A little ode to almost.

Almost is not bad. In fact, it's actually, usually, pretty good.

Like when you say, I almost died of hunger...but I didn't. I didn't die of hunger. Instead, I lived!

Monday was the day I thought I would be finished grading. Instead, I am almost finished grading.

Or another way to put it is: the end of grading will actually happen on Tuesday.

Since I am no Pharisee, I made today a hybrid day. I graded, I cleaned, I worked out. Also, we ate leftover

Thai food. And I took a nap. That's because almost really set me free from the tyranny of I will or else. 

But tomorrow, I gotta. I really really gotta.

You guys.

Okay, first of all: first of all, this is the last day of classes, the last day of classes of the semester that almost nigh unto killed me, as in I am almost dead, but I have survived, I have prevailed, I have a new header!

Today, I read the last of the poems and the last of the essays. Today, I met with my independent study students and advised them for the last time. Today, it is the last day. Did I respond to many an e-mail, many a panicky, pleading e-mail? and did I respond with a firm and gentle, not to say severe, not to say way harsh tone? and did I say unto the panicky student, "Panicky student, you must chill. YOU MUST CHILL."?

The answer to all of these questions is yes. Yes, I did. I wore black and I wore shiny shoes, and I was in charge of the last day of school, lo! the last day of school recognized me and surrendered.

Good lord.

Well, the final work doesn't come in till next week, so it's not like I'm done done, but I am done with the meeting with students, and that feels like, the people, a blessed, blessed relief.

Cheers to blessed, blessed relief.