Max College

First Day

2011-01-07T18:52:00.000-08:00

I had my first day of school in the New Year today, it wasn't so bad. I'm taking just PreCalc and Trigonometry this semester. I'll have to do Chem I or Calc I in the summer, possibly both but I doubt it... I might just do Physics I in the summer and take Physics II and Calc I in the Fall, then graduate and do the rest of my classes later or never...

Here's to hoping for a successful semester...

Techno-Babbo

2010-09-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

For a number of reasons, mostly related to a super virus, I've decided to upgrade my PC.'

One day I'd like to build my own PC, Laptop and Netbook, but for now I'll just work on my lovely EEE PC 1000HE.

the first step is to upgrade the Harddrive, this should defeat my dasterdly super virus and give me experience in changing the hard drive in a blessedly simple manuever.

I'm thinking of going with a 500GB Hard drive from Sea gate.

Ultimately I want to partition my hard drive. My goal is to dual load Windows XP SP3 and Linux (Not 100% decided which distro, just yet. I'm familiar with EEEBuntu though)

I'm wondering what I should do with the old hard drive and if I could make it into an External Hard Drive...

Dropping Science. Or "Grumblings"

2010-08-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

This science class, Intro. to Physical Science is really frivolous and my mom's reason for wanting me to take it is, I think, stupid. (To prepare me for General Chemistry next semester--this class isn't a prerequisite! This class teaches only 1 section on chemistry...and since its 2x a week, I doubt it will be very thorough.)

I'm taking College Algebra and Spanish III this semester, I've been counting on taking these 2 classes together, and alone, for a long while now. I'm royally pissed about this science class. My GPA is in a precarious place already and I feel that keeping pace with an erratic science class is going to be a hurt, not a help. It wont count towards my Degree, it WILL detract from the time that I spend on Mathematics...if I ace all 3 of my classes, I can raise my GPA to 3.75.

If I ace just two classes then I can raise my GPA to 3.74...

Right now, I need
4hrs electives (Spanish III is exactly 4)
6hrs of Math (College Algebra is 3)
6hrs of Science (Intro. Physical Sci is 3)

If I keep my current schedule then I will NEED only 2 classes in the Spring, instead of 3, for my AA degree. HOWEVER, right now the plan is still to major in Engineering, so, therefore, I must accept the fact that I have several credits left to earn. Here is the breakdown:

hr -- CLASS
03 -- PreCalc
03 -- Trigonometry
03 -- Chemistry
05 -- Calc I
05 -- Calc II
04 -- Calc III
05 -- Physics I
05 -- Physics II

33 -- Total Credits remaining and its going to take me about 16 more months of school:
SPRING 11
Pre Calc, Trig, Chemis
SUMMER 11
CALC I
FALL 11
Calc II, Physics I
SPRING 12
Calc III, Physics II

I dont even want to think about what I'm going to do with Spanish during all that time, I'll probably try and take 1 spanish Class at a neighboring University each semester starting Next summer, no matter what.

However, that would, I think, give me a nice jump on the other Engineering students and I really feel that I should take my core classes in isolation from others if I'm to do my best.

I'm also having a lot of 2nd thoughts about what to do in school. When I took Web Design, I did well in the class, but, when I was done, I found that I'd lost my passion and drive to do Web Design...when I was done. Already I feel myself being drained of my passion and curiousity for electronics...Does this mean I should major in something I dont care about...?

I'm tempted to finish my AA degree this semester by taking an express session for math and Science later on, my grades would be poor, I'm sure, but atleast then I'd be done and I could take some time to think about what I want to do with myself.

Oh, a goal.

2010-08-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

I'm not 100% sure how I'm going to do this, but I want this to be the semester that I hit a 4.0 GPA. I will probably never have this chance again, and I know that with Algebra it will be a struggle, but I'm game.

I'm not sure how, but I want 3 A's on my transcript for this semester. I'm at 3.7 now and I want to finish my Jr. College career with a 3.75.

Hi Sum--Whoa! Bye Summer

2010-08-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

What in the world is going on! Summer is over, this is the second day of school.

Last semester I made:
Af. Amer Literature--A
Intermed. Algebra ---B

This semester I'm taking:
College Algebra --- 5x a week (thank god!)
Physical Science -- 2x a week (mom is adamant that I take this class)
Spanish 3 (Int.) -- 4x a week + lab.

I've been so busy but haven't gotten a thing done all summer! I'm not sure where all the time has gone or how this semester will play out. *grr*

My rooms a mess, my house needs cleaning, I'm behing in all 3 classes on homework, I'm ill prepared for the semester (I need shoes and cant find my backpack!)

The best thing is with Ramadan atleast my diet is under control...

I'll be updating more often now that schools back in session, I hope.

Wish me luck, pray for me, send money.

--ShetheFounder.

Final Final in 15

2010-07-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry everyone for the unexpected hiatus. I just wanted to log in and make a post to announce that
1) I made an A+ in my Literature class!!! (Unfortunately, the school uses only base grades, so I only get an A)
2) I have my Algebra final in 15 minutes. I feel mildly...mild. Not bad, not good. We'll see how long it takes to get my score back...

In case you dont get it, I'm taking 2 classes (or took 2 classes) this summer. I've taken my 1st final already and I'm going take my 2nd final now, so this is my last (or final) Final!

Now do you get it? Huh? huh?

No?...:(....
Well, uhm...I dont want to get to the test late, so...

I gotta go!

Update -- Not Going Well....

2010-07-13T06:45:00.000-07:00

As it stands, I scrapped the Algebra in 15 days thing because I could NOT afford the class. I got a little ahead of myself, so I've been sticking out Intermediate Algebra (not as if I dont NEED) the class.

My final is the 15th at 1:00 pm. After that....it will be all over folks! Yikes! Dont know how this is going to work, I've been trying to prepare and tie up any loose ends in my HomeWork but...I just dont know...I feel the beginnings of Burn Out.

I'm thinking that I'm going to take the fall off.

Right now, my Possible Schedules for Fall are:

NO CLASSES, studying at home for Algebra and Spanish III

Spanish III, Inter. Algebra (just incase!)

College Algebra and JUST college Algebra

OR....If I decide to take the test and I make it, then

Pre Calc and Trigonometry...

I really feel like I want to take the time off though. I'm tired of school right now, I feel like I'm spinning my wheels in life and cant get any enthusiasm for school (or anything!) at all....

Maybe I should just work through the Fall and study on my own for school;

A new goal! -- College Algebra in 15 days

2010-06-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

I have 2 weeks to study intensively and actually learn the material I need to know to place into College Algebra. If I do this, then I can drop Inter. Mediate Algebra, take College Algebra in the 2nd summer Session and set my entire graduation schedule ahead about 5 months. That would be awesome!

Starting today I'm going to be working hard and looking for a tutor to help me with the tough stuff. I only have until the 23rd to do this. If I fail, then I will continue at the pace that I am going and just graduate in the summer 2012, ready for Engineering School, but if I succeed, how glorious that could be. Inshallah, if I work hard and do my part, Allah will aide me and do the rest.

Basically I have to study and LEARN everything that my current class will cover in the next...5 weeks, in 2. Should'nt be too hard.

Formally Announcing

2010-05-27T16:38:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking about Alternative Majors, just in case I dont like Engineering or cant cut it.

I had entertained the idea of Social Work, but thats out, I figured I'd better keep more formal track, after all, whats the point of this little Blog if I dont use it for what it was created for?

Alternative Majors for Consideration:
Information Technology
Computer Science
Engineering (Computer, Electronic, Electrical)
Education
Business Administration

Minors to be considered:
Spanish
Arabic
Creative Writing

No longer considering

2010-05-27T16:34:00.000-07:00

Social work as an alternative 4 year degree. A couple weeks ago, there was a list on Yahoo of the 10 lowest paid majors and guess how Social work ranked? #1!

Yeah, so, it never occurred to me to check how much money social workers make. I was hesitant because I know some of the horror stories about this line of work. You have to see tragic things, you have to step in between families and take parents out of childrens lives. Sometimes for the better, sometimes -- due to misunderstandings -- for the worse.

Its truly a career you have to love the work, but I felt I might be to soft for this line of work anyway, as I cant stand to upset people. I'm more of a people pleaser than anything else. Also, who wants an irrate parent to stalk and or attack them for butting into their lives?

Anyway, knowing what highstress, emotionally taxing job this was, I had figured that the work would make it worth while. The sort of life style that I want to lead would make this a bad career choice, so...no. Absolutely not.

I'll keep looking.

An Odd Oversight.

2010-05-06T17:33:00.000-07:00

I dropped a class today. My Science class.

Why? Because I dont need it and I feel tired and cranky about it and it would eat away at what few precious hours I have remaining toward my degree.

Because I'm looking at Engineering, I'll be required to take Chemistry, and two semesters of Physics, and there is a special clause that says I can waive/work around the general science requirements if I'm pursuing a degree that requires special selections of Science.

So this summer I'm taking only two classes: Literature and Algebra. Thank God!

