Whether the Weather be: Fair (58F/14C)
In the News: Nigeria under cholera outbreak threat
Events of Note: Unit 8 Discussions
* I'm feeling quite tired, tonight. My weekend, so far has been preparing for my daughter to start Kindergarten on Monday. Last night, I put together a whole school resources and book library together for her, in her own, dedicated room, upstairs. Now, she has a pleasant, clean and organized space where she can sit and read or color quietly, or to do her homework and school-related activities. While I was feeling motivated, I also sorted through all of her different toys, building blocks and puzzles. Ziplocked as much as I could, in giant Zip-lock bags, trashed some items that just couldn't be salvaged, and I plan on "Freecycling" some of the other pre-loved items that are still in fair condition. Oh, and did I mention laundry?. Our hot-tub overflowed, last night, and flooded out my laundry room. So, my husband dutifully mopped out the laundry room, including tossing the dirty laundry pile out on to the back porch. Only, it got rained on overnight!.
* My husband's boss just stopped by to see a project my husband has been working on. I intend on spending my evening catching up on various aspects of Kaplan.
See you in Discussions!.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
August 27, 2010
Whether the Weather be: Sunny breaks (60F/16C)
In the News: 1 million more people displaced in Pakistan floods (Source: CNN).
Events of Note: Unit 8.
* Today has been a steadily busy one of preparing my daughter for Kindergarten next week, as well as working towards wrapping up the second (and hopefully Final) drafts of my Final Papers for both of my classes. My next step will be sending them off the Writing Center's Paper Review Service for them to take a look at them. I'm right in the midst of preparing and assembling all of my material for the A&PI Final Exam.
* Much the same applies to this coming weekend. A lot for me to have to get through, and since I get the same amount of hours in my day as everyone else, I have to plan accordingly. My health is still a little precarious, too, and it doesn't take much to tip me sideways.
See you in Discussions this week!.
In the News: 1 million more people displaced in Pakistan floods (Source: CNN).
Events of Note: Unit 8.
* Today has been a steadily busy one of preparing my daughter for Kindergarten next week, as well as working towards wrapping up the second (and hopefully Final) drafts of my Final Papers for both of my classes. My next step will be sending them off the Writing Center's Paper Review Service for them to take a look at them. I'm right in the midst of preparing and assembling all of my material for the A&PI Final Exam.
* Much the same applies to this coming weekend. A lot for me to have to get through, and since I get the same amount of hours in my day as everyone else, I have to plan accordingly. My health is still a little precarious, too, and it doesn't take much to tip me sideways.
See you in Discussions this week!.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Unit 8 Blog Response
Bloggy, Bloggity, Blah-Another Beginning?.
To me, being able to blog regularly throughout the duration of this course, and to actually be given points for it, has proven to be somewhat of a joy-ride for me. Generally, even with writing that is 'required', like this, I still get some measure of enjoyment from it. Keeping a blog like this, hasn't needed to be anywhere near as prescriptive, nor formulaic as other, more formal aspects of this course, either-and that freedom has (mostly) been a pleasant distraction. Not because I have had a whole lot of intrinsic value to say nor to communicate on a daily basis. Rather, because I think that blogs can be telling markers of personal progress to reflect back upon. In my case, my thought-processes, mood and writing are very closely intertwined. As much as I might ferverently wish otherwise, sometimes. Yet, some of my best and my brightest writing has also been entirely 'off the cuff'. So, who really knows?.
That said, there is some value in keeping a regular web-log in a course like this one. If little else, it re-iterates the idea of writing regularly and consistently, in a particular format. There is a certain component of self-disicipline involved in doing that. Which, by extension, is an important skill to have and to develop as a college student. Writing and college-level study involves calling on a lot of different, complex skill sets. As time goes by, those skill sets can have a tendency to go down, particularly if you don't find opportunities to use them often enough. Having other forums, such as this one, helps me to stay sharp, with a little less pressure to write to a certain standard.
When Comp II finishes, I will likely keep this blog, and extend it to encompass my further studies at KU, my words willing.
Monday, August 23, 2010
August 23, 2010
Whether the Weather be: Fair (72F/22C)
In the News: Phillipines bus hijacking (Source: AP).
Events of Note: Seminar 7
* For the first time in a couple of months, I had a relatively quiet and 'me'-oriented weekend, this past weekend. To wit, the weather sudddenly turned into the most glorious and sweet sort of an Indian, late-summer, early Fall, with sunshine-filled days, with soft breezes and mild temperatures. Sometimes, I need to do something different; I just get too wrung-out and off-track. It's good to re-center, again. Being back blogging at "Rose-Tinted Ramblings" helped a lot, too. It's my private venting space. In terms of Comp II, I gave quite a few Peer Reviews. Time to step back and let others take a turn, I think. It's also time for me to do some revision work on my own paper.
* Today, though, I thought that I'd share a little-known aspect of my life. I love to sing-although, mostly in private, despite the fact that I like the adrenaline rush that goes with performing in front of an audience. I like music with a traditional Celtic or folk basis to it. Although, in senior high school, it seemed as if we were always singing popular or Broadway Show tunes. I guess that I was in the Kiwi equivalent of what here in America is popularly referred to as being, "Glee Club". I was christened in the Church of England as a baby, and while I no longer consider myself to be religious (more spiritual), while I was an undergraduate college student, I used to regularly attend the Choral Evensong service at Christchurch Anglican Cathedral. The cathedral is located in the center of the city, and is a vast, stone structure, built in the traditional Anglo-Gothic style. Evensong typically began at around 5 or 5:30pm, lasting for an hour. It was always such a reflective and peaceful way to end my often extremely stressful college days. Consequently, I have a lot of Enya in my music collection. I'm also a huge fan of the 80s Australian band, Icehouse.
* Back when I first started college as a University undergraduate student, I really, really struggled with my academic writing style. Very quickly, and much to my dismay, I just couldn't seem to stem the tide of failing "D" grades for papers that I felt as if I'd really worked hard on. For one, I invariably felt overwhelmed by the huge set, Required Reading Lists for all new English Lit majors. Adding research reading for the purposes of writing a minumum of three, graded papers per paper, per Semester on to that just compounded my difficulties even further. For another, I found myself trying too hard to express myself in the academic style. Added to this, my first year classes were huge-600 students in Philosophy 101, and about half as many again in Literary Theory 101. Just by the numbers, getting any attention from my Professors at all was pretty much a hit and miss exercise. Thankfully, I was able to pick up a Foundation paper in Fine Arts, and several more in French Studies in Translation-two subject areas that I found to be far more engaging, and where I ultimately did much better in. Which likely gives credence to the idea that you should study and major in what you're most interested in.
See you in class, tonight!.
In the News: Phillipines bus hijacking (Source: AP).
Events of Note: Seminar 7
* For the first time in a couple of months, I had a relatively quiet and 'me'-oriented weekend, this past weekend. To wit, the weather sudddenly turned into the most glorious and sweet sort of an Indian, late-summer, early Fall, with sunshine-filled days, with soft breezes and mild temperatures. Sometimes, I need to do something different; I just get too wrung-out and off-track. It's good to re-center, again. Being back blogging at "Rose-Tinted Ramblings" helped a lot, too. It's my private venting space. In terms of Comp II, I gave quite a few Peer Reviews. Time to step back and let others take a turn, I think. It's also time for me to do some revision work on my own paper.
* Today, though, I thought that I'd share a little-known aspect of my life. I love to sing-although, mostly in private, despite the fact that I like the adrenaline rush that goes with performing in front of an audience. I like music with a traditional Celtic or folk basis to it. Although, in senior high school, it seemed as if we were always singing popular or Broadway Show tunes. I guess that I was in the Kiwi equivalent of what here in America is popularly referred to as being, "Glee Club". I was christened in the Church of England as a baby, and while I no longer consider myself to be religious (more spiritual), while I was an undergraduate college student, I used to regularly attend the Choral Evensong service at Christchurch Anglican Cathedral. The cathedral is located in the center of the city, and is a vast, stone structure, built in the traditional Anglo-Gothic style. Evensong typically began at around 5 or 5:30pm, lasting for an hour. It was always such a reflective and peaceful way to end my often extremely stressful college days. Consequently, I have a lot of Enya in my music collection. I'm also a huge fan of the 80s Australian band, Icehouse.
* Back when I first started college as a University undergraduate student, I really, really struggled with my academic writing style. Very quickly, and much to my dismay, I just couldn't seem to stem the tide of failing "D" grades for papers that I felt as if I'd really worked hard on. For one, I invariably felt overwhelmed by the huge set, Required Reading Lists for all new English Lit majors. Adding research reading for the purposes of writing a minumum of three, graded papers per paper, per Semester on to that just compounded my difficulties even further. For another, I found myself trying too hard to express myself in the academic style. Added to this, my first year classes were huge-600 students in Philosophy 101, and about half as many again in Literary Theory 101. Just by the numbers, getting any attention from my Professors at all was pretty much a hit and miss exercise. Thankfully, I was able to pick up a Foundation paper in Fine Arts, and several more in French Studies in Translation-two subject areas that I found to be far more engaging, and where I ultimately did much better in. Which likely gives credence to the idea that you should study and major in what you're most interested in.
