Thanks for posting me. Can you believe the worst student I've worked with to date was 74 years old! As for the books, I've done the Grisham, Cornwell, Ludlum and Christie route, even some others in French, but I must admit ESL sites take up most of my free time - and interest!

From one chook to another, hi! Please don't feel down, some weeks are worse than others, it's true. Just look forward to having fun with your students. Bye for now, Jackie

Hi Christa. Thanks for enlightening me on "old chook". I really like the sound of it...so I guess I will incorporate it into my favorite useful phrases. I'm sorry to hear that you have had a hectic week. The beginning of term is always difficult. And I understand about the rivalry also. Sometimes the old students think you are their personal property and don't want to share you with the new ones. I also teach adults, but at a maritime university...so there is a lot of discipline around here. Almost too much at times. It used to unnerve me a little bit (being the old hippie that I am) that my students would not sit down until I gave them the order to do so. What kind of English classes do you teach and what kind of materials do you use? Hope you have a better week!