I'm relieved, I will be buying a copy of the textbook for my private collection, as it was a great book and all, but right now I need money and more time to focus on whats' on my plate and whats coming up ahead.

Its been almost a year since I began school. I'm kind of pleased with my progress, as when I finish in mid-July I will have earned (assuming all goes well) 42 credits!

I'll need to do some serious soul searching this summer, to decide if I want to finish the AA off this fall and go do something else, or if I want to grit my teeth and really go for Engineering...Hmm...

I will have 4 classes left in the Fall. 2 Maths and 2 Sciences, if I decided NOT to go for Engineering. I can take classes on an A-B schedule and 4 hours of electives, (Spanish III) and be done with the first leg of my College journey.

OR

I can have 5 maths and 3 sciences left, take 1-3 classes a semester until Spring 2012 and then have a brief break before starting at Uni in the fall....

Decisions, Decisions....

I wanna be a mathemagician, I wanna be a mathematician!

2010-05-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

So, I passed my Elem. Algebra class this semester with a B, but I feel that I've learned minimally. I learned inqualities and started on factoring but factoring is still rather clumsy to my mind.

However, I'm ready to start Intermediate Algebra because I've got something to prove to myself come the fall. I'll either be ready for College Algebra, (and Engineering PreReqs!) or not. I am hoping for the latter.

Anyway, I'm going to rework my way through an Elementary Algebra book but, more importantly, I've finally gotten my hands on a Mental Math book. Secrets of Mental Math. I've already learned a couple of tricks and I intend to do the whole book.

For now, I've borrowed my schools copy, but I may have to get my own copy eventually. I'm going to be starting a special blog dedicated to math in a few minutes and I just wanted to write to say so.

Changinge Objectives

2010-05-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

Or I suppose you could say "drifting objectives"

I started this blog with the intention of documenting my race to finish school with 2 degrees, an AA and an AS and with 3 certificates. I am, on track to complete my AA by the end of the fall semester, as I have only 7 elective credits, and 5 classes left.

I will be taking 3 classes this summer (one of which is 3 hrs of my electives)
MAT
LIT
SCI
I'll also take 4 classes this fall (4hrs of which will be my remaining electives)
SCI
MAC
MGF
SPN

But as I've decided to go into Engineering, thats tacked on a year of pre-reqs I have to knock out. My decision to major in Engineering has changed my plans a bit, as I no longer feel the need to earn a second 2-year degree (An AS, in Electronic Technology Engineerin) and I have never wanted an AS in Paralegal and Legal Studies. MY end-game plan is still to get a respectable GPA and eventually sit for the LSAT and go to law school, but now my methods for wanting to get their have changed.

I'd still like to take the time to earn two Certificates, (Small Business Management and Personal Trainer) but I no longer have a clear cut plan to achieve this goal. I'll have to put some thought into this, and consider my options.

It may be necessary to leave off the certificates at this time, as they've recently enacted a new law that penalizes excess credits earned...

Finally! -- Its Almost Over....

2010-04-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

This semester has finally, finally, finally, come to the winding down point and now it is almost over! Just one more day and one more final.

Psychology final is tomorrow 10-12. Be there, or be a "B". Meh, its the wrong attitude to have, but I'm pretty much burnt out, and though I will sit the final, I dont much care whether I get an A or a B in this class. If I make an A on the test, then I make an A in the class, but I'm not so upset about finishing with a B either. I'm angry with myself because I feel that I should care more, but...I dont, not really.

I feel drained and I cant concentrate on a textbook for more than a few minutes at a time. I hope I'll get an A on the test, but if I dont...

By the way, I've passed my other class with the grades as follows:

Spanish II--A
World Rel--A
Improv ------A
Net Biz ------B
Algebra -----B*
Psycho ------B-A

*because this is a remedial class, it doesn't count in my GPA, but I'm proud of that B anyway.

Actually, now that I'm looking at it, I think I'd much rather more A's than B's so I'm going to give the old 1-2 Study Roo another go.

Leveling Out -- And Averaging an B!?

2010-03-06T20:06:00.000-08:00

So, I have a very merciful teacher (and many equally incompetent classmates) so the Teacher gave us a make up exam, and I was able to get lots of help on the practice exam.

I took the make up exam and my grade of 100% replaced the 40% on Test 2. So, with a B in the lab and and A- in the homework I think, without crunching any numbers, that my grade averages a shaky B right about now. All I have to do is keep punching away at my work. I feel a lot more confident right now though, and am even able to get through homework without feeling overwhelmed. I cant lapse during the Spring Break though!

I'm going to try and catch up in the lab and pull ahead in the class work. Wish me lots of luck, pray for me! If nothing else, send money! :).

Anyway, I feel good about my mathematical self again. What if I pass both Elementary and Intermediate Algebra? I wonder if I can make it in College Algebra and even Calculus? One semester at a time though, one semester at a time.

Failing At the Speed of F

2010-02-25T11:20:00.000-08:00

I took Test 2 for my Algebra class. I failed it even worse than my first test. I got a 40%. I attempted 17/20 of the questions.

You do the math. I'm done right about now.

Advising Day

2010-02-18T11:14:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was BNU* Advising day at my school. Its when all those hateful souls who are disatisfied with their lot in life decend upon the Jr college campus to crush the dreams of the unsuspecting, or, when the University Advisors from one of the big schools comes to campus to pre-reject you from your school of hope.

Anyway, I talked to the folks in Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology yesterday. Engineering Advisors took no time at all to laugh in my face when I told them I was in Intro. Algebra but wanted to pursue Electronic Technology Engineering, I admit their stance was valid. To be an Engineer you have to take College Algebra, PreCalculus, Calculus I, II, and III then start on a series of Discrete Mathematics, and also you cant forget your healthy dose of Trigonometry and all that good stuff. Wow...my head was spinning. (Still is.) I knew that I'd need Calc and a bit of Trig, not to mention a strong base in Algebra but...I dont know. there was something about watching the advisor write a list of Math classes that ran of the friggin PAGE that intimidated me...in the worst sort of way....But, I asked if maybe, just maybe, if I could get to Discrete Math, how hard is it and they just sort of blew me off totally. Wow...

They recommended I look into Computer Science (Medium Math Intensity) and Information Technology (Mild Math Intesity) because Electronic Technology Engineering (Extreme Math Intesivity) was probably not for me.

I talked to the Computer Sciene and Information technology, I learned something new about those fields and I have to say that if the world were perfect and I could easily see myself coping with the math, I'd love to double major in Computer Science and Electronic Technology Engineering because it'd be the perfect fit. I've always wanted to build a gadget and then program it to make it work!

If I study Computer Science I have the option of going for an BA with minimal math, or a BS, more math...

If I go IT, I could avoid math pretty much all together. After doing PreCalculus, hmm....

*Big Name University

Accumulating Resources!

2010-02-18T10:38:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I'm determined to do well in Algebra. I need to take Test 2 and from now on do well.

Currently, I'm doing well, on track in my lab work.
My homework grade is so far so good. My test grades are horrible.

I've only taken 1 test, but I need to take test two ASAP. Also, I need to be sure NOT to fail this class.

I KNOW that once upon a time, I learned this material. Its all in the back of my head somewhere, I knew it. It makes sense when I see it done, I just cant seem to learn how to perform the math myself so that it not only makes sense, but is also accurate when I do it.

I've decided already that the pity party was over. Its not too late to learn, after all: So long as I'm alive, mobile and sentient, I'm able.

I looked more closely into the course software and voila! There are video tutorials. I talked to my teacher Mr. D (God bless this paitient, paitient man!) and he told me that I CAN access previous homework so that I can continue to practice it. Which is what I need to do...

I'm going to download all the tutorials videos that I can so that I can review practice at will in all areas of this math class I'm taking. My mission is to actually master the material I'm learning, because I want to take Intermediate Algebra over the summer. Followed by College Algebra and Math II for liberal Arts in the Fall.

2+2 = 5...? Ah who cares, I'm BAAAACK!!!

2010-02-08T06:53:00.000-08:00

Alright, so I got a bit of help from my friends, two sisters who are aces in all things math. Just two sessions with them and my confidence is now above my knees again (it'd fallen through the basement floor after Test #1)

I absolutely understand graphing inequalities and was even able to explain it to someone else, and get the answer correct! I did my math homework and online quiz, all by my lonesome in about 30 minutes and got 100 on both. Wow....

I'm on track in the Independent Lab, just a wee bit behind. The goal for Feb 14 was 111 and its now Feb 17 and I'm haven't gone further than 111, I'll have to catch up.

Even though I can do inequalities well enough now, I'm keep screwing up the graphing equations in Two variables things and I'm really insecure about taking the 2nd test....sheesh, whats a girl to do?

EDIT: I'm at 118, I just didn't realize how far ahead I had worked in the lab. That means I'm effectively half way through the lab portion of my course even though class only started on January 6th, yay me!

Dropping a Class = Giving up = Loser?!?

2010-02-04T05:11:00.000-08:00

So, the suspense of whether or not I will fail a test has passed, finally. I failed my first Algebra test. It was spectacular, I was really confident and I thought I knew what I was doing! I was a little uncertain about a couple of problems that asked for solution sets, I dont even remember doing them in class.

