1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?

Take the summer off. I had a lovely Summer of Seeking Solace.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Yes. In my quest to return to being a vegetarian, I gave up eating pork. For 2008, I will give up all beef products.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No. But I know a lot of folks who are pregnant.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes. My great uncle.

5. What countries did you visit?

Canada

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?

A thinner, healthier body like I did in '06.

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

July 11th - 15th wedding anniversary. July 17th - Offered new job. October 20th - Paid off all my student loans.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Finding a new job.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not getting into the LL.M program. But it was a good thing becuase I would not have my job now!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I battled some serious migraines this year. My RA is still in remission. Steroid free for two years!!!!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My laptop and my CHI flat iron.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

The Boy becuase he earned his Canine Good Citzen and SPCA therapy dog designation.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Michael Vick, Don Imus and some of my students.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Shopping, investing tickets to see the Police, and paying off my student loans.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Having a new job. Seeing the Police in concert. Working with as a kitty cuddlier.

16. Song that reminds you of 2007?

Anything by the Police to honor the concert I saw. Also, Move Bitch by Ludacris. (The latter is in honor of Righteous Babe!)

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?

Happier, fatter and richer.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Working out and getting facials.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Stressing over and bitching about students

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

Spent it with Husband and the Boy.

21. Did you fall in love in 2007?

Still in love.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

House, SVU and Law and Order

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I don't hate anyone, but I am still pissed at a couple of people.

24. What was the best book you read?

Eat, Pray, Love.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I haven't found any new ones yet.

26. What did you want and get?

LUSH bath products.

27. What did you want and not get?

A puppy.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

The Simpsons Movie. I did get the DVD for Christmas. (Spider Pig rules!)

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I was 39. I went out to dinner with Husband.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Less depression during the first few months of '07.

32. What kept you sane?

Husband, volunteer work with the Boy, and my kitty cuddling job over the summer.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

None of them.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

Not so much political issues, but the issues that ground my gears were the Michael Vick case, Don Imus, Virginia Tech and the Jena 6.

35. Who did you miss?

My friends at my old job.

36. Who was the best new person you met?

Righteous Babe. She made my transition at the new college bearable and fun. She will no doubt be a life long friend.

37. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go 'round and 'round.
I really love to watch them roll.
No longer riding on the merry-go-round.
I just had to let it go.
Watching the Wheels by John Lennon

Who sends tenderloin and ground beef as a Christmas gift?

Husband and I received this gift from a family member. It came in the mail in a Styrofoam cooler.

I guess I should have mentioned to the family that I am in the process of becoming a vegetarian again and will be off beef products beginning January 1. (I gave up pork products this year.)

Oh well, Husband and the Boy will have A LOT of steak and burgers to eat!

I ended up going shopping by myself yesterday. J spent the morning at the doctor, only to learn that she has strep. (What is up with strep 'round here?) Anyway, it was a decent hunt, but I have a question?

Where are all the deep discounts that the news keeps talking about?

I got the 20% coupon (Shout to Comebacknikki...read coo-pin. I am embracing my redneck roots!) in the mail from BBW. I thought "Wow, I am really going to stock up. I always stock up during their after Christmas sale." Well, I think I spent $20.00! Sad, I know. But, there really wasn't the deals that they usually have. Usually, there are tubs all over the store with all kinds of goodies. OK, the $3.00 body cream was a good deal, but there wasn't too many other deals like that. Even the $5.00 Wallflowers was deceiving because only certain wallflowers were covered and disappointed people were tossing the non-sale wallflowers into the bin, making it rather confusing.

It was the same everywhere. The Loft advertised an additional 30% sale merch, which was great. But, that did not include the majority of sweaters. I did buy this, this but in a light blue and this shirt, which was the only item that I got the 30%. And yes, I checked the sale rack, but there was not much there that was not there before Christmas. I did find this sweater at Banana Republic. That led to another question?

Why is there an abundance of XS items? Why is it that the M and L girls of the world have dig and dig through the pile only to be disappointed? I mean, are there that many people who are that size? Or is it just another way for us to feel like crap?

Finally, I picked up a fleece zip jacket at JCP for $8.00 and these cute cords which will look great with the BR sweater. That made me happy.

After a long day, I went home and had leftover Thai from lunch. (Husband took me out to lunch yesterday). A long bath with my new Lush products was in order.

