GRE GRE GRE GRE GRE.
My mind needs to keep on this track for the next month and two days. Thank goodness for Cassie Steele, who gave me a great tip this weekend. She suggested I try Nummber2.com. This is a free site that gives really easy and detailed explanations of the types of questions you are likely to run in to on the exam. I have already started to work on some of the math and sentence completion questions. I had no idea I was so bad at arithmetic! I only scored in the 55 percentile. The great thing is, it gives you more practice questions and it will track your improvements. I did a little better with the sentence completion (76 percentile), but I'd like to get both scores above the 85 percentile.
As far as the analytical reasoning portion of the test, I may be "up a creek without a paddle" to use a cliche that is not allowed on the exam, or "screwed" which is slang, therefore also not advisable. There are two essays: an issue analysis and an argument analysis. You have 30 minutes for each section. I can't even finish this blog post in 30 minutes, let alone write a concise, well thought out, well organized essay with evidence and support to back up my opinions. I could possibly carry out this task in say, two hours.
In undergrad, I never put myself under pressure to write a paper. I was always very good about time management because I know that I do not write well under pressure. I am usually a meticulous writer, painstakingly choosing words that accurately depict the message I'm trying to convey. I LOVE Microsoft Word. I love spell check. I love shift+F7 which allows me to browse the list of synonyms to help me vary my sentences.
I will be taking this test on the computer, which is a definite advantage. I have terrible handwriting, especially when I'm trying to write quickly. I was able to almost completely give up handwriting when I purchased a netbook that was easily transportable. My three-pound computer fit handily into my book bag and left space for my coffee cup on my desk. Even now, when I take minutes at meetings, I prefer to bring my netbook along instead of wasting trees and whatever ink is made out of.
The word processor for the GRE does have some basic essential functions such as cut/paste and undo. The problem will be, not spelling and grammar- because you are allowed some minor mistakes- but sentence variation. I tend to repeat myself. HOWEVER is my favorite word. THEREFORE, I need to use shift+F7 to learn some new transitions.
I am a bit curious to see what kind of score I'm able to earn. Issue analysis is pretty much a hobby of mine, only I do this through conversation rather than by writing. I LEARN by talking. I am generally an audio learner, but this also applies to hearing my own thoughts. I find it difficult to remember my own thoughts when I'm simply thinking them. This is usually very annoying for everyone around me during test taking. I mutter the questions out loud to myself and work out problems under my breath. I always wished there were more oral exams in college. Life is more of an oral exam.
For a bit of practice, I may start writing my 30 minute essays here and having my friends critique them. Especially Pat. Pat would not feel bad about ripping apart my silly 30 minutes essays.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
What I Read = How I Feel
I agree with many things that they are saying, yes. However, I get the most reading done in bed. This means I wake up cranky from having fallen asleep to Thomas Frank's blatant sarcasm and disdain. Or I would wake up worried, yet optimistic from dreaming of our Hot, Crowded world and all of the work it would take to change the trajectory our nation and our planet is on. 
Side Note: While searching for a picture for The Tao of Pooh, I ran in to this delightful blog: The Broke and the Bookish. I shall visit again. I also like the concept and maybe, considering how much I love to read, I will add a bit of this to my blog. I also hope to turn this blog in to a crafter's blog too, but I haven't been reading or crafting fast enough to do either!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
The Things I Own
Due to the fruit flies gathering around my week's worth of dishes piled high in my tiny kitchen sink, I decided I should finally wash a few of the dishes. As I was scrubbing my new second hand knife, I started to think about its life before I purchased it. Who owned it before? Did they leave it in the sink for days on end, as I had done on its first entrance to my collection? Why did they give this knife up if it, obviously, still cuts things? They loved the knife enough to pass it on to a new life, but not enough to keep it in their own stash.
Then I thought about the books I've bought at various second hand shops. How many owners have they had? Am I the first one to actually READ the book? How did its previous owners treat it? Did they carry it around lovingly in their purse, or in their stack of books they carry from class to class? Did they make their friends read it before sending it on to find a new owner? Did it sit on someone's shelf for years without a thought after its first reading?
What about my new shorts? They are so cute. I can't imagine why someone would give them away. I wonder if their previous owner just out grew them, or she lost weight and no longer needed her fat pants. Maybe she never found anything to match them. Or maybe she had a really bad experience while wearing those shorts and couldn't bear to wear them anymore.