I thought maybe I got a B- or even a C because of those questions. I got a 10/24, an F. But since it was computerized and I had a few input errors, my teacher gave me credit for 3 more problems. My final score was 13/24, still an F.

Wow...

Today we start section two, which is something about Graphing....I'm clue less. I tried to look at the material last night but just like in 10th grade, I had NO IDEA what they were talking about. I have until March 26th to make up my mind but I'm not considering dropping this class.

Meeting only Tuesday and Thursday and always in a rush when we do because the Teachers got us on a pacing schedule I dont know if I can keep up. I try to. I really do. I work problems and I always feel that I have an understanding of math BUT when I took that test, I failed it. I wasn't even close.

I have 5 other classes and I try to be realistic. I know that I could take 6 classes if there was no math involved...Math has such a special way of making me feel like the stupidest being on two legs. It really does...

*sigh*

I dont want to rush the decision, but I am thinking about dropping the class, I'll probably wait until March, that way I can see if I can make a turn around, right now I have an F in the class...I've never done this in any class but Algebra....Always in Algebra...

If I drop the class now, I could contine to study but I could do it more regularly and keep going until I have the material "mastered" so what would that mean for my Summer Schedule?

Assuming I pass all my classes this semester (yeah, right!)
I will have:
3 Math classes (Intermediate Algebra + 2 College level maths)
2 Science
1 Humanity
8 hrs of Electives classes standing in my way.

Over the summer, I can do all the Sessions:

Session A: 1 Science, Elective (3)
Session B: 1 Science, Elective (3)
Session C: Intermediate Algebra

So that in the fall I would have

2 Maths
1 Humanity and
2 (HRs) of Electives to graduate. I'd take a sport (Judo, Tennis, Golf) or Guitar for those two hours of Electives.

I plan to take my College maths Simultaneously. Not one after the other.... But how would having to retake Introductory Algebra throw this schedule off?

Why Sucky Math Skills CAN be Good for You

2010-02-02T05:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, so yesterday was my last day to finish my SPI (Self-Paced Instruction) class about the US Constitution and I had been trying to review for my last test all weekend, I was rather unsuccessful and it was frustrating because it was material I'd studied and at one point felt that I knew well enough to be tested on.

I was reviewing after my morning class, willfully skipping my Psych class in favor of preping for this impending test. Anyway, I'd concluded last night that since I had a "B" average in the class, I must get another "B" to recieve a "B" on my transcript, but I sat down to do the math quickly with pen and paper and I was surprised and absolutely delighted to find that actually, I could get a flat "D" on the 3rd test and still recieve a B in the class.

I checked twice more, becoming more and more excited as I went. (84+88+60=232, 232/3=77. just so you know) Anyway, I was doing it on paper and calculating in my head and I came up with an average of 84. I told myself that it didn't make sense but I checked again and again and even asked a friend to double check my numbers because they were so delightfully shocking. It didn't make since, BUT the numbers added up!

Anyway, after taking some of the stress off myself by realizing all I "needed" for a "B" in the class was a "D" on the test I was able to concentrate on my studies and found that I DID in actuality know the material. I self-quizzed for a little while and then I went to test. I feel really confident about my test score. I think I may have even gotten an "A" thanks to the extra credit.

Anyway, riding home on the bus I used a calculator because the little voice in the back of my head kept insisting I pay more attention when it said that B+B+D/3 = B average.

So I used the calculator and sure enough, earning a flat D on that test would pull my grade down to a C. Even getting a "C-" or "C"on the test would make my course grade a C so I needed at least a C+, but I really do feel that I made a high B or maybe, just maybe, an "A"

Anyway, the moral of the story: Unless you have a math test coming up, sometimes sucky mathskills can be good for you. They can give you the confidence you need to achieve your potential.

2 Down, 1 to go.

2010-01-27T17:11:00.000-08:00

Okay, looks like I'm headed for a definite B in my POS SPI class but I dont mind. I've taken two tests and I have one left to go. I'm going to take it on Monday probably, but it'd be awesome if I could take it Friday...Hmmm....I wonder....

I got a B on both Test 1 and 2 but I was pretty close to an A with the second test. My goal for the third test is a B so hopefully I will come out of this whole mess with a B...

Well gotta go study. Bye

New Semester in Full Swing

2010-01-16T21:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, so school started on the 6th and so far, it's looking like its going to be an interesting semester. I have 7 classes, until I finish that SPI class, but after January I'll only have 6. (Hmm, "Only" thats a good one)

Anyway, the classes that I have are:

General Pyschology
World Religions
Elementary Algebra
Spanish II
Starting a Business on the Internet --WEB--Runs along with the rest of my courses
Creative Improv.
Foundations of the US Constitution --SPI-- which ends Feb. 1, 2010

My aim is to get an A in all my main classes this semester. It will be the first semester I make all "A's" if I can manage my time. I know that I CAN, do it, its just a matter of focusing and working hard.

I dont have the textbook for my SPI class anymore so the best I can make is a B which I'd be very grateful for out of that course. Making a B in that course wouldn't count because technically, I should've been done with it AGES ago.

Grades Confirmed

2009-12-19T05:42:00.000-08:00

Arguement & Persuasion ------------- A
U.S. History II ----------------------- A
Intro to Game Programming --------- B
Elementary Spanish I ---------------- A
Found. U.S. Constitution ------------- I

I = Incomplete. Because it is self paced, I have until February 1 to finish it.

Grades this semester

2009-12-10T19:48:00.000-08:00

Okay, quick update:

U.S. History II -- A (Thank you, extra credit!!)
Intro. to Game Programming -- B
Elementary Spanish I -- A
Argument and Persuasion ------ (Pending, but A?)

Okay, so this was a good semester. But, it could have been so much better. I'm happy with my grades in the sense that I got good grades, but I'm disappointed with how I (didn't) manage my time this semester. My grades could have been better, (the letter grade is one thing, the percents are another) because of how I slacked off. I intend to do better next semester, which starts Jan. 6.

My theme for next semester is going to be: Work Smart, Hard and EFFECTIVELY.

The only thing left is my SPI class, The Foundations of the U.S. Constitution, which, despite all my good intentions for, I've yet to take any of the tests for!!! My time management was poor and more to the point, I wasn't very efficient with my studying this semester. I cant continue at this quality and at this point much further because in the Spring I will be taking 6 classes, 19 credit hours.

Not Much A Do About Google

2009-12-04T12:51:00.001-08:00

Just a quick note on Googles changing to their fade in home page. I dont like it. Not at all, I hope it will stop being annoying sooner rather than later.

Finals Week

2009-12-04T12:50:00.001-08:00

NaNoWriMo

2009-11-01T17:26:00.000-08:00

I'm also planning on Doing NanoWrimo this year. I did it last year and enjoyed it, though I didn't get to socialize much with my fellow writers I did complete a novels worth of story.

This year I'd like to complete a novel or atleast the first (50,000) words of one again. I plan on doing it and still keeping up in school. How, I'm not 100% sure about that yet, but wish me luck.

Post MideTerm

2009-11-01T17:22:00.000-08:00

So I have a couple of big projects in the works. Mid Term itself wasn't really stressful as I had no tests or anything, nd I'm not feeling too motivated to do alot. I'm really, really disorganized still but my math is slowly creeping back up to par. I registered for some classes already, I'm going to tweak my schedule a bit more between now and January.

This is going to be a busy week though. I have a few important things to do:

A group presentation in Spanish first thing tomorrow.
I have an Expository Paper due in English tomorrow but this friday my big ENG paper is due, its worth 15% of my grade
and Tuesday I have to have one level working of my game in my Game Programming Class.

Wish me luck.

Something I'd like to do

2009-10-09T09:04:00.001-07:00

I want to read every single book on the First floor of my Public library sometime. Maybe next year. It'd be great if I could get someone to sponsor me but who knows...

It has been playing around in my head for a few years now, I dont know why I didn't attempt it sooner but its something I want to do when I get the time.

Set Back in Testing Plans

2009-10-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

I'd planned to take my first SPI test today, it seemed like a golden opportunity because I dont have Spanish on Friday and because my English class was canceled, which meant I only have one class today.

Well, since I have all this extra time my family decided to call on me for babysitting detail so I wont be getting on campus until this afternoon and by the time I'm done with class I have to go to the Spanish Tutor for help with my homework which is due first thing Monday morning. By the time I'm done with that I'll have to leave school pronto or be stranded because the buses dont run that late out to my house.

I'm going to take Test 1 on Monday, inshallah and still take Test 2 next Friday.

A disturbing pattern...

2009-10-05T05:50:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I took the time this morning to look back over this blog and I noticed something terrible. I kind of new it already but I see my procrastination / time management is still as big of a problem for me now as it was back in May when I started this blog.

I have to work on that, seriously. I dont do poorly in school becuase its something I've been actively working on and am determined to tackle to the best of my ability. But my general time management is still horrific. I'm going to need to work on that, and I need to start ASAP!!!

