Monday, February 27, 2006

Breaking Even At the End of Today

This morning I boarded the bus to go to the post office only upon arrival notice that it opened at 8:30am not 8:00am. I caught the bus to work and still arrived on time. Today I cleared over 50 cases which was a landmark especially since the supervisor wanted us to perform this task daily. Initially is seemed as an insurmountable obstacle; however, I managed to climb that mountain and am now looking for new changes such as enhancing my patience. Sometimes I zoom through cases and make preventable mistakes. Other times, I do not ask questions then the mistakes return like a boomerang! Just like today!

I emailed the community college continuing education contact but she did not respond. (I personally think that she is kind of sick of me) Well, whatever, I will still enroll in Access 1 and 2 en route to Crystal Reports and SQL after next pay because I am spending money too freely right now and need to implement some kind of capital controls (I am an economic major, aren’t I?) In addition, I will attend only the one leadership breakfast because I am still on probation and cannot be AWOL. Besides, spreading myself too thin surely makes me ineffective!

Good news! I called the HR in Los Angeles about the status of my application and he told me that the organization will render a decision by next week Friday! Cool! If I am selected I will go on the interview because it’s LA and sunny versus Cleveland and snowy!

More good news! The professor delayed the midterm until next week! J However, I will still read chapters 4 and 18, take the online tests and solve all study guide problems to ensure that I score an A.

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

It's Official: I've Gotten My Swagger Back!

It’s Official: I’ve gotten my swagger back and am in full swing!

Everything has been going my way: from my job (I completed 56 cases with ease) to my microeconomics midterm (I could not have scored any lower than 23 and my goal was 21!). Now I will admit that during the test that some of the material was hard but then my questioning and reviewing knowledge kicked into high gear. Throughout the exam, I am happy that I email the professor my questions to jump start classroom dialogue and have bought the study guide to enhance aptitude by solving more questions. I really do believe that I have accomplished my objective to score above 16. I mean 16-18 out 30 is just pathetic! As a graduate student, my score should be at least a C (21 out of 30!)

I will make some improvements such as improving my understanding of the graphs. I do not just want to familiarize myself with them. I need to know how they function in relation to the other variables on the x and y axis. Later tonight is chapter 7. After class, I will implement my new plan to read the chapter, solve the study guide, and book’s progress check and end of chapter problems and email him questions prior to class to ensure that I understand the material. My class and semester goal is achieve a 4.0 and I will do just that!

Saturday, February 18, 2006

Factoring Equations

Today started out like any other day except that it was Saturday so I didn’t have to go to work. Prior to class, I traveled to the math lab to review the x-intercepts and y-intercept questions in preparation of the upcoming microeconomics exam this Tuesday. My goal is to score 21 out of 30 (at least a C), and after scoring 85% on the chapter 1 study guide, I am confident that by sticking to my plan, I will achieve my objective.

After the math lesson, I checked my email for the Regional Economist application. The position located in Los Angeles would be great for me because it was in my career field. However, I would need to find housing and transfer courses to complete my degree. But, that concern was minor because I would just apply as a graduate non-degree student. First, is the interview because if he requested a face-to-face instead of a phone interview, then it would be costly (a plane ticket and everything!).

So preoccupied with researching and reprinting my application, that I was tardy for my Intermediate Algebra course. During the break, a Tanzanian man was discussing polygamy and how in his country a man could take more than one wife. (Whoa!) What really blew me was that the American woman actually approved of it by stating that “she knows that all of her girlfriends’ boyfriends cheated on them!”) Personally, I was thinking of how problematic spreading AIDS was because in polygamy though a man could choose as many wives, the woman could only have one husband; and, how would she know that her husband was cheating on her with someone else besides the other woman he supposedly married? After class, I asked him about it and he said that he had only one wife (Whew!) Still I think that he was a little bit off but he was kind of nice.

Immediately after class, I inquired about the study guide for the second test (my personal goal is to score at least 100 points which is achievable because I have solved all of the homework problems, attended tutoring and had the study guide.) and the professor responded “Maybe.” Well, at the math lab I completed the remainder of the chapter problems with the tutor who taught me some beneficial shortcuts that would assist me throughout the course and provided some great advising for scheduling the next math courses during the summer and fall semesters. He told me to take Precalculus not Trigonometry because the former would help me more with economics than the latter. And, if I needed any further assistance I could call on him.

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Exhibiting Patience

When I awoke today, I had grandiose plans about exponentially increasing my productivity by completing cases faster than yesterday. Then everything came crashing down: I have to rebuild two cases and change the surname on one case. While helping me with one of my cases, the team lead advised me to read the binder; thus, I took it home to read (if I’m taking micro and macro seriously I might as well study this also. Besides, I’m getting paid so I should!) As soon as I arrive home I will read it because I know that I need to be patient, ask more questions (even if they seem dumb to me!) and not to dodge potential problem cases because they come back to haunt me ( just like today).

