare was not as incapacitating as it could have been. Usually, a bad flare means I have to go on the prednisone seven day dose pack. Nothing says weight gain like steroids. So I am happy that I made it through this flare sans steroids.

Plus, there is a ton of laundry and housework to do…eeep! At least Husband will help me with that. He's such a sweetie!

PS: Like my new photo tag? It’s the ballerina photo of Sarah MxLachlin that appears on the Surfacing CD. It’s one of my favorite photos. I have the actual framed poster which used to hang in my law office. Now it hangs in my den.

Did you miss me?
Did you notice I was gone?

I was MIA for a couple of days. Nothing says RA flare like a 30 degree temperature drop. So, I had to take a couple of days off to allow my joints to stabilize. I wanted to post, but my hands were swollen and painful. My computer was actually turned off for two days.

So, here are some of my thoughts during my two day hiatus.

1. I completed the DNA thing pre-flare. I am an Advocating Director. I would show you the graphic, but Blogger does not like it for some reason. What I can tell you is that the assessment was correct.

As a DIRECTOR, you combine an unusual openness and passion for beauty and style with confidence and a down-to-earth sensibility that allow you to realize your vision.

Being social, empathic, and understanding makes you ADVOCATING. One thing that makes you a people person is your insight into what others are thinking and feeling. This ability allows you to be happy for others, and to commiserate when something has gone wrong for them.

2. Husband got some interesting news. He received an email from the HMFIC of his decision at Big Company which said. “You may have heard rumors that our division may be sold. We will neither confirm nor deny these rumors. You should keep doing your work to make Big Company happy should the deal fall through. And you should keep doing quality work in case we are sold off in order to show our potential evil overloads that we are committed to doing good work.” Well, the funny thing is that no one at Husband’s division heard any rumors or rumblings that the division could be sold. Husband is going to work on his resume this weekend, just in case. I guess the big announcement is set for sometime in mid April.

3. I did what American Idol, but it wasn’t as fun. GML and I send text messages during the show. Husband laughs as I rapidly type my comments. But because the hands were not working and Husband was working out, I expressed my comments to the Boy. I don’t think he was every interested in American Idol. He was too busy playing with his squeaky squirrel.

But I will say that Melissa deserved to go. I think she knew it too. But why was Ace and Lisa with her? And as Kiss My Mike said last week, “What is up with Paris’s hair”.


Well, that’s the interesting stuff. We now return to our normal programming!

Thanks Summer for this one!

Go to your music player of choice and put it on shuffle.
Say the following questions aloud, and press play.
Use the song title as the answer to the question.
NO CHEATING.

How does the world see you?
"Lifetime”—Sheryl Crow

Will I have a happy life?:
"This Song is Over” – The Who (Yikes!)

What do my friends really think of me?
“Layla” –Eric Clapton

Do people secretly lust after me?:
"Crazy Train”—Ozzy Osborne

How can I make myself happy?
“Break Down Here” – Julie Roberts (uh, ok…)

What should I do with my life?
"Soak Up the Sun” –Sheryl Crow (Sounds goood to me!)

Will I ever have children?:
“There is No Beautiful” – Melanie Doane

What is some good advice for me?:
"Dirty Little Secret” –Sarah McLachlin (I'm not telling!)

How will I be remembered?:
"Who Are You” –The Who

What is my signature dancing song?:
"Too Little Too Late” –Barenaked Ladies

What do I think my current theme song is?:
"Strong Enough – Sheryl Crow (YEP!)

What does everyone else think my current theme song is?:
"Under Pressure” –Queen with David Bowie (NO I AM NOT CHEATING HERE!)

What song will play at my funeral?:
"There Goes the Neighborhood” –Sheryl Crow

What type of men/women do you like?:
"Possession” – Sarah Mclachlin

What is my day going to be like?:
"Start Me Up” –The Rolling Stones

Husband and I are totally addicted to “#1 Single” with Lisa Loeb. For those of you not familiar, it follows Lisa as she returns to NYC in search of love and marriage. Last night’s episode was a stitch. Lisa, her sister and friend visit a sperm bank because Lisa is anxious to get pregnant. The director to the sperm back gives them a tour of the facility, including the ejaculation room. Too funny! You can see the show on E!.

Any other fans out there?

Following the path of Dr. Crazy, I decided to update my blogroll. So, if you are not listed or are just lurking, just leave me your info. I will add you to my “Friends in Low Places".

Many of my blog friends are excited with the advent of Spring Break. Sadly, I will not be joining you in the happy dance as you blissfully enjoy a week without the usual insanity. My college does not have a Spring Break. I don’t know why this is the case. My college runs on a tri-mester system. So, this semester ends at the end of April. The nest semester runs from the beginning of May until the beginning of August. Then we have a month off before the fall term starts. So I guess I will live vicariously through all my blog-mates!