See you in class, tonight!.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
August 21, 2010
Whether the Weather be: Overcast (54F/12C)
In the News: Australian elections 'too close to call' (Source: AP)
Events of Note: Midway through Unit 7.
* Well, I studied until 3:00am. Slept til 10:00am, and then it was time to get up and start all over again. Today will be reasonably low-key, although I do want to look through my Final Paper outlines. I scored full points on my Final Project outline for Anat&PhysI. Now, it's time to take that to the next level, and to work on developing it further. Today is also when I start to activate my Final Exam plan for Anat&PhysI, where I start to revise different units within set blocks of time each day/night. Before that, though, I hope to have a little 'me' time. Comp II is quiet, this week.
* Yesterday, as I was publishing yesterday's blog post, we had an earthquake!. 3.0. The last big earthquake this city had was back in January-a 6.5. I wasn't actually home for that one-I was hospitalized in Stanford University Hospital, so I missed all of that excitement (thankfully). I remember being on the 23rd floor of a hotel in downtown Tokyo, when there was a moderate quake-and that was pretty scary, too.
* It's cold, damp and threatening rain outside. Fall is here, already. So much for Summer. Time to go and do some chores....
Have a great Saturday!.
In the News: Australian elections 'too close to call' (Source: AP)
Events of Note: Midway through Unit 7.
* Well, I studied until 3:00am. Slept til 10:00am, and then it was time to get up and start all over again. Today will be reasonably low-key, although I do want to look through my Final Paper outlines. I scored full points on my Final Project outline for Anat&PhysI. Now, it's time to take that to the next level, and to work on developing it further. Today is also when I start to activate my Final Exam plan for Anat&PhysI, where I start to revise different units within set blocks of time each day/night. Before that, though, I hope to have a little 'me' time. Comp II is quiet, this week.
* Yesterday, as I was publishing yesterday's blog post, we had an earthquake!. 3.0. The last big earthquake this city had was back in January-a 6.5. I wasn't actually home for that one-I was hospitalized in Stanford University Hospital, so I missed all of that excitement (thankfully). I remember being on the 23rd floor of a hotel in downtown Tokyo, when there was a moderate quake-and that was pretty scary, too.
* It's cold, damp and threatening rain outside. Fall is here, already. So much for Summer. Time to go and do some chores....
Have a great Saturday!.
Friday, August 20, 2010
August 20, 2010
Whether the Weather be: Fog (54F/12C)
In the News: U.S seeks to re-launch direct Mideast peace talks (Source: Reuters)
Events of Note: Unit 7
* Last night's Seminar for Anat&Phys1 highlighted some general issues with paper outlines. The instructor's mild frustration with the lesser quality of some of the final paper outline projects was fairly evident. They have set a standard, and based upon that have certain expectations-and that's a good thing. I haven't gotten my grade back from that, yet, but I think that I still did well enough. Which, could always be better. My one weakness remains APA 6th Edtn. Last Term was made a lot easier because there was a thorough handbook for Comp I, especially concerning the specifics of APA format. Now, in spite of just a few changes, this latest edition of APA is still not sitting well with me. Time to go back to the Writing Center and get some further clarification on this, before I start re-drafting my Final Papers.
* My migraine is beginning to dissipate, at last. Today, my computer screen isn't "swimming" continually in front of me like it has been for much of this week. There is less flickering light visual disturbance, and my typing and thinking is clearer. Little by little, I think that this migraine is starting to go away.
I hope that everyone has a stress-free weekend!.
In the News: U.S seeks to re-launch direct Mideast peace talks (Source: Reuters)
Events of Note: Unit 7
* Last night's Seminar for Anat&Phys1 highlighted some general issues with paper outlines. The instructor's mild frustration with the lesser quality of some of the final paper outline projects was fairly evident. They have set a standard, and based upon that have certain expectations-and that's a good thing. I haven't gotten my grade back from that, yet, but I think that I still did well enough. Which, could always be better. My one weakness remains APA 6th Edtn. Last Term was made a lot easier because there was a thorough handbook for Comp I, especially concerning the specifics of APA format. Now, in spite of just a few changes, this latest edition of APA is still not sitting well with me. Time to go back to the Writing Center and get some further clarification on this, before I start re-drafting my Final Papers.
* My migraine is beginning to dissipate, at last. Today, my computer screen isn't "swimming" continually in front of me like it has been for much of this week. There is less flickering light visual disturbance, and my typing and thinking is clearer. Little by little, I think that this migraine is starting to go away.
I hope that everyone has a stress-free weekend!.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
August 19, 2010
Comp II Outreach:
I realize that we are already in Unit 7 AND that we are having Peer Reviews this week. But, if any of you would like any additional (general) help with feedback on your papers, I am happy to offer classmates what I can by way of input. I am still getting to grips with the 6th Edtn APA, myself, but the Writing Center has a great handout on the newest version. My understanding is that the newer changes mainly relate to technical issues like the running header needing to be on the left side, subtitles in bold font, etc. Unfortunately, the green KU Handbook has very little specific detail on how to handle different referencing entries in the APA style. The purple version from last term, is far better in this regard, to hear tell (and as I've also discovered).
Anyway, please do not hesitate to contact me by emailing me via KU, or here. Or, you can connect with me pretty fast by contacting me via my Facebook profile: Annabel Temple-Furman, Redding, C.A.
August 19, 2010
Whether the Weather be: Overcast (57F/14C)
In the News: Egg recall as hundreds sickened (CNN)
Events of Note: Unit 7 DB and Readings/Anat&Phys Seminar 7
* Sick and tired, both-that's me. So, my blog entries, together with my time on the computer for school, will be somewhat restricted. I'm on day three of a migraine that alternates between vice-like gripping pain, and throbbing that also has the effect of making my throat ache. Some years back, I had a concussive head injury that landed me in the hospital for five days, and took me a year to recover from. My neurologist at Stanford thinks that my migraines are directly linked back to that original brain injury.
* Today's tasks will mostly involve additional reading, a bit of note-taking, and about as much time on the Kaplan homepage as I can muster, however briefly. Yesterday, I got my third Dean's List Honor's Award from Kaplan in the postal mail. That cheered me up. I have a President's List one, too, from earlier this year.
* There's been a change in the air, here, and the Seasons are on the turn, once again. We have a cold air mass that is meant to blowing down in here from Canada, which always brings a bit of a chilly bite to our weather.
Have a great day-see you on the Boards!.
In the News: Egg recall as hundreds sickened (CNN)
Events of Note: Unit 7 DB and Readings/Anat&Phys Seminar 7
* Sick and tired, both-that's me. So, my blog entries, together with my time on the computer for school, will be somewhat restricted. I'm on day three of a migraine that alternates between vice-like gripping pain, and throbbing that also has the effect of making my throat ache. Some years back, I had a concussive head injury that landed me in the hospital for five days, and took me a year to recover from. My neurologist at Stanford thinks that my migraines are directly linked back to that original brain injury.
* Today's tasks will mostly involve additional reading, a bit of note-taking, and about as much time on the Kaplan homepage as I can muster, however briefly. Yesterday, I got my third Dean's List Honor's Award from Kaplan in the postal mail. That cheered me up. I have a President's List one, too, from earlier this year.
* There's been a change in the air, here, and the Seasons are on the turn, once again. We have a cold air mass that is meant to blowing down in here from Canada, which always brings a bit of a chilly bite to our weather.
Have a great day-see you on the Boards!.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Unit 7 Blog Response
My Writing Process & Journey
My writing is also definitely better supported and made a whole lot easier by my having reliable access to a good quantity of up-to-date research material. I have a preference for using mostly peer-reviewed articles from estalished journals. Although, an added advantage of the internet is quicker access to electronic journal archives, whenever I need them.
My writing isn't static. I certainly have plenty of room for improvement and simplification in my written expression. I am frequently re-editing my own material, as well as sharing my material with others who wish to look at it. Having a second (or even third, fourth and fifth) pair of eyes scanning my writing can often pick up on errors of mine that are right there in plain sight.
My writing 'process' is an ongoing one. If I no longer enjoy it, then perhaps that will be a sign for me to simply quit and to start over again.
August 18, 2010
Whether the Weather be: Cloudy (50F)
In the News: Obama says economy is in recovery, slowly but surely (Source: AP)
Events of Note: Unit 7 begins.
* A bit of a stressful day, yesterday, completing work for A&P. Flew through the module exam just fine, with absolutely no difficulties. Yet, my final project paper for A&P, on a dynamic organ system and organ, has some lackluster writing, at best. Today's agenda is getting my Comp II Draft Outline in (thanks, Dr. Sands-you're the first and only instructor to grant me an extension in my whole career!).