Change in Elective Plans

2009-10-05T05:28:00.000-07:00

I wrote a while ago, back in the Spring, about my AA electives. I said that I have my heart set on taking the following courses for my mandated 24hr courses.

French I & II ----- (8)
Spanish I & II ---- (8)
Judo I & II ------- (2)
Drawing I & II ----(6)
________________
= 24 credits.

Well, I forgot to mention it awhile ago, and I just realized that I'd never written about it. But there was a change in my elective plans. I've seen the classes for Spring and have practically picked my class schedule already, the only thing I'm not %100 sure about is which math classes I'll have to take. I'm studying seriously now to retake the two math portions of the placement test and I hope to test into college level math courses.

Anyway, my elective schedule for my A.A. degree is going to be something more along the lines of:

Spanish I, II & III -------- (12)
Intro. Game Program. --- (03)
Drawing I & II* ---------- (06)
Creative Improv. -------- (02)
U.S. Constitution -------- (01)
______________________
= 24 Credits

The reason I can't take French for an elective is because FRE1 is only offered in the Fall, and FRE2 in the Spring, I'm trying to be finished with my A.A. by the end of Summer so that wouldn't work out. I'd rather take French I and II while I work on either my second degree (an A.S. in Electronic Engineering) or on a couple of Work Skill Certifications.

I hope they offer a Spanish III during the Summer, otherwise I wont be able to take it. I cant take Judo because, being an evening class, it time is totally inconvient. I'd be stranded at school until the next morning!

As for Art, I hope they offer it during the Summer. I cant wing it this Spring because its an extra long class and it'd bump me out of my other classes. If I cant take Drawing then I'll try to take a different art class and Creative Writing. I'm going to have to triple/quadruple check to be sure there's no way I can push my other classes back a little to try and fit in Drawing I in the Spring...

Dietary update

2009-10-05T05:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I haven't had any all to powerful cravings. The first two days were good. I woke up at 6 a.m. and of my own volition, (without external help such as parents or alarm clocks) which was great. A bit longer and I think I'll be back up at 5.

My skin broke out the first day, but I kind of expected it. Right now it looks like I have mild rosacea or something but this happens occassionally expecially if I make a drastic change in my diet so I dont mind too much. Already the skin is drying and peeling regularly so I'm expecting my normal facial appearance within a couple of weeks provided I keep it up.

I did a little experiment, just to make sure I wasn't being presumptuious about my sensitive system. I had two cups of ice cream the other day and sure enough, I woke up cold and in a stupor and it took me several minutes to realize that I was LATE!!!

So, yeah, sugar is reeking havoc on my system and health which is in turn reeking havoc on my academic life. So, if I change one for the better, then the second should follow suit, right. Right?!

Update on the Constitution Class

2009-10-05T05:11:00.000-07:00

Okay update time. I know I had said I'll be taking a test every Monday until done with the course, but I changed my mind and I will be trying to test on Friday's.

I got in touch with one of my course-mates via email and he reported that after taking Test 1, which he felt totally ready for, he didn't do as well as he'd expected and that kind of freaked me out. Also, Monday and Tuesday are two of my more hectic weekdays being the start of a new week and all. I think that Fridays will be abetter testing day for me because the Week is all but over and all I've got to do is focus on that one thing instead of worrying or wondering about whats coming out of English, Game or Spanish next, ya know?

I also think that Friday is a better day because it gives me more days to study and since I dont like to study for long stints of time, I think 4-6 days of keeping a study session 20-40minutes in length will be better for me. And allows more flexibility with this course, but no matter what I need to finish this course by the end of OCT. I cant keep putting it off. I cant, I cant.

Okay thats all.

Math Resources!!!

2009-10-02T05:51:00.000-07:00

Okay doke people, If I'm going to get into college level math, and actually do well once I'm there then I simply cant afford to take anymore lackluster attempts at refreshing myself in the subject. Its not that I dont want to learn and master math, I do. Despite still suffering from the reminents of the chronic mathophobia I've had since the 3rd grade, I just find textbooks terribly boring. I have a hard time keeping all those fancy math terms straight and so no matter how many times I read and reread the material and do the problems I never feel confident and I usually scrape pass on passing scores, etc.

Another HUGE problem is that I lack the discipline needed to stick to a serious math-regiment for more than a week or two. However, I did manage to get a couple of math resources.

I own an old text book that I love for multiple reasons but the name of this book is:
Basic Arithmetic Skills WorkBook. Its REALLY old, but so thorough! The name is actually pretty deceptive because in this one book you go from basic number concepts and addition to algebra! There is a section on wordproblems, personal finance, etc! Its a really great book with clear and understandable examples. I actually love this book, I've never worked all the way through it, its so old I'm always hesitant to use it too much before I can obtain a secondary copy plus, remember what I said about my never sticking to a math regiment?

I got a book from the school library called The Ultimate Math Refresher. I think this is going to be good but I haven't checked into it very thoroughly...actually, hardly at all, as of yet, but I chose it based on its layout and breezy explanations. If you were competent in math once upon a time, then I think this book will do you a world of good.

My newest discover is KhanAcademy, which is neither an obscure or outdated book but a website and I'm still exploring it but so far I have HIGH hopes. I'm thinking of using it as my primary source for math instruction from Arithmetic to Introductory Calculus, but we'll see...

Another Goal - Dietary in nature

2009-10-01T18:52:00.000-07:00

I'm going to give up sweets until New Years, I had originally said for 90 days but I dont think 92 days will be too much more difficult and I'm a stickler for such things.

Anyway, the reasoning behind this is because I have a very sensitive system and everything I eat takes effect on me in some way or another. I was lethargic and overslept everyday for these past two weeks these because I was eating a ton of sweet junk everyday and it was primarily the only thing I was eating. Now I have a rash all over my face and arms as my system tries to filter out the sugar.

Anyway by sweetjunk I mean things donuts, cake, cookies, ice cream, pastries, little debbies, candy bars, hardcandy, etc. I still plan to eat fast food fish sandwichs when I get them, eat Edy's Strawberry fruitbars, chew gum (sugarfree) and drink juice and the occassional soda. I dont drink soda that often as I prefer water then juice and mostly I do a pretty good job in my efforts to drink close to a gallon of water a day. I'm going to eventually put tighter restrictions on my common diet but I have to start somewhere and my biggest problem when it comes to junkfood is snackcakes and cookies. I also have a bad habit of not drinking water during a time of partying when Juice is so readily available. Committing myself to cut out these things is the best first step I can take at this moment because I need to get started now and actually give my self a chance to gain some momentum on this goal.

Some of the benefits I expect to gain from this is: better sleep, better skin, more energy, weightlose, able to feel alert in the morning, lighter, concious of my eating, (I tend to eat with out even thinking about it) more restful-sleep (I've been sleeping REALLY hard lately), better concentration, save money and personal satisfaction. I'll be aiming to keep it up until Dec 31, but I'll post about this goal in 15 day increments if I can remember.

**********

Stipulations I hope to add:

No food after 7:30pm

No SODA

No fast food (i.e. B.K. Bigfish, Rally's Deep Sea Double or Fish Sandwich, McDonalds FishSandwich, or Subway Tuna.)

No Meat

2 meals a day

Low Carb

Fasting Alternate days

***********

I honestly feel that since I've been habitaully eating so much junk food lately ESPECIALLY since Eid Al Fitr, that my toughest opponent is simply remembering that I'm not supposed to eat these things. Once I get that down, I feel pretty good about my chances of succeeding.

I'm doing this for personal reasons and because I know my diet plays a HUGE role in deciding how my productivity is going to play out. I've experienced it before.

SPI Update

2009-10-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

Okay so right after I signed up for that SPI class life took a turn for the busiest and I had a major productivity slump in school and life in general that lasted for about two weeks. However I'm pretty much over it (Well, I still need to do something about those missing quizzes and assignments in Game Programmming, but other than that, I'm pretty over it) and since this is still just the first half of the semester I'm not too worried. However, things are going to get a bit intense with mid-term coming up so I want to brace myself for impact.

I never got around to starting my Foundations of the U.S. Constitution work. I'm going to start today and my goal is to take a test a week until the 18th, (a Monday) when I am scheduled to take my third and final test.

I want to take a test every Monday for the first three mondays of this month. My goal is to get an "A" on every test.

+1 SPI Class

2009-09-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

I've enrolled myself in a Self-Paced Instruction class to meet the requirements of my degree that I learn about the U.S. Constitution. The class is only worth one credit and by default I'm given 20 weeks to complete a SPI class. I intend to finish the class in 3 weeks, starting next Monday. I'm already doing my reading and on Monday I hope to take and ace my first test.

There are only three tests and no final exam. I think that this is definitely something I can do fairly quickly.

Taking this class brings my current credit hours up to 14. Assuming I pass all my classes (preferably with A's,) I will have successfully completed 23 of the required 60 hrs for my degree. I'm soo excited about that. I'm going to continue to work hard so that I can work toward my goal of completing an A.A. degree in just one year. (I hope to graduate at The End of Summer 2010 Session B.)

