The Waiting Room

My other template is AFU. I could not figure out how to fix it, so I choose a new one. I kinda like it.

What do you think? Be honest!

I killed my template. And of course the original code is on my computer at home.

Note to self...Don't mess with your template at work!

Is it too much to ask that when you send me your essays via email that you send them as an attachment and not write the entire essay as an email message?

Seriously....

I should be doing work, but the new TV season is interfering with my work!

• House just cracked me up! I loved the ransom note for the guitar. But, I think House should have a Fender Stratocaster instead of the Flying V guitar. I do think he needs a new team.
• SVU was AWESOME. Having Munch in charge was a hoot. Also, I almost completely bought the multiple personality thing, until the moment when they should the law journal. Husband calls that the "Donk, Donk" moment!
• After watching "Bionic Woman", I want to take up Krav Maga again! I just want to be able to open a case of whoop-ass on someone if I had too!
• I loved the opening of the Simpsons. Long live Spider Pig. Also, I want the "Hey you, beer me" song!
• Tonight is Earl, CSI and ER. OK, ER jumped the shark a long time ago, but somehow I get sucked back in.
• I should probably start watching the Office to see what all the fuss is about.

So, what are you watching??

I am not sure whether the emphasis should be on walking or wounded!

My back spasms worsened as yesterday progressed. At one point, I could not feel my left arm or stand up straight. I trying to contact my chiropractor freind, but I couldn't reach her. So, I called my doctor, who is a D.O. and can do spinal manipulation. She couldn't see me, but one her colleagues had an opening, so I saw him. After 20 minutes of twisting, popping and getting the snot beat out of me, I was able to walk out of the office upright.

I am still sore and tender today. I only had one class this morning and we spent the time just shooting the shit. I let them talk about whatever was on their minds. They seemed to enjoy the freedom to just talk. So, we discussed current events and how the semester is treating them. Since they are freshman, I wanted to get a handle on how things are going. It seems balancing schoolwork and part-time jobs was a big issue for some. Others found the amount of work to be rather daunting. But, it was good for them to get things off their chest.

They did tell me that my class is the only one they truly like. Now, I hope that's true and not sucking up!

Now, I have to put the finishing touches on their research project, which they will receive Friday. Let's see if they still like me.

I am in so much pain today.

For many years, I have problems with my thoracic spinal area (upper back and shoulders). It started when I dislocated my right shoulder due to a slip and fall on a patch of ice when I was in college. The shoulder did not heal correctly. Whenever I put too much pressure on it, say like carrying heavy bags on my right side, my right shoulder blade will stick out slightly, resulting in serious pain.

My problems with my back are also a result of the many years of being a student, hunched over books and computers. I am sure many of you can related to that upper back strain!

It hurts to sit, stand or do much of anything. I am popping Tylenol because I am already on an anti-inflamatory for the RA, which helps some. Husband put Bio-Freeze on my back this morning which helps too. I just hope I don't stink up the office to much, I don't want to offend my office mate. My students, on the other hand, will just have to deal!

I can't get in to see my chiropractor for another week of so. I am afraid I may have to use the "I am in SERIOUS pain." coupled with the "Aw, come on and help out a friend" line. My chiropractor and I are good friends, and I don't like to take advantage of our friendship that way.

But, I think this time I may have to break out the trump card.

Only about 1% of my students in all of my classes know about the Jena 6. But, they can tell me all about OJ's latest legal trouble.

Sad.

What part of "All assignments must be typed or computer generated" do you not understand?

I mean, damn!

Those of you who got a big fat zero on your homework, should probably go back and re-read the syllabus. You can't miss it. It's in 18 point bold font.

But then again...

My more talkative Critical Thinking class was engaged in a heated discussion about the roles of men and women, particularly during the dating phase. They did not need any prompting from me; the class just ran itself.

I don't like to stifle a good discussion, unless it gets out of hand or people treat each other in a less than dignified manner. And these students did a great job of being respectful.

Then, it happened.

