Read the email from their CEO today and i find it sad. From what i saw, the company did fight hard to stay in business. Even after the bankruptcy thing they sorta "redesigned" themselves to not just stay afloat but also, to keep up with the modern reading era of ebooks and more online retail. it redesigned it's rewards program and what not. I know Border's has some loyal customers who stayed with the company through it all.
I have to say it's a cutthroat world of business now. It's not just a matter of being able to keep up with the latest trend. it's also about being able to launch, keep up, and invent and reinvent latest trends or else you fall behind. I have to say this depends on advertising and marketing. There were ebook readers before amazon launched the kindle but most people own the kindle now or a nook. I own a kindle myself. Amazon's kindle was expensive at the beginning and i considered it a luxury product for me but once it hit the $189 and $139 range, i was sold. The bad economy hasn't helped. Consumers want to pay less for products. Retailers are left to either cut costs at the expense of profit or make up those lost profits some other way. Heck, nokia was a premier cell phone company and now we're in a world of apple or android. Palms and blackberries are also becoming history. 5 years ago if you'd told me google would be a giant in this phone business, i'd have thought 'ha'. Barnes and noble has managed to keep up with amazon and i think their ebook reader is doing well. In fact they have a $139 black and white version now. They've also moved to more online retail but they still have the stores. I wonder if the starbucks inside these stores contribute to them holding up. I know i wouldn't walk into a stand alone starbucks but with Barnes and noble having that are where one can study, i find myself buying stuff when i sit there. I don't like the Starbucks drink. Even their hot cocoa doesn't taste good. Lately, I've resorted to their cookies and other cheesecake factory deserts.
Point blank, more businesses are going to fail. Sad, but true. Giants who weren't are rising. Only thing i wonder is will we have bigger giants rise up in the future and take down these seemingly unbeatable giants?
Nothing is permanent. My heart goes out Borders - management, staff and all. I feel for those who've lost their jobs in the brick and mortar stores. I'll always remember sitting at their Avenue of the Arts store and reading books. I'll remember the coupons i used. I ordered the nclex 3500 from them. Oh the memories...
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Another roommate situation
So i moved in with someone i knew. Bad idea. Knew that but i thought, oh, let me help a fellow sister out. in fact i'd found a similar deal of a house for less money. Not sure why i got stupid and chose to move in here instead. Anyway, prior to moving in, this person had said, you can use the closet in other room. I'd looked at another place where i'd have my own room, bath and that other person had also said you can use the closet in this room because i just have a desk in here and i don't use it. After adding everything up, i realized i'd pay more living with a fellow african but i thought let me help out. How stupid of me!
A week after moving in, this housemate tells me a friend is moving into the room next to mine, blah, blah, blah. Point blank, i need to move my clothes from that closet. i had my tall shoe rack in there. As a matter of fact, i have some clothes in that big tub i bought from walmart and i've 3 boxes of shoes sitting in my room. anyway, housemate goes on to say "how may rooms are you renting" blah, blah, blah. i remember after i moved in, she remarked, i should've charged you $900 considering all the space available to you. What space??? i barely have any space in the kitchen to put my stuff. Oh, and this room is smaller than what i moved from and i paid less rent. My utilites never hit $100 so techinically, i never even paid $700 for rent. I'm pay way more here and i've one little room.
the whole new person moving in was annoying. Now, there's another visitor here and this person is intruding in my space it's driving me CRAZY. she just takes my stuff and i barely talk to her. she doesn't say hello so i'm not sure why she just gets up and takes my stuff.
So i'm paying more rent than i've ever paid and the irony is that living here is worse than livin in a co-op. It's really annoying. I signed a 6-month lease. wish i'd signed a 3month one cuz i'd have moved out the end of this month and paid for next month without staying. Anyway, I really wanted to give this a try but i've to the conclusion; living with africans, bad, bad, BAD idea. It's just not me. Caucasians are more respectful of your space. I respect people spaces a lot and i hate it when someone intrudes into my space. I was supposed to have that drawer and i hate that i came home tonight looking to have my soda and it was gone. She took one yesterday as well.
This is ridiculous. I can't wait to submit stuff in october and get out of here.
A week after moving in, this housemate tells me a friend is moving into the room next to mine, blah, blah, blah. Point blank, i need to move my clothes from that closet. i had my tall shoe rack in there. As a matter of fact, i have some clothes in that big tub i bought from walmart and i've 3 boxes of shoes sitting in my room. anyway, housemate goes on to say "how may rooms are you renting" blah, blah, blah. i remember after i moved in, she remarked, i should've charged you $900 considering all the space available to you. What space??? i barely have any space in the kitchen to put my stuff. Oh, and this room is smaller than what i moved from and i paid less rent. My utilites never hit $100 so techinically, i never even paid $700 for rent. I'm pay way more here and i've one little room.
the whole new person moving in was annoying. Now, there's another visitor here and this person is intruding in my space it's driving me CRAZY. she just takes my stuff and i barely talk to her. she doesn't say hello so i'm not sure why she just gets up and takes my stuff.
So i'm paying more rent than i've ever paid and the irony is that living here is worse than livin in a co-op. It's really annoying. I signed a 6-month lease. wish i'd signed a 3month one cuz i'd have moved out the end of this month and paid for next month without staying. Anyway, I really wanted to give this a try but i've to the conclusion; living with africans, bad, bad, BAD idea. It's just not me. Caucasians are more respectful of your space. I respect people spaces a lot and i hate it when someone intrudes into my space. I was supposed to have that drawer and i hate that i came home tonight looking to have my soda and it was gone. She took one yesterday as well.
This is ridiculous. I can't wait to submit stuff in october and get out of here.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
kaplan diagnostic
So I went to kansas to have the peace and quiet to study. How did that go? i was studying amines before i left and i came back at the same exact spot. Absolutely no studying done.
So i came back here and woke up to a harsh reality: I HAVE TO get this done THIS year.
So, 2 days after getting back, i buckled down and i've been doing a good amount of work. Granted i've had some brief "periods of laziness" but for the most part, I've been freaking out and having some mild anxiety periods of "O God, i can't make this".
Anyway, i saw on friday, while almost signing up for kaplan's class that they had some free events. I decided to sign up for the practice test and see how that goes. Honestly, i've been pushing the date when i start practice tests back on my schedule but knowing how people say they usually score the teens and low 20s on these things and that kaplan makes it hard so people can score low, i decided if if i score a 22, it's because kaplan has made the exam super hard.
The PS section was hard. it covered topics i haven't even covered in my phase 1 of studying such as electrolytic cells, optics and what nots. Bio was either superhard or my brain was so tired at that point i so wasn't reading for understanding. Or it was a little bit of both. Either way, verbal was ok.
I scored an even 10 in each section although i did worse in bio. Verbal was my strong suit. I guess practice makes perfect(re: my reading lab). I'm surprised i did better in PS than BS. I was really nervous starting the exam and honestly, i wasn't thinking at certain points. I even ran out of time in the PS section and had to just guess on the last passage questions without reading the passage itself.
Kaplan is offering a $400 off deal. I have seen $50, $100, $150 and $200. I may have even seen a $250 off but i can't recall ever seeing a $400 off deal so after seeing that this afternoon, my goas was to sign up for the course either way.
Now that i've done this good on the diagnostic, i'm wondering if if it's worth signing up. Can i improve with TPR, TBR and EK stuff alone over the next 3 weeks?
But then again, with a price this low, i'd hate to look back and say i wish i'd done everything i could for this. I did the math and the actual cost to me will be $1000 tops. after selling the books, i'm down to 1400 and considering i was going to spend $400 on the emcat tests and the qbank, it boils down to a grand. Now i can spend 800 at VS in a single week so yeah, it's not that much.
Besides, one thing i thought off when i was wating to start the test was how i feel like i don't know anything because i can't remember anything and that's because i'm not constantly doing questions. I knew stuff like the back of my hands in SSS and at drexel because i solved questions daily for the previous and for the latter, i had nclex 3500 where i did questions daily so i knew the concepts like crazy. while EK does provide that and while TBR also provides that, i feel like i may want to accustom myself with doing questions on a screen, like i did with nclex 3500.
Again, i'm in delimma because i could random pick passages from the science workbook.
For now, i'll sign up for the aug one. should i improve, then i can call to cancel.
Was taking the kaplan test worth it, i think so. it's removed a fear and made me aware that i need practice in addition to review. Also, while i haven't done myreading lab in over 2months, it looks the stuff i learned did help. In fact, i scored a 10 on my EK 101 test which is a 3point improvement. i do plan on working on it 30min daily till the time comes. I'll prolly jump the advance section after doing the basic stuff in the intermediate.
it's late, i've the clinic tomorrow and this is long. so long...
So i came back here and woke up to a harsh reality: I HAVE TO get this done THIS year.
So, 2 days after getting back, i buckled down and i've been doing a good amount of work. Granted i've had some brief "periods of laziness" but for the most part, I've been freaking out and having some mild anxiety periods of "O God, i can't make this".
Anyway, i saw on friday, while almost signing up for kaplan's class that they had some free events. I decided to sign up for the practice test and see how that goes. Honestly, i've been pushing the date when i start practice tests back on my schedule but knowing how people say they usually score the teens and low 20s on these things and that kaplan makes it hard so people can score low, i decided if if i score a 22, it's because kaplan has made the exam super hard.
The PS section was hard. it covered topics i haven't even covered in my phase 1 of studying such as electrolytic cells, optics and what nots. Bio was either superhard or my brain was so tired at that point i so wasn't reading for understanding. Or it was a little bit of both. Either way, verbal was ok.
I scored an even 10 in each section although i did worse in bio. Verbal was my strong suit. I guess practice makes perfect(re: my reading lab). I'm surprised i did better in PS than BS. I was really nervous starting the exam and honestly, i wasn't thinking at certain points. I even ran out of time in the PS section and had to just guess on the last passage questions without reading the passage itself.
Kaplan is offering a $400 off deal. I have seen $50, $100, $150 and $200. I may have even seen a $250 off but i can't recall ever seeing a $400 off deal so after seeing that this afternoon, my goas was to sign up for the course either way.
Now that i've done this good on the diagnostic, i'm wondering if if it's worth signing up. Can i improve with TPR, TBR and EK stuff alone over the next 3 weeks?
But then again, with a price this low, i'd hate to look back and say i wish i'd done everything i could for this. I did the math and the actual cost to me will be $1000 tops. after selling the books, i'm down to 1400 and considering i was going to spend $400 on the emcat tests and the qbank, it boils down to a grand. Now i can spend 800 at VS in a single week so yeah, it's not that much.
Besides, one thing i thought off when i was wating to start the test was how i feel like i don't know anything because i can't remember anything and that's because i'm not constantly doing questions. I knew stuff like the back of my hands in SSS and at drexel because i solved questions daily for the previous and for the latter, i had nclex 3500 where i did questions daily so i knew the concepts like crazy. while EK does provide that and while TBR also provides that, i feel like i may want to accustom myself with doing questions on a screen, like i did with nclex 3500.
Again, i'm in delimma because i could random pick passages from the science workbook.
For now, i'll sign up for the aug one. should i improve, then i can call to cancel.
Was taking the kaplan test worth it, i think so. it's removed a fear and made me aware that i need practice in addition to review. Also, while i haven't done myreading lab in over 2months, it looks the stuff i learned did help. In fact, i scored a 10 on my EK 101 test which is a 3point improvement. i do plan on working on it 30min daily till the time comes. I'll prolly jump the advance section after doing the basic stuff in the intermediate.
it's late, i've the clinic tomorrow and this is long. so long...
Monday, June 13, 2011
Been a while
Since i studied and since i blogged.
I woke up today and realized that just when i started to study again in march. i got distracted. I should've walked away from him in April. but i didn't and now it's june. I'm walking away now. And i just started studying. thing is i could've reached my goal and been done with this in may but now, i'm looking at august. There's no need crying over spilled milk but the important thing now is to focus and get things done. doing nothing for 3 months really makes everything that's been done seem like nothing. but, with less than 3 months, i think i can pick up especially with my 2 weeks off this month.
That said, i moved last month. It's been ok so far, not great, just ok. Until i was told that someone is going to come rent the room next door. This wasn't in the picture when i signed the lease. Two's company, three's a crowd and had i known i'd end up in a situation like this, i'd have rented some place cheaper where there were 2 other roommates. I think one place had a big bedroom with private bath on the 2nd floor with 2 roommates downstairs. Now i'm stuck with a bedroom smaller than what i had and i have to put up with one more person around. In hindsight, i should've moved to nottingham. It would've been cheaper and better. Choices
I just need to focus on the most important issue at hand. getting these axams out of the way.