But I have one last question.

Can you have sore muscles from shopping?

I'm serious. My quads are killing me!!!!

Christmas was a very relaxing time for the Boy, Husband and me. We spent Christmas Eve at GML's house enjoying wonderful food and laughter.(Quote of the night..."Did you grow up living under power lines?") GML's boys had a great time visiting with us after they were released from exile. Poor Blue. He barked and barked not just becuase there were people that he could not visit, but there was food that should be eaten...by him!

Christmas Day was filled with just chilling out at home. We watched DVDs, napped and played with the Boy. We froze the remaining half of our turkey from Thanksgiving, so we dinned on that along with yummy sides. Very yummo!

Husband did a great job on my presents. Books, DVDs, cashmere, Lush products were just some of the items that were for me. The Boy loved his treats and his stuffed rabbit and pheasant. He knew which package contained his gifts. I often wonder how dogs know which gifts are theirs!

Also, thanks again to all my bloggy gift givers. You gals are the best!!!!

Yesterday, Husband went back to work and I avoided the Boxing Day heinousness. Partially because of the crowds, but mostly because I have a cold. I stayed curled up under a blanket reading. Today, I am much better, thanks to Zicam. J and I are going shopping so that we can put a dent in our area's economy. I have some gift cards and coupons that are just screaming to be used. I don't care what the etiquette people say. Gift cards RULE!!!!!

Husband and I are spending Christmas in Lake Effect Snow Central, since Husband used up all of his vacation time on his plague. I am relieved that we are not traveling to Redneck Hometown this year. It's always a hassle. The weather is always a factor. I mean yesterday was crazy. It started off at 51 degrees with rain and wind gusts up to 50 MPH. Then, it switched over to snow and the temperature is about 16 degrees now with blowing winds and more snow on the way. With all that heinousness, it's just better that we stay put. Also, I am not in the mood to deal with the family drama that surrounds most visits. By the end of the visit, I end up returning home stressed out and resentful.

We will be spending Christmas Eve with GML, her husband and the pups. That will be fun. Let the alcohol flow! Christmas Day will be spent at home, relaxing and enjoying the day...just me, Husband and the Boy. No stress, no resentment. Just spending time with the two most important beings in my life is the best gift I could ask for.

So from The Boy, Husband and me, have a Merry Christmas or Happy Whatever It Is You Celebrate. Cheers to all!!!!

As seen at Comebacknikki's:

1. Eggnog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot Chocolate with a little Baileys!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just put them under the tree?
Wrapped.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
Colored.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No, I am afraid the Boy would try to eat it!

5. When do you put your decorations up?
It depends. Usually around the first week of December, but this year it was this past Wednesday for the decorations. We are decorating the tree tonight.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Mashed or smashed potatoes and stuffing.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child:
My parents always tell the story of how when I was three and my brother was two, we woke up early Christmas morning. But instead of playing with all the toys that our parents spent most of the night assembling, we were interested in the glass ornaments on the tree. My brother climbed on top of the table and starting dropping them as I yelled "Do it again!"

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
What truth? Is there something I should know????

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
NEVER! There would be nothing to look forward to on Christmas Day!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
Lights, ornaments etc. I do collect the Hallmark Spotlight on Snoopy series, so every year I get a new Snoopy. This year it's Snoopy as an astronaut.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
I live in Lake Effect Snow Central...what do you think????

12. Can you ice skate?
Yes, I used to take lessons for many years. I could do some of the fancy stuff like jumps and spins. I stopped once I started college. Now, I would probably end up in the ER with a broken bone or something.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
The promise ring Husband gave at our first Christmas when we were dating.

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Spending time with those whom you care for the most.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Any and all. Bring it on!!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Husband and I love going out and cutting our own tree. We take the Boy and go for a long hike through one of the local farms in Lake Effect Snow Central and look for the perfect tree.

17. What tops your tree?
A star with lights.

18. What are your favorite Christmas songs?
I just made a Christmas CD, which I will share with you later. But, I love Happy Xmas by John Lennon and Sarah McLachlan's Wintersong CD. I also love Silent Night sung by the Temptations. I bought my dad that record when I was little. It was his favorite. Husband loves Father Christmas by the Kinks.