Another instructor popped his head in my classroom and said "You people are having way too much fun. My students are booing me because they can hear your class."

My bad....

I hate it when people insult you with a compliment. And I really hate it when people just don't say what they mean. Couldn't he have just asked me to step out into the hallway and politely asked if we could tone it down a little? That just seems like the classy thing to do.

Oh well, it was just a matter of time before I pissed someone off.

My quiet Critical Thinking class actually had something to say today. I had them do the jury exercise as a demonstration of analyzing issues. The fact pattern was something I created back in law school as part of a seminar project on the death penalty.

I divided them into two separate juries to illustrate the point that we can analyze the same set of facts, yet reach different conclusions. The groups engaged in good conversation during their deliberations, although they did not argue as much as groups have in the past.

They seems to have trouble looking beyond a surface issue to find the true conflict. That really surprised me. Neither jury addressed the underlying issues and circumstances of the main character which is what often happens when I present this exercise. I think I will need to come up with another exercise.

But, I am happy that they are starting to speak up. I even thanked them for their participation.

As I write this, Husband is headed to a conference in his field. He will be gone the whole week. So, the Boy and I will have to fend for ourselves.

It's so cute how Husband gives the Boy instructions before he leaves for a trip. He tells the Boy that he is to protect his mom at all costs. He is to bite first and bark questions after. And the Boy sits at attention, listening to his marching orders.

Husband doesn't travel for his job as much as he used to. There was a time where he would be gone for two or three weeks straight. Being gone for a week was not too bad. Sure, by the end of the week, I can't wait for him to come home, but when the trips would last longer, I would miss him terribly. And I know he missed me too. Even our previous dog would mope around the house wondering when Daddy was coming home.

Husband has traveled to some great cities in the US and Europe during his career. Even though he would visit sone great places, the most Husband saw was the inside of a plant or testing facility. This time, Husband is hoping that he and his co-workers will have some time to see the sights after all the training classes and seminars.

As for me, I am just hanging out at home and going to work. Maybe a girl's night with GML. It's just as well, 'cause I've got way too much work to do.

And I will miss Husband...

...and the Boy will miss his daddy.

I have a new toy. It's name is Junior. It's my new HP laptop. I call it Junior because my desktop in my home office is also an HP. It's a pretty nice system.

Husband helped me pick out Junior. Since is he a software engineer, he is well versed in computer lingo and and tech-speak. So, he was grilling the guy at Circuit City about all the specs. At one point, Husband asked the guy as to why Junior, who has a faster processor and more memory was cheaper that a similar model with a slower processor and less memory. The guy could not explain except to say that the more expensive one looked nicer.

Then, Husband asked the dude what a particular port was used for. When the dude gave the wrong answer, Husband was like "Dude, that is so not what it's for. Let me explain..."

Another issue was whether Microsoft Vista would allow my 2003 version of Works Suite which has Word to run. The clerk was trying to convince Husband that we should just buy Works Suite which has the 2007 version of Word. Well, that would cost between $150.00 and $300.00. depending on the version.

Husband, in his best Chris Rock impression said, "$150.00 dollars for something that I already have and can just download the compatibility upgrade for free...Good Lord, that's a lot of money!"

Anyway, we installed the 2003 software, and of course there was no problem. I can read all my files just fine. I downloaded the compatibility software, and it's all good.

My guy cracks me up! And he always has my back. That's why I love him so much!!!!!

The Boy was under the weather last night. He threw up while Husband and I were out for dinner. I think he may have a little doggie virus.

He looked so sad so I thought he would be more comfortable on the couch.

Even when he is sick, he still manages to look cute!

BTW: I am happy to report that he is back to his old self again!

As seen everywhere...

