It's Tuesday & Finals are FINISHED

I submitted the first term grades today. The finals I made were a little too easy (71% average on the interview test, 82% average on the listening part - we aim for 60%), but I think a lot of the students studied. About 90% of my first years did their homework this trimester. I wish it were 100%, but I have a feeling that is an improvement over last year (didn't calculate it then, so I'm not sure). I still have rather large stack of notebooks sitting on my desk, just begging me to correct them, but they aren't technically due until September, so I am taking my time.

So, on a random note, I have been a bit of an insomniac lately, not being able to fall asleep until 2 or 3am. Yes, I'm a night owl, but it's much later than I am used to on work nights and is becoming unpleasant. It's a bit ridiculous, really, especially when I'm trying to get over a summer cold, BUT... apparently I'm not alone. I've talked to a few friends this week, only to learn that they are having similar problems. I think it's the heat. It's still my first time with the sweltering July heat and humidity in this part of Japan, but - in addition to making everyone perspire to the point of having to carry around a small towel - it's really hindering the sleep schedule. I was told by a coworker that summer colds are kind of common and generally last for 3 weeks... makes sense if your immunity is worn down by a lack of sleep. I thought Minnesota summers were bad (mid 90's and humid), but they are nothing compared to this. Then again, things might be different if we had more access to air-conditioning?

Just for fun: Here's one of
me sorting through
bonus points from
the semester on
Monday night (it's
all part of grading)!