What about the many puzzles, none of the pieces missing, some still in unopened boxes. I have found so many new games in perfect condition with all of their pieces. All of the movies that someone purchased at full price, I was able to pick up for $2 (less than the late fees I usually pay on the FREE movies I rent from the library).
And Lord knows I've found some CRAZY decorative pieces. I always wonder who bought these in the first place. How much did they pay for them full price? Did they buy it as a novelty, like I have, or did it fit in to some collection? Did they chuckle at it like I did when I found it hidden in a stack of frames?
But I am not crazy, I don't think.....
UPDATE: Here is a post I put together with some tips for thrifting.
Then I thought about the books I've bought at various second hand shops. How many owners have they had? Am I the first one to actually READ the book? How did its previous owners treat it? Did they carry it around lovingly in their purse, or in their stack of books they carry from class to class? Did they make their friends read it before sending it on to find a new owner? Did it sit on someone's shelf for years without a thought after its first reading?
What about my new shorts? They are so cute. I can't imagine why someone would give them away. I wonder if their previous owner just out grew them, or she lost weight and no longer needed her fat pants. Maybe she never found anything to match them. Or maybe she had a really bad experience while wearing those shorts and couldn't bear to wear them anymore.
What about the many puzzles, none of the pieces missing, some still in unopened boxes. I have found so many new games in perfect condition with all of their pieces. All of the movies that someone purchased at full price, I was able to pick up for $2 (less than the late fees I usually pay on the FREE movies I rent from the library).
And Lord knows I've found some CRAZY decorative pieces. I always wonder who bought these in the first place. How much did they pay for them full price? Did they buy it as a novelty, like I have, or did it fit in to some collection? Did they chuckle at it like I did when I found it hidden in a stack of frames?
But I am not crazy, I don't think.....
UPDATE: Here is a post I put together with some tips for thrifting.
Addicted to Cute
OMG I LOVE CUTE THINGS.
#1. Slow Loris Being Tickled. This Wins. Hands down. I've been watching it over and over all morning.
#2. CuteOverload
#3. Cute Roulette
#4. Cute Things Falling Asleep
#5. Things that make you go ahhh
I'm pretty much OBSESSED with everything and all things cute. You should waste time on all of these sites. Do it. Right now.
#1. Slow Loris Being Tickled. This Wins. Hands down. I've been watching it over and over all morning.
#2. CuteOverload
#3. Cute Roulette
#4. Cute Things Falling Asleep
#5. Things that make you go ahhh
I'm pretty much OBSESSED with everything and all things cute. You should waste time on all of these sites. Do it. Right now.
Wobbly Bits
Not having worked out in approximately two months, I keep thinking I'll be horrified every time I glance in a mirror. My arms arms jiggle even more than usual, my tummy is quite a bit rounder and my thighs are pure fluff.
I kind of like it.
I feel full and a bit voluptuous -- like a nude in an old painting. I fill out my clothes a little better. I'm generally soft and fluffy. I love it. AND I love that there is no one to make me feel guilty about it. None of my girl friends are obsessed with being skinny and so many of my male friends always talk about how much they like girls with curves. I'm fat and happy.
Of course, I don't believe that I am actually fat. I would not let myself get too far beyond this. I want to be healthy and I should exercise a little more just for the sake of my energy and my mood. Yoga, running and riding my bike are all things I can and should do a few times a week.
This isn't an "I learned how to love myself" kind of blog. I didn't learn to love myself. I have plenty of other things to pick on. I just like being fluffy.
I kind of like it.
I feel full and a bit voluptuous -- like a nude in an old painting. I fill out my clothes a little better. I'm generally soft and fluffy. I love it. AND I love that there is no one to make me feel guilty about it. None of my girl friends are obsessed with being skinny and so many of my male friends always talk about how much they like girls with curves. I'm fat and happy.
Of course, I don't believe that I am actually fat. I would not let myself get too far beyond this. I want to be healthy and I should exercise a little more just for the sake of my energy and my mood. Yoga, running and riding my bike are all things I can and should do a few times a week.