* On this day in August, 1998, I went through a life-changing event that came very close to costing me my life. For a few fleeting seconds, I was faced with the possibility that I might never see my loving and close family and friends again. Then, likely because of adrenaline, my fight instinct in my 'fight or flight' hardwired response, kicked in. The days, months and years immediately afterwards were difficult and challenging. Thanks to a good support system, I was slowly able to begin to re-build my life again, and to see the goodness in humankind because of others faith in me and who I was/am.
* In spite of a rotten migraine headache that is plaguing me at the moment, I need to go and look at some legal regulations for part of the content for my Comp II Final paper.
So, here's to Unit 7-the downhill run!. See you on the Boards, and in blogs!.
In the News: Obama says economy is in recovery, slowly but surely (Source: AP)
Events of Note: Unit 7 begins.
* A bit of a stressful day, yesterday, completing work for A&P. Flew through the module exam just fine, with absolutely no difficulties. Yet, my final project paper for A&P, on a dynamic organ system and organ, has some lackluster writing, at best. Today's agenda is getting my Comp II Draft Outline in (thanks, Dr. Sands-you're the first and only instructor to grant me an extension in my whole career!).
* On this day in August, 1998, I went through a life-changing event that came very close to costing me my life. For a few fleeting seconds, I was faced with the possibility that I might never see my loving and close family and friends again. Then, likely because of adrenaline, my fight instinct in my 'fight or flight' hardwired response, kicked in. The days, months and years immediately afterwards were difficult and challenging. Thanks to a good support system, I was slowly able to begin to re-build my life again, and to see the goodness in humankind because of others faith in me and who I was/am.
* In spite of a rotten migraine headache that is plaguing me at the moment, I need to go and look at some legal regulations for part of the content for my Comp II Final paper.
So, here's to Unit 7-the downhill run!. See you on the Boards, and in blogs!.
Monday, August 16, 2010
August 16, 2010
Whether the Weather be: Overcast (57F/14C)
In the News: Sixth H1N1 death in New Zealand, from 2nd wave of flu virus
Events of Note: Unit 6: Seminar 6
* Discovering today's headline for this blog entry, made me feel a little strange. This time, last Winter, my little brother (who's actually 32) was seriously ill with H1N1. He was diagnosed late in his illness because his health provider initially thought that he just had a bad case of bronchitis. Only later, when my brother, in his own words, started running 'bright, fire-engine red at both ends' and showed up at the E.R. of the local hospital, was he tested for H1N1, and his case was confirmed. After a rocky night in the E.R, he was sent home, and quarantined for five days. He was lucky. If luck has anything to do with it. His chest continued to hurt for a long time after that. But, he survived. A while back, I wrote an article on Open Salon about the WHO response to the H1N1 pandemic, entitled, 'Pandemic of Profit?'. It explored the assertion that WHO's (World Health Organization's) panel of expert pandemic advisors may have been financially pre-disposed or biased in their advice, based upon evidence of their ties to and work with big pharmaceutical companies. Further, that predictions of the severity of H1N1 globally were deliberately overblown and manipulated. Then, this morning, I read that WHO has declared a post-pandemic phase, with the acknowledgment that New Zealand is an exception to this, and is experiencing what is called a second wave of the virus. As a public health person, I am most interested in prevention. I think that many health communities need to go back to basics and start with good, first-person infection control. Hand-washing, each and every time, every patient, before and after every encounter. Similar to the mantra that is learned with respect to medicating patients-right patient, right dose, right time, right reason. This should apply to everyone in the community, too. If it did, at the very least, we would see a lot less spread of seasonal illness. Sadly, complacency can leave us open to tragedy, in so many ways.
* On a less maudlin note, I went to my daughter's new school, this morning, and got her registered for her new school year at Kindergarten. Kindergarten!. My baby!. A baby no more, it seems. A new and significant chapter is about to begin in her life, whether or not she realizes it fully yet!.
* Well, I worked until 1:00am again. Awake at 6:00am. Another long day ahead, but I am feeling good, today, so we'll soon see where this day takes me.
Have a meaningful Monday!. See you in Seminar, tonight!.
In the News: Sixth H1N1 death in New Zealand, from 2nd wave of flu virus
Events of Note: Unit 6: Seminar 6
* Discovering today's headline for this blog entry, made me feel a little strange. This time, last Winter, my little brother (who's actually 32) was seriously ill with H1N1. He was diagnosed late in his illness because his health provider initially thought that he just had a bad case of bronchitis. Only later, when my brother, in his own words, started running 'bright, fire-engine red at both ends' and showed up at the E.R. of the local hospital, was he tested for H1N1, and his case was confirmed. After a rocky night in the E.R, he was sent home, and quarantined for five days. He was lucky. If luck has anything to do with it. His chest continued to hurt for a long time after that. But, he survived. A while back, I wrote an article on Open Salon about the WHO response to the H1N1 pandemic, entitled, 'Pandemic of Profit?'. It explored the assertion that WHO's (World Health Organization's) panel of expert pandemic advisors may have been financially pre-disposed or biased in their advice, based upon evidence of their ties to and work with big pharmaceutical companies. Further, that predictions of the severity of H1N1 globally were deliberately overblown and manipulated. Then, this morning, I read that WHO has declared a post-pandemic phase, with the acknowledgment that New Zealand is an exception to this, and is experiencing what is called a second wave of the virus. As a public health person, I am most interested in prevention. I think that many health communities need to go back to basics and start with good, first-person infection control. Hand-washing, each and every time, every patient, before and after every encounter. Similar to the mantra that is learned with respect to medicating patients-right patient, right dose, right time, right reason. This should apply to everyone in the community, too. If it did, at the very least, we would see a lot less spread of seasonal illness. Sadly, complacency can leave us open to tragedy, in so many ways.
* On a less maudlin note, I went to my daughter's new school, this morning, and got her registered for her new school year at Kindergarten. Kindergarten!. My baby!. A baby no more, it seems. A new and significant chapter is about to begin in her life, whether or not she realizes it fully yet!.
* Well, I worked until 1:00am again. Awake at 6:00am. Another long day ahead, but I am feeling good, today, so we'll soon see where this day takes me.
Have a meaningful Monday!. See you in Seminar, tonight!.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
August 14, 2010
Whether the Weather be: Sunny (57F/14C)
In the News: Shooting spree in Buffalo, NY.
Events of Note: Unit 6
* You know that you're busy in College when...In my case, that barometer tops out when I totally space out on otherwise trivial matters, like yesterday being Friday the 13th, The Daily Show monologue, and when I'm still sitting up at 1:00am and somehow think that drinking a huge glass of sugary soda is a stellar idea (not). So, no, it's all good.
* I'm currently editing my draft for Comp II, if that doesn't sound too strange. It brings back memories of my academic supervisor editing and sending me my thesis chapters back for revision, over and over. In the end, you have to not let yourself get discouraged about it. You have to be able to take the criticism, turn it around and move on to the next version. I lost count of how many times they said, "This just needs a little more polishing and then you'll be closer to finishing it" (the chapter, not the thesis). After that, once you submitt, you have the external examiners reports, grading and their corrections to stress over, then the wait for the Department to agree on your final grade. Finally, there's the Departmental Peer Review. While I don't have anywhere near that amount of pressure with my present paper, I take each paper that I write as a chance to build upon my experiences.
* I thought I'd share a few tips that I've found helpful when writing papers (I've never bothered counting them all, but I'm estimating around 70).
+ Flashcards are awesome for noting references on and annotating those references. They also act as much-needed redundancy, in the event that you lose your work. Further, they help in making sure that your references match your in-text citations.
+ For putting together my Reference Page, I usually dedicate a whole time block, several days before deadline to do this. I treat it as a task in of itself. I also print it off to proof-read it. Don't underestimate the power of using APA correctly. It might seem like an absolute chore, but it serves a vital purpose. Avoid making obvious and repetitive errors-they can be a real distraction to a reader or an instructor. Don't give your instructor a blatant reason to start deducting points from your grade, over something as avoidable as technical errors (sorry Dr. Sands!). I had instructors who would automatically deduct half a grade if they saw the same mistake repeating more than once. Granted, every instructor's policy is different. That's what reading the course grading rubric and syllabus is for.
+ This is a research tip-but I tend to skim-read academic papers and journal articles backwards, by reading the conclusion first. If the main points are relevant, I also check the reference page, or index, to see if there are additional sources that I also may find to be insightful. I'll sometimes do similarly with abstracts, especially if I have a whole lot of results to look through.
+ A memory stick and/or external hardrive is your friend. It's like a daily application of SPF, only for your academic career. If you don't have access to either of these, you can attach your saved work to a blank email message and then email it to yourself or a friend. I also keep a 'working' handwritten copy-which, while not always updated as regularly, is far better than nothing.