I woke up today and realized that just when i started to study again in march. i got distracted. I should've walked away from him in April. but i didn't and now it's june. I'm walking away now. And i just started studying. thing is i could've reached my goal and been done with this in may but now, i'm looking at august. There's no need crying over spilled milk but the important thing now is to focus and get things done. doing nothing for 3 months really makes everything that's been done seem like nothing. but, with less than 3 months, i think i can pick up especially with my 2 weeks off this month.
That said, i moved last month. It's been ok so far, not great, just ok. Until i was told that someone is going to come rent the room next door. This wasn't in the picture when i signed the lease. Two's company, three's a crowd and had i known i'd end up in a situation like this, i'd have rented some place cheaper where there were 2 other roommates. I think one place had a big bedroom with private bath on the 2nd floor with 2 roommates downstairs. Now i'm stuck with a bedroom smaller than what i had and i have to put up with one more person around. In hindsight, i should've moved to nottingham. It would've been cheaper and better. Choices
I just need to focus on the most important issue at hand. getting these axams out of the way.
Monday, April 18, 2011
JSTP recession
Coppin held a recession for their JSTP students. I do have to say that while i've seen some of the students complain, i think the school appreciates their students, they appreciate the efforts of the faculty and students and when the initiative is started, they're proud of it and go on to support it.
All in all, it was a great event and i'm happy to have been a part of it.
I did fine with my poster presentation. It's my first but i hope i'll have more to come.
Of honorable mention, they did award us. A certificate of recognition from coppin, a medallion, and an award from the Governor, yes, the governor of Maryland.
What's better, Sam walks over to tell me the guys from Hopkins wants to talk to me because they have a research opportunity for me. Fred had blurted out as i walked across that my nickname is "energy". Anyway, the man told me he thinks i'll be perfect for his lab, the "energy" was what caught his attention. Thank God for that.
I got to meet tons of people, formed new relationships and again, i'm happy to have been a part of it.
Among other news, i showed up to the prayer center this morning. It turns out theres a different door which i'd missed the first time i tried to go there. Met great people and they were all nice. Actually hanged out with them till after 11. Oh well, i need to read EK bio 3 and maybe turn in.
All in all, it was a great event and i'm happy to have been a part of it.
I did fine with my poster presentation. It's my first but i hope i'll have more to come.
Of honorable mention, they did award us. A certificate of recognition from coppin, a medallion, and an award from the Governor, yes, the governor of Maryland.
What's better, Sam walks over to tell me the guys from Hopkins wants to talk to me because they have a research opportunity for me. Fred had blurted out as i walked across that my nickname is "energy". Anyway, the man told me he thinks i'll be perfect for his lab, the "energy" was what caught his attention. Thank God for that.
I got to meet tons of people, formed new relationships and again, i'm happy to have been a part of it.
Among other news, i showed up to the prayer center this morning. It turns out theres a different door which i'd missed the first time i tried to go there. Met great people and they were all nice. Actually hanged out with them till after 11. Oh well, i need to read EK bio 3 and maybe turn in.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
1 month hiatus.
last time i studied was on 3/12. i think i've studied afterwards but i've been stuck on optics and bio 1 since. Back to the books it is.
Back to Reality
I feel fine. I'm over stuff, i think. Work last night was amazing. 4 patients, not much to do. Thank God because that was a miracle.
I have gotten my head together. Sad news is i blew an entire month on nothing. Good news is I'm back to myself and i can't wait to hit the books.
From the look of things, i may need to push the exam back, Again! That part is a little depressing.
Oh well, everything has it's price and that includes foolishness.
I have gotten my head together. Sad news is i blew an entire month on nothing. Good news is I'm back to myself and i can't wait to hit the books.
From the look of things, i may need to push the exam back, Again! That part is a little depressing.
Oh well, everything has it's price and that includes foolishness.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Confessions of a shopaholic
First of all, a moment of silence for my kindle. Got to city line last night only to find it dead. It will be dearly miss. That said, i just called amazon when i got home today and they're sending a replacement. Should get here by tomorrow.
That said, i have to say there's something about center city philly that makes me feel at home and just puts my fears to rest. That's something about going to Daffy's that excites me. Now i shop and i have to say i've blown more than fifteen hundred shopping this past couple of weeks. I don't get as thrilled walking into a shop in MD as i do when i walk into one in philly or jersey. Not sure what exactly it is.
Either way, I'm soo glad i went out of town. Got up yesterday, laid in bed for 5 hours and finally decided rain or shine i was going to go. They'd predicted rain and the funny thing is at no point did i experience rainfall. it may have poured while i was Daffy's but it was dry when i came out. Thing is i feel better. Yesterday when i was driving up i thought 'it hurts. it cuts like a knife.' I tear up know just thinking about it but i think i'm getting over it. Spent the major part of yesterday morning reading several pothead boyfriend stories and the general consensus is to ran.
Being up north helped to take my mind of things. And it made me realize that as much as it hurts, it's really for the best. i'm actually wondering if it's love. I think it just pains me that i can't be with someone i thought i wanted to be with. I'll miss certain things. In reality, i need to focus. Just heard on Castle that if you wanna get to the top, you can't take anyone with you. Back to old times i guess. Back to studying for the exam.
Lord, i'm a pathetic Shopaholic that needs you. I need a savior.
That said, i have to say there's something about center city philly that makes me feel at home and just puts my fears to rest. That's something about going to Daffy's that excites me. Now i shop and i have to say i've blown more than fifteen hundred shopping this past couple of weeks. I don't get as thrilled walking into a shop in MD as i do when i walk into one in philly or jersey. Not sure what exactly it is.
Either way, I'm soo glad i went out of town. Got up yesterday, laid in bed for 5 hours and finally decided rain or shine i was going to go. They'd predicted rain and the funny thing is at no point did i experience rainfall. it may have poured while i was Daffy's but it was dry when i came out. Thing is i feel better. Yesterday when i was driving up i thought 'it hurts. it cuts like a knife.' I tear up know just thinking about it but i think i'm getting over it. Spent the major part of yesterday morning reading several pothead boyfriend stories and the general consensus is to ran.
Being up north helped to take my mind of things. And it made me realize that as much as it hurts, it's really for the best. i'm actually wondering if it's love. I think it just pains me that i can't be with someone i thought i wanted to be with. I'll miss certain things. In reality, i need to focus. Just heard on Castle that if you wanna get to the top, you can't take anyone with you. Back to old times i guess. Back to studying for the exam.
Lord, i'm a pathetic Shopaholic that needs you. I need a savior.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
moving
It hurts and there's been tears. But i've had time to think it through and if i'm being blown off for it now, then the best thing I can say to me is 'ran'. I've learned in life that loving someone doesn't necessitate the need to be with them. Sometimes it does but i think love just ain't enough. I'm going to need time to move on and feel strong. But i've had all the time to think it through and i know for certainty that it's best for me to walk out now.
I've been so happy the last few weeks. I've been, what Grace calls it, 'blooming'. It's been showing on my face and everyone tells me. But who needs a heart when a heart can be broken? Breaking up is never easy but i have to go...knowing me, knowing him, it's the best i can do.
what am i doing today? My little girl turned 1 and i missed it. I've been so distracted to call up and check on her so i think i'll go shopping and stop by. So long as the rain doesn't come down this morning. I don't think i've got the money to waste shopping considering all the hefty purchases i made last month but then again, i may be saving $200+ on international calls this month so i think i can afford to go to Daffys and try on some clothes. And i'll also make extra on this weeks paycheck. I don't call it shopping, I call it therapy. Funny thing is i've never needed to get over anyone because well, i've never cared to give a heart. This time, i did
I've been so happy the last few weeks. I've been, what Grace calls it, 'blooming'. It's been showing on my face and everyone tells me. But who needs a heart when a heart can be broken? Breaking up is never easy but i have to go...knowing me, knowing him, it's the best i can do.
what am i doing today? My little girl turned 1 and i missed it. I've been so distracted to call up and check on her so i think i'll go shopping and stop by. So long as the rain doesn't come down this morning. I don't think i've got the money to waste shopping considering all the hefty purchases i made last month but then again, i may be saving $200+ on international calls this month so i think i can afford to go to Daffys and try on some clothes. And i'll also make extra on this weeks paycheck. I don't call it shopping, I call it therapy. Funny thing is i've never needed to get over anyone because well, i've never cared to give a heart. This time, i did
Monday, April 11, 2011
Two week emotional hiatus
So i was supposed to spend this time blogging about how i'm doing things right this time studying for the exam and today i told a friend in the bus that i think i prolly should've gone ahead and taken cell bio simply because i haven't accomplished much this year. I'm behind on studying for the exam and i've a lot of catching up to do in terms of research at the NIH. That part is almost over, thank God. I love being there but the drive to and fro kills.
My last post was a l'il over 2 weeks ago. what's happened since that time? Well, i've been listening to Queen's break free simply because i realized I've fallen in love for the first time, this time i know it's for real....I've fallen in love, yeah, God knows, God knows i've fallen in love. It's strange but it's true, i can't get over the way he loves me like he does but .... i want to break free.lol
So yeah, i've been distracted. It took 2 years for what's his name to finally get through to me and when i did, i didn't feel this way. My heart was starting to get in it when i freaked out and backed out (plus i went out of the country). this time it is and it sux. I try to guard my heart above all things and i don't know if i let my guard down or i just can't the feeling any longer. The fact that i feel this way makes wanting to break free hurt. Brings tears to my eyes because i want to walk away from someone i actually have feelings for and it hurts, period. Hurts a lot and makes me ask why i'm doing this to me but i think it's for the best.
Maybe i'm being selfish. Maybe, i'm an emotional mess that needs to sort myself out. Maybe it's a little bit of both. Or maybe, it's really something i found out about him that's a dealbreaker for me. My heart is going to break if i walk away but i think i'll get over it. Heck, it breaks my heart to even think about walking away but I think this is what's best. I've 3 or 4 years of craziness ahead of me. Gosh, i'd hate to tell someone i don't want to start a family till at least after clinical year. I'd hate to have someone wait for me. And i'm not sure i can get involved in a LDR. They say there's a danger in loving somebody too much and it's hard when you know it's your heart you can't trust. I'm not sure how i feel about my heart but i've always told myself when not to follow my heart when it comes to relationships. The fact that you love someone doesn't mean you have to be with them. I'd rather be friends than lose a friend in the long run. Sometimes, love just ain't enough.
Anyway, i'm an emotional trainwreck right now. I'm not even sure how it's possible to fall in love with someone i haven't seen in a decade. Somewhere, somehow, i hope what i'm feeling is just a girl meets boy thrill. BUT there's this dealbreaker and it makes me KNOW it's better walking away now than later.
I've a bottle of KR in my hand, no glass. don't think i can drink the whole thing tonight but since i couldn't soak myself up in a warm bath, all i feel like doing is laying here and drinking it. Also have a cake sitting in the kitchen. At least i'm not chewing my nails and eating chocolate like it's going out of fashion.
My last post was a l'il over 2 weeks ago. what's happened since that time? Well, i've been listening to Queen's break free simply because i realized I've fallen in love for the first time, this time i know it's for real....I've fallen in love, yeah, God knows, God knows i've fallen in love. It's strange but it's true, i can't get over the way he loves me like he does but .... i want to break free.lol
So yeah, i've been distracted. It took 2 years for what's his name to finally get through to me and when i did, i didn't feel this way. My heart was starting to get in it when i freaked out and backed out (plus i went out of the country). this time it is and it sux. I try to guard my heart above all things and i don't know if i let my guard down or i just can't the feeling any longer. The fact that i feel this way makes wanting to break free hurt. Brings tears to my eyes because i want to walk away from someone i actually have feelings for and it hurts, period. Hurts a lot and makes me ask why i'm doing this to me but i think it's for the best.
Maybe i'm being selfish. Maybe, i'm an emotional mess that needs to sort myself out. Maybe it's a little bit of both. Or maybe, it's really something i found out about him that's a dealbreaker for me. My heart is going to break if i walk away but i think i'll get over it. Heck, it breaks my heart to even think about walking away but I think this is what's best. I've 3 or 4 years of craziness ahead of me. Gosh, i'd hate to tell someone i don't want to start a family till at least after clinical year. I'd hate to have someone wait for me. And i'm not sure i can get involved in a LDR. They say there's a danger in loving somebody too much and it's hard when you know it's your heart you can't trust. I'm not sure how i feel about my heart but i've always told myself when not to follow my heart when it comes to relationships. The fact that you love someone doesn't mean you have to be with them. I'd rather be friends than lose a friend in the long run. Sometimes, love just ain't enough.