19. Real tree or artificial?
Real. We grew up in a town where Christmas tree growing is huge and we are both well schooled in picking out trees. Don't worry though. After the holiday, Husband cuts the tree and we place it in the wooded lot behind our house so that the rabbits and other critters have shelter for the harsh winters and so that it can be absorbed back into the soil.

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or yum?
Yumo!!!!! Even the Boy gets a rawhide version of a candy cane!

Chaser, one of my favorite bloggers and fellow fashionista, has started a new blog called The Fashionable Academic. In this blog are tips and suggestions for looking fab. Anyone who reads Chaser's blog knows she has a eye for great clothes and shoes!!! Check it out!

There is this one blogger who keeps posting snarky comments on their blog regarding Chaser's new blog. What the hell is wrong with people? If you don't agree with her choices, that's fine. You don't have to be an ass about it.

Like my daddy used to say "If you don't have anything nice to say, shut the hell up."

GML and I got together this morning for coffee and to exchange Christmas gifts. We had a good laugh becuase we bought the same gift for each other.

What was really funny is that GML had already read it and thought I would love it. I read the review for it and thought she would love it.

How funny is that????

On Monday, I had an appointment with my doctor about my migraines. We concluded that they a most likely hormonal, and she suggested adding a magnesium supplement to my diet. But, what really concerned her was that my blood pressure was 132/84. Normal for me is 105-107/70-72.

Eep.

She thinks that it may be because of the recent increase in the dosage of one of my meds. I guess that is one of the side effects. She told me she wanted me to come in once a week for the next six weeks for a blood pressure check to monitor the problem.

Yesterday, I was not feeling right. I was jittery, nervous and I could feel might heart beating. I have a mitral valve prolapse (sticky heart valve) and a history of panic attacks. Well, it did not feel like a panic attack. Besides, I had nothing to feel panicky about. So, I called the office to see if I could come in for a BP check.

Let me tell you. I "heart" my doctor and her staff. They are so nice and accommodating. They got me in within two hours. The nurse was fully aware of my doctor's instructions.

The result...BP 105/70.

OK, that's a relief. They are chalking it up to just a blip. But, I am supposed to continue the BP checks.

I am still a little concerned though. My father's side of the family has a history of hear, high blood pressure and all that related stuff. To make matters worse, my dad had his first heart attack at 39.

I will be 40 next month.

Now, I know I am in much better health than my dad was at my age. Unlike my dad, I do not smoke. Never have. He smoked 3 packs a day. Plus, he his job was WAY more stressful than mine. One of the reasons I walked away from being a lawyer was because of the stress. Also, I am physically active, which is was not.

But, I am still concerned.

I know I should not worry about this; it's just going to make me more stressed. But hearing "Don't worry about it" actually makes me worry. So, I have to find ways to put it out of my mind.

Yesterday, Rented Life and I got together to exchange bloggy gifts. We had a wonderful time drinking coffee at this little mom and pop diner. We were laughing, cutting up and just having fun with our gifts when suddenly a woman walks up to our table.

BAM, BAM BAM, was the sound she made as her hand slapped our table and she yelled something unintelligible at us. Then, she went back to her booth located just a few spots behind us.

WTF???

My guess is that we were a tad bit loud. OK, maybe so. But, what the hell? Seems to me that the classy thing to do is to walk up to our table and say "Excuse me, but would you mind toning it down a little?"

I have to admit, her behavior made us laugh more than anything else. Sure, we did tone it down, but I think the woman looked more ridiculous than anything else.

Anyway, I love my bloggy gift. It is very appropriate for me. In fact, I am going to hang it up in my office. Of course, I will have to check with office mate to make sure she is cool with it.

Oh, and to my other bloggy gift exchangers, I plan on mailing your packages either today or tomorrow.

Dear Professor Seeking Solace:

Why did I get a C- in your class? I just don't understand.

Signed, Student C-

Dear Student C-

You received a C- because although all of you papers were C's , you received a D on your research paper. Do the math.

Signed, Professor Seeking, Not That Mathematically Challenged, Solace

Dear Professor Seeking Solace:

I think I deserved an A, but I received a B. That is so unfair.

Signed, Unhappy with a B

Dear Unhappy with a B:

I realized that you are not happy with the end result. But, I can't make up points where they do not exist.

Signed, Seeking, You Get What You Get, Solace.

Dear Professor Seeking Solace:

Why did I get a C+?