+ Taking much-needed breaks (10 mins/hr) where you get to do something totally irrelevant and for yourself, can really help you to re-focus. Also, resources are there to be used, so thrash them, if need be.
Speaking of which-since we have real sunshine outside, I'm putting some sunscreen on and am heading out to catch some rays (however shortlived).
Have a great Saturday!.
In the News: Shooting spree in Buffalo, NY.
Events of Note: Unit 6
* You know that you're busy in College when...In my case, that barometer tops out when I totally space out on otherwise trivial matters, like yesterday being Friday the 13th, The Daily Show monologue, and when I'm still sitting up at 1:00am and somehow think that drinking a huge glass of sugary soda is a stellar idea (not). So, no, it's all good.
* I'm currently editing my draft for Comp II, if that doesn't sound too strange. It brings back memories of my academic supervisor editing and sending me my thesis chapters back for revision, over and over. In the end, you have to not let yourself get discouraged about it. You have to be able to take the criticism, turn it around and move on to the next version. I lost count of how many times they said, "This just needs a little more polishing and then you'll be closer to finishing it" (the chapter, not the thesis). After that, once you submitt, you have the external examiners reports, grading and their corrections to stress over, then the wait for the Department to agree on your final grade. Finally, there's the Departmental Peer Review. While I don't have anywhere near that amount of pressure with my present paper, I take each paper that I write as a chance to build upon my experiences.
* I thought I'd share a few tips that I've found helpful when writing papers (I've never bothered counting them all, but I'm estimating around 70).
+ Flashcards are awesome for noting references on and annotating those references. They also act as much-needed redundancy, in the event that you lose your work. Further, they help in making sure that your references match your in-text citations.
+ For putting together my Reference Page, I usually dedicate a whole time block, several days before deadline to do this. I treat it as a task in of itself. I also print it off to proof-read it. Don't underestimate the power of using APA correctly. It might seem like an absolute chore, but it serves a vital purpose. Avoid making obvious and repetitive errors-they can be a real distraction to a reader or an instructor. Don't give your instructor a blatant reason to start deducting points from your grade, over something as avoidable as technical errors (sorry Dr. Sands!). I had instructors who would automatically deduct half a grade if they saw the same mistake repeating more than once. Granted, every instructor's policy is different. That's what reading the course grading rubric and syllabus is for.
+ This is a research tip-but I tend to skim-read academic papers and journal articles backwards, by reading the conclusion first. If the main points are relevant, I also check the reference page, or index, to see if there are additional sources that I also may find to be insightful. I'll sometimes do similarly with abstracts, especially if I have a whole lot of results to look through.
+ A memory stick and/or external hardrive is your friend. It's like a daily application of SPF, only for your academic career. If you don't have access to either of these, you can attach your saved work to a blank email message and then email it to yourself or a friend. I also keep a 'working' handwritten copy-which, while not always updated as regularly, is far better than nothing.
+ Taking much-needed breaks (10 mins/hr) where you get to do something totally irrelevant and for yourself, can really help you to re-focus. Also, resources are there to be used, so thrash them, if need be.
Speaking of which-since we have real sunshine outside, I'm putting some sunscreen on and am heading out to catch some rays (however shortlived).
Have a great Saturday!.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Auguat 13, 2010
Whether the Weather be: Foggy (52F/12C)
In the News: Haven't looked today, yet.
Events of Note: Unit 6
* I was wide-awake at 4:00am, re-writing my thesis statement for Comp II in my head. Sleepless nights are visiting me yet again. I'm either going to be consuming a lot of hot tea, or drinking a lot of water, to keep sleepiness at bay. So...see you on the other side!.
In the News: Haven't looked today, yet.
Events of Note: Unit 6
* I was wide-awake at 4:00am, re-writing my thesis statement for Comp II in my head. Sleepless nights are visiting me yet again. I'm either going to be consuming a lot of hot tea, or drinking a lot of water, to keep sleepiness at bay. So...see you on the other side!.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
August 12, 2010
Whether the Weather be: Cloudy (51F/11C)
In the News: 25,000 wildfires continue to burn in Russia
Events of Note: Unit 6
* I'm still doing a major 'blitz' on my Comp II paper. Since I prefer to write it all in one sitting, if I can, I need everything possible lined up and in order beforehand (ducks in rows...). Essentially, today is 'it'. I'm going with a topic in a branch of the medical/health field where I've consistently done well in at collge level: ethics. That said, I've never written about Assisted Fertilization Treatments/Technologies (AFTs). Personally, I tend to be wary when medicine becomes about money-making. In my mind, access to health care should be about exercising a human right, not a fiscal one. I'm not saying that individual providers shouldn't be able to make a living at what they do. Rather, it is all of the industries which are connected to the medical industrial complex, that shouldn't be in the business of making such morally objectionable high profits at the expense of patient care. Again, this is just my opinion. We each have one of those. One way or the other.
* What I'll sometimes do, when I'm writing a paper like this, is print off the grading rubric and my outline and/or first/rough draft and compare the two alongside each other. In its own way, the grading rubric is a little like having a checklist of all of the pre-submission requirements. Even down to the seemingly small details, such as length and word count-which are equally as important as the content itself. It's another part of the organization of writing papers, I guess.
* Well, time is ticking, and I have a busy afternoon of writing ahead of me. See you on discussion board!.
In the News: 25,000 wildfires continue to burn in Russia
Events of Note: Unit 6
* I'm still doing a major 'blitz' on my Comp II paper. Since I prefer to write it all in one sitting, if I can, I need everything possible lined up and in order beforehand (ducks in rows...). Essentially, today is 'it'. I'm going with a topic in a branch of the medical/health field where I've consistently done well in at collge level: ethics. That said, I've never written about Assisted Fertilization Treatments/Technologies (AFTs). Personally, I tend to be wary when medicine becomes about money-making. In my mind, access to health care should be about exercising a human right, not a fiscal one. I'm not saying that individual providers shouldn't be able to make a living at what they do. Rather, it is all of the industries which are connected to the medical industrial complex, that shouldn't be in the business of making such morally objectionable high profits at the expense of patient care. Again, this is just my opinion. We each have one of those. One way or the other.
* What I'll sometimes do, when I'm writing a paper like this, is print off the grading rubric and my outline and/or first/rough draft and compare the two alongside each other. In its own way, the grading rubric is a little like having a checklist of all of the pre-submission requirements. Even down to the seemingly small details, such as length and word count-which are equally as important as the content itself. It's another part of the organization of writing papers, I guess.
* Well, time is ticking, and I have a busy afternoon of writing ahead of me. See you on discussion board!.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
August 11, 2010
Whether the Weather be: Fog (54F/13C)
In the News: Death toll rises in China mudslides (Source: CNN)
Events of Note: Unit 6 begins.
* I've been up early, this morning, reading, writing and trying to get prepped and primed for this week's new unit. Trying to get a slight jump on lesser tasks so that I can focus on the bigger picture. In addition, the housework is building back up again (it never ends, and is a thankless task, besides). Once our daughter arrives home from preschool at lunchtime, we are off to do a bit of shopping and to bake some chocolate chip cookies. Nothing quite like the well-timed scent of freshly-baked cookie dough wafting through the house. My husband has now downloaded more music to my Ipod, which I'll need while I'm ploughing through my research, this week. My extended studying for A&P is really paying off, too, with mostly perfect marks all of the way through. Now, I need to switch around and concentrate on Comp II more closely. Swings and roundabouts.
* Before I become too bogged down though, I'm off to do my routine online reading for my day, and a few stretches. Sitting in front of the computer so much can become 'old' fast!.
* One of our female guinea pigs gave birth to the cutest little cubby, yesterday. Last night, the baby was already tentatively eating watermelon right out of my hand. Such a character!. It'll be about six weeks before we'll be able to accurately determine the gender.
Good luck for Unit 6!. See you on DB, shortly!.
In the News: Death toll rises in China mudslides (Source: CNN)
Events of Note: Unit 6 begins.
* I've been up early, this morning, reading, writing and trying to get prepped and primed for this week's new unit. Trying to get a slight jump on lesser tasks so that I can focus on the bigger picture. In addition, the housework is building back up again (it never ends, and is a thankless task, besides). Once our daughter arrives home from preschool at lunchtime, we are off to do a bit of shopping and to bake some chocolate chip cookies. Nothing quite like the well-timed scent of freshly-baked cookie dough wafting through the house. My husband has now downloaded more music to my Ipod, which I'll need while I'm ploughing through my research, this week. My extended studying for A&P is really paying off, too, with mostly perfect marks all of the way through. Now, I need to switch around and concentrate on Comp II more closely. Swings and roundabouts.
* Before I become too bogged down though, I'm off to do my routine online reading for my day, and a few stretches. Sitting in front of the computer so much can become 'old' fast!.