Anyway, i'm an emotional trainwreck right now. I'm not even sure how it's possible to fall in love with someone i haven't seen in a decade. Somewhere, somehow, i hope what i'm feeling is just a girl meets boy thrill. BUT there's this dealbreaker and it makes me KNOW it's better walking away now than later.
I've a bottle of KR in my hand, no glass. don't think i can drink the whole thing tonight but since i couldn't soak myself up in a warm bath, all i feel like doing is laying here and drinking it. Also have a cake sitting in the kitchen. At least i'm not chewing my nails and eating chocolate like it's going out of fashion.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Another spree
Made another purchase from VS. last one prior was on the 22nd or so. Anyway, i think this is it. 3 pants and a sweater.
I also got my ray-ban glasses yesterday. $140 bucks worth of plastic and a screw is loose and the blue doesn't look so hot on me. i'm thinking of returning it.
I also got my ray-ban glasses yesterday. $140 bucks worth of plastic and a screw is loose and the blue doesn't look so hot on me. i'm thinking of returning it.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Pearson deserves credit
Sometime ago, I was very frustrated with myreading lab. I think i made a long exhaustive post about my frustrations. Needless today, it's been fixed. The man in charge had emailed me telling me the engineering team were working on it and it should take about 2 weeks.
I'm quite surprised at how they listened to one person fuss to make changes to their product. Most companies don't listen to hundreds of customers, let alone a single voice. I'm amazed at how the man was willing to help me when i posted on their facebook wall and communicated with me in the process about where they were and so on. I started out thinking myreadinglab was geared towards colleges and teachers but i have to say it's very independent friendly now and they do listen to their independent customers regardless of who you are.
I also like how Pearson works to improve their product. For example, when i was taking the fundamental course last year, the animation player was differnt. It has been improved. Also, there are more practice sets and more tests available for the courses. The advance course now has the lexile diagnostic. The others may have it but i'd already started those before the change so i can't tell.
That said, i finished the combined skills section in the fundermental course today, took the test for the contrast organization order module and i'll go back to reading implied main idea and outlining but first i just want to get done with this inference module. i've been working on it for a week. But i have my sanity back now. So onto work it is.
Final word is I HIGHLY recommend myreadiglab. If i said anything else prior, it was because i was frustrated with the test buttons vanishing and not being able to take the test. The program itself works! I'm still not sure how reading these little interesting passages on there increased my comprehension. Maybe it's the practice, maybe it's the strategies they teach. True but it's just amazing that when i transfer over to reading passages for standardized tests, i know the main idea and figure things out. it's amazing how my reading comprehension has increased. It really IS amazing!
I'm quite surprised at how they listened to one person fuss to make changes to their product. Most companies don't listen to hundreds of customers, let alone a single voice. I'm amazed at how the man was willing to help me when i posted on their facebook wall and communicated with me in the process about where they were and so on. I started out thinking myreadinglab was geared towards colleges and teachers but i have to say it's very independent friendly now and they do listen to their independent customers regardless of who you are.
I also like how Pearson works to improve their product. For example, when i was taking the fundamental course last year, the animation player was differnt. It has been improved. Also, there are more practice sets and more tests available for the courses. The advance course now has the lexile diagnostic. The others may have it but i'd already started those before the change so i can't tell.
That said, i finished the combined skills section in the fundermental course today, took the test for the contrast organization order module and i'll go back to reading implied main idea and outlining but first i just want to get done with this inference module. i've been working on it for a week. But i have my sanity back now. So onto work it is.
Final word is I HIGHLY recommend myreadiglab. If i said anything else prior, it was because i was frustrated with the test buttons vanishing and not being able to take the test. The program itself works! I'm still not sure how reading these little interesting passages on there increased my comprehension. Maybe it's the practice, maybe it's the strategies they teach. True but it's just amazing that when i transfer over to reading passages for standardized tests, i know the main idea and figure things out. it's amazing how my reading comprehension has increased. It really IS amazing!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
back to tackling verbal
Goodness. I've been an emotional trainwreck all week. Anyway, i think my head is clearing up and i got the courage to do 4 passages from the LSAT book today. 25/27. That's impressive. I only had 2 wrong on a 6 question passage. it's amazing. I can actually say that my reading comprehension has improved.
Anyway, from this point on, my life will get a daily dose of passages.
Anyway, from this point on, my life will get a daily dose of passages.
random quotations
"Becoming pure is a process of spiritual growth, and taking seriously the confession of sin during prayer time moves that process along, causing us to purge our life of practices that displease God." ~Elizabeth George
"You cannot glorify Christ and practice deception at the same time." ~ Warren Wiersbe
found this on someone's facebook page and i just love it. True and insightful.
"You cannot glorify Christ and practice deception at the same time." ~ Warren Wiersbe
found this on someone's facebook page and i just love it. True and insightful.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
roomies with kids
So about a month or so (or perhaps more) ago, I got home in the morning and while sitting in my car, my housemate comes out with a little girl beside her and says this is my daughter. Did the girl sleep here,i didn't think so. last month i get home on saturday morning and the girl was in this room. Thing is i've been working weekends since he moved in.
Yesterday, he came in with her and i think she's back here tonight. I really don't mind because while she was a little loud and noisy yesterday, she wasn't running around the place screaming and kicking around stuff. Still, i think that's something he should've mentioned when he came to look at the place. Others who had possession of their kids on weekends mentioned so and i think i was averse to that. I'm sure if he'd mentioned it i wouldn't have had him move in simply because i don't feel like having kids around.
Now that i examine the situation, it's almost like someone having their girlfriend here except that can get loud and annoying. So perhaps, it was unfair of me dismissing people with kids they had one day a week or something.
Yesterday, he came in with her and i think she's back here tonight. I really don't mind because while she was a little loud and noisy yesterday, she wasn't running around the place screaming and kicking around stuff. Still, i think that's something he should've mentioned when he came to look at the place. Others who had possession of their kids on weekends mentioned so and i think i was averse to that. I'm sure if he'd mentioned it i wouldn't have had him move in simply because i don't feel like having kids around.
Now that i examine the situation, it's almost like someone having their girlfriend here except that can get loud and annoying. So perhaps, it was unfair of me dismissing people with kids they had one day a week or something.
Friday, March 18, 2011
3/15 post
I have to correct the post from 3/15. I'm not like House when i can't find my own happiness. I'm happy with my life. I think i'm selfish when it comes to anything getting in the way of me becoming who i want to be. or should i say anything i think is getting in the way. Mostly relationships. I think they're a distraction. I like to put them in the back burner. Or just stay out of it. Or something that doesn't require me to give any part of me. i feel i don't have the time to give or is it that i don't want to give?
Men aren't high on my trust list. I'm not even sure if they're on it and i see it as an investment. Would i rather invest myself and time in a relationship? or would i put that into my personal ambitions? The answer is obvious
I find relationships a big distraction. Why this crazy post? I'm getting involved with someone and somehow i want to tell the person, let's put this on the backburner till june. It's not like this person is ready to settle down to begin with. I know because he said so. I'm an emotional mess inside. I still don't know why i am all messed. The crazy thing is that its someone i never thought i'd be with.
Men aren't high on my trust list. I'm not even sure if they're on it and i see it as an investment. Would i rather invest myself and time in a relationship? or would i put that into my personal ambitions? The answer is obvious
I find relationships a big distraction. Why this crazy post? I'm getting involved with someone and somehow i want to tell the person, let's put this on the backburner till june. It's not like this person is ready to settle down to begin with. I know because he said so. I'm an emotional mess inside. I still don't know why i am all messed. The crazy thing is that its someone i never thought i'd be with.
Craziest spend ever.
I spent $140.59 on a pair of ray-bans aviator sunglasses. I think i've hit rock bottom!
I also spent $126.xx at victoria's secret. I need a life.
I also spent $126.xx at victoria's secret. I need a life.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
house
This is what someone said of last weeks episode of house:
All i have to say is WORD!
Watching this show hits a little close to home sometimes. I hate that when I can't find my own happiness, I am exactly who House is. While intellectually sound and reasonable, I become selfish, manipulative, immature, arrogant, preoccupied and unreliable. Worst than these things, I avoid reality and relationships that require I give.
All i have to say is WORD!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
TBR physics
Did the sound chapter and scored 84%. Good job. Of course, i started feeling 'crazy' and i had a headache so i left the library. Wierd thing is i went to the the shop near the african market, ended up sitting there and chatting and i ate some meat pie and also brought some home. I felt better while i was in the shop. The devil sees success up my way and is trying to keep me from studying. I couldn't even review the answers properly.
Anyway, i'm glad i've kept a chart of my scores because i see the reds disappering and i'm seeing more greens. Why did i do physics yesterday and today? it's hard to make myself get into physics and usually when i get in, i'm really in. Chemistrilly speaking, studying physics is an exothermic process that requires high activation energy. Once the reaction starts, it proceeds on it's own.
I'm going to do bio 6 cuz i feel like reading but i'll hit light and fluids tomorrow. Part of me wants to call and tell them to cancel me. The other part would rather work. I think i'll work.
Anyway, i'm glad i've kept a chart of my scores because i see the reds disappering and i'm seeing more greens. Why did i do physics yesterday and today? it's hard to make myself get into physics and usually when i get in, i'm really in. Chemistrilly speaking, studying physics is an exothermic process that requires high activation energy. Once the reaction starts, it proceeds on it's own.
I'm going to do bio 6 cuz i feel like reading but i'll hit light and fluids tomorrow. Part of me wants to call and tell them to cancel me. The other part would rather work. I think i'll work.
making judgements
So, a coworker whose worse than a GUNNER (in terms of behavior) tells me i'm going to page this doctor now. She was all hyped up and stuff after i told her the guy said to call if the patient wants benadryl because they weren't going to put in a prn order. anyway, she goes on making a big deal to the orientee about how stupid it is and all that. (Sometimes, i look at some nurses and just laugh in my head. I'm not sure how this girl thought her years as an LPN and whatever many months she spent at community college getting her associates equates to 4 years of med school and 4 years of resdiency)
Anyway, she calls the general team and they tell her to call the person covering. So i see the doc walking towards us and i said that's him coming. She turns and immediately turns towards the walk and go "oooo he's good looking." I thought, what happened to "i'm going to bug this person all day till he writes that benadryl order."
Anyway, i walk away,and when i walk back, i think the orientee realized i didn't tell them the patient was diabetic (ommission on my part but it's on the kardex and it's also in the emar so before she admister her meds, she'll realize that she needs a fingerstick). Anyway, in an effort to explain my oversight to her orientee, she tells her the fact that english isn't my first language impairs my ...... do i need to say more. I just like how some Americans judge intelligence by whether english is your first language or not. A friend in college once said to me "i can imagine how hard it must be for you learning this stuff because english isn't your first language so i can't imagine you translating this first into your language and trying to understand what it means." She always used to tell me let me help you study, let me help you study. Well, She was angry with me after graduation, didn't care till last year when she told me why she was angry. According to her, i made everyone think i was struggling when in fact i was making straight As. First of all, i have a policy of not telling people my grades because i think it's none of their business. Second, i worked all the time in college and i thought me complaining about not having time to study was the reason why she kept saying let me help you study. I mean that evening when she said she couldn't imaging how hard it is for me studying the stuff, i smiled at her and brushed it off as an ignorant remark. So i told her the fact that i didn't tell her my grades doesn't me she has to think of me as a stupid person.
I actually liked how i walked away with all those awards from school and wasn't on anyones radar. An American see you answering all the questions in class and still think you're stupid and struggling because english isn't your first language. An african sees me sitting quietly in class and even without saying a word, they call me a 'shark'. Of course, Jill is one american who looked at me sitting quietly in biochem when Dr R said the highest score was a 100 and she turned to me and said "i bet you had that 100". Again, i looked at her and smiled.
I don't mind when someone thinks i'm stupid. In fact it's easier for me because people who see the real me feel intimidated.
Anyway, she calls the general team and they tell her to call the person covering. So i see the doc walking towards us and i said that's him coming. She turns and immediately turns towards the walk and go "oooo he's good looking." I thought, what happened to "i'm going to bug this person all day till he writes that benadryl order."