On another optimistic note, I've found the 7 classes that I wish to take during the Spring (17 credit hrs) and the times and teachers are all looking pretty good. I want to take: Child Development, General Psychology, College Algebra**, World Religions, Spanish II, Judo I* and Judo II* So hopefully when they open Spring Registration, I'll be ready because I have the exact course numbers for all these classes. YAY ME!!!

If I make it through the Spring then I will have accumulated a total of 40 of 60 credit hours. I'll fill my summer with as many Session A and Session B classes as possible and maybe even take a couple of SPI classes to make up the difference. I took 9 hrs in Session B of this past summer, so if I were to take atleast 9 hrs in Session A and B of Summer '10 and top it off with a SPI course then I will be set to Graduate! Yay me! I'm soo excited!

*This is a "Session" course and only lasts half a semester.
** I have to continue studying math so I can retake my placement test and be declared ready for college level math courses. If I dont do well the second time, I'll have to take atleast 1 remediation algebra class.

Additional Learning Projects

2009-09-07T06:53:00.000-07:00

Besides just my college classes there are a few things I'm hoping to accomplish before the SPRING semester comes around.

I want to master basic arithmetic, and algebra so that I can retake the CPT and place into college level classes.

I want to learn:

Dvorak typing

Lefthandedness

Mental Math
To ride a Unicycle

Lucid Dreaming

Polyphasic Sleeping

Anyway, just putting that out there. I'll write more in detail as they become more active in my life.

Schedule Issues

2009-09-07T06:15:00.000-07:00

Currently my typical weekday looks something like this:

M, W, F,

05 am. Wake up
07 am. Bus

08am. Arrive at school

09am. SPN class.

10am. ENC class.

11am - 2pm. BREAK Studying, reading, daydreaming, etc...

2.5pm. AMH Class

3.5.pm BREAK

04pm BUS

05pm Home again.

T, TH

05am-8am Wake up, dress, RANDOM.

08am BUS

09am SPN lab class.

10am - 1 BREAK

01pm Intro. to Game Prog.

2.3pm BREAK.

03pm BUS

04pm HOME again

Now what I do during those breaks is so random its pathetic. I pay attention in class and afterward I'm focused for about 15 minutes while I sort through my notes but mostly I am sitting around always planning but never really acting on those plans. Its a vicious trait, one common in chronic procrastinators and one I want desperately to break.

I arrive at school an hr. early because attendance is vital for my morning class and the 8'o clock bus is always late due to heavy traffic, so I have to take the 7'o clock bus if I'm going to be on time to Spanish. But I dont see too much reason for me to stay beyond 1 or 2 o clock most days that I'm at school. My goal with setting that schedule was to synch my schedule with my 3 friends and to give myself ample study/review time while enjoying the added luxury of good teachers this semester.

By 6:30 I've totally lost focus for the day, I just sort of kill time. I'd like to take this time, to do chores, exercise, play and refocus my energies.

The worst thing about this semester thus far is history class, or more specifically its time. I have been thinking about it even though the class is only 50 minutes long, I'm essentially spending 3.5 hrs on that class because of all the waiting around I do because of it.

From now on, I'm going to do my SPN and ENC work right away--I usually do this anyway, read for History and go home unless something important will be happening in that class that demands my attention. I've already cleared this with my history instructor so I feel no real shame. I'll go to history on the days of Test reviews and tests only. Plus the last week of class because there will be bonus content presented that is vital to my final exam.

I am hoping that by the end of Week 4. My schedule will look more like this:

7am Bus.

9 - 2 Classes and Study time

3pm home.

4pm chores.

5pm exercise

6pm relax

7pm read

9pm bed.

3am get up.

Labor Day Updates

2009-09-07T05:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, nothing drastic has changed but I dont want the blog to get too out of date and since this is Labor Day and there is no school, I'm writing to inform anyone who cares of my current status.

Lets see, Friday my Certification as a Web Designer FINALLY came in the mail!!! YAY!!!

Friday was a long day, but it looks like we are finally getting in to the meat of the semester!

I got my first serious writing assingment in English II, I did my first mandatory stint in SPN Lab and boy was it boring! and I went to my US History class, but man, that was boring. I'm thinking of not going anymore. I'm not sure its the most productive use of my time. Also, I'm going to sign up for a SPI (Self-Paced Instruction) class to meet my degree requirement about learning the US Constitution, I set up an appointment with a counsilor for this week to start the class.

I've decided to do Lang. Lab 3 times a week, for about 20 mintues to meet my requirement and not get in trouble for falling asleep during the lab. I enjoy the time I spend with the SPN Tutors waaay more! They're alot more fun than listening to the recordings on the PC. Lab was just so boring!!!

We've completed week 2 of 15 this semester and I'm starting to have trouble forcing myself through the slow paced, academic drudgery. I liked my summer courses alot better, though I do enjoy my teachers. I'm quite proud of myself for picking them all so carefully.

I've got to pick up in my history studies but I'm thinking of leaving off the class. Attendance isn't mandatory at all and going is actually quite bothersome because its so late in the day, but I wanted the same teacher. In fact, because I have a large family, our home is being renovated, my time is valuable and I take the bus, etc, etc, I'm considering not going to class anymore except when a test or review is concerned. I'll let you all know what I decided at the end of next week.

I keep good notes for all my classes. I'm thinking of scanning them at the end of the semester and then burning them but I dont know...

I didn't do any studying at all this weekend and thats REALLY bad. I have an assignment due tomorrow in Game Programming that I'm going to go ahead and force myself to do today at 11am whether my house is clean or not.

I've got to hammer out my time management. I have 13 credit hrs. but I'm going to get one more once I start that SPI class. My aim is to be completely done with everything by December 6th since finals start on the 7th. I want to be done with the SPI Class even before then and I dont want to make anything less than a 90% on any tests and nothing less than an 80% on any quizes.

I also need to begin working on my Game Programming Final Project. I have the main idea worked out but I need to start working ont he graphics etc. so that I wont have too much to worry about in the end. By the end of this 3rd week I want to be running a more efficient schedule.

An Interesting Bit o' Mail

2009-08-21T10:36:00.001-07:00

I came home from the library yesterday to discover that I'd gotten an interesting bit of mail from my school. It was to inform me that, with a GPA of 3.66 I had made the Deans List for the Summer Term! (YAY!!!) and to let me know that I may be eligible for the Honors Program!!! Cool!!!

I have alot of last minute obligations to take care of and am trying to get all those things out of the way now as I had a pretty tumultuous and busy first semester of college. And the First Day of School (duhn-dun-dun!!!!!) creeps ever closer. *sigh*

Okay, 1st Semesters over

2009-08-12T13:52:00.000-07:00

Its been a Long time since I updated and I didn't do a very good job of updating the blog while I was in school but I just wanted to post and say that I am not abandoning this blog and that I took my finals last friday and I got my grades back.

U.S. History I --A
Positive Life --B
English Comp. --A

So not shabby. I'd been aiming to get an A in all my classes but this is the result. I have to admit that I didn't study hard as I should've. I've spent a good deal of all my spare time reading FanFics. I dont know why but my old obsession of Anime was stirred after finishing web Design and I returned to the past time like a relapsing junkie. I'm now cleaning up my room and preparing to study hard so that I can try and test into college level math and algebra. But just incase that doesn't work out, I've already arranged my schedule for the fall.

M, W, F, I have Argument and Persuasion, U.S. History II and Elementary Algebra

T and TH I have my first elective, Computer Game Programming.

I am thinking about adding another class, I'd like to take some sport, maybe Tennis or Judo....

Anyway the house is being renovated and I need to get my room clean and leap onto the first study wagon that comes my way if I want to get out of Remedial algebra before the fall starts....

Quick Update

2009-07-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

I began attending college on June 24 and have so far been doing okay. My time management and study skills are a little lax and I'm not happy about that but our house is being renovated and I'm experiencing a struggle as I try and overcome academic jetlag from pushing so hard during Web Design. I KNOW what I did wrong was not pace myself properly. Hopefully I will never make that mistake again.

Anyway I like my 3 classes well enough. The weathers turned ugly on us and since I'm doing a lot more walking over a large campus I tend to get wet between classes *grrr*

I need to get up on homework and reading assignments for college and I need to get my financial aid paperwork in for the Fall so I can continue to go to school so thats what I will be doing next. I'm sorry I haven't been updating this blog but I've been busy and I'm struggling against my inner procrastinator just to stay afloat. I'm doing okay in school. I've gotten good grades on the few things I've had to do but I'm not performing to my best ability and I need to really pick up the pace. So I'm going to be regrouping mentally this week to see how I can realistically improve my schedule and capitalize on my potential. I just need to reawaken my enthusiasm for academics is all...thats what I'm lacking. I lack the real passion for school that I'd been anticipating...

Trying to get on a new schedule...