* One of our female guinea pigs gave birth to the cutest little cubby, yesterday. Last night, the baby was already tentatively eating watermelon right out of my hand. Such a character!. It'll be about six weeks before we'll be able to accurately determine the gender.
Good luck for Unit 6!. See you on DB, shortly!.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Unit 6 Blog Response
Holes in Buckets: Personal Issues In The Past Six Weeks.
Share what you have personally been dealing with in the past six weeks:
In spite of the fact that I maintain a variety of different online web-logs, engage with Facebook and other social networking sites, and have been a college student for a long while, I am essentially a very, very private person. One who, as with many other people, is dealing with a raft of personal issues on a daily basis. Therefore, there are some personal issues that I am just not prepared to write of in this public space. My innermost thoughts, feelings and actions have a safer place in my heart and imagination, and not beyond these parts of my self and identity.
However, on the periphery, I continue to deal with numerous, personal health issues, to a greater or lesser extent. Some days are better than others, and each day's/night's symptoms and side effects are showing up in different (and sometimes confusing) ways. So, on that basis, it can be difficult to keep to a timetable. I remain somewhat reliant upon my husband as my main confidant and caregiver. Since he works as a self-employed contractor, there is sometimes a tension between him being here for me, and working enough for us to have sufficient income to continue to pay our bills. I've also been working on getting myself back to full health and fitness, again.
My daughter's education has now come into much sharper focus and a different sort of consideration, as she will start kindergarten at the end of this month. My sense is that she is more than ready to go into first grade now, and not a year on from here. She can count, do some basic subtraction and addition, write her full name, read and write basic vocabulary, and knows some Spanish and some Te Reo Maori (native New Zealand language). That being said, I don't want to be seen as being a pushy parent. She should have the freedom to express and be very much her own person, and do what she most enjoys and naturally gravitates towards. Not what we think or dream of for her. Nurturing her sense of relaxation and fun also means a lot of one-on-one time with her, during these precious moments when she remains mostly still in our midst. Time is so fleeting with our little girl.
Immediate and extended family (whanau) back in New Zealand have also been having their own issues and life events during these past six weeks, and while I'm on the other side of the globe, dealing with such life challenges from such a distance, does not seem to be getting any sweeter with the passage of time. Such distance merely magnifies and perhaps even distorts emotions, feelings and sentiments.
Unlike in past years, we have decided to forgo our annual, Mid-West road-trip plans. Rather, we have chosen to re-direct our energies and resources into preparing for this coming Winter, which we are suspecting will be a difficult one. So, without our usual break, we are likely feeling a little more tired, stretched, and as if we've pretty much missed out on our Summer, this year.
That's where I'm at, personally. In some ways, six weeks behind myself. In still others, six weeks ahead. It's all relative, I guess. I have buckets. They have holes. But, I figure if I keep fixing buckets, there will be fewer leaks. Fewer leaks, less stress. Hope. That myself and my questionable buckets can be whole again, Dear Liza.
Share what you have personally been dealing with in the past six weeks:
In spite of the fact that I maintain a variety of different online web-logs, engage with Facebook and other social networking sites, and have been a college student for a long while, I am essentially a very, very private person. One who, as with many other people, is dealing with a raft of personal issues on a daily basis. Therefore, there are some personal issues that I am just not prepared to write of in this public space. My innermost thoughts, feelings and actions have a safer place in my heart and imagination, and not beyond these parts of my self and identity.
However, on the periphery, I continue to deal with numerous, personal health issues, to a greater or lesser extent. Some days are better than others, and each day's/night's symptoms and side effects are showing up in different (and sometimes confusing) ways. So, on that basis, it can be difficult to keep to a timetable. I remain somewhat reliant upon my husband as my main confidant and caregiver. Since he works as a self-employed contractor, there is sometimes a tension between him being here for me, and working enough for us to have sufficient income to continue to pay our bills. I've also been working on getting myself back to full health and fitness, again.
My daughter's education has now come into much sharper focus and a different sort of consideration, as she will start kindergarten at the end of this month. My sense is that she is more than ready to go into first grade now, and not a year on from here. She can count, do some basic subtraction and addition, write her full name, read and write basic vocabulary, and knows some Spanish and some Te Reo Maori (native New Zealand language). That being said, I don't want to be seen as being a pushy parent. She should have the freedom to express and be very much her own person, and do what she most enjoys and naturally gravitates towards. Not what we think or dream of for her. Nurturing her sense of relaxation and fun also means a lot of one-on-one time with her, during these precious moments when she remains mostly still in our midst. Time is so fleeting with our little girl.
Immediate and extended family (whanau) back in New Zealand have also been having their own issues and life events during these past six weeks, and while I'm on the other side of the globe, dealing with such life challenges from such a distance, does not seem to be getting any sweeter with the passage of time. Such distance merely magnifies and perhaps even distorts emotions, feelings and sentiments.
Unlike in past years, we have decided to forgo our annual, Mid-West road-trip plans. Rather, we have chosen to re-direct our energies and resources into preparing for this coming Winter, which we are suspecting will be a difficult one. So, without our usual break, we are likely feeling a little more tired, stretched, and as if we've pretty much missed out on our Summer, this year.
That's where I'm at, personally. In some ways, six weeks behind myself. In still others, six weeks ahead. It's all relative, I guess. I have buckets. They have holes. But, I figure if I keep fixing buckets, there will be fewer leaks. Fewer leaks, less stress. Hope. That myself and my questionable buckets can be whole again, Dear Liza.
August 10, 2010
Whether the Weather be: Cloudy (52F/11C)
In the News: 7.5 earthquake off Vanuatu
Events of Note: Unit 5 wind-down
* I missed out on posting a blog entry, yesterday. Primarily because I was suffering with a wretched migraine, and in addition, due to our trip up to the mountain house and lake. Although, in spite of a pounding head, I still greatly appreciated the temperature difference (going from 53 to 86), which was the perfect temperature for a swim in the waters of Sherrif's Cove at Ruth Lake. Typically, the wind likes to pick up there, by early afternoon. Yet, yesterday, the breeze atayed away until after 5pm. Perfect for some lake-gazing and lazing!. I was able to attend Seminar last night, too, in spite of slow internet connectivity and a strange computer, belonging to my in-laws (which had script missing off of the keyboard). It was after 11pm by the time we got back home and settled. My migraine is still pounding away, today, so it could be a slow day. Not to mention cold and foggy. I have the heater turned on and am wearing three layers of clothing!.
* As I'd suspected, I'll need to change my thesis statement around quite a bit. Framing it as a question simply won't fly, so it's back to the drawing board. Much of today will be about wrapping up Unit 5 checklists, and looking ahead to Unit 6. I have a lot of issues external to school that are scheduled for the duration of Units 6 and 7, so I'll need to work carefully and consistently. Falling behind isn't an option.
In the News: 7.5 earthquake off Vanuatu
Events of Note: Unit 5 wind-down
* I missed out on posting a blog entry, yesterday. Primarily because I was suffering with a wretched migraine, and in addition, due to our trip up to the mountain house and lake. Although, in spite of a pounding head, I still greatly appreciated the temperature difference (going from 53 to 86), which was the perfect temperature for a swim in the waters of Sherrif's Cove at Ruth Lake. Typically, the wind likes to pick up there, by early afternoon. Yet, yesterday, the breeze atayed away until after 5pm. Perfect for some lake-gazing and lazing!. I was able to attend Seminar last night, too, in spite of slow internet connectivity and a strange computer, belonging to my in-laws (which had script missing off of the keyboard). It was after 11pm by the time we got back home and settled. My migraine is still pounding away, today, so it could be a slow day. Not to mention cold and foggy. I have the heater turned on and am wearing three layers of clothing!.
* As I'd suspected, I'll need to change my thesis statement around quite a bit. Framing it as a question simply won't fly, so it's back to the drawing board. Much of today will be about wrapping up Unit 5 checklists, and looking ahead to Unit 6. I have a lot of issues external to school that are scheduled for the duration of Units 6 and 7, so I'll need to work carefully and consistently. Falling behind isn't an option.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
August 8, 2010
Whether the Weather be: Overcast/foggy (55F/13C)
In the News: Rescue effort after China landslide
Events of Note: Unit 5 DB Peer-Responses
* I've gotten a lot done, today, which is good because we are off up to the mountain house and lake tomorrow, just for the day. Saw another film, last night-"Dear John". I phoned my Mum in New Zealand, and we had a good natter about this and that. I am looking forward to seeing our daughter tomorrow, taking a swim together in the lake...perhaps also enjoying some sushi. I'll likely take the laptop with me, so that there's no way that I can miss Seminar tomorrow night.
In the News: Rescue effort after China landslide
Events of Note: Unit 5 DB Peer-Responses
* I've gotten a lot done, today, which is good because we are off up to the mountain house and lake tomorrow, just for the day. Saw another film, last night-"Dear John". I phoned my Mum in New Zealand, and we had a good natter about this and that. I am looking forward to seeing our daughter tomorrow, taking a swim together in the lake...perhaps also enjoying some sushi. I'll likely take the laptop with me, so that there's no way that I can miss Seminar tomorrow night.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Unit 5 Blog Response
"Being Everything That I Want: I'll Never Give Up."