Anyway, i walk away,and when i walk back, i think the orientee realized i didn't tell them the patient was diabetic (ommission on my part but it's on the kardex and it's also in the emar so before she admister her meds, she'll realize that she needs a fingerstick). Anyway, in an effort to explain my oversight to her orientee, she tells her the fact that english isn't my first language impairs my ...... do i need to say more. I just like how some Americans judge intelligence by whether english is your first language or not. A friend in college once said to me "i can imagine how hard it must be for you learning this stuff because english isn't your first language so i can't imagine you translating this first into your language and trying to understand what it means." She always used to tell me let me help you study, let me help you study. Well, She was angry with me after graduation, didn't care till last year when she told me why she was angry. According to her, i made everyone think i was struggling when in fact i was making straight As. First of all, i have a policy of not telling people my grades because i think it's none of their business. Second, i worked all the time in college and i thought me complaining about not having time to study was the reason why she kept saying let me help you study. I mean that evening when she said she couldn't imaging how hard it is for me studying the stuff, i smiled at her and brushed it off as an ignorant remark. So i told her the fact that i didn't tell her my grades doesn't me she has to think of me as a stupid person.
I actually liked how i walked away with all those awards from school and wasn't on anyones radar. An American see you answering all the questions in class and still think you're stupid and struggling because english isn't your first language. An african sees me sitting quietly in class and even without saying a word, they call me a 'shark'. Of course, Jill is one american who looked at me sitting quietly in biochem when Dr R said the highest score was a 100 and she turned to me and said "i bet you had that 100". Again, i looked at her and smiled.
I don't mind when someone thinks i'm stupid. In fact it's easier for me because people who see the real me feel intimidated.
Friday, March 11, 2011
random babble
Speaking of CBT money, I think i may have used that to talk to someone in ghana. I just realized the amount of money i've spent talking to this person is more than i needed for that juicy couture sunglasses i wanted or even the Dsquared ones so i'm gonna have to cut those calls. In reality, i don't think i've spent that money to talk to that person. The money i've spent is unnecessary expense i've incurred.
What set reality in is the email i got from my sister. March 5th was the response date so i guess it's been a while. Anyway, i've decided to focus on real life. My life is complicated and i'm starting to feel like i cope by acting like an ostrich with it's head in the sand. I need to get my head straight. The question is can i face reality?!
What set reality in is the email i got from my sister. March 5th was the response date so i guess it's been a while. Anyway, i've decided to focus on real life. My life is complicated and i'm starting to feel like i cope by acting like an ostrich with it's head in the sand. I need to get my head straight. The question is can i face reality?!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
CBT money.
Since i got TBR CBTs for free, i decided to move the money out of my checking. Lest it sits there and i spend it. Was going to add all of it to my emergency fund but i decided to split it 50-50 between that and AMCAS. My original plan was to mail in my check first week of march once i got the money and then when i realized it was TPW, i decided to wait till next monday. In the chance that i win, i'd pocket the money and if i didn't win, i'd send it in then in time for me to have access by april. God was gracious to me and answered my bathroom prayer in advance.
To God be the Glory
To God be the Glory
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
The difference
Last year, i had a hard time doing the acid base and buffers/titrations chapter in gen chem. in fact i did soo poorly that this year, i dreaded doing those 2 chapters. i did the acid and bases and did good so i remembered i had even worse problems with the buffers chapter.
Suprisingly, i did better in the titrations chapter this year. i got a perfect score,and the remaining questions i got wrong were either wrongful calculations, writing down a different answer than i'd intended and illogical reasoning such as knowing very well that the passage states something about the question and yet failing to select that as an answer or not translating stuff (data) from the passage right. Errors in deductive reasoning were also evident especially for answers i've no evidence for. Overall, i do have an actual understanding of the material. And for silly mistakes, i do try to see what i did wrong. I tried to go through my chemistry textbook but i think TBR covers the material in more detail and better.
Overall, i've realized i have an understanding of the stuff i read and i thank God for that. Maybe he's using myreadinglab to help with my comprehension overall.
Anyway, i'm still excited about TBR CBTs i got yesterday. I just can't stop saying "Thank you God." It really was a nice thing to wake up to after that crazy night at work. To God be the all the glory now and the glory that's coming.
Suprisingly, i did better in the titrations chapter this year. i got a perfect score,and the remaining questions i got wrong were either wrongful calculations, writing down a different answer than i'd intended and illogical reasoning such as knowing very well that the passage states something about the question and yet failing to select that as an answer or not translating stuff (data) from the passage right. Errors in deductive reasoning were also evident especially for answers i've no evidence for. Overall, i do have an actual understanding of the material. And for silly mistakes, i do try to see what i did wrong. I tried to go through my chemistry textbook but i think TBR covers the material in more detail and better.
Overall, i've realized i have an understanding of the stuff i read and i thank God for that. Maybe he's using myreadinglab to help with my comprehension overall.
Anyway, i'm still excited about TBR CBTs i got yesterday. I just can't stop saying "Thank you God." It really was a nice thing to wake up to after that crazy night at work. To God be the all the glory now and the glory that's coming.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
O my dear sweet Jesus!
OMG! OMG!!OMG!!!! I'm overwhelmed and at a loss for words!!!! Thank you Jesus
I had to post this as my current facebook status after seeing that i got TBR CBTs free even before TPW is over. Oh, it's not the 7 CBTs that costs $200. It's the 9 that you get from the course. Yesterday, i my facebook status was "Please Lord, let me win again in this years TPW drawings and i promise to claim my prize on time. Amen"
Talk about God exceeding my expectations. I can't just just stop saying oh my God. I'm soo excited i'm really at a loss for words. I had a little tear come up in my eyes.
I'd like to say a big thank you to BerkReviewTeach on SDN. And by the sweet grace of God i'm rocking this exam in a way no one has ever done.
I had to post this as my current facebook status after seeing that i got TBR CBTs free even before TPW is over. Oh, it's not the 7 CBTs that costs $200. It's the 9 that you get from the course. Yesterday, i my facebook status was "Please Lord, let me win again in this years TPW drawings and i promise to claim my prize on time. Amen"
Talk about God exceeding my expectations. I can't just just stop saying oh my God. I'm soo excited i'm really at a loss for words. I had a little tear come up in my eyes.
I'd like to say a big thank you to BerkReviewTeach on SDN. And by the sweet grace of God i'm rocking this exam in a way no one has ever done.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
My reading lab just got annoying
I completed a practice test, scored a 100% and when i come back, i'm prevented from taking the test. I've been doing the test first lately and i regret not completing the test first. I actually did the practice first because the last time the question i got wrong on the test, the answer was in the first practice set i took when i came back so i figured even if i get 3 questions wrong in the practice, i'll just hit the pause button, take the test in that case, the low score doesn't prevent me from taking the test except this time, i had all the practice questions right and the test button is disabled.
Right now, it's equally frustrating and annoying. At this point, i wouldn't suggest using it for the mcat. The frustration just isn't worth it. I don't even feel like working with it again. Once again, i have a module that's not check off and this time, it's NOT because i flunked the practice. The worst part is that i need this particular module checked off. The other module that didn't get checked off, i didn't care because i passed it in the diagnostic. This one here i didn't and i can't complete the darn thing!!!
It's a good program but unless you're using it with an instructor, i wouldn't recommend. There are way too many bugs and kinks in the independent course.
Right now, it's equally frustrating and annoying. At this point, i wouldn't suggest using it for the mcat. The frustration just isn't worth it. I don't even feel like working with it again. Once again, i have a module that's not check off and this time, it's NOT because i flunked the practice. The worst part is that i need this particular module checked off. The other module that didn't get checked off, i didn't care because i passed it in the diagnostic. This one here i didn't and i can't complete the darn thing!!!
It's a good program but unless you're using it with an instructor, i wouldn't recommend. There are way too many bugs and kinks in the independent course.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
if you study, it will come
I've been working hard since friday. Part of me regrets doing nothing wednesday and thursday.
Anyway, I completed 3 chapters yesterday (would like to say today but it's midnight now). i did bio 2-4 today. I got 2 reds for 2 and 3 and all greens for chapter 4. i color code my scores. I'm really excited. 92.5% on phase 2 of bio 4. i did poorly in the phase 1 which is why i completed one extra passage to make my average for that phase not look too bad.
Anyway, i'm happy.
One wierd, but great, thing about microsoft excel: In the general sciences workbook, i usually write the phase name, the raw score and percentage and highlight with a color. Earlier today when i entered the first 2 scores, it automatically highlighted yellow and i thought it was because the cells above those 2 were highlighted yellow. When i entered the last score tonight, it automatically highlighted the light green color which isn't a regular color (custom one actually). i'm a little surprised at how it picked up the trend because i just don't enter numbers, i actually enter phrases followed by the number(score) and percentage. it's wierd it picked up the trend but i'm loving it. I just hope it realizes that any score below 60% merits a red. so far it recognizes the yellows and green.
Anyway, this is the best day i've had in terms of studying. i completed myreading lab, read a few online pages about logic ( i really need to read the Gensler book), went to the gym, watched ncis LA, surfed the net, cooked, AND reread 3 chapters in TBR and completed the required questions. SUPER!!!
Anyway, I completed 3 chapters yesterday (would like to say today but it's midnight now). i did bio 2-4 today. I got 2 reds for 2 and 3 and all greens for chapter 4. i color code my scores. I'm really excited. 92.5% on phase 2 of bio 4. i did poorly in the phase 1 which is why i completed one extra passage to make my average for that phase not look too bad.
Anyway, i'm happy.
One wierd, but great, thing about microsoft excel: In the general sciences workbook, i usually write the phase name, the raw score and percentage and highlight with a color. Earlier today when i entered the first 2 scores, it automatically highlighted yellow and i thought it was because the cells above those 2 were highlighted yellow. When i entered the last score tonight, it automatically highlighted the light green color which isn't a regular color (custom one actually). i'm a little surprised at how it picked up the trend because i just don't enter numbers, i actually enter phrases followed by the number(score) and percentage. it's wierd it picked up the trend but i'm loving it. I just hope it realizes that any score below 60% merits a red. so far it recognizes the yellows and green.
Anyway, this is the best day i've had in terms of studying. i completed myreading lab, read a few online pages about logic ( i really need to read the Gensler book), went to the gym, watched ncis LA, surfed the net, cooked, AND reread 3 chapters in TBR and completed the required questions. SUPER!!!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Time to buckle up?
Wednesday i slept all day and all night. Thursday, i volunteered and when i got back home, i had a headache so i slept. No studying.
Friday, i went to the library in the afternoon and studied till 4:30 when they closed and then i came home and continued. Finished 2 TBR chapters plus questions. Saturday same, 2 chapters and phase 2s. I'll say i found phase 2 easier for ochem. Phase 2 for gen chem was good till i got lazy this evening so i can't focus and i did terrible on equilibrium chapters. I skipped the last question hoping to do it tomorrow or whenever.
It looks like i've decided to buckle up and keep busy. My goal was to finish phase of of bio chapters 2 and 3 but i think i may be able to push through only one chapter tonight in addition to a session of myreading lab.
NIH trip for tomorrow was cancelled. My goal is to do acid bases, hopefully finish the phase 2 bios and do a phase 2 of physics.
When i did the ochem reread with phase 2 questions, i felt confident and i still feel confident to the point of wanting to do more questions now. So, i'm thinking of setting aside an hour everyday where I'll do TPR workbook in addition to verbal.
Speaking of verbal, I need to buckle up and do the LSAT books so i can build my stamina. Since I'm doing myreading lab, i'll say i'm not being as lazy as i could be but i'm not being as hardworking as i could be either. maybe i can set the workbook for days when i off and make the verbal a daily thing as it should be.
Mistakes i'm making so far include changing answers from right to wrong, done that at least 4x today. misreading answer choices, sometimes, i say the right answer to myself and select what i think it is after skimming. Point is, i need to reach each step carefully. i've had to reason an answer out and then changed it to something else without any reason. The others have been not applying knowledge and lack of logical reasoning. i do have to say TBR questions are 70=80% logic.
Oh, and i also wasted at least 2.5hrs on the internet watching tv shows. I need to work on my weaknesses. i'm just glad i'm sitting up and doing something because i sure could be sleeping or doing something that's not of worth. I've wasted enough time already. i can't waste anymore.
Friday, i went to the library in the afternoon and studied till 4:30 when they closed and then i came home and continued. Finished 2 TBR chapters plus questions. Saturday same, 2 chapters and phase 2s. I'll say i found phase 2 easier for ochem. Phase 2 for gen chem was good till i got lazy this evening so i can't focus and i did terrible on equilibrium chapters. I skipped the last question hoping to do it tomorrow or whenever.