Signed, C+ Student

Dear C+ Student:

Although, your exam grades were very good, your research paper was a D at best. I warned you during our conference that your paper had suspect sources and while I could not technically prove plagiarism, you were riding on the ragged edge of disaster.

Signed, Seeking. Be Thankful That You Did Not Get Busted, Solace

Good grief people, can't a girl get a break????

So much for the end of the world snow predictions. As of this morning, there is only 10 inches of snow. Now, for some of you, that may seem like a big deal. But, for those of us who living in Lake Effect Snow Central, it's nothing. When you get seven feet in four days like what happened here a few years ago, then you should start wondering if the end of the world is near.

Today's agenda now that grades are in and I am officially on vacation is to clean the house. Right now, my house looks like grading hell mixed with an infirmary. I also want to put up the indoor Christmas decorations too. Hopefully this weekend, Husband and I will go out and get our Christmas tree. We are traditionalists, and must have a real tree.

Speaking of Husband, he wants to thank everyone for their get well wishes. The antibiotics have kicked so he is going back to work today.

And the Boy? Well, let's just say he is having a blast in the snow. I will try to get some pics.

Grades are done and submitted!!!!!

WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!

Now, it's time to relax with a warm bath and some Bailey's!!!!!!!

Today was particularly rough. Husband's symptoms worsened, so we headed to the doctor. The official diagnosis is a sinus infection with strep. The wait at the doctor's office was quite excruciating, mainly because the office was blasting the TV and there was this one guy who felt the need to complain to everyone about his surgery. All I could think of was "Dude, spare me the details."

While Husband went to the pharmacy to get his prescription filled, I figured I would get the grocery shopping done. We were out of almost everything in the house. And, the weather is supposed to get pretty heinous this weekend. Well, you would think that people in my neck of the woods never dealt with a major snowstorm becuase the grocery store was insane! Yes, I realize that we may get up to 18 inches of snow, but for crying out loud, we deal with this ALL THE TIME!!! There is no need to buy enough bread and milk to feed a small country! Seriously, one would think that this is the dawn of the apocalypse and the four horseman are on their way. I decided to postpone my Target trip until tomorrow. I will go around 8 AM and get what I need and get out of there before all the insanity starts again.

Grading??? Well, I got through about half of the research papers for my quiet CT class. They are a bit on the weak side, mostly due to lack of proofreading and this blatant disregard for putting in text citations in the body of their papers. Honestly, I just don't feel like reading anymore tonight. But, I will most likely drag myself over to the dinning room table, put on my Ipod, and plow through them.

I think there are some Smirnoff's in the refrigerator.

• Two classes down and one to go. I have research papers and final essays from my quiet CT class left to grade. Saving the worst for last, I guess.
• My other CT class did an awesome job on their final essay. I think it was the manner in which I presented the topic that really helped them. They not only got the concept, but they ran with it. I hope my quiet class has the same result.
• I do have a couple of students who are on the boarder between two grades. I hate when this happens. Do I push them over or leave it be? I guess I will have to look at all the subjective elements of the course. Did they show up regularly? Did they participate? Was there an upward progression in their work? Did they put forth a consistent effort? Will this come back to bite me in the ass later?
• Husband is STILL sick. We now think that it is a sinus infection and pink eye. The eye stuff is starting to work. No more cloudiness or goop coming out of his eyes, but they are really bloodshot. As for the sinuses, he is in a lot of pain. I am using everything in my arsenal to combat his symptoms.
• I need to go to Target to pick up items for the Giving Tree for Husband's work. I have always enjoyed participating. This year, we drew a little girl and her mom. The little girl wants a Barbie and the mom only wants socks, a hat, gloves and a scarf. I am going to throw in a gift card to help them out.
• We got five inches of snow yesterday. That's considered a dusting in my neck of the woods. We are supposed to get between 18 and 24 inches of snow this weekend. Not totally unheard of here, but a pain nonetheless.
• Since Husband is sick, I get the job of shoveling. Thankfully, it's the fluffy stuff and not the heavy stuff. And no, we do not own a snow blower. Husband is just too "manly" for such things.
• The Boy shoveled his own path in the backyard. He just uses his head. I have to snap a photo of that.
• OK, time to get moving. Either I shop first, then grade or grade first, then shop.