1. Professor (doing it now!)
2. Foreign Service Officer
3. Sport Psychology Consultant
4. Foreign Language Instructor (done it)
5. Rehabilitation Counselor
6. Lobbyist
7. Politician
8. ESL Teacher
9. Corporate / Commercial Lawyer
10. Judge
11. Humanitarian Aid Worker
12. Mediator
13. Criminologist
14. Criminal Lawyer (done it)
15. Corporate Trainer
16. Civil Litigator (done it)
17. Lawyer (done it)
18. Computer Trainer
19. Human Resources Specialist
20. Occupational Therapist
21. Probation / Parole Officer
22. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
23. Anthropologist
24. Funeral Director
25. Personal Financial Planner
26. Addictions Counselor
27. Activist
28. Political Aide
29. Public Policy Analyst
30. Psychologist
31. Public Relations Specialist
32. Communications Specialist
33. Print Journalist
34. Writer
35. Market Research Analyst
36. Critic
37. Translator
38. Social Worker
39. Paralegal
40. Court Clerk

Go here if you want to play. The login is nycareers and the password is landmark.

My Critical Thinking class is driving me crazy. I just can't get them to engage in conversation. Today, we discussed how to critically read a passage. I had them read a passage on their own, using skills that I outlined in class. Then, I had them discuss their interpretations with a small group of classmates. A couple of the groups just sat there and stare at each other and did the "Homer Simpson blink". When I asked them how it was going the response was "Well, we all agree." When I would push them, the students would immediately clam up.

During our discussion, I even brought up the Bush administration and the war in Iraq. You would think that would stir up some discussion.

Nope.

AAAARRRRGGGGHHH!!!!!

I am at a loss here. Next week, they will be analyzing issues by acting as a jury. I have done this activity in the past and it has worked well. I am hoping this will bring this group out of their shell.

I remember.

I was working for a large law firm in Lake Effect Snow Central. It was an office day for me because I did not have any court appearances that morning.

My secretary came into my office and told me about the first plane hitting the towers. Neither of us thought much of it at the time. Probably just a freak accident.

Later, she came in to tell me about the second plane. This was no accident.

My first thought was to call my former employer. That law firm had an office at 140 Broadway, which for you non-New Yorkers, is very close to the towers. I was praying that no one was there that day. Thankfully, no one was. Ironically, someone was in the office the day before but flew back to Lake Effect Snow Central the night of 9/10.

Back at my office, my entire department was gathered around the radio. We heard about the plane flying into the Pentagon and the plane crash in Pennsylvania. The later had great significance to me because I grew up near the crash site. I tried to contact my mom, who was frantically trying to reach my brother. My brother was a Sergent in the Army and stationed in an office in Pittsburgh. I later learned that my brother was told to go home and wait for further instructions.

That day at the law office, the phone did not ring, No faxes came in. No one got any work done. How could they? There was talk of sending people home. My husband's company sent all the employees home. But, my employer elected to keep us. It was like time stood still.

Outside my office window, I could see sharpshooters posted atop the Federal Building and other important places. Police were everywhere. Those of you who know me know that where I live has some significance.

When my employer finally sent everyone home, Husband came to get me. When he pulled the car up to the building and put on his flashers, about five local police officers surrounding his car. I had to flash my attorney ID and explain that I worked in the building and my husband posed no threat. Of course, we understand why the police did what they did.

It was complete chaos.

And I will never forget it.

Because she has a nasty cold and cramps today.

Seriously, I don't know which is worse. The headache and pain that comes with the cramps or the stuffy head, sore throat, chills, sneezing and coughing fits with the cold.

Between the Midol, the Zicam and the generic Robitussin, I don't know which end is up.

I feel like death warmed over and barbecued.

• I have a cold and cramps. What did I do to deserve both at the same time?
• At least I only had one class this morning.
• I really like my MWF Critical Thinking class. They are engaging and love to talk. I wish I had that class on TR. TR classes run longer and it seems like one hour is not enough for my MWF class. One hour would be enough for my TR class since they don't like to talk.
• One of my Business Law students uses my first name when he emails me. It's the same guy who's BFF is the son of Attorney X. I am going to have a chat with him. Have any of you had a student so bold?
• J and I did not go shopping. She is sick too.
• My boys in Black and Gold won yesterday! Woohoo!!!
• Say an extra prayer for this guy.
• OK, time for a nap, because the meds are kicking in.

