free at last

day 276:


to some, this may look like an ordinary folder... ok it probably looks like an ordinary folder to everyone but me.


but this is no ordinary folder. this is the folder that i keep my students' papers in.


this folder has papers in it from day 1 to day 180. 


but this year, day 177 and it's empty. every single scrap of paper has been graded and entered into the computer.


not only that, but i also graded every single final exam. which included about 30 multiple choice questions, a long composition, and two open response questions.


i was a grading machine. it was awful, but now it feels so good. 


this folder represents my summer freedom.


i do not have to grade another paper till next year. 


and there is no other feeling in the world quite like this.