Topic: How is school influencing your life up to this point?.
There are many different soundtracks simultaneously underpinning the various parts of my life. At this point, one of my current musical favorites is written by a composer/songwriter called Matthew Pucket, entitled, "Everything I Want". It's the opening theme to ABC's reality drama, "Boston Med". I digress a little....As for how school is influencing my life at this point, I would have to say that it is re-emphasizing and re-affirming to me all of the different explanations as to why I've chosen this particular path, at this unique point in my life. If there is one discipline where I feel like where I belong most, it's in health and medicine. No question. I'm not entirely sure if being a teaching hospital patient for my entire life, has somehow re-wired me a little differently in that regard. As a pediatric patient, I saw and experienced so much, so intuitively within that clinical setting, that it's difficult to imagine the ways in which it didn't influence many of my subsequent life-choices. You look at humanity with a keener, more critical eye. You foster a love for life that appreciates the capriciousness and extreme delicacy of human existence.
School is still a significant part of my life. It always has been and will continue to be so, in one form or another. As a much younger student, I was far from an outstanding scholar. Much earlier on, my teachers predicted that I wouldn't make it through junior high school-which also co-incided with a lot of my hospital stays and surgeries. I had to work at it. Prove myself. Now, with a little more wisdom and experience behind me (and several graduations later), I'm able to sit back and be more pragmatic about my progress. I still strive to be humble about it. Each new day brings something or someone new and inspirational. No-one said it would be easy, and no-one is magically going to hand over the answers and do the work for me. That much I've figured out.
My daughter sees my efforts at school, and understands how putting in effort every day, can have longer-term consequences. So, indirectly, my schooling is influencing her life, too. School is grounding me and keeping me where I need to be. It's re-iterating the skills that I've gained, and is highlighting the skill-sets that I've yet to master. There is invariably something that I can refresh, renew and re-reflect upon.
While to an extent, my schooling may be seen as one means to an end, it is a significant and stabalizing influence in my life right now.
Topic: How is school influencing your life up to this point?.
There are many different soundtracks simultaneously underpinning the various parts of my life. At this point, one of my current musical favorites is written by a composer/songwriter called Matthew Pucket, entitled, "Everything I Want". It's the opening theme to ABC's reality drama, "Boston Med". I digress a little....As for how school is influencing my life at this point, I would have to say that it is re-emphasizing and re-affirming to me all of the different explanations as to why I've chosen this particular path, at this unique point in my life. If there is one discipline where I feel like where I belong most, it's in health and medicine. No question. I'm not entirely sure if being a teaching hospital patient for my entire life, has somehow re-wired me a little differently in that regard. As a pediatric patient, I saw and experienced so much, so intuitively within that clinical setting, that it's difficult to imagine the ways in which it didn't influence many of my subsequent life-choices. You look at humanity with a keener, more critical eye. You foster a love for life that appreciates the capriciousness and extreme delicacy of human existence.
School is still a significant part of my life. It always has been and will continue to be so, in one form or another. As a much younger student, I was far from an outstanding scholar. Much earlier on, my teachers predicted that I wouldn't make it through junior high school-which also co-incided with a lot of my hospital stays and surgeries. I had to work at it. Prove myself. Now, with a little more wisdom and experience behind me (and several graduations later), I'm able to sit back and be more pragmatic about my progress. I still strive to be humble about it. Each new day brings something or someone new and inspirational. No-one said it would be easy, and no-one is magically going to hand over the answers and do the work for me. That much I've figured out.
My daughter sees my efforts at school, and understands how putting in effort every day, can have longer-term consequences. So, indirectly, my schooling is influencing her life, too. School is grounding me and keeping me where I need to be. It's re-iterating the skills that I've gained, and is highlighting the skill-sets that I've yet to master. There is invariably something that I can refresh, renew and re-reflect upon.
While to an extent, my schooling may be seen as one means to an end, it is a significant and stabalizing influence in my life right now.
August 7, 2010
Whether the Weather be: Overcast (57F/14C)
In the News: Foreign doctors killed in Afghanistan (Source: AP)
Events of Note: Unit 5 Discussion Posts
* Lots happening here in our little household, although the house itself is very quiet. My daughter is up at the mountain house at the moment, basking in the warmth and camping out. My husband and I had a really pleasant 'date night', last night. He didn't finish work, and I wasn't done with school until around 8:30pm, but we still managed to eat out together. Fell asleep in front of watching a film at home, afterwards (still can't remember the name of the film!). Over dinner and 'real' adult conversation, we talked about his years in the U.S Airforce, and about my plans for furthering my education, even after I get college degree number four completed. Since the economy is still very much in the ditch, part of our more immediate plans have to do with getting ourselves through this next Winter with a minimum of stress.
* In the meantime, I've decided to embark on a 10,000 steps a day challenge as a part of building up my core fitness, again. My docs at Stanford have told me that I have gotten this far in my life because I've stayed mentally and physically active throughout, in spite of various physical difficulties. To my way of thinking, maintaining a healthy body weight and physique basically comes down to the equation of calories in equalling calories out-even though I don't deliberately count calories. Since my city isn't that safe (highest homicide rate per capita in the U.S.), I'm having to be a little creative about finding other ways to exercise, like stair-walking and beach-running. With my constant iPod companion in-tow, pretty much anything is possible!. If there's one aspect of life that I thrive on, is setting myself a healthy challenge.
* Right now, though-I'm off to catch up on a bit of housework, and to find myself some brunch.
Enjoy your Saturday, and see you in the threads!.
In the News: Foreign doctors killed in Afghanistan (Source: AP)
Events of Note: Unit 5 Discussion Posts
* Lots happening here in our little household, although the house itself is very quiet. My daughter is up at the mountain house at the moment, basking in the warmth and camping out. My husband and I had a really pleasant 'date night', last night. He didn't finish work, and I wasn't done with school until around 8:30pm, but we still managed to eat out together. Fell asleep in front of watching a film at home, afterwards (still can't remember the name of the film!). Over dinner and 'real' adult conversation, we talked about his years in the U.S Airforce, and about my plans for furthering my education, even after I get college degree number four completed. Since the economy is still very much in the ditch, part of our more immediate plans have to do with getting ourselves through this next Winter with a minimum of stress.
* In the meantime, I've decided to embark on a 10,000 steps a day challenge as a part of building up my core fitness, again. My docs at Stanford have told me that I have gotten this far in my life because I've stayed mentally and physically active throughout, in spite of various physical difficulties. To my way of thinking, maintaining a healthy body weight and physique basically comes down to the equation of calories in equalling calories out-even though I don't deliberately count calories. Since my city isn't that safe (highest homicide rate per capita in the U.S.), I'm having to be a little creative about finding other ways to exercise, like stair-walking and beach-running. With my constant iPod companion in-tow, pretty much anything is possible!. If there's one aspect of life that I thrive on, is setting myself a healthy challenge.
* Right now, though-I'm off to catch up on a bit of housework, and to find myself some brunch.
Enjoy your Saturday, and see you in the threads!.
Friday, August 6, 2010
August 6, 2010
Whether the Weather be: Light rain/fog (51F/11C)
In the News: Naomi Campbell testifies in 'blood' diamond trial
Events of Note: Unit 5 DB posts.
* I have only a small time window for blogging today because I have yet more appointments and 'housekeeping' to deal with today (some of which was postponed yesterday, for reasons beyond my control-computer systems falling down, etc). Outside, the morning marine layer has crept down so low to the ground, that it may as well be drizzling lightly. Some days, it gradually burns off. On other days, it settles and moves on in for the duration of the day. In the whole time that I've resided here, I've not once had to turn on the AC. Our monthly gas and electric bill currently runs at $35/month. That's not too bad at all.
* I'm tired!. It was another late night, last night, completing online activities for A&P, and doing yet more research at the KU Library for my papers. I'm working towards taking most of Sunday off to go up to the lake, but that now depends upon my husband's work schedule, which is generally the heaviest and most demanding over the weekends. I can't drive at the moment because of the medications that I'm taking, so that limits my capacity for going anywhere much.
Have a great Friday!. See you in the threads!.
In the News: Naomi Campbell testifies in 'blood' diamond trial
Events of Note: Unit 5 DB posts.
* I have only a small time window for blogging today because I have yet more appointments and 'housekeeping' to deal with today (some of which was postponed yesterday, for reasons beyond my control-computer systems falling down, etc). Outside, the morning marine layer has crept down so low to the ground, that it may as well be drizzling lightly. Some days, it gradually burns off. On other days, it settles and moves on in for the duration of the day. In the whole time that I've resided here, I've not once had to turn on the AC. Our monthly gas and electric bill currently runs at $35/month. That's not too bad at all.
