December 6, 2010

One Thirsty Girl

It's that time of the year where I go into lock-down mode. I don't talk to anyone. I live in my pajamas and I pray that the next portfolio will be better than the previous five, because for the love of God, have I not taught them anything this semester?

I shudder with disappointment when I see that certain students have neglected to turn in their final reflection essay. I cringe when I see their grades at 69, 79 or 89 as I stress over what to do and whether or not I should give them the bump up (before deciding that if they truly deserved that bump up, they would have turned in all of their journal assignments and homework).

My entire life goes on hold when I'm buried under a pile of final papers, portfolios and journals and this semester has been the worst one yet because I have so many students, so many more than ever before. I created a deadline for myself to be finished by Wednesday at noon and I will do it. I might have to stay up all night. I may have to bribe myself with chocolate, a shower or a glass of wine. But one thing is for certain. . . I can't wait to be finished with grading this particular group of portfolios. There is a bottle of beaujolais with my name on it, just waiting for me to finish up.

Man I'm thirsty.