I want to perform better on my job but I have a tendency to want to push my way through everything. Everything must be fast, and, of course, sometimes, I make mistakes. Then sometimes when I do not ask questions because the responses create a feeling of inadequacy, however, if I am to excel at this job, I must get over it starting right now. I can do the work, it’s the rest of the occupation and work environment that I’ll have to adjust to in order to excel.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

My Funny Valentine

Let’s rejoice! Finally I am registered at Tri-C for Intermediate Algebra! This is a red-letter day in history. I am so happy to shelf this part of my educational pursuit. I have promised myself that I will earn an A in this class by reading and solving all homework problems and going to the math lab after every class to get a jump on homework. It just feels unreal. Now I can eat lunch for the remainder of this week.

On a professional note, I have complete 33 cases and have been steadily improving by familiarizing myself with the applications. My goal tomorrow is to complete 40 cases en route to 50 by Friday (I know I can do it!)

The professor answered my microeconomic email which made me extremely happy because it opened a dialog with the students and him. He went over the sample exam and everything. Though he once ranted over the income and substitution effect for men versus married women (He’ll never apologize what is factual. Please give that up!) and said that the average score was between 16 and 18 out of 30, I will score at least 21 correct! Implementing my plan by rereading all chapters and defining all vocabulary words ensures that I will score high.

Monday, February 13, 2006

Monday, Monday

After leaving a voice mail and emailing the math dept coordinator, she still did properly authorize me to enroll in Intermediate Algebra; thus, once again, I will have to forgo lunch to make my arduous trek to Tri-C to register again! L This is ridiculously unbelievable! I huffed it from my job to E. 18th in three minutes flat only to be told by the registrar that my music class had been authorized NOT MATH! Immediately afterwards I went to her office, wrote a letter and pinned it to her door to make sure that she got the message that if I took time out of my day to come here then you should do the same and authorize my math course!

Oh I had an okay day at work completing 22 cases though I made some mistakes but that was to be expected since this was the first full day by myself. And, if I didn’t panic, was furloughed (there were two thirty-minutes time lapses where nothing happened) and made some really silly errors, my total would be higher (Well, there’s always tomorrow!)

Fifty cases per day is the personal goal for each employee after thirty days on the job and measuring my initial progress, I know that I will reach. What this job is teaching my patience and listening because I do not have all of the answers so hearing the other person who is giving instruction is important. Employing these skills after returning from Tri-C calmed me and enabled me to prioritize and regain focus which I used to clear my second batch of cases.

Using this momentum, I confidently walked into microeconomics and actively participated in the chapter 4 discussion of money and velocity. The study guide has really helped me immensely because I fully understand the concepts now! My personal goals by Wednesday are to complete reading Chapter 4 and solve the study guide vocabulary and some graphs just in case the professor mentions that the midterm (Preparation is a must!)

And speaking of preparation tomorrow is micro midterm prep day where we can ask questions about the upcoming exam. Though the professor mentioned that he graded using a curve with 16-18 out of 30 questions was passing, I wanted to score 21 (a C at least!). The first time I scored a measly 13! This will change because after reviewing my errors, I now know what the test bank is spitting out. Honestly, I considered buying the study guide since the mscro helped me so much (can lightning strike twice in the same spot?) Maybe, but I did still study.

Saturday, February 11, 2006

Watch Your Signs!

Of course, everyone know that there three different kinds of signs: stop, go and caution. Sometimes in life certain situations send you signs. Well, today life sent me a caution sign: the professor returned our test (I scored an 80% then told me that he didn’t have me on his list (in front of the entire class!) Okay. During the lecture I searched my email folder for the emails regarding my enrollment and taking the assessment exam. Throughout the majority of the class, I tried to email CSU about this situation but the cell phone sent an error message. During the break I called both the community college math department coordinator and the CSU economics secretary regarding this matter and left voicemail messages. After class, the professor said once again in front of the class that he would have to “kick me out” if I a not on his list. (Okay that just made me more determined to resolve this matter.) This will be resolved Monday because taking this math course has helped me immensely.

Undeterred, I walked to the library to print the emails and to obtain as much information as possible about my situation. The math dept coordinator’s email informed me that she authorized me to enroll; however, when I tried to register electronically, the system spat me out! Then I emailed CSU to schedule a Monday lunch break meeting because I need to resolve this. In the message I included the campus’ admissions and records phone number ( I am really reeling because I had the transient approval letter, took the assessment exam, and scored an 80% on the test! I have traveled too far to be turned away now!) That’s why I went to the math lab to receive assistance with my homework because I know that I am capable of handling everything and with each right answer served as a confidence booster.

Now I am currently searching other community colleges that are on quarter schedules just in case this plan falls through I will land on my feet!

Thursday, February 09, 2006

Trial by Fire

Omg! I cannot believe it. Today was the worst work day thus far because instead of receiving four cases, we got seven cases. My always were the wackiest and today was no exception because I had three builds and four merges and every case had something wrong with it. Case in point: two cases had insufficient information and I mistakenly entered the wrong information then printed the wrong letter. And, if that wasn’t bad enough, the computer system started spitting out the wrong phone number forcing me to white it out and write the correct number over it. As soon as 4:30 hit, I ran for the door!