I am plowing through my CT research papers. They are not as bad as my Law class. Some are still having trouble with citing within their paper, but unlike my law class, my CT freshman at least make an attempt to do it correctly.

Astroprof has a great post about his trials and tribulations on the grading front. Reading his post reminded me of one of my students back at Former College who cut and pasted information from a website in her research paper without citing the source. I knew it was plagiarism when I read "Click here for more information".

On the medical front, I am not sick. I guess I was having sympathy symptoms. But poor Husband has pink eye in addition to his cold. He was home again today. I took a break to get his prescription and some other supplies. Poor guy! He is such a trooper through all of this.

The Boy is going to daycare tomorrow. He has got a bad case of what I like to cal the "ya-yas", which means he has cabin fever. Today's walk was cut short because a little dog was trash barking at him and he tried to charge it, almost causing me to fall. I told him that he better behave because Santa Paws is watching to see if he is a good dog.

OK, I am going in for one more round.

Law class is finished. Now it's on to my two CT classes.

Message to the student who wrote in his research paper that the case he selected was too hard and he didn't find any additional information because of the limited time he had to do the assignment...

You had 2 1/2 months to work on this project. That is plenty of time to complete it, given that I am only asking for a five to seven page paper. Moreover, the fact that you found the assignment hard or had trouble finding research is not my fault. I stated numerous times in class that you should see me or email me with any questions or problems. You did not do either. Finally, you have some nerve writing in your paper that you thought the assignment was hard and unfair without even making any real attempt to write a coherent paper. You just cut and pasted sources together without even documenting your sources in the body of the paper. You just slapped a Works Cited page at the end with questionable sources. So when you get your "F", don't even think about crying to me about it because it will take every once of strength for mot to tear you a new one. You only have yourself to blame.

Would someone please tell me where they get this arrogance???

• I am tired.
• I have a headache from all the reading.
• My throat is starting to hurt. (Please don't let it be Husband's cold)

I have six more research papers to read for my law class. These are in the pile I call "Problem Papers". You know the ones. You start to read a 'Problem Paper" and you have to stop because it does not make sense, is full of errors and typos or has possible plagiarism. I usually set "Problem Papers" aside so that I can muster the strength to tackle them.

Maybe I will just call it a night and take a shot of something and go to bed. I don't want to end up with Husband's cold. With all the congestion, his voice has dropped at least two octaves. He kinda sounds like Barry White!

This morning was rather busy. Husband is home with a nasty cold. Thankfully, he is not one of those men who are completely helpless when they are sick. But, I can't help babying him just a little. :) I took the Boy for a long walk so that he would be quiet most of the day. It's funny how every patch of snow or every tree and bush has a scent that must be sniffed and or peed on!

Finally, I entered grading jail. I decided to work on my law class since I had already graded their final exam and all that was left was their research papers. Some of the papers were quite good. One student did a great job analyzing the Napster case. But, others went from average to just plain awful. They either lacked real insight, were full of errors and typos, or had serious issues with citation form. One student chose to use footnotes instead of what I asked them to use.

That's right, I said footnotes.

Now, I know that both MLA and APA allow footnotes of endnotes, although they discourage their use. But this paper was entirely cited using footnotes. This paper was filled with footnotes. The only place that I have used exclusive footnotes in in legal citation. That always bugged me during law school and when I was a practicing lawyer becuase I am sure the legal profession could come up with a better citation form.

(Note: This is an undergraduate law class. If they were in law school, I would ask them to follow legal citation style. )

Also, I am starting to get the emails asking for grades. I don't post or give out grades. I even have a sign on my office door stating that I don't give them out prior to the student receiving his or her grade report. The one and only time I did give out grades was a complete disaster. I had students complaining and wanting to challenge their grades before Christmas. The ones who didn't do a lick of work all semester want to do extra credit. The grade whores cry because they 'deserve" an A. The truth is, I just want some peace of mind between the time I submit grades and the time the students get them in the mail. That way, I am rested before the next round of whining begins.

Do you give out grades or post them before the students receive them in the mail? Talk among yourselves. I am going back for another round.

I took down my post about Michael Vick. I still stand by my anger about his receiving a mere 23 months in prison for what he did. As many of you know, I am a avid animal lover and have strong views about the laws regarding animal cruelty. I also have strong opinions about people who say "Oh, it's just a dog or just a cat." I spent this summer working to rehab cats and have seen firsthand the results of people who think hurting an animal is acceptable.

