Finals again, and a quandary

Home stretch
Well, I never quite believe at the beginning of the semester that this moment will ever come (nor at the beginning of the academic year in September that May will ever come), but here I am, giving final exams... Spring final exams. If I can just get through this week, I can start my summer vacation (before you get all jealous, however, remember that "vacation" here is a euphemism; in plain terms, I will be unemployed for the next three months).

This week promises to be harrowing, though: about 75 finals and papers to grade (i.e., roughly 150 pieces of work in all), plus a concert on Friday night (I'm singing) and a State Solo & Ensemble Festival on Saturday morning (I'm playing for Number One Son; Mendelssohn concerto again). Oh, and the church ladies want me to give a little talk on Saturday afternoon at their annual Mother's Day tea, and I have no idea what to say on account of (1) never having attended the event (it's always been on the same day as Festival), so not knowing what sort of thing is expected ("whatever the Lord leads you to say," I was told, helpfully), and (2) not feeling especially qualified to give talks to church groups. ( This would be the quandary. Click for more... )