* I'm tired!. It was another late night, last night, completing online activities for A&P, and doing yet more research at the KU Library for my papers. I'm working towards taking most of Sunday off to go up to the lake, but that now depends upon my husband's work schedule, which is generally the heaviest and most demanding over the weekends. I can't drive at the moment because of the medications that I'm taking, so that limits my capacity for going anywhere much.
Have a great Friday!. See you in the threads!.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
August 5, 2010
Whether the Weather be: Fog (51F/11C)
In the News: Jobless claims on the rise in the U.S. (Source: CNN).
Events of Note: Unit 5 Discussion Board Responses
* Having lived in the States for five years, and arrived here with all that I could squeeze into one item of (carry on) luggage, I seem to have collected a rather ominous-looking pile of indeterminate 'junk'. In effect, I now have two, vastly different accumulations in opposing hemispheres. My clearance efforts back in New Zealand in the U.S. Summer of 2008, resulted in very little being resolved. Largely because my mother point-blank refused to throw anything of mine out. I rather too optimistically loaded up for our flight home, which merely resulted in many distressing breakages and shattered memories (literally and figuratively). While at University, I was fortunate to enjoy some stable, long-term apartment rentals in good neighborhoods, with a reliable crew of 20-something room-mates. Four of a core group of us co-habited comfortably, with zero conflict for four years. Since some college students are notorious for their transience and indifference, we were considered to be slightly unusual. No parties, and we never missed a rent payment nor a property inspection. I guess that each of us were serious in our professional careers, early on, so messing around wasn't really an option for us.
* I found an article in one of my alum university magazines that would tie in well into my Final Paper for Comp II. I got some really basic, bare-bones pre-writing accomplished, last night. I ended my night with some reading on Open Salon, which was largely depressing and negative in content and design. Since OS caters to artists of every sort of hue and shade, it's likely not that surprisng that some blogs there can be downright maudlin and moody. The other writing site that I'm a long-time member of, has recently re-launched themselves with a shiny new platform. My blog stats have plummented as a consequence, which wouldn't be so bad if I could actually locate the main blogs page, myself. At some point, I'll need to make a decision about which is the better forum to be directing my writing energies at.
* Well, I need to finish my mug of tea, and deal with a raft of appointments and errands for today. See you in the threads!.
In the News: Jobless claims on the rise in the U.S. (Source: CNN).
Events of Note: Unit 5 Discussion Board Responses
* Having lived in the States for five years, and arrived here with all that I could squeeze into one item of (carry on) luggage, I seem to have collected a rather ominous-looking pile of indeterminate 'junk'. In effect, I now have two, vastly different accumulations in opposing hemispheres. My clearance efforts back in New Zealand in the U.S. Summer of 2008, resulted in very little being resolved. Largely because my mother point-blank refused to throw anything of mine out. I rather too optimistically loaded up for our flight home, which merely resulted in many distressing breakages and shattered memories (literally and figuratively). While at University, I was fortunate to enjoy some stable, long-term apartment rentals in good neighborhoods, with a reliable crew of 20-something room-mates. Four of a core group of us co-habited comfortably, with zero conflict for four years. Since some college students are notorious for their transience and indifference, we were considered to be slightly unusual. No parties, and we never missed a rent payment nor a property inspection. I guess that each of us were serious in our professional careers, early on, so messing around wasn't really an option for us.
* I found an article in one of my alum university magazines that would tie in well into my Final Paper for Comp II. I got some really basic, bare-bones pre-writing accomplished, last night. I ended my night with some reading on Open Salon, which was largely depressing and negative in content and design. Since OS caters to artists of every sort of hue and shade, it's likely not that surprisng that some blogs there can be downright maudlin and moody. The other writing site that I'm a long-time member of, has recently re-launched themselves with a shiny new platform. My blog stats have plummented as a consequence, which wouldn't be so bad if I could actually locate the main blogs page, myself. At some point, I'll need to make a decision about which is the better forum to be directing my writing energies at.
* Well, I need to finish my mug of tea, and deal with a raft of appointments and errands for today. See you in the threads!.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
August 4, 2010
Whether the Weather be: Overcast (54F/12C)
In the News: Voting begins in Solomon Is. elections (Source: NZPA)
Events of Note: Unit 5 begins.
* Well, I'm having a really pleasant day, today, and beginning to my Mid-Term/start to Unit 5. My daughter is with her grandparents for most of today, so that I can catch up on paperwork, apppointments, etc. I've gotten most of my paperwork completed, already, this morning, which gives me the perfect opportunity to do some expanded research work for both of my Final Papers. I've been getting some really pleasing grades back, particularly in A&P. Gratifying. Makes my being a stickler to my self-imposed study deadlines and set timetable well worthwhile. In addition, my husband has today off, and it's simply nice having him around. He has also let me indulge myself this week, with a beautiful acquisition to my makeup 'collection'. A coral cream blush in an adorable, Vintage-style, portable compact. After months and months of not feeling like wearing makeup, and lots of dry, irritated skin and assorted, distressing skin reactions because of medication side effects, this is a special and sentimental treat for me.
* My physical pain level appears to have evened-out. At last, I can dare to hope that the healing that still needs to take place is now happening. I've gotten my hopes up before, and been let down and disappointed, so I'm naturally cautious. Still, little victories, however small, deserve some tentative celebration, at least. A big part of me is yearning to find a stretch of sand to run along, but everything happens on its own terms and timetable.
* I think that I'm going to revise my thesis statement a little for my final paper for Comp 11. It needs to have more of an assertive tone. After that, all of my subsequent writing should flow on from that point on. I like being methodical, factual and topical in a persausive paper. Fewer ways that arguments can go sideways, slippery or head South, that way. It also makes for a paper that's an engaging read. Hopefully, going a little further into exploring a topic than simply regurgitating secondary sources for their own sake.
* In the meantime, I'm going to do my daily online reading. One of my favorite websites for an interesting variety of current reading and writing links is "Arts and Letters Daily". ALD was founded and continues to be edited by one of my former philosophy of art Professors, Denis Dutton. As an undegrad, I took his 100 level, 12 credit course in Art Theory, and thoroughly enjoyed it. A thought-provoking course, taught by a dynamic philosopher.
Good luck to all of my fellow students at this halfway point. Another five more weeks, and this course and Term will all be in the past!.
In the News: Voting begins in Solomon Is. elections (Source: NZPA)
Events of Note: Unit 5 begins.
* Well, I'm having a really pleasant day, today, and beginning to my Mid-Term/start to Unit 5. My daughter is with her grandparents for most of today, so that I can catch up on paperwork, apppointments, etc. I've gotten most of my paperwork completed, already, this morning, which gives me the perfect opportunity to do some expanded research work for both of my Final Papers. I've been getting some really pleasing grades back, particularly in A&P. Gratifying. Makes my being a stickler to my self-imposed study deadlines and set timetable well worthwhile. In addition, my husband has today off, and it's simply nice having him around. He has also let me indulge myself this week, with a beautiful acquisition to my makeup 'collection'. A coral cream blush in an adorable, Vintage-style, portable compact. After months and months of not feeling like wearing makeup, and lots of dry, irritated skin and assorted, distressing skin reactions because of medication side effects, this is a special and sentimental treat for me.
* My physical pain level appears to have evened-out. At last, I can dare to hope that the healing that still needs to take place is now happening. I've gotten my hopes up before, and been let down and disappointed, so I'm naturally cautious. Still, little victories, however small, deserve some tentative celebration, at least. A big part of me is yearning to find a stretch of sand to run along, but everything happens on its own terms and timetable.
* I think that I'm going to revise my thesis statement a little for my final paper for Comp 11. It needs to have more of an assertive tone. After that, all of my subsequent writing should flow on from that point on. I like being methodical, factual and topical in a persausive paper. Fewer ways that arguments can go sideways, slippery or head South, that way. It also makes for a paper that's an engaging read. Hopefully, going a little further into exploring a topic than simply regurgitating secondary sources for their own sake.
* In the meantime, I'm going to do my daily online reading. One of my favorite websites for an interesting variety of current reading and writing links is "Arts and Letters Daily". ALD was founded and continues to be edited by one of my former philosophy of art Professors, Denis Dutton. As an undegrad, I took his 100 level, 12 credit course in Art Theory, and thoroughly enjoyed it. A thought-provoking course, taught by a dynamic philosopher.
Good luck to all of my fellow students at this halfway point. Another five more weeks, and this course and Term will all be in the past!.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
August 3, 2010
Whether the Weather be: Cloudy (56F/13C)
In the News: Mass shooting in Connecticut (Source: CNN)
Events of Note: Last day of Unit 4
* Last night's Seminar was really good. As an undergraduate student, I was never formally taught citation style. We were provided with a Departmental Handbook and Writing Guide, and we were expected to have read it. After that, to apply it. No further correspondence was entered into on the subject. Aside from yearly cautions about the dire consequences of plagiarism (usually prefaced with a graphic illustrative example of a student from a previous course who had been failed and dismissed for, say, paying an online editorial service to write their paper for them), we were very much on our own. Since, being an Arts student also meant that I was required to write across the disciplines, I had to at least know the basics about many of the different styles-AP, APA, MLA and Chicago. So, I think that we have a gift of an opportunity in these Composition courses @ KU just on that style point.
