Papers and Stuff

Confession time: I am grading a set of papers that my students turned in a month and a half ago. How bad is that? I'm to blame for this, of course, but part of my procrastination is brought on by the fact that I know that my 125 papers are full of little jewels like this:

"The dragon scared Grendel so much he wanted to pea himself."

This student also used "thank" every time he meant to say "think."

So much for academic tone and homophones.

Aside from paper grading, I'm still cooking up a storm and fighting the urge to lie on the couch and watch Grey's Anatomy all day long. Seriously, if you're like me and you are joining Grey's late in the game, don't rent Seasons 1 and 2 unless you have the time to devote to it; it's too tempting to watch episode after episode after episode...

And another random note: I'm sick of Tom and Katie. I enjoy celebrity news as much as anyone else, but I was a little repulsed by how ET camped outside the castle in anticipation for the "wedding of the year." Whatever. Who cares?

And one more random note: I can't wait to see the movie Dreamgirls. Oprah had the cast on her show yesterday, and the clips she showed were really good. I've never seen the musical before but am familiar with many of the songs from the show...I think I know what I'll be doing December 26.

Cooking and Grey's--Both Delicious

Okay, my title for this post is hokey.

It's Thanksgiving week, and I am in complete cooking mode. Last weekend I was a bit under the weather and ended up watching two solid days of Food TV. Over the past couple of weeks, I've bought just about every holiday cooking magazine I could get my hands on (plus a couple of cookbooks), and this weekend, I made scones and lemon bars, and I also tried a new dressing/stuffing recipe. (I consider good dressing a "must" on the Thanksgiving table, so I did a "trial run" before Turkey Day. I'm glad I did because the new recipe was GROSS.)

To make my time in the kitchen even more fun, I rented Grey's Anatomy Season One and the first disc of Season Two. I started watching Grey's towards the very end of last season, so I have some catching up to do. I've really enjoyed stirring, chopping, and baking while watching what is quickly becoming my favorite TV show.

Congratulations, Lisa and Gordon!

Last night, Darryl and I were honored to attend the wedding of Lisa and Gordon. Lisa and I worked together for a little over a year when I tested the waters outside the world of academia. We quickly bonded when we discovered we were both English majors working outside our element, and we've been friends since. I witnessed the very beginning of this relationship, and there was no doubt that from the very start, Gordon was the one for her.

The ceremony was beautiful and intimate, set in the Primrose Cottage of Roswell. I liked how Lisa's and Gordon's families were incorporated into the wedding--many of the attendants were relatives, and their moms each read a poem ("i carry your heart with me" by e.e. cummings, and the Apache Wedding Prayer "Now You Will Feel No Rain"). There was lots of laughter and tears during the ceremony, and the feeling of love and support for Lisa and Gordon was apparent.

I wish them lots of love and laughs in the future. Happy Wedding, Lisa and Gordon!

Me at 33!

Happy birthday to me!

It's been a good day so far. I started off my morning with a trip to Starbucks for a "birthday latte" and cinnamon doughnut. My students were pretty good today; once they received word it was my birthday, I was showered with many well wishes and ornate whiteboard decorations. (Just give students a clean whiteboard and an array of marker colors, and stand back and watch the magic. If only they were as creative on their papers!)

Darryl has gone a little crazy with the birthday gifts this year. He brought me tanzanite earrings and a necklace from South Africa, but after seeing how much I loved his satellite radio, he surprised me this morning by telling me that he is having it installed in my car, so I'm really excited about that. Awesome! The 80's station all the time, y'all! (I gave him two shirts and a pair of Crocs, so I think he got the short end of the stick.)

We're having dinner tonight at Morton's. I've never been there, but I've heard it's good. I'm planning to eat lots and lots...and not feel guilty about it at all.

Here's to 33!

Rudeness

I've had enough of rudeness for this week. It has reared its ugly head in all kinds of colors and shapes, but these are the three that have really griped me this week:

1. Rude trick-or-treaters. What's up with that? Seriously, Halloween night, this group of 3 or so kids came to the door, and I gave them each a generous handful of candy. Then this kid told me that he wanted another Kit Kat. Seriously? Since when did trick-or-treating entail demanding a certain type of candy? I handed over the Kit Kat, but later I wished I had just reached in his trick-or-treat bag and grabbed a handful and put it back in my bowl.

2. Rude drivers. Today as I was driving home from school, a lady in a new car in front of me stuck her hand through her sunroof and let go of her cigarette stub--and it hit my windshield. This was after she went ahead of me (out of turn) at the 4-way stop. Who does she think she is?

3. Rude students. These are really yanking my chain these days. From asking "did you bring us some candy" upon entering my classroom on Halloween day, to talking while I'm talking, to leaving candy wrappers and CHEWED GUM on the floor, to complaining about every single thing I ask them to do...I've had enough. I love teaching, I really do, but these past couple of weeks have been tough. I'm chalking it up to not having our usual Fall Holiday. It's time for a break. Still...are manners and common decency to much to ask for?

I apologize for the rant, but I do feel better. And just think...this blog therapy is FREE. :)