It looks like i've decided to buckle up and keep busy. My goal was to finish phase of of bio chapters 2 and 3 but i think i may be able to push through only one chapter tonight in addition to a session of myreading lab.
NIH trip for tomorrow was cancelled. My goal is to do acid bases, hopefully finish the phase 2 bios and do a phase 2 of physics.
When i did the ochem reread with phase 2 questions, i felt confident and i still feel confident to the point of wanting to do more questions now. So, i'm thinking of setting aside an hour everyday where I'll do TPR workbook in addition to verbal.
Speaking of verbal, I need to buckle up and do the LSAT books so i can build my stamina. Since I'm doing myreading lab, i'll say i'm not being as lazy as i could be but i'm not being as hardworking as i could be either. maybe i can set the workbook for days when i off and make the verbal a daily thing as it should be.
Mistakes i'm making so far include changing answers from right to wrong, done that at least 4x today. misreading answer choices, sometimes, i say the right answer to myself and select what i think it is after skimming. Point is, i need to reach each step carefully. i've had to reason an answer out and then changed it to something else without any reason. The others have been not applying knowledge and lack of logical reasoning. i do have to say TBR questions are 70=80% logic.
Oh, and i also wasted at least 2.5hrs on the internet watching tv shows. I need to work on my weaknesses. i'm just glad i'm sitting up and doing something because i sure could be sleeping or doing something that's not of worth. I've wasted enough time already. i can't waste anymore.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Philly?
I woke up just before 5p and have done nothing related to studying. That's 5 hrs wasted on my pc. Should i add the 1.5hrs from this morning when i came in and watched NCIS?
I'm definately going to get up now, take my contacts up, finish BR chem chapter 9 and questions. I need to finish the ochem book too so i may do that but i also need to sleep and get up for the clinic tomorrow morning.
I was thinking about driving to philly afterwards. The pros, i get to be without internet access so i can invest time in studying. Cons: There's a baby, there's a mom who's trying to be my matchmaker and there's also the cost of spending almost 2hrs on the road as well as driving what's her name around when i get there? will i really get time to study?
Maybe i should make tomorrow a no pc day and just work study. Sounds like a good idea. What i need is self control and perhaps, disconnecting my internet access.
I'm definately going to get up now, take my contacts up, finish BR chem chapter 9 and questions. I need to finish the ochem book too so i may do that but i also need to sleep and get up for the clinic tomorrow morning.
I was thinking about driving to philly afterwards. The pros, i get to be without internet access so i can invest time in studying. Cons: There's a baby, there's a mom who's trying to be my matchmaker and there's also the cost of spending almost 2hrs on the road as well as driving what's her name around when i get there? will i really get time to study?
Maybe i should make tomorrow a no pc day and just work study. Sounds like a good idea. What i need is self control and perhaps, disconnecting my internet access.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Self-control
What's the difference between being a shopaholic and a regular shopper? right now, my vision is blurred and i'm not objective. But, i just left Victoria's secret without buying a thing. i'd just spent $114+ there earlier and was on the verge of spending $116 more. Can i afford it? Yes. Do i need it? No. Why am i buying when i've a closet full of stuff i don't even wear? i'm a shopaholic and I can't help it. Pathetic? Very.
Lord I need big help. I feel like i need the stuff though.
Lord I need big help. I feel like i need the stuff though.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The evil that men do
I just got news, it's unofficial, that my manager came back from vacation and they asked her to leave. I knew what goes around will come around for her but this soon? i was expecting it to happen later. We've had so many people quit on our unit it's pathetic. Staff are complaining and unhappy. Each day i pray i have a job. I was actually planning on quitting sometime this year before my evaluation.
I've been reading the book of Daniel and i was thinking about how God humbles these proud rulers. Last year, i thought Belshazzar's destruction came too soon. Looks like i'm seeing something similar manifest.
Nothing is permanent in this life. My manager was someone with great nursing skills. How to talk to people and deal with staff was a whole different issue. I feel like she worked hard and she did suck up to the administration. She was the on-call person at odd times when i'm sure no one else wanted to be on call, like during the snow emergency and on weekends. I know she put her heart into her work on the unit. I know she's saved the hospital money. She did do some unethical stuff, such as not paying people who stayed over after 7:30 to complete their work, she made us clock out after work for staff meetings and while she kept us there for 2hrs, she only paid us for 45minutes. She threatened people, she knew very well that the job market for nurses is bad and she brandished that fact around and said i'll fire you and hire someone else because i know many people who can't find a job. She was petty and flaky.
I guess there's soo much management can take. I wondered for a second if she took a minute to wonder why people were leaving our unit. But then i figured that if she's looking at it from the point of view that they're quitting because they can't do the job and i can always hire someone else, then she's likely to see herself as the major reason why people left. We've had 5 techs on nights quit, 3 on dayshift, so many nurses have quit it's not worth counting. I think the recent exodus of 5 nurses from dayshift this month, including one who's worked there for 9years did it.
Oh well, i feel relieved. Whew! exhaling....
I've been reading the book of Daniel and i was thinking about how God humbles these proud rulers. Last year, i thought Belshazzar's destruction came too soon. Looks like i'm seeing something similar manifest.
Nothing is permanent in this life. My manager was someone with great nursing skills. How to talk to people and deal with staff was a whole different issue. I feel like she worked hard and she did suck up to the administration. She was the on-call person at odd times when i'm sure no one else wanted to be on call, like during the snow emergency and on weekends. I know she put her heart into her work on the unit. I know she's saved the hospital money. She did do some unethical stuff, such as not paying people who stayed over after 7:30 to complete their work, she made us clock out after work for staff meetings and while she kept us there for 2hrs, she only paid us for 45minutes. She threatened people, she knew very well that the job market for nurses is bad and she brandished that fact around and said i'll fire you and hire someone else because i know many people who can't find a job. She was petty and flaky.
I guess there's soo much management can take. I wondered for a second if she took a minute to wonder why people were leaving our unit. But then i figured that if she's looking at it from the point of view that they're quitting because they can't do the job and i can always hire someone else, then she's likely to see herself as the major reason why people left. We've had 5 techs on nights quit, 3 on dayshift, so many nurses have quit it's not worth counting. I think the recent exodus of 5 nurses from dayshift this month, including one who's worked there for 9years did it.
Oh well, i feel relieved. Whew! exhaling....
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
myreadinglab frustrations
I spent the last 30+ minutes chatting with customer support and the first one,i can't find a word to describe since i don't want to use the word 'useless'. The second one was pretty much the same.
I hate that if you score less than 80% on just one practice test, the test feature is disabled. knowing this, i've always taken a test first prior to taking a practice test. I'm not sure what got into me but i took a practice first this evening and i score 70. I scored a 80 and a 90% on the remaining but that doesn't change anything because all you need is one sub-80 score. The rep told me that only instructors can make any changes and for self-study mode, there's nothing that can be done.
I find that VERY annoying. If someone signs up for this, they're pretty much signing up because they'd like to practice to improve. I want all the practice i can get and considering the practice is just a means for one to practice skills learned in the model, i don't see why that should be a determinant in taking the test.
I think the default feature should be the other way around. Tests should be available by default and for people enrolled instructor led courses, instructors should set the cuttoff limit for mastery.
What's even more annoying is that customer service can't reset it. If an instructor can do that in a course, why can't customer service reset for people not taking a course? People who take kaplan tests call and have the test reset so they can take it again. I'm fine with the fact that myreading lab tests can be taken once. I'm not fine with the fact that tests are disable even if your average practice result is greater than 80. The problem with this is that encourages skipping practice and going directly to tests because once the test is disabled, you're stuck and each time you log in, it tells you that you haven't completed the module. I just went back to the intermediate reading course and realized that i took the 2 tests and skipped the just 1 out 5 or 6 practice tests.
I'm not happy with this and i hope it changes. I can't be too pissed at them because i know this program is mainly for people enrolled in instructor led courses and it looks like that's the group pearson caters to. I do think however that if they were to cater to independents, they'll expand their market greatly for tehre are thousands of LSAT, MCAT and GRE takers out there who'd like to improve their comprehension. if the GMAT has a RC section, then add it to it. i think there are about 55000+ takers of the MCAT alone each year. Not sure how many people take the GRE each year but i'll bet it it's more than the MCAT.
I'm just ranting cuz i'm a little upset but then again, i know pearson caters to students with instructors so i'm in a class on my own.
I hate that if you score less than 80% on just one practice test, the test feature is disabled. knowing this, i've always taken a test first prior to taking a practice test. I'm not sure what got into me but i took a practice first this evening and i score 70. I scored a 80 and a 90% on the remaining but that doesn't change anything because all you need is one sub-80 score. The rep told me that only instructors can make any changes and for self-study mode, there's nothing that can be done.
I find that VERY annoying. If someone signs up for this, they're pretty much signing up because they'd like to practice to improve. I want all the practice i can get and considering the practice is just a means for one to practice skills learned in the model, i don't see why that should be a determinant in taking the test.
I think the default feature should be the other way around. Tests should be available by default and for people enrolled instructor led courses, instructors should set the cuttoff limit for mastery.
What's even more annoying is that customer service can't reset it. If an instructor can do that in a course, why can't customer service reset for people not taking a course? People who take kaplan tests call and have the test reset so they can take it again. I'm fine with the fact that myreading lab tests can be taken once. I'm not fine with the fact that tests are disable even if your average practice result is greater than 80. The problem with this is that encourages skipping practice and going directly to tests because once the test is disabled, you're stuck and each time you log in, it tells you that you haven't completed the module. I just went back to the intermediate reading course and realized that i took the 2 tests and skipped the just 1 out 5 or 6 practice tests.
I'm not happy with this and i hope it changes. I can't be too pissed at them because i know this program is mainly for people enrolled in instructor led courses and it looks like that's the group pearson caters to. I do think however that if they were to cater to independents, they'll expand their market greatly for tehre are thousands of LSAT, MCAT and GRE takers out there who'd like to improve their comprehension. if the GMAT has a RC section, then add it to it. i think there are about 55000+ takers of the MCAT alone each year. Not sure how many people take the GRE each year but i'll bet it it's more than the MCAT.
I'm just ranting cuz i'm a little upset but then again, i know pearson caters to students with instructors so i'm in a class on my own.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Finally, a lexile measure
I signed up for all sections of myreading lab and in hindsight, i regret that. In my defense, i didn't know what course was right for me in the beginning and i kept choosing books to see what i wanted to do.
Anwyay, after my last blog entry i went back to myreading lab and decided to pop into the advance reading course. I've looked through this course a few weeks ago when i failed the active reading section of the intermediate course and the diagnostic wasn't there. Thing is i saw it there and i took it and i scored 1385. I had 23/25 on the questions.
I have a lot of respect for Pearson for making this feature available because i made a post on facebook asking them why it wasn't available and i got a response saying they're working on it. Indeed! i'm glad they listen to their customers. i wish I'd signed up for the intro course instead of jumping to the intermediate. Anyway, i'll work the intro course, finish the intermediate and use the reading level measures in the advance course to measure my reading level. I'm just happy i'm reading above 12th grade level.
I wish i hadn't spent all that money on that verbal mastery book. oh well, had i known?
Anwyay, after my last blog entry i went back to myreading lab and decided to pop into the advance reading course. I've looked through this course a few weeks ago when i failed the active reading section of the intermediate course and the diagnostic wasn't there. Thing is i saw it there and i took it and i scored 1385. I had 23/25 on the questions.
I have a lot of respect for Pearson for making this feature available because i made a post on facebook asking them why it wasn't available and i got a response saying they're working on it. Indeed! i'm glad they listen to their customers. i wish I'd signed up for the intro course instead of jumping to the intermediate. Anyway, i'll work the intro course, finish the intermediate and use the reading level measures in the advance course to measure my reading level. I'm just happy i'm reading above 12th grade level.
I wish i hadn't spent all that money on that verbal mastery book. oh well, had i known?
Reading
So i thought the fundamentals of reading course was the 2nd basic course in myreading lab and that the introductory reading came before that. Turns out it's the other way around and that the fundamentals is the most basic. Come to think of it, it's pretty pathetic that i scored 20% in the main idea section of that. Anyway, while wondering why i wasn't doing well in the intermediate reading course, i decided to try that and see what it offers and that's when i realized it's a lot more advanced than the fundamental course and considering i've completed the main idea sections of the intermediate reading course, i scored 100% on the these and the supporting details in the introductory course. In fact i scored 100% on 16 of the topics and 80% on critical thinking and the rest was either a 33%, 50% or a 66% and those were a total of 6 or 7 topics. the 33% was on the active reading topic and 2 patterns of organization, time order and cause and effect. Those 2 i can learn easily, the active reading is something i need to work hard in.
