the spreadsheet is done and the incomplete student addressed. I could do a few response papers which might be good for the grading and commenting muscle without straining it. I can't explain why grading papers is so fucking difficult. I mean I've explained it again and again but you know these days it is not nearly as painful as it used to be but it is just as difficult to get started as it was that very first time when I had no clue what to write on them.

it's not just that it takes time. lots of things take time. it's not even that it requires intense concentration--I'm better with that than I used to be and don't knock myself out to understand things that are poorly written. I just say "I have no idea what you are trying to say here" and leave it at that. well usually I am a little more diplomatic than that.

there are other things I'd rather be doing of course but it's not like I'm going to go do them. I'm going to sit here and berate myself for not doing what I should be doing. why is this preferable to actually doing, I wonder? because really, that is the alternative: work or fret. why is fretting less painful than working?

screw this. I'm going to do some response papers.