Or could it be that the prof just gives very hard tests?

This is it. And, it's a HUGE class, with a wide range of abilities. And, this is the lowest average all semester. I think he was really quite surprised with it.

Also, he's a good professor whose research is in how to best teach college-level biology, rather than biology itself. He'll take this information and use it to teach it better next year. I'm sure of it.

I know that I feel I have to write questions with hard parts (that only students who can take it to the next level will "get"). My department dictates the curve I must use, so x number of my students will get a C. I'd rather base it on what they really seem to know than on nit-picky things (which is what I'd have to use if they could all answer all the questions).

Today is Asshole Coworker Day? Who knew? Does Hallmark do cards?

I am cranky. There's a transit strike going on, and it will continue through the weekend. No bus, tram, metro, or taxi (also some other services like utilities and schools). So I have to get up butt-early to go pick up the nanny so we can still make it in to work by 8:00.

Because, you know, it really is all about me.

I'm grading right now and it is not fucking great. I only have 2 students, but their grades are based on very non-quantifiable things like "initiative" and "skill application".

Cash, that is so scary about your cousin. How hard is it to check? I'm glad to hear she and the baby are doing well and are finally getting good care.

There's a transit strike going on

Noooooooooooooooooooooo!!

(Our transit worker's union is threatening to strike. If they do....ugh. It will Not Be Pretty.)

Oh, and Joe landed safely. yes, it was an Army jump. He's always been fine so far, but I feel like the day I stop worrying is the day something will happen. So I worry just a bit each time.

Oof, the boss she stresses me again.

Her: "Why haven't you done this minor but time consuming maintenance task I assigned you back when?"

Me: "Because co-worker left and my job responsibilities doubled, including a vast store of Urgent Issues on a daily basis. Also, new manager needs assistance, new temp needs assistance, also huge year end projects I have to do that you don't bother to understand. That is why I have not scanned every candidate's resume and evaluation form and attached it to their record in the recruiting database. The following tasks have been deemed more important: fixing somebody's payroll record so they get paid, covering for sick secretarial manager, entering timesheets, running six freakin' MCLE presentations this week, following up individually on 48 MCLE reports that went out last week, processing the vacation balance for somebody's exit, getting group provider information for Partner calling from eye doctor, calculating vaction for attorney taking FMLA leave...and that's just TODAY."

Just talked to my cousin. She sounds good. She's a little miffed about how things went but it turned out that she did have a hole in her uterus that would have caused problems anyway (her second kid was VBAC and she was hoping to do the same with this one). The baby is just on a little oxygen and she did NOT have to have a hysterectomy--they wanted to do one but she was not in any condition to sign the forms so they repaired the damage and she's recovering.

She said the SECOND time she went into the hospital that they did a test that revealed a UTI. They said THAT was what was causing her contractions (no manual check). But she ended up going back a THIRD time when the contractions got so bad she couldn't stand it. She was there a whole HOUR before someone checked her and at that point she was 8 centimeters dilated--the nurse on duty acted SHOCKED that she was that far along.

Feh. This is her third kid. And her second premature delivery. It's not like she was overreacting or didn't know what she was doing.

But the important thing is that EVERYONE is ok. She'll be fine (better once she can get to see her daughter) and the baby is strong and doing well.

Stephanie, I'm glad Joe made it to the ground safely. It's perfectly reasonable to worry about someone jumping out of an airplane!

vw, FEH to your doffus tutees. The don't deserve your help. But YAY on the C on the bio exam!