I think i sorta know what to do for the active reading and i think i learned that from powerscores book. I need to anticipate when i read and pay attention to signal words- italized words, bolded word and words that define stuff and other things. I think i'll apply that to myreading lab and see how much i improved. I scored a 66% in the outlining and mapping and i think that's a hit or miss. i did that question at work and i was in a hurry to get done and do the joints.
Anyway, it's a start but i think i'll do the introductory before coming to the intermediate. I think the fundamental course was necessary because it really helped me master supporting details and how to detect the main idea. All i need to do now is learn the patterns of organization and improve on my active reading skills. Good luck to me.
I think i sorta know what to do for the active reading and i think i learned that from powerscores book. I need to anticipate when i read and pay attention to signal words- italized words, bolded word and words that define stuff and other things. I think i'll apply that to myreading lab and see how much i improved. I scored a 66% in the outlining and mapping and i think that's a hit or miss. i did that question at work and i was in a hurry to get done and do the joints.
Anyway, it's a start but i think i'll do the introductory before coming to the intermediate. I think the fundamental course was necessary because it really helped me master supporting details and how to detect the main idea. All i need to do now is learn the patterns of organization and improve on my active reading skills. Good luck to me.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Generic vs brand names
I'm not a stickler when it comes to taking brand names but i know that it's better to take brand name seasonale than generic. nsaids like advil, tylenol, and whatever else those don't matter. Although there is a significant difference between zyrtec and it's generic versions. The brand name makes me drowsy, the generics on the other don't cause any drowsiness for me.
After five years of taking ponstel, it's been shocking but it was winter quarter, right around this time that i showed up at clinicals throwing up, diarrhea and whatever else comes along and ended up at Dr Rose's exam room afterwards.
Yesterday, i tried to get it filled and none of the pharmacies around here had it. My saving grace was the walgreens almost 6miles from here and the girl tells me we have the generic. huh? i think this is new because i've always received the brand name. I went to pick it up today despite the fact that "everything" has already started but i wasn't throwing up and while it did look like i may be getting diarrhea, i took the last 2 pills i had saturday and sunday and it looks like it took care of it. Early this morning i took 400mg of ibuprofen. Figured out an nsaid is an nsaid.
Considering i'm not having the 'usual' symptoms,it's going to be hard evaluating the effectiveness of the generic drug. I just hope it makes me drowsy but since i wasn't sure of that, i took some benadryl for insurance. Now i just have to wait and pray that it doesn't have an additive effect because benadryl is enough to cause me to sleep.
oh well...
After five years of taking ponstel, it's been shocking but it was winter quarter, right around this time that i showed up at clinicals throwing up, diarrhea and whatever else comes along and ended up at Dr Rose's exam room afterwards.
Yesterday, i tried to get it filled and none of the pharmacies around here had it. My saving grace was the walgreens almost 6miles from here and the girl tells me we have the generic. huh? i think this is new because i've always received the brand name. I went to pick it up today despite the fact that "everything" has already started but i wasn't throwing up and while it did look like i may be getting diarrhea, i took the last 2 pills i had saturday and sunday and it looks like it took care of it. Early this morning i took 400mg of ibuprofen. Figured out an nsaid is an nsaid.
Considering i'm not having the 'usual' symptoms,it's going to be hard evaluating the effectiveness of the generic drug. I just hope it makes me drowsy but since i wasn't sure of that, i took some benadryl for insurance. Now i just have to wait and pray that it doesn't have an additive effect because benadryl is enough to cause me to sleep.
oh well...
Monday, February 7, 2011
To God be the Glory
I drove right into someone today and God did the greatest thing i've ever seen before my eyes and i mean right before my 2 eyes. The car just turned and instead of me stopping, i drove even forward and the care turned even more. Now the driver shouldn't have seen me move forward so if God wasn't the car veering the car to the right, then there can't be anything else because God is the only one capable of such a thing. 2x this week, my car has escaped damage.
I praise God for such a wonderful miracle.
I praise God for such a wonderful miracle.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
So much change in so little time
I went to first wednesday prayer yesterday and boy am i glad i did. it was amazing. Great service, feel the transformation already and i pray it carries on.
Concerning the email i sent to my sister, well, i trust that God will turn it into good.
i also woke up this early morning, by which i mean 2am, and i switched my insurance policy. I've been with geico since i bought my other car in 08 and i've been a faithful customer, have autopay, no claims on this current policy actually. Since i moved to suburbia, my rates shot down even with the extra $5 i pay for doing the monthly payment option and every six month renewal has come with another discount. Last december or november i get a policy renewal letter and i realize that my rate has gone up. I expected it to go down further because i don't make payments on the car anymore. So, i told myself i was going to switch and that's exactly what i did.
In retrospect, maybe i should've called Geico before buying the new coverage because the lady offered to get me a discount when i called to cancel. I just thought my rates went up because i got that pay out last september. I could be wrong. Anyway, my geico renewal was greater than $666, my progressive renewal was $461 for the same coverage. The $61 was because i made the one time payment so there's a $30 savings right there. Nevertheless, it would still be a great saving if i chose the monthly billing and paid the extra $5 each month.
If my insurance had gone up just $5 per month, i would have stayed with them but right now, it's a blessing.
To God be the glory.
Concerning the email i sent to my sister, well, i trust that God will turn it into good.
i also woke up this early morning, by which i mean 2am, and i switched my insurance policy. I've been with geico since i bought my other car in 08 and i've been a faithful customer, have autopay, no claims on this current policy actually. Since i moved to suburbia, my rates shot down even with the extra $5 i pay for doing the monthly payment option and every six month renewal has come with another discount. Last december or november i get a policy renewal letter and i realize that my rate has gone up. I expected it to go down further because i don't make payments on the car anymore. So, i told myself i was going to switch and that's exactly what i did.
In retrospect, maybe i should've called Geico before buying the new coverage because the lady offered to get me a discount when i called to cancel. I just thought my rates went up because i got that pay out last september. I could be wrong. Anyway, my geico renewal was greater than $666, my progressive renewal was $461 for the same coverage. The $61 was because i made the one time payment so there's a $30 savings right there. Nevertheless, it would still be a great saving if i chose the monthly billing and paid the extra $5 each month.
If my insurance had gone up just $5 per month, i would have stayed with them but right now, it's a blessing.
To God be the glory.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Kyrie Eleison
So i write telling someone to pray and it turns out i'm the one who needs to pray. Lord help me to contemplate my actions before i act. I wrote/said some things that i regret. At that time, i felt strongly but now, i thought it over and said, i shouldn't have done anything. it might be a little now.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Kaplan or not 2
So, i debated this since my last post and i spent the morning yesterday reading posts on SDN. I spent all evening today on SDN and lying here trying to figure out if i should sign up for this course or not.
Indecisiveness is a sin!
Anyway, i clicked on a class, got the check out page and i balked. So, i'm back to square one with hours wasted that i could've used to accomplish something else. Not sure what to do now but i'm thinking i'll go back to my study plan as discussed and take an aamc at the end of this month. Depending on how i do, i'll sign up at the extra cost.
why kaplan? because most of the people who broke 40 used it. There are some who broke 40 and only used their premiere program which i had but barely used it. i may end up buying it again. Kaplan has great resources although i was a little dubious about signing up for the class because it don't look like they update their materials. The other thing was that despite my poor prep last year, i didn't think the exam was bad.
So, work through TBR, do the TPRH workbook since i completed their bio and gen chem. I need to do their physics alongside TBR cuz i think TBR is great in gen chem and ochem, the physics has definitely improved a lot but they have a different approach. I'm starting to wonder if the EK 1001s is a waste of my time. Their explanations are lousy.
Too much going on in my head.
God i hope i made the right choice.
Indecisiveness is a sin!
Anyway, i clicked on a class, got the check out page and i balked. So, i'm back to square one with hours wasted that i could've used to accomplish something else. Not sure what to do now but i'm thinking i'll go back to my study plan as discussed and take an aamc at the end of this month. Depending on how i do, i'll sign up at the extra cost.
why kaplan? because most of the people who broke 40 used it. There are some who broke 40 and only used their premiere program which i had but barely used it. i may end up buying it again. Kaplan has great resources although i was a little dubious about signing up for the class because it don't look like they update their materials. The other thing was that despite my poor prep last year, i didn't think the exam was bad.
So, work through TBR, do the TPRH workbook since i completed their bio and gen chem. I need to do their physics alongside TBR cuz i think TBR is great in gen chem and ochem, the physics has definitely improved a lot but they have a different approach. I'm starting to wonder if the EK 1001s is a waste of my time. Their explanations are lousy.
Too much going on in my head.
God i hope i made the right choice.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Kaplan or not
I've been debating whether to take the kaplan class or not. Without going into details, lets just say the major benefit from enrolling in the course will be the qbank (if i end up using it), their quizzes and the ability to practice online as opposed to doing paper stuff and self-grading.
The major con is the fee as well as the fact that i don't see the need to have the same material in a different form.
They're running a special now where you can prep for an entire year. I've an idea about how to split that with someone. But of course nothing is guaranteed.
In terms of online practice, i've and will have gold standard, TBR and AAMC. That's about 25 or so online practice. Will taking quizzes and what nots make a huge difference? I think about the fact that i practiced with nclex 3500 online so much that i was used to taking computer test when the real deal rolled around. It makes me wonder if doing practice passages online can satisfy this purpose and produce the same reward. Actually, it's an assumption i'm making. Is it flawed? i think so.
The major question is: months from now will i look back and say i should've done everything possible for this exam? or will i look back and say I'm glad i saved my money?
Now if i knew the answer to that question, i wouldn't be posting this.
The major con is the fee as well as the fact that i don't see the need to have the same material in a different form.
They're running a special now where you can prep for an entire year. I've an idea about how to split that with someone. But of course nothing is guaranteed.
In terms of online practice, i've and will have gold standard, TBR and AAMC. That's about 25 or so online practice. Will taking quizzes and what nots make a huge difference? I think about the fact that i practiced with nclex 3500 online so much that i was used to taking computer test when the real deal rolled around. It makes me wonder if doing practice passages online can satisfy this purpose and produce the same reward. Actually, it's an assumption i'm making. Is it flawed? i think so.
The major question is: months from now will i look back and say i should've done everything possible for this exam? or will i look back and say I'm glad i saved my money?
Now if i knew the answer to that question, i wouldn't be posting this.
Friday, January 28, 2011
spilled milk
Earlier, i couldn't find the right word to describe my emotional status. Upset, is the word. I took a closer look and my pot is completely ruined. I'd left a note but picked it up deciding it'll be better to speak to my roommate in person. I did show him the darn pot and showed him the frying pan i use daily. Suprisingly, i kept it simple and just said i moved my pots and he's welcome to put his where mine used to be. He apologized, said he'll replace it and i told him i bought it online and they no longer have it. I said not to worry and walked back to my room.
Earlier, i was going to talk about how i use the other pans everyday and haven't had a single scratch and how my pans don't need sharp objects and blah, blah but too much words leads to sin so i kept it simple.
I'm still upset but i feel a little better voicing how i feel. I'm not upset because i have to buy a new 2qt. I can go to ross and get one for 15 bucks or 20 or perhaps, i can get what i had for about $29.99 or $39.99 so i'm not worried about that. I'm just upset about the loss of the pan especially considering the fact that i barely used it. i can count the number of times i've used it.
Oh well, there's no need crying over spilled milk. Nothing i can do, say or think can change the fact that the pot has been destroyed for good. I guess i move on and hope the others survive. Roommates, ugh!
It just occurred to me this morning that i use that pot to boil pasta. It's been the best thing for boiling pasta simply because it's got 2 different kinds of drain holes and i tend to use the larger ones for draining pasta right from the pot. No more drining into a colander. I'll miss it and i find it annoying that my roommates response was i'll buy one for you, like it's something that can be replaced. I barely used that pan because i rarely eat pasta but nevertheless, it served a purpose and for that i'll miss it dearly. Considering it's scratched soo bad I can feel the teflon coating hanging on top it when i touch the bottom, i'm going to have to throw it away.
Honestly, the pan looks like the guy purposely took a steel sawtooth-edged knife and just scrapped the bottom like i've wronged him. Now that i think of it, i wonder if he did. I've never seen a pot that vandalized, i still can't imagine what else he did besides taking a knife and just going round and round in that pot.
I could've prevented all these headaches by moving out last year and finding my own little basement apartment or something little. I could've gone home too instead of staying here all in the name of studying for the MCAT. Regrets, they're always too late.