I had to laugh at the Today show yesterday when Katie did a story advising parents about the excess drinking and sex that occurs during Spring Break. The story stated that parents should be aware that their child could be engaging in such activities. HELLO, THAT SHIT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS…THAT’S NOTHING NEW!!!!!!

When I was in college, I did not go anywhere for Spring Break. I was always broke and there was no way that I would ask my parents for money to go to Daytona or Cancun for a week. A question like that would be met with a stare that would translate to “Are you out of your fucking mind?” Usually, I spent my break working to pay for school or working on projects that would be due. Even during my grad school and law school days, I spent my Spring Break working. Of course, during that time, I was married and REALLY broke.

So, I never had the chance to enjoy this thing called Spring Break. Am I missing anything?

The final 12 is set. But I have two questions:

1. Why is Kevin still around?
2. Why did Ayla get sent packing?

Will someone enlighten me?

I got some sad news today. One of the Boy’s friends, Bud, past away. Bud was a 15 year old Lab mix. Bud, and three other dogs, Tanner, Sage and Jack, along with their humans would get together with the Boy, Husband and I for Dog-a-thons. A Dog-a-thon consists of a long hike in the woods. Usually the dogs would find a pond or creek and go swimming. After their walk, the dogs would line up in a row and wait for their treats. They would patiently wag their tails and wait their turn for the treat. Then each dog would go home, exhausted from a day of frolicking with his friends.

Tanner passed away a couple of years ago, and now Bud is gone. The Boy, Sage and Jack are around the same age. Hopefully, we will have a Dog-a-thon in Bud's honor as soon as the weather breaks.

I’m sure that Bud is having a good time with Tanner at Rainbow Bridge. For those of you who are not familiar with Rainbow Bridge, it is a wonderful piece about where animals go when the pass away. It always maks me cry.

Rainbow Bridge

Jo(e) has an excellent post regarding sexism. Definitely a good read.

But then I read this on Fox News and I realized that some people still don’t get it.

My Critical Thinking students finished watching One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest today. One of my students made a remark at end of class that gave me pause.

Student 1: Why the hell did the Chief have to kill McMurphy? That’s so wrong.
Student 2: Because he did not want to see McMurphy like he was after the lobotomy. He wanted to remember McMurphy the way he was.
Student 1: That is so stupid. This movie was a total waste of my time.

I did not say anything to Student 1. What could I say? I can’t wait to read Student 1’s paper. I have a funny feeling that she is going to have plenty to say.

Sorry this was so late, but I was busy all day today and of course I had to watch American Idol.

So here’s what happened with my Employment Law lecture.

I started class the same way my Constitutional Law professor did. I explained that this is not the time or place to discuss whether homosexuality is right or wrong. I told them that we are discussing this issue in the context of law and the business world. One cannot pick and choose the people they work with. So, you better check you opinions and/or biases at the door.

Well, it actually worked. We were able to have a discussion of the legal cases that involve discrimination based on sexual orientation without any grandstanding or rude and baseless comments. The students asked really good questions, especially regarding employee benefits for domestic partners. We even had a good discussion as to whether Title VII will be changed to included sexual orientation as a protected class.

I honestly think I did the right thing. I have overheard students say some pretty offensive things in the hallways and even in my Critical Thinking class. So, I had reason to believe that this issue was no different. I thanked my students for their ability to discuss such a controversial issue in a mature manner.

So, there you have it.

I am not looking forward to my Employment Law class today. Today we are discussing employment discrimination toward homosexuals and transgender individuals. Now, I have no problem with this issue either personally or professionally. I think it is something that needs to be discussed. The students need to see how the law impacts all individuals, particularly in a business setting. It is no different than discussing racial or gender discrimination. But many of my students either do not have the maturity to discuss this issue in an open manner, or they have strong opinions or disgust toward homsexuals. I am afraid that it is going to turn into a discussion about why homosexuality is wrong or gross.

I think I might start the lecture in the same way my Constitutional Law professor started his lecture about Roe v. Wade. He said “I don’t care if you are pro choice or pro life. We are not here to discuss whether abortion is right or wrong. We are here to discuss this particular case in the context of constitutional law. So check your ego and your opinions at the door!” From that point, we discussed the case without any rhetoric from anyone.

I am hoping this approach will work. Wish me luck.

Today is movie day in Critical Thinking. I am showing One Flew Over the Cookout’s Nest. The students have to write an essay in which they create their own definition of what it means to be mentally ill. Then they have to use their definition to prove that Randal McMurphy is mentally ill. They also have to use their definition to prove that McMurphy is not mentally ill. They must back up their arguments with examples from the move.

As I am explaining the project, a young lady raises her hand. “I need a stapler.”
Seeking Solace: We are discussing your next essay assignment. This is not the time to ask me for a stapler.”
Student: Well, I need it now.”
Seeking Solace: “Well, you will have to wait until later or find someone else to give it to you.”
Student: mumbles something unintelligible.