2009-06-03T18:25:00.000-07:00

Now that I've finished with Web Design Services I have to really pour myself into my college studies.
They didn't go well today, I'm normally a swift reader with good comprehension but when I take notes as I go the pace is excruciating and whats worse, I don't retain a darn thing. I've decided that starting tomorrow (June 4) I'm going to read for 45 minutes straight, putting tiny marks where I find note-worth info and then spend 15-20 minutes making notes before moving on to the next subject. I'm also going to use a timer so that I dont spend more than an hour and fifteen minutes on each subject. I'm not trying to spend all my time studying, I just need a basic understanding of the material prior to starting school because I feel thats my best bet to stay ahead and do well in school.

Its imperative that I start of strong. The summer session is short and I'm not sure what to expect from college.

I need to do about 20 pages of each book everyday in order to finish each one before the first day. My goal is to only note the actual info--not every word. I started off doing a very tedious job of note-taking in History but thats neither here nor there now. From this minute I can only move forward.

So, starting tomorrow I will implement a new schedule, as soon as possible I will begin my studies each morning, reading the book for about 45 minutes straight, making minor pencil marks and then I'll go through for about 20 minutes and make notes.

So assuming that I begin work by 7 am every morning I expect to be done with my mandatory studies of English Comp., US History 1, and Health Ed each day by around 10:30 am. At which point I can go exercise, shower and then eat something. I should be rejoining civilization around noon each day. Not bad, I think.

But I also need to find time for Algebra and forieng language. I think that I will focus on Esperanto first, start a regular Spanish study schedule after I start college....

Not 100% sure.

Any suggestions from the readers?

DONE!!!

2009-06-03T11:50:00.000-07:00

Thats right folks, I'm done. I recieved the E-mail from my Teacher about an hour ago to say that I'm 100% on all my requirements and that my certificate for Web Design Services should be coming in the mail this summer. Thank God for that.

I've started studying my college textbooks I need to set up a routine so that I can get through my needed portion of each book within an hour and move on with my life.

That's all for now, folks. I gotta go study for College!!!

Ongoing Goals

2009-05-31T21:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of my Goals for the rest of the year.

Academics:

Work up to level 14 on KhanAcademy
Bring all my Grades up to an A in school.
Complete with a 90% or above my Pre-Algebra and Algebra workbooks
Retake the CPT and get a minimum score of 100 in Arithmatic AND Algebra

Electives:

French
Esperanto
Conversational Spanish
ASL dialog phrases + vocab
Mental Math
Calculus
Computer Programming

Health:

Lose 60 lbs
More Energy
More Water
Colon Cleanse
Fast 40 days

Hobbies:

Complete 6 chapters for a Fiction novel
Read 10 books minimum
Drawing/Cartooning
Design 3 Websites
From the Pupils Mouth

Whats Next?

2009-05-31T19:03:00.001-07:00

What, now that I'm all but done with Web Design Services, will I do?

Exactly what I've been planning to do all along. I'm going to work through my college text books to try and get ahead of myself before the classes start. I've read some of the History book already but starting tomorrow, Monday June 1, 2009. I will work in each book for atleast 45 minutes a day.

I would also like to keep in mind where I am going in the future. My aim is to have the A.A. Degree by the end of Spring 2010. I can begin working on either a certificate or my 2nd Associate degree that summer, depending on which classes are available.

I also dont want to forget 2 vocational certifications: Real Estate and Nursing Assistant. I'll probably take Real Estate as a night class for 2 weeks in the Fall, but when will I squeeze in the Nursing Assistant program is the big question. It takes 6-8 weeks, I suppose I could take some combination of SPI and evening classes at the college in the beginning of the Fall, so I could attend the Nursing class, but I dont know if thats doable yet. I will have to crunch some numbers, gloss over some textbooks and think about it for a little bit.

Final Phase of Web Design Services

2009-05-31T17:08:00.000-07:00

Okay so I did it. With the exception of 2 or 3 very minor edits, I have completed my Final Exam project and, in essence, my Web Design program. It took me a 2 days longer than I'd anticipated (more like 1.5) but I'm happy and satisfied with what I've done, but I think I am beginning to care about that 'piece of paper' known as a completion certificate a little more than I initially thought. It would've still been nice to finish on Thursday or sooner, as I'd planned but it just wasn't written for me to pull it off exactly as I planned and I know that in truth the only one to blame is me.

I did ALOT of slacking off from mid- March to late April. Its a miracle that I finished at all and to tell you the truth readers, I didn't commit myself to PHP the way I did the other standards and technologies. I read the pages and did all the steps but I decided the completion was a lot more important than just that one thing so I'm willing to admit that I sacrificed an 'A' in comprehension for the chance to finish on schedule. If I had to grade my comprehension of PHP then I'd give myself a 'C'. I dont think I will ever do that again. From now on, if I dont commit myself to the task 100% I will not cut corners on my education, I will simply suffer the bitter consequence but I am not really happy with the fact that I wound up trading quantity for quality.

Anyway I spent part of Friday, all of Saturday and the morning of Sunday on my web project. I kept messing up on simple tasks and forcing myself into a deeper and deeper hole until I created 3 NEW websites to just replace it, then I woke up this morning with a sense of clarity. I dug out the root files I'd made in the beginning and I set to work editing and updating frantically to repair my ruined project which I started the mornign with scraps of the original. I regret having not simply fixed it Friday and turning it all in that same day, but I wasn't able to work much Friday.

On a related yet slightly less linear note, I beleive I've developed carpal tunnel syndrome in my right wrist. I'm going to work on getting a brace for it, a new mouse and also I plan to investigate the dvorak typing system because I dont know how I will get through college working like this.

My wrists been hurting for the past 3 weeks I think, mainly in my right hand. I'm going to look into getting a better chair and computer set up.

Having gone through Web Design the way that I did I learned a good deal about time management, goal setting, clarity, procrastination, self motivation, etc. I'd like to write some articles about it over the next few weeks. Well, see.

Latest Developments in Web Design

2009-05-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

Okay well, long story short. I didn't finish on time. Today did NOT go at all as I planned or imagined that it could, though I guess I was sort of hoping for this to happen. I did complete my web portfolio. My teacher thought that it looked good, she was pleased and I was pleased.

I showed her what I had on the final exam project and she liked it, but she had some suggestions that I make to the over all layout to make it look more...I dont know, I guess catchier. It wasn't fancy smancy but I like the way that it looks now and I think that the client will too, but the Teacher made some good points and just now I had another idea. I'm going to go get my memory card when I'm done with this post and get to work on the revised layout.

Anyway, Teacher told me this morning, after she checked my portfolio and the website that I had 2 more options to consider. I could have an extension/grace period. I have until 4pm on June 2, Tuesday, to turn in the completed assignment and recieve my final benchmark certificate AND get my diploma for the class. IF for some reason that doesn't work out, then I can enroll again in the Fall and get my certificate. She says that if you complete a program within 2 weeks, you get a full refund, so I wouldn't lose any money. Which was a big concern for me.

I'm a bit upset that I didn't finish, but I am pleased with what I accomplished, it just wasn't written for me to complete the course as I wanted to but I'm grateful for this grace period. It gives me a chance to tie up all the lose ends and leave this phase behind me in one smooth motion.

Besides I took about 45 minutes off because we had a presentation/party in class today and I didn't want to be rude to all my classmates and Teacher after they'd all put in something to make it happen. I left campus around 1:30 to go to the pet shop but I missed C. by some minutes. She was due back soon but after about 20 minutes I couldn't wait anymore. So I went back to class and pecked away at my source code for a bit.

To make the Teacher happy I have to:
   1--Get rid of white space at the bottom of the page
   2--Edit the banner to make it more "distinct" {furry edge}
   3--Add a background image to the content section.

After that is done then I will:

   1--Go to the Customer store and verify content, layout, color scheme etc. with her.
   2--Go to the Teacher, get her approval
   3--Host the site online

With a little good luck, alot of work and some discipline I will be done by 4pm Friday.

Lets hope so.

(Also, I had to leave 2.5 hours early)

One more day!

2009-05-27T22:27:00.000-07:00

Okay I'm at a critical point in my Web Design program. All the text book work and hands on assignments have been completed, turned in and graded.
I've done all the reviews and taken every test.

The only thing left for me to do on Monday May 25th was a professional portfolio and a Final Exam Project. The portfolio was kind of easy, it was just a matter of forcing myself to sit down and do it. I took the weekend off to whittle away at my portfolio and to gather my wits and prepare for a meeting with my prospective customer.

For the past 3 days I've worked diligently to put together a website for a local pet-shop. Heres what I did:

By sunday I'd gone over the contract, done some basic layout design comps and knew that my customer wanted it to be simple, yet effective.

The 25th (Monday) was memorial day but instead of sitting home all day like a bump on pickle, I went to meet with my Website Customer, a nice woman named C. who runs a pet shop and supply store. We went over the contract together, brainstormed some ideas, agreed on a color scheme and drafted a layout. She's a great woman to work with, very laid back yet professional and accomodating. I was looking forward to getting started on her site and I played around with several ideas and concepts between getting home and going to sleep. I drafted a few layouts before I went to sleep but none of them had the smooth, easy going look we decided upon. They were to...rigid.