I started getting a migraine on Thursday night. (Yes GML, my head was hurting while we were chatting on the phone.) I thought I would pop an Imitrex and all would be well Friday morning.

Wrong!

My pain was MUCH worse. The auras, the sensitivity to light and sound were all there. I could barely lift my head off the pillow to call and cancel my one and only class. I made the call and popped another Imitrex.

Then, I slept, on and off, until about 3 PM!!! Thankfully, the Boy kept quiet. He did snuggle with me for a while. Such a good Boy!!!!

I am feeling much better now. But, damn this weather and it's impact on me. If it's not allergies, it's migraines. On top of that, the last two days were in the 90's! (Hello, it's fucking September!) Today, it supposed to be around 76.

Sure.....

In other news, I was reading B*'s post about having trouble reading her students. I can so relate. I have one class where it's like pulling teeth to get them to engage in any conversation. They seem so timid. My guess is that since they are freshman, they are still nervous about the college experience.

A course like Critical Thinking doesn't work unless there is some give and take in conversation. Despite having taught this course for two years, none of my usual tricks seem to be working. Granted, I am working with real college students now, but I am at a loss. I tried having them do some small group discussion which seemed to work somewhat, but I can't do that all semester. Any thoughts out there????

As for today, I really need to clean my house. There is a lot of dust and dirt. The dirt comes from the Boy rolling in the grass and bringing some of it inside. J suggested a shopping trip, which I am so game for after the lovely and talented Lina, created this for me. Those of you that know me outside the blog-world know that I would so rock that outfit! I really want that jacket!!!!!!

Also, Husband has promised that we will go laptop shopping. I want to have my own system at work. Since Husband is a software engineer. I am sure I will get something really nice. But, he is also very picky which could make it a long shopping trip.

Also, I need the laptop because the adjunct faculty room at work is very small with only three computers. Because of my vision issues, I have to change all of the setting when I used the computer and then change them back when I am done.

On top of that, it's very crowded and space to work is at a
premium. Bitch and Moan tried to take over a veteran adjunct's space and was incensed when he asked her to please move over one seat. Thankfully, my new friend, RB, offered to share her office with me. Her space is huge! Plus, RB is just so freakin' cool. (Thanks again, RB!!! You so rock!!) But, until the maintenance staff gets off their asses and makes me a key, I am stuck in the adjunct room. I don't know if I can get a desktop computer, but if the wait for the key is any indication, I think I will stick with my own system.

Oh yeah, the local NFL team has its opening game tomorrow. I will be parked in front of the TV, wishing I could watch my boys in Black and Gold instead!

Whew. That's a lot of rambling.

Today, I met with my second group of Critical Thinking students. They were more engaging than yesterday's class. A couple of students stayed after class to talk to me. Maybe everyone has gotten over their initial fears.

I ran into a girl who used to work at my old college who now works at my new college. She left the old place two years ago because she couldn't the crap that was going on. We shot the breeze for about 45 minutes. It's nice to already know someone at a new place, isn't it?

OK, now for the bomb that was dropped on me today...

I got an email from one of the students in my Business Law class. He told me that of all his professors this semester, I am his favorite. He likes my upbeat personality and approach to the course. He says he loves the law and often discusses it with his best friend's dad. His best friend's dad is Attorney X.

Attorney X is a very well known attorney who was almost disbarred. He is the classic sleazy attorney.

Sweet merciful crap! How do I get into these things!!!!

So I can't talk smack about any practice are of law. And, I have to watch what I say in class because this student may go back and parrot to Attorney X.

Here's to a great semester!

I made through my first day teaching without too much hassle or saying "fuck" in front of my students. Being off as long as I have, you tend to forget about language.

My first class, Critical Thinking, consists entirely of freshman. And they all had that deer caught in the headlights look. They were absolutely petrified. They wouldn't even laugh at my jokes! It was like pulling teeth to get them to interact. I hope they will loosen up soon before I start to loose it.