Earlier, i was going to talk about how i use the other pans everyday and haven't had a single scratch and how my pans don't need sharp objects and blah, blah but too much words leads to sin so i kept it simple.
I'm still upset but i feel a little better voicing how i feel. I'm not upset because i have to buy a new 2qt. I can go to ross and get one for 15 bucks or 20 or perhaps, i can get what i had for about $29.99 or $39.99 so i'm not worried about that. I'm just upset about the loss of the pan especially considering the fact that i barely used it. i can count the number of times i've used it.
Oh well, there's no need crying over spilled milk. Nothing i can do, say or think can change the fact that the pot has been destroyed for good. I guess i move on and hope the others survive. Roommates, ugh!
It just occurred to me this morning that i use that pot to boil pasta. It's been the best thing for boiling pasta simply because it's got 2 different kinds of drain holes and i tend to use the larger ones for draining pasta right from the pot. No more drining into a colander. I'll miss it and i find it annoying that my roommates response was i'll buy one for you, like it's something that can be replaced. I barely used that pan because i rarely eat pasta but nevertheless, it served a purpose and for that i'll miss it dearly. Considering it's scratched soo bad I can feel the teflon coating hanging on top it when i touch the bottom, i'm going to have to throw it away.
Honestly, the pan looks like the guy purposely took a steel sawtooth-edged knife and just scrapped the bottom like i've wronged him. Now that i think of it, i wonder if he did. I've never seen a pot that vandalized, i still can't imagine what else he did besides taking a knife and just going round and round in that pot.
I could've prevented all these headaches by moving out last year and finding my own little basement apartment or something little. I could've gone home too instead of staying here all in the name of studying for the MCAT. Regrets, they're always too late.
Good grief!
I have stuff in my 1qt saucepan so i took the 2qt to boil egg. The bottom of the pan is so scratched i freaked out for about 2 whole minutes or more perhaps, and i'm still perplexed. My room apparently, not sure what exactly he did, has been using metal utensils because i've a no scratch sponge. He's destroyed my 2qt. I can't stand these roommates anymore. The worst part is that i've not used that 2qt since he moved in so i've missed all the damage and now that i've seen it, it's beyond saving. I can't believe it.
Before anyone thinks i'm overreacting, i've owned these utensils since philly. I bought it myself and i loved it and have taken very good care of it. I told him not to use my cutlery, i prolly should've said please don't use my cooking utensils but that'll be crazy. Maybe i should've educated him you can't use sharp utensils on coated surfaces because it'll wear off but that's common knowledge because my other roommate never scratched it and he used that 2qt.
I used the frying pan almost everyday to several times a day and it's not scratched one bit. This 2qt i barely use and it's been destroyed, by a roommate. This whole thing has messed me up thinking about it but honestly, i can't sit and watch him destroy it further. I think i'll feel a lot better if he used his own utensils. I've always shared utensils but not this time.
I really loved this set. I got stainless steel utensils for christmas 3 years ago and i've not used it because i loved these ones so much i didn't see the point in opening up a new set. I've taken good care of it and to see it destroyed? I wouldn't mind if a plate or cup was broken but to have part of a set destroyed, i'm not sure how i feel right now.
I left a note telling him to use my wooden spoons but on second thought, he needs to get his own utensils. I'm not trying to be difficult but i'm soo not keeping a roommate after this place. the one before this one lost the spoon to my rice cooker, i'm thinking he threw it away during one of his OCD cleaning episodes. I think i'm at the phase where i don't want to share things with people. i don't mind sharing the space, it's just the disregard for my things that bugs me.
Before anyone thinks i'm overreacting, i've owned these utensils since philly. I bought it myself and i loved it and have taken very good care of it. I told him not to use my cutlery, i prolly should've said please don't use my cooking utensils but that'll be crazy. Maybe i should've educated him you can't use sharp utensils on coated surfaces because it'll wear off but that's common knowledge because my other roommate never scratched it and he used that 2qt.
I used the frying pan almost everyday to several times a day and it's not scratched one bit. This 2qt i barely use and it's been destroyed, by a roommate. This whole thing has messed me up thinking about it but honestly, i can't sit and watch him destroy it further. I think i'll feel a lot better if he used his own utensils. I've always shared utensils but not this time.
I really loved this set. I got stainless steel utensils for christmas 3 years ago and i've not used it because i loved these ones so much i didn't see the point in opening up a new set. I've taken good care of it and to see it destroyed? I wouldn't mind if a plate or cup was broken but to have part of a set destroyed, i'm not sure how i feel right now.
I left a note telling him to use my wooden spoons but on second thought, he needs to get his own utensils. I'm not trying to be difficult but i'm soo not keeping a roommate after this place. the one before this one lost the spoon to my rice cooker, i'm thinking he threw it away during one of his OCD cleaning episodes. I think i'm at the phase where i don't want to share things with people. i don't mind sharing the space, it's just the disregard for my things that bugs me.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Internal medicine
I don't see surgeons taking a lot of crap and i don't see the attendings taking a lot of crap but residents and interns in IM do take a bunchload of crap. Surgery residents do take crap. Patients in the hospitals are so rude these days, well at least down here they are, it's sad they're crying about people going to specialty. I mean who wants to put up with an uneducated hiv, hepatitis drug seeker who insists on getting dilaudid?!
Doctors work hard to get where they are. Years of med school, crazy years of residency, putting up with insurance companies and meditech afterward makes me think they deserve every penny they get. The whole entitlement attitude from patients here is one that makes me want to go into a special where i don't have to deal with family members or patients themselves.
My heart goes out to nurses on these medical floors who have to put up with the bulk of the nasty attitude. I mean a resident only takes part of the crap if they decide to come up and see the patient. The nurse on the other hand is constantly on the floor and has to put up with peoples nasty attitude. For example, i've six patients, 3 primary cares, and i've joints i need to wash up and get in the chair in the morning. In order words, i'm overworked, stressed out and i have to put up with nasty attitudes. I wonder what would happen if med/surg nurses went on strike? Maybe the patients would learn to appreciate them? I doubt it!
I had a nasty patient last night, who just got on my very last nerve. He yelled at my charge nurse and i just had to walk over from the next room to tell him to not yell at us because we're trying to help and he doesn't own any of us. That shut him up for a couple of hours, then he started acting up again. 31 y.o male with HIV, Hep C, IVDA hx, all that crap along with the most nasty attitude. I pity the desperate female who has to put up with sight of him, let alone his attitude. The ER nurse couldn't stand him, the resident just said he's nasty and i think he's a pitiful thing. I guess the only way for him to gain some form of control is to yell at anyone when making any demands.
I respect everyone who works in the US health system, putting up with law school and other non-medschool graduates legislating healthcare in whatever way they seem fit. It's these same patients who eat the fruit of their actions. The sad thing is that there are those who are grateful and appreciate the help and sometimes, they make it worthwhile.
Doctors work hard to get where they are. Years of med school, crazy years of residency, putting up with insurance companies and meditech afterward makes me think they deserve every penny they get. The whole entitlement attitude from patients here is one that makes me want to go into a special where i don't have to deal with family members or patients themselves.
My heart goes out to nurses on these medical floors who have to put up with the bulk of the nasty attitude. I mean a resident only takes part of the crap if they decide to come up and see the patient. The nurse on the other hand is constantly on the floor and has to put up with peoples nasty attitude. For example, i've six patients, 3 primary cares, and i've joints i need to wash up and get in the chair in the morning. In order words, i'm overworked, stressed out and i have to put up with nasty attitudes. I wonder what would happen if med/surg nurses went on strike? Maybe the patients would learn to appreciate them? I doubt it!
I had a nasty patient last night, who just got on my very last nerve. He yelled at my charge nurse and i just had to walk over from the next room to tell him to not yell at us because we're trying to help and he doesn't own any of us. That shut him up for a couple of hours, then he started acting up again. 31 y.o male with HIV, Hep C, IVDA hx, all that crap along with the most nasty attitude. I pity the desperate female who has to put up with sight of him, let alone his attitude. The ER nurse couldn't stand him, the resident just said he's nasty and i think he's a pitiful thing. I guess the only way for him to gain some form of control is to yell at anyone when making any demands.
I respect everyone who works in the US health system, putting up with law school and other non-medschool graduates legislating healthcare in whatever way they seem fit. It's these same patients who eat the fruit of their actions. The sad thing is that there are those who are grateful and appreciate the help and sometimes, they make it worthwhile.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Roommates
So, i have new roommate, quiet, sorta but the weird thing about him is that he tiptoes around the place. My door is always closed anyway but the thing about it is that if tiptoeing is his way of not letting me know he's not here, it's actually the way i know he's here. How, the floor creaks. I never heard that with anyone else living here, and it doesn't happen when i walk. He doesn't turn the light on in the hallway either so i believe the goal is to slip in quietly but the slow tiptoe walk justs foils it. I mean, i sat here listening to loud music till i heard that creak and while i didn't hear the door open or close or see a light in the doorway since my door was open, i heard the creak and had to see if there was anyone there.
I never heard my first roommate walk in only thing i'll know is him cracking my door open (which i hated and thought him a creep) but that's cuz he walked so fast right after i heard the door open or not.
I mean this new person seems quiet and i actually learned something about him as i was returning from work this morning but i just find the whole slow walk in the dark thing weird. On the hand, it lets me know he's here simply because i hear the floor creak and it's the kind i hear from the neighbors upstairs, it's a different sound if it's from this very floor. It makes me wonder if the creak i hear from upstairs is from someone trying to tiptoe their way around.
Either way, i'm glad i've someone splitting my rent with me. It was stupid of me to renew my lease and i can't wait for it to be up. I'm sick of creepy, annoying and weird people (in order of people i've had since living here).
I never heard my first roommate walk in only thing i'll know is him cracking my door open (which i hated and thought him a creep) but that's cuz he walked so fast right after i heard the door open or not.
I mean this new person seems quiet and i actually learned something about him as i was returning from work this morning but i just find the whole slow walk in the dark thing weird. On the hand, it lets me know he's here simply because i hear the floor creak and it's the kind i hear from the neighbors upstairs, it's a different sound if it's from this very floor. It makes me wonder if the creak i hear from upstairs is from someone trying to tiptoe their way around.
Either way, i'm glad i've someone splitting my rent with me. It was stupid of me to renew my lease and i can't wait for it to be up. I'm sick of creepy, annoying and weird people (in order of people i've had since living here).
Weekly check-in
I've not advanced. i'm still in week one. I need to reread ochem and physics chap 2 and then do the phase 2 to move on. I slept for 10hr yesterday, spent about 4 hrs watching tv shows and did no studying.
The idea of disconnecting my internet service popped into my mind earlier this past week and i've been contemplating it. Few buts that came up include how do i access myreading lab if i disconnect, how do i download my nytimes subscription to my kindle, how do i check stuff on SDN?
Currently, i've no solutions to the above but i'm thinking,
1. I can do myreading lab at work and if work is too busy to do that, i can go to work early, and do an hour of myreading lab there? So that'll be about 3 times a week. If not, i can go to the library one of my free days and study and do myreading lab so that will be 4 dedicated days a week. Other days, i can read stuff like norton reader and practice passages which should become a daily thing.
2. concerning my nytimes subscription, i barely log on at home to download it. i logged on friday at work and the last issue i had was from the thursday before. Point is, i barely download issues at home so that shouldn't be a huge concern. If push comes to shove, i can drive to mcdonalds and pick up a signal.
3. SDN, maybe i can use the time at work to catch up on SDN? in that case, home is dedicated for studying.
the advantages? i won't be tempted to spend time on facebook or spend time browsing aimlessly. Also, i'd be saving about $37.55 or so a month. I think that's how much i spend on gas per month. Also, i can use my free time at home to read instead of being on the computer.
Looks like i came up with lots of ideas these past few seconds. Question is when do i disconnect? Also, all work no play makes jack a dull boy. Will eliminating all shows eliminate the 'play' in my work week? I do have to argue that before the internet, people still incorporated 'play' in their work week. Maybe i could knit or something.
Sounds like a good idea.
Back to work i go.
The idea of disconnecting my internet service popped into my mind earlier this past week and i've been contemplating it. Few buts that came up include how do i access myreading lab if i disconnect, how do i download my nytimes subscription to my kindle, how do i check stuff on SDN?
Currently, i've no solutions to the above but i'm thinking,
1. I can do myreading lab at work and if work is too busy to do that, i can go to work early, and do an hour of myreading lab there? So that'll be about 3 times a week. If not, i can go to the library one of my free days and study and do myreading lab so that will be 4 dedicated days a week. Other days, i can read stuff like norton reader and practice passages which should become a daily thing.