The 26th (Tuesday) I went to class as usual and briefly talked to my teacher about my meeting. (I thought she was coming back but she didn't) I told her we'd done the design comp and I would just get the layout up to be approved and go back to take some pictures of her business and her dog (its a petshop after all). I did several layouts that Tuesday but really it just worked to eliminate all the formulas that wouldn't work. Which in essence, is very similar to finding the most perfect way to make something that will work. Around 2:30 I was running out of steam. I browsed some websites and then looked up some templates and mapped out features and ideas that I could include. With some new direction and a refreshing sense of clarity I worked on some more design comps and fleshed out more web templates.

The 27th (Wednesday) I took the morning off from the classroom, because I could work from home at this point and it was more sound for me to go to class late but stop off and get the pictures needed for the website from the Customer. I got to class around 1.30pm, pictures in hand and template completed. I fleshed out content and adjusted the page. I was extra careful about incorporating the clean easy navigation she specified and used blue and off-white like she asked. (actually, she didn't care much but I offered her some common color combo's and she picked 'blue and whitish') and I was very satisfied with the way the site turned out. I had to fight with CSS all afternoon to make everything behave, but I was very pleased with it in the end. Actually, to be honest, the site lay out was simple enough, I've the got the content drafted, a couple of pictures and I bought the domain name (more on that in an upcoming "Web Finals Recap" post). I tested the service out and everything seems to be working.

I was very pleased.
My teacher was not.

She doesn't like that I'm completing the whole course in just 4 months. She say's she's not going to give me my certificate because I'm in too much of a hurry to get it all done and she thinks that I've actually taken the site public but I haven't, though it is hosted on the web now, that was for conveniences sake. I'm going to talk with her tomorrow morning ASAP to get matters sorted out.

Anyway, I finally assembled the portfolio completely and I turn it in tomorrow morning. I need to add the final touches (i.e. links, a header graphic and some grammar) to my portfolio within the 1st 45 minutes of class so I can spend the last 6.25 hours of the school year acting like a chicken with my head cut off.

My dad will chaperon me back and forth between school and the Customer throughout the afternoon to help me get everything in order. Hopefully my teacher will accept my work. If she doesn't I dont think that I will feel too disappointed. I've enjoyed this class, partly because I picked it and partly because I really like web design. I didn't go into this looking for anyone elses approval or to please or "keep up" with anything. I went to keep myself interested in learning while waiting to start jr. college. I decided I wanted to finish it all in 75 school days and, god willing, I will do just that. I dont care if I dont get another big, fancy certificate or not. I've got three "little certificates" but I know, and maybe everyone else does too, that I have earned the 4th little certificate and the big, fancy certificate that comes with completing all the work required for the web design services program.

I set my mind to something, I worked hard, I acheived it.
"Aim for the moon. Even if you fall short, you will be among the stars." was the motto I used to guide my attempt and I'm appreciative and proud of what I've done. I'm thankful to God for giving me strong reading and reasoning comprehension, for allowing me to accomplish as much as I have, for giving me everything I needed to come this far. I love my family and friends for supporting and encouraging me (and for staying out of my way when they were doubtful so as not to infect me with their occassional cynicism).

Hopefully I will update again AFTER school is over and no matter what news I have to announce, I am grateful, happy, satisfied and proud.

Till 5:00pm or later Thursday, May 28th.

OCP C!

2009-05-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

I got it this morning,when the Teacher came in.

I got Occupational Completion Point C of the Web Design Services Program.

Its a little certificate that says I'm qualified to be a: Web Designer.

I suppose that OCP D will say that I'm qualified to be a: Web Master?

I dont know. But what this means is that I'm 3/4 of the way through with my program.

Think I can get the last quarter of the program done in just 7.5 days?

Adding a 4th Summer Class

2009-05-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I had wanted to add a 4th class to my summer schedule. I had hoped to take a science class this summer but the class filled up :(...

If I'd gotten 4 classes out of the way this summer that would've left me with an even 16 classes to take for my AA. I like even numbers so I'm a little bummed about that. But its probably a blessing in disguise as I have already started reading and studying the 3 textbooks that I have.

I want to use my 3 weeks of break to get a real start on my college work, but I also have a few personal projects that I want to take on and I think that a 4th class might've gotten to be too much right now, especially since my time management and work ethic are still kind of poor. I have alot to do this summer to improve myself. I'm not particularly proud of the way that I handled myself in this Web Design course that I was in.

I lost my focus several times and wasted alot of time. If I'd worked diligently and purposefully everyday I probably could've finished at the beginning of this month. Now here I am with only 7 days left before the deadline. I've gotta pull together a Portfolio (that'll be easy) and I still need to do my Final Exam Project, which is going to be ALOT harder, because I need to meet with people outside of class, do a presentation to some classmates, get the clients approval, light a fire under the client to get them to pay for webhosting and I then I need to get my teacher to sign off on it. I think I can do it in 7 days, though I'd much prefer to NOT be sitting in class to day. I could accomplish alot more outside of class today.

Vocational Skills

2009-05-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

Ya know, I'd also like to get two more vocational certificates they're much shorter than any of those I've done before but I'd like to take the classes offered at Tech School for

Real Estate Sales Agent (63), and
Nursing Assistant {Long Term Care} (210) OR Patient Care Assistant (300)

The only reason that I haven't been able to take either of these classes is scheduling. They have a real estate class starting in about a week that I would like to sign up for, but it costs though and I don't have the cash, so we shall see what happens.

As for the Health class, it will have to wait until a later time. NA would take about 28 days full time, while PCA would take 40 days. Part time is not an option for either of those programs so when I go, it'd have to be all day/full time. Hopefully something will come up that will allow me to get one of those certifications.

What am I studying for 180+ credit hours?

2009-05-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

College Certificate

Small Business Management.................24

Personal Training....................................15

Web Technologies...................................33

Associate Degrees

Electronic Engineering Technology..........68

Associate in Arts, Gen Ed..........................60

Total Credit Hours = 200

Now, just going by the school catalog, I'd be taking 200 credit hours BUT, some (not alot, but some) of the classes that I take will apply to more than one degree/certificate that I want to obtain while a couple of places I am given the choise which classes to take pertaining to a certain area. (i.e. SBM, Cert allows me to pick between Human Resource Management and Intro. to Customer Service, I can pick two of several classes for Web Tech to fill in for my electives) where such a option is afforded to me, then I will definetely be looking to classes that will serve a double purpose.

Some might say that it'd' be dumb of me NOT to take the electives an AA degree affords you and use them, but those credit hours are spent. My hearts set on my AA electives. The classes that I plan to take as my A.A. electives are things that I am both passionate about and feel that I will enjoy. In case your wondering what my Electives will be they're French I & II (8), Spanish I & II, (8) Drawing I & II (6) and Judo I & II (2) = 24 hr. worth of electives..

The classes I only have to take once, that apply to more than one degree/certificate are:

College Composition (AA/AS)
Concepts for Positive Living (AA/AS)
Computer Literacy (AS/SMB but I'm just going to test out of this class)
Intro to Networks and Telecommunications (WT/AS)
Intro to Business (PT, SBM)
Microcomputer Applications for Business (PT/SBM)

I haven't yet sorted out the different options for my electives, but if there are any classes that I can take to serve more than one degree/certification, then I will, but my AA electives are hopefully, set in stone.

So, if you subtract those 6 classes which I wont have to retake then that is 18 hours that I dont have to take, so I suppose that is about 182 credit hours that I'm hoping to take in a span of 2.5 years.

What I want to do with my self.

2009-05-04T11:03:00.002-07:00

I'm 19. I've been planning to be 19 since I was 12. In fact, I've been planning alot of things since I was 12, for example I had planned to begin buying my first house this year.

Thats clearly not going to happen.

According to 12 year old me, at 15 I was going to get a full time job at a WalMart and save every penny I earned, while going to Vocational School full time. I'd take my GED (and pass) at 16, I figured that by the time I was almost done being 17 I would be the proud owner of two (very interesting) Vocational certificates and go to College at 18. I'd finish jr. college at 20 with an Associate in Science degree and go on to be a world traveling, multi-millionaire toy designer and small business entreprenuer. I'd get married between 23 and 27. I'd also go finish a 4 year degree somewhere and then put an end to world hunger before retiring at 50 to live on a farm with chickens, sheep, and dogs in Canada.

Over the years I've managed to cope with the reality that is my life. Its boring but not horrific.

I'm grateful that between the ages of 15 and 18 I did manage two vocational degrees, I got my GED and even though I have never had a job I had managed to save as much as $250 once. I dont have a bank account. I'll be 19 when I start college. I still share a room with my older sister.
Yay me.

Needless to say I wake up most mornings feeling like a loser, but I have something many dont. Optimisim. Hope. I'm not dead yet and everyday is a new day. I figure that if I prioritize, work smart, and be as resourceful as humanly possible I can make an alright living and enjoy my life.

