Blah.
I'm exhausted. My students (yes, it's always my students) are working on their documented argument (fancy name for a research paper that takes a stance), and they've got assignments coming in every day. Wouldn't be a problem, but the assignments have to do with their topics, so I feel I have to look over them and give feedback (there's nothing worse than being stuck with a topic that won't make a good argument). So, basically, I've gotten myself into this mess. But I think it'll work out for the best. I just want them to have the best chance at a good paper, since this one is worth a lot of their grade.
I've lost a few students to absences or failing grades. That was sad. And I'm pretty sure I've got a couple who will not pass once this is all said and done. (They have to get a C- to pass, just to be clear.) I can't help but take it a little personally, but for the most part my kids are doing quite well, so I know I can't let it get me down. Writing well is hard. Sometimes it'll have to take two tries.
In political news, McCain was here over the weekend. Just a few blocks from my house. Mike and I wanted to go, but you had to go get tickets at the GOP headquarters. It sounded a bit too much like screening to me, so we didn't end up going. I needed the time to work anyway. I wonder how it went? (A quick look: Nothing too incendiary or new, except that we apparently have a real Joe the Plumber who is voting for Obama. It all seemed pretty tame when we drove by.)
My parents are visiting this week (Tuesday), so I'm really excited for that. I've been a little homesick lately when I have the time to think about it. I'm hoping I'll be able to come home for Christmas, but things are a little tight with the wedding this summer. At least I'll be back for Ami's wedding, though, if not earlier. Sigh. Mike and I are doing editing work and trying for some writing prizes, so hopefully that will pad the budget a little.
That's about all I have. Happy Fall to everyone, and have a safe Halloween if you're going out and about.
<3,
Tracy
I've lost a few students to absences or failing grades. That was sad. And I'm pretty sure I've got a couple who will not pass once this is all said and done. (They have to get a C- to pass, just to be clear.) I can't help but take it a little personally, but for the most part my kids are doing quite well, so I know I can't let it get me down. Writing well is hard. Sometimes it'll have to take two tries.
In political news, McCain was here over the weekend. Just a few blocks from my house. Mike and I wanted to go, but you had to go get tickets at the GOP headquarters. It sounded a bit too much like screening to me, so we didn't end up going. I needed the time to work anyway. I wonder how it went? (A quick look: Nothing too incendiary or new, except that we apparently have a real Joe the Plumber who is voting for Obama. It all seemed pretty tame when we drove by.)
My parents are visiting this week (Tuesday), so I'm really excited for that. I've been a little homesick lately when I have the time to think about it. I'm hoping I'll be able to come home for Christmas, but things are a little tight with the wedding this summer. At least I'll be back for Ami's wedding, though, if not earlier. Sigh. Mike and I are doing editing work and trying for some writing prizes, so hopefully that will pad the budget a little.
That's about all I have. Happy Fall to everyone, and have a safe Halloween if you're going out and about.
<3,
Tracy