My second class is a Business Law course which is mostly sophomores and juniors. They were a little more engaging, but not much. The room that is assigned is kind of small for the class. I don't want to change rooms because it has AC which is kinda nice right now. But once it gets cold, it will not be so good because it is across campus. The thought of trudging in the snow does not make the joints happy. Also, a room that small will make testing difficult. I will have to either give different version of tests or make the tests take home.

I also found my target student for the Business Law class. This is the person who I know will be the most annoying, so I am going to pick on him incessantly. He seems to think he is Jack Black. Watch out, humor boy!

I honestly felt like I had entered the Merry 'Ol Land of Oz. I felt like I was teaching at a real college. It did not feel that way at the last place I taught. That place was a college pretending to be a college. The students are way different than the ones I taught before. No students showing up to class wearing ankle monitors or hearing about baby daddy drama.

But, like the movie, I am waiting for some dude to come out from behind the screen. I mean, it is only the first day. The freshman will loosen up and start doing things that annoy the hell out of me. Upper classmen will think they can get away with stuff. Administration will have me do stuff that has no purpose.

And I will bitch, moan and drink.

When I was little, I always had trouble falling asleep the night before the first day of school. I would lie awake, thinking about what would happen the next day. I guess you could call it a cross between excitement and fear. A new year. Different teachers. New expectations.

Tomorrow is my first day back to the classroom after my job hiatus. It's been eight months since I have stood in front of a group of college students and tried to look like I knew what I was doing.

Different college. Different students. New expectations.

Am I excited?

Yep.

Nervous?

Yep.

Will I sleep tonight?

Probably not.

My new Present Thought at the sidebar inspired this post.

Many people ask me why I decided to leave the legal profession. When I tell them that I left the practice because I just couldn't take the stress, the long hours, the demands of the clients, the increasingly unethical and unprofessional behavior of my colleagues, and because I just didn't enjoy it anymore, some people just smile and say "Good for you." Others look at me like I have lost my mind.

Those not in the legal profession have told me that I am crazy for walking away. They cite money, prestige and of course the dreaded "How could you give up on all that education?" as reasons for me to reconsider my decision. Money is the usual reason most people think I am crazy for giving up on the practice of law. After all, lawyers make a ton of money, right?

Present and former colleagues have said I should consider a different practice area. Some have suggested that I just haven't found my niche. Or worse, some have suggested I just need to "suck it up." Even those who think it's great that I am teaching law courses, they seem to think I am short changing myself because I am teaching at the undergraduate level and not at a law school. Some say that I will miss the whole game of being a lawyer.

Why is it so hard for people to see that I am truly happy where I am with my career? Yes, it is less money. But I am not a money driven person. No, I am not wasting my degree because I am teaching courses that utilize my legal background and skills. Those who know me know that prestige doesn't mean that much to me. Why can't people see that I had to do what was right for me, for the sake of my physical and emotional health?

I just had to let it go.

Reasons don't seem to matter, do they? Perceptions seem to fuel what people think is reality. And one can drive themselves mad trying to get someone to see your truth.

I know in my heart it was the right thing to do.

Isn't that what really matters?

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Sweet!!!

Go forth and shop my friends!!!!

With my anxiety level steadily increasing as the first day of classes approaches. I am trying to have my materials ready for the first day. My syllabi are almost finished. I still have to complete my tracking calenders and lecture note for the first week. Then, to add fuel to the fire, the chair of my department sent an email to all Critical Thinking instructors asking them to present a tutorial to their classes on how to use the campus computer system.

Excuse me??? That's just fucking great. One more thing to do. I think I will have someone from IT do it instead.

With all the increased work, my house looks like a bomb exploded. Last night I was complaining about this to Husband. He smiled and told me not to worry.

So, as I get ready to get back to working on the school stuff, what is my Husband doing? Vacuuming the house, cleaning the kitchen and general straightening up!!!!! And I didn't have to ask him to do it!!!!!!!

I love this guy!!!!!!