This isn't an "I learned how to love myself" kind of blog. I didn't learn to love myself. I have plenty of other things to pick on. I just like being fluffy.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Budgets and Scorecards
#1 I am taking the GRE (new revised test) on August 20. The studying will commence right after this post. I would like a decent score to prove to myself that I am an intelligent, worthwhile person.
Today, Doris was studying for the LSAT and unknowingly distracted me from the real studying I should have done (reading comprehension) by introducing me to logic games. I LEARNED that I LOVE LOGIC GAMES. I WANNA DO LOGIC GAMES ALL DAY EVERY DAY. However, I'm not taking the LSAT and August 20 is quickly approaching.
It is my goal to study a little bit every day and at least a few hours on the weekends. I'm going to be honest with myself, though -- YEA RIGHT! I'll probably study a few times a week and for an hour on Sundays. I've never been good at studying. Most college studying consisted of re-reading some of my notes the night before the exam and then going for ice cream instead.
#2 I'm broke. Since making new friends, getting back in touch with old friends and keeping in touch with as many college friends as possible, I've spent a TON of money in the past 2 months. AND I've spent quite a bit on my car and gas to go see everyone I know and love. When I first arrived in beautiful Decatur, I put myself on a strict budget and managed to save $100 at the end of each month. Since May, when I stopped using my fancy excel spreadsheet, saving my receipts and clipping coupons, I've managed to deplete my savings by $600. I have an equal amount waiting for me, but in order to avoid dipping in to that stash any further, I can only spend $130 between this moment and August 5.
Almost one whole month on $130 (groceries excluded as I have other sources for that budget). This $130 includes one month of gas, one month of parking and laundry quarters, one month of NOT eating out, one months of NO bar tabs, one month of thrifting (heaven knows I can't stay away) and one month of general living which could possibly include medicines, car repairs and other accidentals.
Can I do it? Again, I'm going to be honest -- I don't believe so. I was raised as a good American cog in the economic system. I'm a natural born consumer. I spent $35 on clothes this weekend alone (granted they were all thrift or clearance). I bought six puzzles and another book. I already own more puzzles than I have time to do and more books than I can read in five years' time. I haven't learned anything on this home front today. I wish I could say that I've found the secret to living a simple life, free from the concerns of consumerism and want. It still makes me happy to buy coffees and ice cream and shoes and books and craft supplies and make-up and purses and ugly decorations and coffee cups and other assorted items that fit on this never ending list.
The only thing I can say in my favor is that I am a master thrifter and extreme bargain hunter. I hate paying full price for something. My Grandpa James (mama's papa) used to always make us guess how LITTLE he spent on his shoes. I am always so proud to tell people "I paid a dollar for this" or "I bought this on sale for 75% off and it perfectly matches these shoes I bought for $4!" This extreme bargain hunting often leads to stock piling, or what others may call "hoarding." Thank goodness I have a huge attic!!!
Today, Doris was studying for the LSAT and unknowingly distracted me from the real studying I should have done (reading comprehension) by introducing me to logic games. I LEARNED that I LOVE LOGIC GAMES. I WANNA DO LOGIC GAMES ALL DAY EVERY DAY. However, I'm not taking the LSAT and August 20 is quickly approaching.
It is my goal to study a little bit every day and at least a few hours on the weekends. I'm going to be honest with myself, though -- YEA RIGHT! I'll probably study a few times a week and for an hour on Sundays. I've never been good at studying. Most college studying consisted of re-reading some of my notes the night before the exam and then going for ice cream instead.
#2 I'm broke. Since making new friends, getting back in touch with old friends and keeping in touch with as many college friends as possible, I've spent a TON of money in the past 2 months. AND I've spent quite a bit on my car and gas to go see everyone I know and love. When I first arrived in beautiful Decatur, I put myself on a strict budget and managed to save $100 at the end of each month. Since May, when I stopped using my fancy excel spreadsheet, saving my receipts and clipping coupons, I've managed to deplete my savings by $600. I have an equal amount waiting for me, but in order to avoid dipping in to that stash any further, I can only spend $130 between this moment and August 5.
Almost one whole month on $130 (groceries excluded as I have other sources for that budget). This $130 includes one month of gas, one month of parking and laundry quarters, one month of NOT eating out, one months of NO bar tabs, one month of thrifting (heaven knows I can't stay away) and one month of general living which could possibly include medicines, car repairs and other accidentals.
