Students trying to get over

As I've been taking it all in, preparing for next semester, I'm starting to notice a trend. Its not like I didn't already know this, but being on the other side makes you look at things a little differently. Students will try to get over on you if you let them.

I'm not doing any more lectures the rest of the semester, so I've just been watching. Since it is my first semester teaching, I've only had to lecture every 2-3 weeks and I watch and take notes the rest of the time. So since I was watching this time, I had the opportunity to notice that the class started with about 20-22 people and by the end of class there were only 9 left.

I understand it is almost thanksgiving break and people are ready to go home. But that shit is just disrespectful. And the students think they're slick!! They ask a question as if to show their paying attention and listening, then they leave. Well, the professor saw what happened and in the last 15 minutes of class asked everyone to go down to the library with him.

He walked through the shelves grabbing books and give all those who were left a book to read and review over the break. Those not in attendance would get a zero on the assignment. If I were a student, I'd be pissed. But now that I'm on the other side, I can't wait to do this. As a matter of fact, I'm already scheming on how I can do this all of the time!

I see people sign the attendance sheet and leave. So I'm just going to take attendence twice on some days. Once at the beginning and once at the end. Or maybe I'll give a quiz at the beginning of class for those who like to stroll in 20 minutes late. And on other days, I'll give a quiz at the end of class for those who like to leave early. I'm even going to give a quiz at the end of class on things I just finished talking about for those who like to sleep during class.

I thought about trying to be the 'cool' professor, but fu*k that. I'd rather be hated and ensure that the people who left my class learned something. This culture of getting over and not having to work hard has got to stop. It won't work in real life, so they might as well get used to it now. (I sound like my father..... scary....)

~C

CD of the moment: Sade - "Promise"

getting an apartment

I hate apartment hunting..

I hate it so much, it makes me want to buy a house / condo just to eliminate the hassle of having to do it every 8-12 months.

They ask you for everything... especially shit you don't have or remember. For example, I had to provide a 2 year rental history complete with addresses, contact numbers, building owners, etc... First of all, all my shit is in storage, so I ain't got not nan bit of that type of info.

Besides, I always end up having to have my lawyer threaten my former landlords to give me my security deposit back within 60 days. So I'm sure they're all bitter. Then, this hoe asked me for cancelled rent checks for the last 4 months... Cancelled rent checks??? Are you serious??? I haven't seen a cancelled check since I was 16???? I just hope my indignation to her obnoxious requests don't hamper my chances to get the place.

I almost asked her if she wanted a blood sample, but I felt that might be pushing her buttons a little too hard. The cost of living out here has gotten way out of control in the last 4 years. I can't even believe it! A couple years ago, I thought a friend of mine was crazy for taking a studio for $1,000 / month. Now that I'm here, I understand that is what the market can demand people pay. So it looks like I'll be back out on Maryland rather than being in DC. I'm cool with it though. I actually am hoping to have some quiet time as part of readjusting to being out here and living away from the action will help keep me out of trouble.

I have too many things on my plate to try to entertain the thought of being all out and about in the party scene right now... the teaching, the new job, trying to finish off my last few exams, etc.. is enough to keep my butt at home for a few months. The farther away I am from the city the better at this point. I know, I can't believe I'm saying this stuff either?? All my friends think something is wrong with me and don't understand how I'm not out all the time getting my kick it on like I used to. I'm just really trying to be about taking care of business and taking care of me I suppose....

also, I'm kinda tired of dealing with people.... I have my friends. Some I talk to more than others, but they all mean something to me. I guess I don't feel like I need any 'new' friends, or really want any for that matter. I have enough people in my life to care about and care about me so if anything, I'd be more interested in eliminating people... But when I finally do start the architecture firm one day, all of you will have finally made it and will be able to afford me! :) So I'm not getting rid of too many people these days....

(how did I get here?)

So hopefully, I'll get this apartment, because I'm supposed to give up this room December 1, and I don't want to have to sleep on the couch dammit.

~C

deleted..

..some things are better left unsaid..

Where has Curtis been?

I had a feeling the election would go the other way. I really did. Even when I posted my Kerry prediction, it was an act of faith rather than what my gut was telling me.... so in anticipation of this event and since I had some time off before I started my new job, I booked a flight to Europe.

So he won on Tuesday, I was on the plane on Thursday, just to get away... it was very depressing. I mean, I was much more depressed than I thought I would be about Bush winning. It really took it's toll on me. I suspected it might, but not the way it did. So after finding out Wednesday morning that he won, I was on the plane not more than 24 hours later. I just got back last night and start work at my new job tomorrow.

I had an amazing time and it was good to take my mind off of the whole Bush win. I was able to do research for my class, and get some well needed rest and relaxation.

I'll write a full report later, but basically here is the scoop:

Flew into Zurich and spent the day with my main man Johann.
overnight train to Vienna
Spent all day and night in Vienna
woke up early to catch a train to Salzburg
spent about 3-4 hours in Salzburg, then rode up to Munich
Stayed with my good friend Karin and her new husband, drank a lot of good beer before a good nights rest
woke up late, spent all day in Munich, then went back to the house for sleep.
an exhausting journey of train, bus, train, train, bus to Vals
spent two days in heaven at the Vals Therme (www.therme-vals.ch)
from Vals to Luzerne
woke up early and took the train to Lugano
spent the day in Lugano, then back up to Zurich to sleep before flying out in the AM

from the hotel in Zurich to my current home in Hyattsville took an exhausting 18 hours.

I slept like a baby last night...

I'll try to write more about the trip later...

~C

CD of the moment - George Duke - "greatest hits" (this CD is worth it for the first track alone! 'dukie stick')