Over the past few weeks I've began to loose the clarity of what I want to do after junior college so I'm focusing on that. I know I want to go to university. I want to study Electronic Engineering and as many foriegn langauges as possible. I know that much, but exactly how to go about it is no longer clear. I'll have to work on that, I dont like to not have an absolute picture of what I want to do, or what should happen if I do exactly as I hope to.

What Do I Hope to Get Out of All This Work?

2009-05-04T11:03:00.001-07:00

Well, thats a good question. Theres alot that I hope to get out of these next 2.5 years of junior college. I hope to utilize this time to maximize the quality and scope of my education while pushing myself and shape ethical and work habits that will continue to benefit me for the rest of my life.

My time managaement has always been sub-par, to put it nicely. My social skilsl are...blah. Oh, I can play along to get along, infact thats what I've been doing 95% of the time I'm interacting with other people for as long as I can remember. I dont particularly like many of the people in my limited social circle and I've been looking for ways and reasons to expand it for years now. I think that college will be just the way.

To the point, some of the things that I hope to take away from a maximized college experience is laid out as follows:

Academically:
(1) Vocational Certification --Paitient Care Assistant/ Practical Nursing Assistant
(2) Associate Degrees --Associate of Arts, Associate of Science in Electronic Technology

(3) Work Skills Certificates --Small Business Management, Personal Trainer, Web Technology

Recreationally:
Found a Club for something I'm passionate about. --(i.e. Esperanto, Games, Books)

Participate in 2 clubs. --Black Student Union (BSU) & International Student Organization (ISO) Try out and participate in one Team --BrainBowl or something similarly academic.

Financially:

Avoid Debt-- Like its the bloody plague, utiling as many resources for financial aid as possible.

Earn a Scholarship--For University

Make some money --How? Thats a good question.

But mostly, I just hope that I can

Improve upon Myself -- This is such a wide and varied topic that I cant include a little info on the matter. The one thing I hope to learn during my jr. college years, and take with me throughout the rest of my life, is self discipline. The rest, I feel, will fall into place with relative ease after I master my self.

Why am I going to College?

2009-05-04T10:00:00.001-07:00

If there is one thing that my previous experience in education and schooling has taught me its that I will quickly grow frustrated, bored and even depressed with a subject if it is forced down my throat or if I really dont want to learn it. This has manifested itself over as many years as I can remember throughout a myriad of subjects. I learn best when left alone with something that I care about or can reasonably manage.

I promised myself (and my parents) that I'd go to college and get a degree.
The catch? I will only go if I can learn what I really want to and only if I have some control and say over what I study. (Since I'm such a submissive-softy where my parents are concerned, they often exercise more control of what I do, than I do.)

If I am presented with the unpleasant situation where I must do something, like it or not, then in order for me to do that necessary thing, I mean, really do it, then I have to know and understand that there is a point to it.

If I cant see the point, or dont agree with the point, then I will resent that task/subject/process every single second that I'm doing and when the ordeal is over and done with, then I will then do my very best to avoid it as much as possible for the rest of my life. (Case in point: Accounting.)

It is very easy for me to lose interest in a thing, and until my interest is renewed in that area, I cant stand to be near it or have anything to do with it. I also hate to not finish what I started.

So from Day One of planning my college experience I knew that I'd have to be able to get in and out as quickly as possible with as much education and knowledge as possible. I couldn't see myself getting just one degree in 2 years. That seemed like such a waste of time, too frustrating.

Especially since I want to learn so many different things. It just wasn't cohesive with my "Life Plan"

I figured I'd go to College for two years straight and get out with as much as possible.

Even though I start in Summer taking 3 classes, I'm not counting this time. As it is a "trial" period. They recommend that you take 2 classes during the summer since the sessions are "express" but I'm determined to take no less than 3. I had wanted to take a 4th class but couldn't afford to.

So, excluding this first Summer Session, I'll be doing my best to divide approx. 66 classes and 194 credit/units into 2-2.5 years worth of school.

Now, my school has two fifteen week semesters (Fall and Spring). It also has 3 shorter sessions during the summer, and it offers 3 distance learning programs; Tele-courses, Several classes are offered in the SPI (Self-Paced Instruction) format and of course, there are web-based classes.

If I play my cards right, utilizing all my resources and with careful time management then I should be able to divide my 60+ classes into 4 and 2 summer sessions and graduate with 2 degrees, 3 Work Skill Certificates and maybe even snag that Vocational certification that I've been wanting.

Fall 09, Spring 10, Summer 10, Fall 10, Spring 11, Summer 11.

Fortunately there is a couple of classes that I can take once and not to take again, even though the degree/certificate calls for it. I'm still working out the particulars. But only about 3 class.

Unlike some people, my interests dont cross so I'm going to have to take the 95+% of the classes for all the things that I want.

The General Idea

2009-05-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

OR
What I want to learn and Do During College

I want to get a college education. I want to go on to university and study Electronic Engineering because I want to learn not just how things such as toasters, cell phones and remote controls work and how to make them, but I want to learn more about the art that is Engineering and electronics have always fascinated me. I'm planning to only study things in College that interest me:

So I know that I will try to learn as much "interesting" stuff as possible while in school, then spend the time I save doing some real-world learning.

So, I want to take class that will help me develop a fuller knowledge in:

Web Design and Development -- While in college I'm going to get a Work Skills Certificate in this field as its a bit more "all inclusive" than the simple Tech School Certificate I'm getting now.
Martial Arts -- Judo I and II are offered at my school and I plan to take them both. I think it'll be fun.
Athletics/ Physical Ed -- I want to get a Work Skills certificate in Personal Training also from college.
Small Business Management -- I've always wanted to be an entrepreneur and since college has a Work Skills Certificate program then why not?
Art -- I'm going to take a couple of drawing classes. I've always liked drawing but have never been any good at it.
Foreign Languages -- I plan to take a year of both Spanish and French (i.e. French I & II and Spanish I & II)
Electronic Technology -- I plan to get an A.S. Degree in it.
Paitient Care Assistant -- Okay, so you have to go to Technical School for this, so what? I've wanted to take this class since I was 16, but you had to be atleast 18 and have graduated. Its only 6-8 weeks long but I think it's a great "minor" certification to have so I want it.

I've been saying since last October or so that I would like to take a language class every year that I'm in College and University, in this manner I figured that I'd learn the crude basics in about 7 languages. I planned to start ASAP by taking I and II of French and Spanish while at community college. When I transferred to University I had hoped to study, Mandarin, Arabic, Japanese and then I'd try something like Italian while self learning ASL and Esperanto since no courses for those two languages are offered in my area.

If I play by all the rules, and take 2 years in junior college and 2.5-4 years in University then I'd be 27-28 when I finish my Bachelors in Electronic Engineering. The good thing is that I could learn as many as 6 langauges while in schoole. The bad news is that I dont when I'll die and would much prefer to actively participate in the "real world" as soon as possible.

Going by the "norm" I'd be a little too close to age 30 when I finish school. No thanks.

I think I'd rather try for the same education, working at my own pace and save myself a few (read: at least 4) years, then do something constructive with my time. I've been in self paced, secondary education classes for the past 4 years now and I think I have learned a good deal of what I am capable of.

There are many things I want to learn about, or expand my limited knowledge of, this is my reason for going to college. It is also my reason for not wanting to stay in too long. I dont want to "burn out" or risk losing my drive to go there or learn anything.

I'm in the middle of developing a mock schedule, outline and game plan to tackle the feat.
I'll be updating again soon to share my 1st drafts.

My Brief History with School.

2009-05-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

I was a homeschooled student K-12 with the exception of the 8 months I spent in a public high school program and not including the fact that for my junior and senior year I attended my local Vocational School and became a certified Book Keeper and a Legal Administrative Assistant. I finished my second vocational course (accounting) on the last day of school, May 2008 and enjoyed a nice summer break away from schoool.

Because of my procrastination, I'd neglected to take my GED between May and September 08 so in the fall, I enrolled in an GED readiness and College prep class at my community college. I sat for my GED October of 2008, and stopped attending the program so that I could better lounge around the house, (joking) but because of the painfully slow DOE workers and post office I did not receive my HS Diploma until January, when the enrollment date for College was past.

Determined to make the most of the years that I have as a young adult and pressured by my parents to stay in school as long as possible, I returned to my local Vocational School, this time picking my course myself and determined to learn about something I was truly interested in. I picked Web Design Services.

The course normally takes 9-12 months to finish. I'm trying my best to do it all in 4.5. I have two texts books left. I'm learning one on JavaScript and then I read and do a book "AdobeDreamWeaver CS3: ASP.net, Cold Fusion, and PHP."

I started out in class working very well at my own pace. I had some knowledge of HTML and had tried to approach CSS before so the very first module was good and easy, as I progressed I was pleased to find that I understand and grasp the knowledge and concepts fairly quickly and I enjoy the class immensely. It feels great to study something you like.

But I slowed down some in March and I completely fell off my work groove in April. Now I have to do some major damage control this month if I'm to complete these two text books and all their required assignment before May 29, 2009. Lets not talk about the "Final Exam Project" just yet, alright?

Wish me luck,
She the Founder