Can I do it? Again, I'm going to be honest -- I don't believe so. I was raised as a good American cog in the economic system. I'm a natural born consumer. I spent $35 on clothes this weekend alone (granted they were all thrift or clearance). I bought six puzzles and another book. I already own more puzzles than I have time to do and more books than I can read in five years' time. I haven't learned anything on this home front today. I wish I could say that I've found the secret to living a simple life, free from the concerns of consumerism and want. It still makes me happy to buy coffees and ice cream and shoes and books and craft supplies and make-up and purses and ugly decorations and coffee cups and other assorted items that fit on this never ending list.
The only thing I can say in my favor is that I am a master thrifter and extreme bargain hunter. I hate paying full price for something. My Grandpa James (mama's papa) used to always make us guess how LITTLE he spent on his shoes. I am always so proud to tell people "I paid a dollar for this" or "I bought this on sale for 75% off and it perfectly matches these shoes I bought for $4!" This extreme bargain hunting often leads to stock piling, or what others may call "hoarding." Thank goodness I have a huge attic!!!
Friday, July 8, 2011
A Dream Come True
I was listening to my Disney Pandora station while washing dishes -- okay, and I'm still listening. I used to think I related to Disney Princess and one day I'd play one at Disney World. However, I found out you have to be tall, beautiful and graceful to do so! NEVERMIND!
The song "Belle" came on and I know every word, of course. The line I always related to most was "I want so much more than they've got planned." I imagine this meaning that I will travel the world and change the lives of everyone I come in to contact and I'll be world renown for my goodness and the good works I do. Tonight I realized that what Belle meant by that was... to marry a handsome prince and live happily ever after.
As a little girl, you believe in happily ever after. It happens to every leading lady! Everyone finds their prince! But after they win the prince, the movie ends. You so rarely see what happens next. Yea, I've had what I considered movie-love. But then the movie ended and life went on. Sleeping Beauty was never cheated on! Belle didn't have to choose between a career and a family (not that I've had to choose either). Cinderella didn't have to deal with mental illness and family issues. You never even see them "grow apart" and "move in different directions" or have "irreconcilable differences."
Apart from the happily ever after fallacy, Disney also encourages girls to pursue men, not careers. The newest classically styled movie, The Princess and the Frog, does encourage girls to reach for their career dreams. However, this princess also gets her prince.
I found this Second City series that gives advice from Belle, Ariel and Snow White. There were also a bunch of videos dubbing popular movie audio over Disney characters. This basically proves my point about Disney movies and Love movies in general: all the same formula, none realistic. This is coming from a total sucker for formulaic love movies.
But we all know there are flaws in Disney movies. The racism, sexism and stereotype is blatant but the catchy tunes always reel me in! I will always sing Disney songs and watch Hercules and Aladdin over and over again, but I'm gonna be mad about it!!!
The song "Belle" came on and I know every word, of course. The line I always related to most was "I want so much more than they've got planned." I imagine this meaning that I will travel the world and change the lives of everyone I come in to contact and I'll be world renown for my goodness and the good works I do. Tonight I realized that what Belle meant by that was... to marry a handsome prince and live happily ever after.
As a little girl, you believe in happily ever after. It happens to every leading lady! Everyone finds their prince! But after they win the prince, the movie ends. You so rarely see what happens next. Yea, I've had what I considered movie-love. But then the movie ended and life went on. Sleeping Beauty was never cheated on! Belle didn't have to choose between a career and a family (not that I've had to choose either). Cinderella didn't have to deal with mental illness and family issues. You never even see them "grow apart" and "move in different directions" or have "irreconcilable differences."
Apart from the happily ever after fallacy, Disney also encourages girls to pursue men, not careers. The newest classically styled movie, The Princess and the Frog, does encourage girls to reach for their career dreams. However, this princess also gets her prince.
I found this Second City series that gives advice from Belle, Ariel and Snow White. There were also a bunch of videos dubbing popular movie audio over Disney characters. This basically proves my point about Disney movies and Love movies in general: all the same formula, none realistic. This is coming from a total sucker for formulaic love movies.
But we all know there are flaws in Disney movies. The racism, sexism and stereotype is blatant but the catchy tunes always reel me in! I will always sing Disney songs and watch Hercules and Aladdin over and over again, but I'm gonna be mad about it!!!
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