2. concerning my nytimes subscription, i barely log on at home to download it. i logged on friday at work and the last issue i had was from the thursday before. Point is, i barely download issues at home so that shouldn't be a huge concern. If push comes to shove, i can drive to mcdonalds and pick up a signal.
3. SDN, maybe i can use the time at work to catch up on SDN? in that case, home is dedicated for studying.
the advantages? i won't be tempted to spend time on facebook or spend time browsing aimlessly. Also, i'd be saving about $37.55 or so a month. I think that's how much i spend on gas per month. Also, i can use my free time at home to read instead of being on the computer.
Looks like i came up with lots of ideas these past few seconds. Question is when do i disconnect? Also, all work no play makes jack a dull boy. Will eliminating all shows eliminate the 'play' in my work week? I do have to argue that before the internet, people still incorporated 'play' in their work week. Maybe i could knit or something.
Sounds like a good idea.
Back to work i go.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Weekly check-in
So far, studying is average. I worked all six days this past 2 weeks compared to my usual 5 or 4 days so that has thrown a curvebal in this studying game because i was hoping to use my cancelled nights for catch-up.
Things i've done well: i've done my best to do all the phase 1 passages compared to not doing them last year and just reading content.
Things i haven't done well:
1. Haven't done anything verbal related since the 7th. Bad, bad, bad. That means i'm not sticking to schedule.
2. I spend so much time distracted, tv and daydreaming while reading that i'm taking longer to finish my readings so i end up completing just one subject matter in a 12hr period. bottom line, i need to focus and stick to the timelines i've outlined in my schedule.
3. I find myself sleeping a lot more hours than i should.
Remedies i think i should implement:
1. Do the verbal as the first task of the day (passages) and complete the general readings/myreading lab stuff just before bedtime.
2. Spend less time on the computer, cut out facebook and decrease email time. I can possibly read my email at work.
3. Sit at my desk for an 60minutes without getting up or thoughts wandering. Get up after 60 to stretch, hydrate, void and get back to business.
4. On non working days, complete 2 subjects as outlined.
I think these are a good amount of stuff to work on for now. I'm behind by 2 days or is it 3? i'm doing what i should've done on thursday today (sunday). My sleep schedule is soo messed up it's hard to figure things out. I need to stick to a sleep schedule.
Anyway, i'm doing ok so far. God help me.
Things i've done well: i've done my best to do all the phase 1 passages compared to not doing them last year and just reading content.
Things i haven't done well:
1. Haven't done anything verbal related since the 7th. Bad, bad, bad. That means i'm not sticking to schedule.
2. I spend so much time distracted, tv and daydreaming while reading that i'm taking longer to finish my readings so i end up completing just one subject matter in a 12hr period. bottom line, i need to focus and stick to the timelines i've outlined in my schedule.
3. I find myself sleeping a lot more hours than i should.
Remedies i think i should implement:
1. Do the verbal as the first task of the day (passages) and complete the general readings/myreading lab stuff just before bedtime.
2. Spend less time on the computer, cut out facebook and decrease email time. I can possibly read my email at work.
3. Sit at my desk for an 60minutes without getting up or thoughts wandering. Get up after 60 to stretch, hydrate, void and get back to business.
4. On non working days, complete 2 subjects as outlined.
I think these are a good amount of stuff to work on for now. I'm behind by 2 days or is it 3? i'm doing what i should've done on thursday today (sunday). My sleep schedule is soo messed up it's hard to figure things out. I need to stick to a sleep schedule.
Anyway, i'm doing ok so far. God help me.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
BR Physics
I have to say the new book is better than the old one and i've only walked through chapter one. The last one had graphs that didn't make sense to me and tricks that didn't make sense to me.
I actually understood what i read, save for that turbo thing which i'm just a teeny little bit fuzzy on. The last time i read the old book, i didn't feel like i picked up anything. This time, i saw the stuff that's review and i learned new stuff, especially when it comes to projectiles. the book mentions equations 1.28 and 1.30 and the last equation in the chapter is 1.27. Not sure what they are talking about.
Last time i did their physics passages, i was so frustrated. When i did the first passage today, i felt frustrated. I think i had a block in thought where i just didn't know what to do about the problem and that got me frustrated. Reviewing the first problem set made me realize the questions were easy and i either wasn't thinking or reasoning well or whatever. Anyway, 2nd set of passage i had 6/7 and the last set i had 5/7. Each of the questions i had wrong was not knowing which equation to use and i think that boils down to somewhat not understanding the questions or some concepts.
I'm wondering if it's easy because i've gone through nova. Not sure. The questions reinforced certain concepts that i'd forgotten and final analysis is that i need to read critically and think when answering these questions. Think, yes, think!
I actually understood what i read, save for that turbo thing which i'm just a teeny little bit fuzzy on. The last time i read the old book, i didn't feel like i picked up anything. This time, i saw the stuff that's review and i learned new stuff, especially when it comes to projectiles. the book mentions equations 1.28 and 1.30 and the last equation in the chapter is 1.27. Not sure what they are talking about.
Last time i did their physics passages, i was so frustrated. When i did the first passage today, i felt frustrated. I think i had a block in thought where i just didn't know what to do about the problem and that got me frustrated. Reviewing the first problem set made me realize the questions were easy and i either wasn't thinking or reasoning well or whatever. Anyway, 2nd set of passage i had 6/7 and the last set i had 5/7. Each of the questions i had wrong was not knowing which equation to use and i think that boils down to somewhat not understanding the questions or some concepts.
I'm wondering if it's easy because i've gone through nova. Not sure. The questions reinforced certain concepts that i'd forgotten and final analysis is that i need to read critically and think when answering these questions. Think, yes, think!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Reading lab post test
Scored a 80% on the pretest and 86% on the post -test. Some difference but not that great. Scored 80% in the main idea section compared to 20% on the pretest. Scored above 80% on all sections with a 100% on most except active reading (40%) and graphics and visual aids. For the active reading section, i think some of the questions were more critical thinking type of questions. The graphic and visual aids was awful. i question one of the answers and for the remaining 2, the graph was so bad it was hard to tell what was what. Anyway, I'm happy that graphs i'll be dealing with wouldn't be zigzag intertwining lines where you can't tell the difference between the two variables.
I'm happy i improved in the main idea section. The correct answer for my wrong question was the other answer i'd debated on so it's the case where i went with the wrong choice. I scored 100% on the supporting details which i find great. Besides the dictionary section which i also scored an 80% (stupid oversight), i got a 100% on all other sections.
I feel like the post test points out my strong areas and my weak area shows. I'll say the active reading is a weak area because it involves reasoning and critical thinking which i need to work on. Not sure how i'm going to work on that but i'm moving on to the intermediate reading course so we'll see how that works. I signed up for myreading lab on the 10th of november though i started the studying on the 14th.
While going from an 80 to an 86 doesn't look like much, i feel like myreading lab is worth it. I understood every passage i read in the post test, took a lot less time and skimmed a lot of the passages which may have accounted for my poor performance in the active reading section. I do see and feel and improvement in my comprehension skills, i'll say besides the active reading mistakes, i'll say i could've done better had it not been for that oversight in the dictionary section and that awful graph.
I'm hoping i improve a lot more with the intermemdiate course.
I'm happy i improved in the main idea section. The correct answer for my wrong question was the other answer i'd debated on so it's the case where i went with the wrong choice. I scored 100% on the supporting details which i find great. Besides the dictionary section which i also scored an 80% (stupid oversight), i got a 100% on all other sections.
I feel like the post test points out my strong areas and my weak area shows. I'll say the active reading is a weak area because it involves reasoning and critical thinking which i need to work on. Not sure how i'm going to work on that but i'm moving on to the intermediate reading course so we'll see how that works. I signed up for myreading lab on the 10th of november though i started the studying on the 14th.
While going from an 80 to an 86 doesn't look like much, i feel like myreading lab is worth it. I understood every passage i read in the post test, took a lot less time and skimmed a lot of the passages which may have accounted for my poor performance in the active reading section. I do see and feel and improvement in my comprehension skills, i'll say besides the active reading mistakes, i'll say i could've done better had it not been for that oversight in the dictionary section and that awful graph.
I'm hoping i improve a lot more with the intermemdiate course.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year
Another year, thank God for his protection and grace and blessings this past year.
Hopefully, i don't get lazy in studying for this exam
Hopefully, i lose my "maryland belly."
Hopefully, i succeed during the app season
By God, i'm going to excel on this exam
I was thinking about buying verbal virtuoso but i read what's his name's email again and he said it teaches you to find the "authors opinion." I think that's what Powerscores reading comprehension bible has taught me, and more. I find that after going through it, when i get a question wrong, it's because i didn't read all the choices or i didn't understand what the question was asking for. This has been very few instances. Also, i totally understand the passages are saying now no matter how complex and convoluted they seem. It's made me an active reader. I find that i barely turn back to reference the passage, i did that once to make certain the lists were consistent with the lists in the choices and i knew exactly where to search. I'm not scared of doing passages anymore.
From this point onwards, it's a matter or practicing daily to eliminate errors and master the strategies i've learned from their book so it becomes second nature.
I know lots of people make laudatory remarks concerning PS LRB but not so much for their RCB. I have looked at their LRB and reading the first chapter made me regret buying the logic book i purchased (which btw, amazon reduced the price for the book aned i haven't had the time to read it plus the library has it). I should've returned that book but i think i'll keep it, for now.
Anyway, if i had to do it over again, i wouldn't buy the Ivyhall books. It's not that they aren't good, they helped me get from a 7 to a 9 with minimal use last year. It's because While it talks about the main point, structure, purpose and what nots, in addition to listing sample question types just as PS does, lacks the practice that PS offers and I like the way PS attacks the stuff better. I'd say I'd have invested the money i paid for the ivy hall RC book in buying PS RCB. Then the money i used to buy their passages book to buy PS passage type training book which i have but i'd have saved money. Then i'd buy access to myreading lab. The rest will be practicing with the cambridge book, EK 101, TPRH verbal passages book and whatever i can find. I don't think EK resembles the real deal as most people say. I felt the passages on my exam where much easier to comprehend even with my poor comprehension skills and the most of the answer choices were obvious.
Anyway, i returned the readers edge. It's a complete waste. I did not improve one bit.
Here's to getting rid of that which isn't helpful and making use of the helpful. May the good God guide me according to His WORD.
Hopefully, i don't get lazy in studying for this exam
Hopefully, i lose my "maryland belly."
Hopefully, i succeed during the app season
By God, i'm going to excel on this exam
I was thinking about buying verbal virtuoso but i read what's his name's email again and he said it teaches you to find the "authors opinion." I think that's what Powerscores reading comprehension bible has taught me, and more. I find that after going through it, when i get a question wrong, it's because i didn't read all the choices or i didn't understand what the question was asking for. This has been very few instances. Also, i totally understand the passages are saying now no matter how complex and convoluted they seem. It's made me an active reader. I find that i barely turn back to reference the passage, i did that once to make certain the lists were consistent with the lists in the choices and i knew exactly where to search. I'm not scared of doing passages anymore.
From this point onwards, it's a matter or practicing daily to eliminate errors and master the strategies i've learned from their book so it becomes second nature.
I know lots of people make laudatory remarks concerning PS LRB but not so much for their RCB. I have looked at their LRB and reading the first chapter made me regret buying the logic book i purchased (which btw, amazon reduced the price for the book aned i haven't had the time to read it plus the library has it). I should've returned that book but i think i'll keep it, for now.
Anyway, if i had to do it over again, i wouldn't buy the Ivyhall books. It's not that they aren't good, they helped me get from a 7 to a 9 with minimal use last year. It's because While it talks about the main point, structure, purpose and what nots, in addition to listing sample question types just as PS does, lacks the practice that PS offers and I like the way PS attacks the stuff better. I'd say I'd have invested the money i paid for the ivy hall RC book in buying PS RCB. Then the money i used to buy their passages book to buy PS passage type training book which i have but i'd have saved money. Then i'd buy access to myreading lab. The rest will be practicing with the cambridge book, EK 101, TPRH verbal passages book and whatever i can find. I don't think EK resembles the real deal as most people say. I felt the passages on my exam where much easier to comprehend even with my poor comprehension skills and the most of the answer choices were obvious.
Anyway, i returned the readers edge. It's a complete waste. I did not improve one bit.
Here's to getting rid of that which isn't helpful and making use of the helpful. May the good God guide me according to His WORD.
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