Dr Crazy posted about how professors are not the keepers of the stapler, paper clips and other miscellaneous junk that the students should have. I mean, do I look like I have Office Max written across my forehead. (If you don’t like Office Max, insert your favorite office supplier in place of Office Max) If that is the case, I want to know where my commission is!

And what’s up with the interrupting me while I am explaining the paper requirements to ask a question that has no relevance whatsoever to the topic at hand. What cognitive process, or lack thereof, did she use that determined that she should ask me about a fucking stapler at that precise moment in time? I was waiting to see if the world would suddenly end if she did not get the stapler at that specific time. Sure enough, it did not.

What makes this even scarier is that this student has kids.

I guess some people never grow up.

I finished James Patterson’s “Mary, Mary” the other day. Great read. For all you Patterson fans…this is one Alex Cross story that doesn’t suck. I am going to read “The 5th Horseman” next.

The one thing about Patterson books is that they are fast reads. So, does anyone out there have any suggestions on good books? I am locking for something to take to Aruba. Nothing to deep though…I’m on vacation! I do like mysteries-psychological thrillers. The kind of books that mess with your head and you are afraid to go to sleep. But I am open to anything, except cheesy romance novels!

Shout out to B*: Any news on your Hammie????

Today I am getting my hair done. This a big production because I have my naturally curly hair chemically straightened. I can hear all those with straight hair screaming “Why in the hell would you do such a thing!” “I spend X dollars to get my hair to do what your does naturally!”

Well, let me explain. I have shoulder length, thick and VERY curly hair. In the summer, I have to put a ton of leave in conditioner so I will not look like Buckwheat or a poodle. My hair is so thick that it tangles easily and it can be painful to comb. Plus, it took years to find a hairstylist who can handle cutting my hair. Naturally curly hair is very difficult to cut if one is not familiar with the way the hair grows. So many stylists end up butchering the cut.

So last year, I decided to give chemical straightening a try. I had blown my hair out with a round brush in the past. But that processes takes a long time, and let’s face it, I am too lazy to go through that process every day. The process only takes about an hour at the salon. My hair stayed straight for about six months before it started to kink up again. I love the way my hair looks and feels after it is done.

I guess no one is really satisfied with what they have. But isn’t great that we see if the grass is greener?

Update: After 1.5 hours in the salon chair, my hair is bone straight. . I can't wash my hair for 48 hours!

Sorry, no photos…I need to purchase a digital camera. I am planning to buy one before I go to Aruba!

Since a couple of people have asked, my stylist uses Redken Vertical Curl Reducer-Sensitive. No thermal conditioning.

Ok, so I am posting a little late tonight, but today has been a pain…literately. The Migraine from Hell carried on into today. I actually had to leave work because I could not open my right eye. I have battled migraines for many years, the flashes of light, sensitivity to sound, nausea, etc... But the eye thing was new. All is well now, after some sleep and Imitrex, sans greesy food!

AI was no big shock. Thank God Brenna is gone. What a shameless promoter! GML and I text messaged each other during the show and she posed this question, “Did Paula appear drunk tonight?”

Care to comment?

A dear blog friend is leaving the Waiting Room.

Best wishes to you Claire. I will miss your wit and humor. Please stay in touch!

I missed most of American Idol tonight. I was too busy in the bathroom suffering from gear reversal.

Notes to self:
1. Do not mix migraine meds (Imitrex) with greasy food. Bad things will happen.
2. Just because you had a long day does not justify eating greasy take out food.
3. Listen to Husband when he says that such behavior will lead to bad things.

In other news...

Why do administrators think that adjuncts are willing to do something for the school without receiving any benefit in return? The Dean of Instruction at my college has this way of getting you to do something by making you feel like crap if you say no.

In the past 24 hours:

One of my fellow adjuncts was pissed because she was required to attend a meeting which is optional for adjuncts. Since adjuncts do not get paid for attending these meetings, no adjunct would ever consider attending. But, since this particular adjunct is on campus at the time of the meeting, the Dean of Instruction is requiring her to attend, without paying her for her time!

GML and I were chatting in the hallway after our usual Wednesday workout. The DI interrupted our conversation to ask GML if she would come in one evening next week to represent GML’s department during the college’s information night. Now the night in question is GML’s night off. The school will not pay for GML’s time. The DI said “You don’t HAVE to do this, but you would be doing the school a huge service by helping out.” (translation: Be a team player or else your life will become hell on earth!)

Now it’s not that I lack school spirit or anything, but can’t the administration throw adjuncts a bone here? It’s bad enough that we get paid crap for wages. I would probably make more money working at the Body Shop and have fewer headaches (plus a great discount!)

End post...more gear reversal!