placid pace?

[Lynne Belcher <lrbelcher@saumag.edu>]

I keep hearing some in academia talk about the so-called "placid 
pace" of the academic world.  So where is such a place with such 
a pace?  I've been trying to get through 75 papers in the last 
two weeks; I've attended two all-faculty meetings and have two 
more to go, and I have to write up the minutes for these very 
contentious meeting as faculty assembly secretary; I've got a 
faculty senate meeting (having been elected vice 
president/president elect) today as well as a reception for 
students being honored in my college.  Oh, and then I have to 
prepare and grade final exams for four classes.  Placid pace?  I 
don't think so.  I've never worked so hard as I've worked in the 
education field.  No wonder you have the notions you do about 
grading and other academic work, Eric!  :-)

Lynne Belcher
over worked and under paid in South Arkansas

P.S.  Research?  I don't got no time for no stinkin' research!