That being said, something that I did write was way out of line. Someone reminded me of that fact. Rape is a serious thing. As a twenty year survivor of rape, I still have memories of what happened to me. I would never think that it is funny or mean to suggest something like that in jest. Retribution is never the answer. Wishing that someone have that happen to them will not solve the issue or make it any better. It lowers one to the level of the offender.

My anger and forestation got the better of me. That is no excuse, but it does explain the behavior.

So, if I offended anyone, I sincerely apologize.

We now return to our regular programing.

• The genius who decided that this morning, the last day of classes was a perfect time for a fire drill should have the snot kicked out of them.
• I don't want to talk about my boys in Black and Gold, except to say that this ain't over and that paybacks are a bitch.
• Students are turning in papers today. Should be a slow morning. I just hope I don't have any more bold students.
• Speaking of that. I sent the student an email telling him that I will not accept his paper. I am preparing myself for the blow-back.
• I did grade all my law exams yesterday. Now, I have to tackle all those research papers and final essays. At least I can work from home the rest of the week.

I love this version of White Christmas, especially the reindeer back up singers.

Enjoy!

I gave a student in my law class a one day extension on his paper. I told him that I needed the paper by noon on Friday. Well, I get this email Friday morning where the student tells me that he was up all night, sick as can be. He said he was "dying". (Um, if you were really dying you would not be emailing me). He also said that he need just two more sources and his paper would be 'awesome". He wanted to turn his paper later that day.

I emailed him back explaining that I needed the paper by noon becuase I am on a deadline and besides, giving the extension is a courtesy that I don't normally grant. I finished by saying that I needed the paper in my hands or via email by noon.

I guess the guy can't read becuase he said "Well, I really want to give yo a great paper. So, I will give it to you later today or tomorrow at the latest.

All together now...ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!!!!!

Who in the hell does this guy think he is? He totally disregarded what I said and told me when he was going to submit the paper.

I sent him a second email which said that under no certain terms that I was to recieve the paper by noon or he would receive no credit. I left my office at 12:15. No one showed up with a paper and there was nothing in my email.

Around 3 PM yesterday, I checked my email. Guess what was in my inbox. The student's paper. Time on the email...2:30 PM.

GRRRRR. My urge to kill is rising.

I have not responded to the student yet. I am so pissed right now. The arrogance displayed here really grinds my gears. It's no wonder why I am such a jaded person. Every time I give someone an inch, they take ten yards. So, I end up being a very non-compassionate instructor because I can't trust anyone to do what I ask them to do. I mean what's next? I guess I will have to cease granting extension period, or make the student sign a contract.

I don't want to accept the paper. He did not do what we agreed to do. My policies are not open for negotiation. It is what it is. I supposed I could read it and see if he would fail outright anyway. But, it just seems wrong in my eyes.

Addy N had this link on her blog. It's absolutely hilarious!

Email from student:

I am not sure how to cite this particular source. Since the research paper is not due until noon, I will ask you during class.

Um...no. Your research paper is due within 15 minutes of the class start time which is WAY before noon. Your final exam is due at noon...next Monday. I guess you did not read the assignment when I gave it to you, or when I emailed it again to you...two days ago.

*Post title for the benefit of Husband.

One of my law students submitted a rough draft of a paper reaking of plagiarism. Not only did he copy word for word from one particular source without citing it, he took information from the same source and cited it under another author's name.


It took me only 15 minutes to find the document that he used. I went through it, highlighting the sections that he copied in his paper and noting the paragraph and line number in his paper. I sent him an email saying he needed to see me ASAP.

He eventually stopped by. I explained to him in a non accusatory way that I had serious issues about his sources. I explained that I checked his sources and it appeared that some are suspect. He just brushed it off as not knowing how to properly cite information.

Um...you're a senior and you don't know how to do WHAT?

I gave him the MLA guide that I give my freshman CT students. I also told him that I would look at another draft if he wished. I warned him that if his final paper was anything like his draft, he would fail the course.

My attorney-brain tells me that he realized that he got caught trying to be slick. The teacher portion of my brain tells me that it is entirely possible that he never learned proper citation form, or he was allowed to slide with improper or incorrect citations. I made a copy of his draft with my comments on it, just in case. I just hope he cleans up his paper.