* I also think that the fact that I had such tough markers and examiners in the course of my previous college studies has now come to serve me well in later years. Even though I was utterly and totally miserable for three years and grew to deeply resent my B.A. degree on many different levels. Still, I persisted, got through it, and I think that I became a better, more intuitive and critical student because of that experience.
* My daughter will be headed up to the Lake and mountain house again this weekend, with my in-laws. My husband and I are planning on following them up there on Sunday, or so, depending upon our work schedules. A swim in the lake might be just what I'm looking for at this point. Just a little further inland, it's considerably warmer. It surely would be a welcomed change to escape this perpetual fog, even for a single day.
Have a great day!. See you on the Boards!.
In the News: Mass shooting in Connecticut (Source: CNN)
Events of Note: Last day of Unit 4
* Last night's Seminar was really good. As an undergraduate student, I was never formally taught citation style. We were provided with a Departmental Handbook and Writing Guide, and we were expected to have read it. After that, to apply it. No further correspondence was entered into on the subject. Aside from yearly cautions about the dire consequences of plagiarism (usually prefaced with a graphic illustrative example of a student from a previous course who had been failed and dismissed for, say, paying an online editorial service to write their paper for them), we were very much on our own. Since, being an Arts student also meant that I was required to write across the disciplines, I had to at least know the basics about many of the different styles-AP, APA, MLA and Chicago. So, I think that we have a gift of an opportunity in these Composition courses @ KU just on that style point.
* I also think that the fact that I had such tough markers and examiners in the course of my previous college studies has now come to serve me well in later years. Even though I was utterly and totally miserable for three years and grew to deeply resent my B.A. degree on many different levels. Still, I persisted, got through it, and I think that I became a better, more intuitive and critical student because of that experience.
* My daughter will be headed up to the Lake and mountain house again this weekend, with my in-laws. My husband and I are planning on following them up there on Sunday, or so, depending upon our work schedules. A swim in the lake might be just what I'm looking for at this point. Just a little further inland, it's considerably warmer. It surely would be a welcomed change to escape this perpetual fog, even for a single day.
Have a great day!. See you on the Boards!.
Monday, August 2, 2010
August 2, 2010
Whether the Weather be: Cloudy and cool (54F/12C)
In the News: 1500 dead in Pakistani floods; disease outbreaks feared (Source: AP)
Events of Note: Unit 4: Unit 4 Seminar
* I've only just sat down here at my home computer for today, and already it's mid-afternoon. A case of Monday morning busyness, or something, I think. My daughter's preschool timetable has been reactivated because the State re-approved her funding, albeit for only half-days for the month of August. With me still being officially considered to be medically incapcitated at the moment, this state-funded care is actually pretty important to our functioning as a household with some semblance of normality. Even temporarily. Because I have come a considerable way since the beginning of January, when I was confined to a wheelchair continually and needed 24 hour care and supervision-wholly reliant upon my husband for doing absolutely everything for me. After something like that, the phrase 'normal' tends to take on a whole new complexion and connotation.
* I was awakened in the middle of the night, last night, by a neighbor's child yelling in distress. More than once, too. It really bothered me. As a Mom, I'm instinctively cued to respond immediately to that type of a sound-even if it doesn't relate directly to my own child's cries.
* My reading highlight today has been reading the narrative of my former room-mate's diagnosis, battle and treatment of Guillian-Barre Syndrome (GB). I've heard her relate this story to me in-person, but it's equally fascinating to see her writing in her own words. She has a very sensible and conversational style, which also makes her very readable.
* Speaking of reading....I have some more to do before Seminar, tonight...
See you on the Boards and/or in class, tonight!.
In the News: 1500 dead in Pakistani floods; disease outbreaks feared (Source: AP)
Events of Note: Unit 4: Unit 4 Seminar
* I've only just sat down here at my home computer for today, and already it's mid-afternoon. A case of Monday morning busyness, or something, I think. My daughter's preschool timetable has been reactivated because the State re-approved her funding, albeit for only half-days for the month of August. With me still being officially considered to be medically incapcitated at the moment, this state-funded care is actually pretty important to our functioning as a household with some semblance of normality. Even temporarily. Because I have come a considerable way since the beginning of January, when I was confined to a wheelchair continually and needed 24 hour care and supervision-wholly reliant upon my husband for doing absolutely everything for me. After something like that, the phrase 'normal' tends to take on a whole new complexion and connotation.
* I was awakened in the middle of the night, last night, by a neighbor's child yelling in distress. More than once, too. It really bothered me. As a Mom, I'm instinctively cued to respond immediately to that type of a sound-even if it doesn't relate directly to my own child's cries.
* My reading highlight today has been reading the narrative of my former room-mate's diagnosis, battle and treatment of Guillian-Barre Syndrome (GB). I've heard her relate this story to me in-person, but it's equally fascinating to see her writing in her own words. She has a very sensible and conversational style, which also makes her very readable.
* Speaking of reading....I have some more to do before Seminar, tonight...
See you on the Boards and/or in class, tonight!.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
August 1, 2010.
Whether the Weather be: A Few Clouds (55F/13C)
In the News: French woman confesses to killing eight babies (Source: LA Times)
Events of Note: Unit 4 Responses to peers on DB.
* Slept late, but we all needed the extra rest following the week that we've just had. A Sunday sleep-in isn't so bad, after all. Much of today will be about organizing and planning for the week that's ahead of us. Some basics taken care of, such as laundry, dishes and floors. It's a gorgeous day outside, with barely any sea breeze, which is a real treat for us. We're going to head out, soon, and get our daily intake of Vitamin D. Sadly, my husband has to work today, when I'm sure that he'd far rather be out sunbathing like my daughter and I are planning. Hopefully, he can have a day off later this week. My daughter may be heading back to preschool part-time next week, now that the State voted to re-open her school.
* I miss hot Summers (even though I know that people in the South and the East have been experiencing crippling heat, of late). I also miss the hot Summers of my childhood. Being raised on a sheep and cropping ranch, you grew well-accustomed to noting the various seasons and with having the weather playing such an important role in maintaining a sustainable livelihood. The majority of the years that we were ranchers though, it was severe drought conditions, which are far from optimal for any run-holder. In the Southern Hemisphere, the hot, dry winds blow predominantly from the North. In the Canterbury province where we farmed, these warm winds blew in from the north-west. The horizon would change, and there would be a distinctive cloud bank that settled in just below the main skyline, which was nicknamed the "NorthWest Arch". It was the harbinger of cloudy, warm, gusty weather. Some people also complained of an increase in a kind of seasonal illness, with increased migraines, allergies and irritability whenever these winds blew in. They could certainly suck you dry. Here, the cold winds blow down from Canada in the North.
* Well, I'm off for a while. See you in this week's Discussion Threads!.
In the News: French woman confesses to killing eight babies (Source: LA Times)
Events of Note: Unit 4 Responses to peers on DB.
* Slept late, but we all needed the extra rest following the week that we've just had. A Sunday sleep-in isn't so bad, after all. Much of today will be about organizing and planning for the week that's ahead of us. Some basics taken care of, such as laundry, dishes and floors. It's a gorgeous day outside, with barely any sea breeze, which is a real treat for us. We're going to head out, soon, and get our daily intake of Vitamin D. Sadly, my husband has to work today, when I'm sure that he'd far rather be out sunbathing like my daughter and I are planning. Hopefully, he can have a day off later this week. My daughter may be heading back to preschool part-time next week, now that the State voted to re-open her school.
* I miss hot Summers (even though I know that people in the South and the East have been experiencing crippling heat, of late). I also miss the hot Summers of my childhood. Being raised on a sheep and cropping ranch, you grew well-accustomed to noting the various seasons and with having the weather playing such an important role in maintaining a sustainable livelihood. The majority of the years that we were ranchers though, it was severe drought conditions, which are far from optimal for any run-holder. In the Southern Hemisphere, the hot, dry winds blow predominantly from the North. In the Canterbury province where we farmed, these warm winds blew in from the north-west. The horizon would change, and there would be a distinctive cloud bank that settled in just below the main skyline, which was nicknamed the "NorthWest Arch". It was the harbinger of cloudy, warm, gusty weather. Some people also complained of an increase in a kind of seasonal illness, with increased migraines, allergies and irritability whenever these winds blew in. They could certainly suck you dry. Here, the cold winds blow down from Canada in the North.
* Well, I'm off for a while. See you in this week's Discussion Threads!.
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