What's the curve?

My brother, Steve (who also has two young kids) berated me today on being too hard on myself regarding my "grade."  OK, so I really don't think I'm "one step above deadbeats or abusers."   Realistically, I'd like to think of myself as above average.  That is, C+ or above.

 

Whatever.  The real question to be asking is, Steve tells me, is "how do I get closer to an A?"

 

As a high school teacher, I understand the value of clear, consistent metrics for any grading system.  So.  What's the curve?

 

I propose this as a possible scale:

• A: Something to aspire to.
• B: Enough to make my parents proud.
• C: Going through the motions - can't complain
• D: One step up from Deadbeats and Abusers
• F: Deadbeats and abusers

Hmmm... seems to me that this leaves a big gap between C and D, makes sure that almost everyone would give themselves a B, and assures that nobody will ever achieve an A.  Interestingly enough, this is pretty much how I like to grade in my math classes. 

 

So, for real...  me?  In general, about a B.