Either way, I am frustrated. I hope that he just didn't know better.

Just Me tagged me for this one.

The rules:

1. Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 random and/or weird things about yourself.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here goes...

• When I was 19, I was given the children's menu at a restaurant.
• I don't heal very well from cuts or bruises. I have this black spots from old wounds, especially on my legs. It's embarrassing because they are visible and I have to cover them with special makeup when I bare my legs. Plus, I worry that people may think that Husband beats me when that is SO NOT THE CASE.
• Husband and I grew up in the same town and even went to the same high school. (He is two years older than me.) We did not know each other then. We met in college and realized that we had a similar circle of friends, like one of those six degrees of separation things.
• I can make popping noises with my jaw.
• I can belch on command and have won many a belching contest.
• In college, I worked as a security guard for events. What's weird about that is at the time, I probably weighed about 100 pounds soaking wet. So, I mostly checked bags and staked out the women's bathroom for illegal stuff.
• When I was 12, I punched a phlebotomist in the face because he kept jamming me with a needle and I am afraid of needles.

I am supposed to tag 7 people, but I think this one has been around. So, if you want to do it, have fun.

I just finished a round of CT essays on lethal injection. I thought I would share some "gems" with you.

• The electric chair was deemed a humane form of punishment.
• The death penalty has been a lifelong debate that has been around for decades.
• People can take on the job of an executioner and have no connection to the medical field. (I can see it now…Wanted. Professional Executioner. No medical experience needed.)
• Many executions were not done properly due to a lack of incompetence.

And I have another class yet to read!

Like Jimmy Buffett says "If we all didn't laugh, we would all go insane."

• I was sure that Baltimore would beat NE. My boys in Black and Gold get a crack at 'em next week. They have the best shot of kicking NE's ass.
• Sign seen on TV during the Steelers game on Sunday night. Five Rings...No Cheating.
• Today is another day where I will give my students a chance to seek help for their papers. I hope my other classes take advantage of the time.
• Prisca asked about my eval. I sent an email to the Dude. He should be sending me something this week.
• The Boy has a new girlfriend. Her name is Libby and she is a German Shepard. Libby has been pining for the Boy for some time now. He is just starting to reciprocate. Unfortunately, his method of showing his "love" sent him to doggie time out twice last night.
• It is really cold here. Plus, we had our first measurable snow.
• OK, time to get to work on grading. I have some CT essays to grade.

I got up way too late this morning. I love my boys in Black and Gold, but I can't take these Sunday and Monday night games.

This is going to be a light week. No teaching as I have given my students the time to work on their papers and use class time to meet with me with any questions or concerns. So far, I had five students from my early class stop by with questions and drafts for review. One student just stopped by to say hi because he felt weird not coming to class.

I am amazed that I had any students at all. Usually, I end up sitting around doing work or something. I just assumed that no one would seek help, so I brought my laptop with me to get caught up on stuff or just blog. They were actually waiting outside the classroom for me.

Will this trend continue with tomorrow's classes????

• When Seeking Solace looks in a mirror the mirror shatters, because not even glass is stupid enough to get in between Seeking Solace and Seeking Solace.
• Seeking Solace's dog is trained to pick up his own poop because Seeking Solace will not take shit from anyone.
• There are no such things as tornadoes. Seeking Solace just hates trailer parks.
• The First Law of Thermodynamics states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed... unless it meets Seeking Solace.
• Paper beats rock, rock beats scissors, and scissors beats paper, but Seeking Solace beats all 3 at the same time.
• Most people fear the Reaper. Seeking Solace considers him "a promising Rookie".
• The 11th commandment is ? Thou shalt not piss off Seeking Solace. This commandment is rarely enforced, as it is impossible to accomplish.
• Seeking Solace doesn't open a can of whoop-ass. She makes her own.

Courtesy of Geeka
Get yours here.

Seen at Weezy'a place.

Your Score: Garlic

You scored 25% intoxication, 100% hotness, 100% complexity, and 50% craziness!

You are Garlic! No offence, but you stink. Pretty much everyone loves you, though. You're smart and pretty hot and you fit in with about any culture. You're a total cut-up; in fact, the more cut-up you get, the hotter you become. But be careful, when you get embarrassed, you turn really sweet.