XTSEBASTIAN1@ccvax.fullerton.edu wrote:

Okay, now that we know who's over 40, and we can take a guess
and say 75% of the list is still in college,what about those
inbetweeners?  Is there a 25-40 section of people here who
have already graduated andhavefull time careers?  And if so,
how *do* you keep up with the ML and have a full life?

I will shortly be 28, so I guess this question applies to me. As a
college composition teacher, I spend hours a day explaining over and
over again what a thesis is, sucking throat lozenges, pushing squeaking
dry-erase markers across a dusty white board, stomping up and down
aisles making sure students are doing what I've assigned them to do,
struggling desperately to understand statements made by students who
whisper and speak very poor English (since I am employed by a college
whose student body is about 50% foreign students), trying to persuade
other students please to be quiet so class can continue, and longing for
full-time pay. After this, coming home to the FFML, a forum in which I
may be a real person with interests, rather than a crazy man in a tie
cracking a whip over those who would rather be elsewhere, is quite
refreshing. (By the way, this is what it's like to be a _popular_
teacher at International Fine Arts College. If my students hated me, it
would be worse!)
I spend hours some days reading and responding to mail. I haven't made
much progress on any fics because of it (also because I need to work on
mainstream fiction for publication, much as that process hurts). I think
the time is worth it to me, though, because I joined the list to make
friendly contact with people, and it seems to work. But, how did I make
time? Heh, I cut out computer games, and now I only play Magic on
weekends. Also, being a bachelor helps.

DRM
-- 

My signature file, attending all mails:

If we shadows have offended,
Think but this (and all is mended,)
That you have but slumber'd here,
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend;
If you will pardon, we will mend.
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck,
Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue,
We will make amends ere long:
Else the Puck a liar call.
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.
                --Shakespeare, Midsummer Night's Dream