Luckily, today is voice lesson allowing me to de-stress and be happy because during that entire hour my focus is on hitting high notes and concentrating on my craft which is a welcomed respite from everyday life. This exercise releases negative tension because I cannot remain low for long. The only bad thing is not eating until after my lesson and the cafeteria is closed by then; however, attending the monthly meeting, I consumed Quizno’s the entire evening!  The speaker discussed entrepreneurship in the black community and was inspiring and offered great tips and advice which were thought provoking! For instance, she advised the audience to concentrate on each one of the ten keys of successful entrepreneurship per month which was great because dividing the entire approach enables me to view and measure my progress. Afterward I purchased her book because I really wanted to read it for a very long time. However, the lecture also focused on frugality therefore budgeting is key towards becoming a successful entrepreneur. Tomorrow is payday so now is high time to create one. Besides putting a financial plan in action is important towards realizing my goals.

I am happy that today has ended on a high note and I will bring this positive energy into Friday.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Marginal Consumption

Looking at the very low grade that I received on my micro homework dictates that I must spend more time on this subject (Honestly, I didn’t revise my homework because last week I moved on campus and began working. Even though this was a valid excuse in order to ace this midterm, there is not room for excuses!) And, speaking of this midterm, the professor said that there were 30 multiple choice questions but he implemented a curve because the average student only answered in between 16-18 correctly. My personal goal is to answer 21 correctly because at least that is a C.

He also lectured about the differences between men and married women valuing work which was okay until he made this absurd assumption that for the past 30 years society had told women that work was more important than children which was a load of crap he remarked; then later recanted by including men should value child rearing with the same level of importance.

Well, I never tried to compete with men. All of my accomplishments directly derived from expressing myself as a woman. Family is indispensable to me and achieving the level of success is my way of positively representing my family because then I become a positive role model.

After break, the professor then discussed non-monetary incentives for selecting an occupation. He discussed how two years ago after completing his dissertation he and his engineer friend during summer break call all of their friends to ask what they were doing after work only to hang up on them because now they earned more money (he’s young that’s why he makes so many bonehead remarks!).

I want to become an Economist because I like researching information and contributing to society by formulating socioeconomic policies. In addition, I also promised myself that I would work and attend school because becoming purely an academic did not appeal to me (what happens when there are problems but the solutions are not provided in an answer key?) Thus far, I am living up to my expectations by working; however, I have joined some economic organizations such as the American Economic Association and the Cleveland Association of Business Economics to complement my employment since I am not currently in the economic field. Yet, the low homework reinforces the importance of academic/profession balance and how I cannot allow my short-term personal problems and scheduling conflict to undermine my long-term future prospects!

Monday, February 06, 2006

The Learning Curve

Today was my first full day on the job and it was a bit of a learning curve involved because we weren’t trained on this material during the initial two-week session; and, everything just bombarded us. Luckily, we learned on my computer so I got first dibs on everything; yet, it was still trying. However, I did come away with some knowledge that would assist me in becoming a better, more effective employee.

Lunch was the high point of my day because I reunited with most of my old pals from the last training session. Everyone save one person worked at headquarters. Two were right across the hall :). Even though lunch was pricey (the cheeseburger combo cost $4.99. For that amount, I could have purchased the McDonald’s BigNTasty for $4.43!), I enjoyed myself because I had an hour to distress; however, Tuesday, I will venture to my old stomping ground: the Marketplace!

Today’s macroeconomics class was a much needed repeat over the homework problems and chapter 3. Real GDP had given me problems, however, the professor’s explanation clarified it for me. Still I will rewrite today’s notes and reread the chapter to further understand the material (even though after class, the professor insisted that I don’t read the chapter until he lectured that evening!)

I must say that this relieves a lot of my burden because now I can devote myself towards microeconomics and music! :)

Friday, February 03, 2006

My First Day on the Job

Yes, yes, after scoring 93% on the final exam and a farewell luncheon with my fellow trainees (well, not really because we will be working in close proximity of each other), I headed off to the central office happy that I wasn’t a casualty of the shake-up that was a direct result of a lateral transfer. However, not only did I go where I was supposed to go, but the job was research-based! This is the perfect job for me and I will excel at this job!

Below my horoscope confirmed that I would have a good day:

The stars are thinking ahead, are you? It's never too late to lay the foundation for your future. If you feel like your path's been a little less than clear lately, ask for guidance from your best source and guide -- you.

I have joined two organizations that will expand my professional contacts and network; and, have typed membership letters for two more organizations which I will mail either Saturday or Monday. However, this month will be my career month because I am finally stable with a mailing address and have developed a routine so now I can devote myself towards other things such as devoting myself towards career development.

Thursday, February 02, 2006

With Benefits

Today was my benefits meeting and it went better than expected because my total bi-weekly reduction would be $8.79. Whoo Hoo! That was unbelievable! In addition, we reviewed for tomorrow’s final exam. I feel that I will excel on this because I know the majority of the material. In addition, I have brought my notebook home to redo the worksheets in preparation for it.

Good news: I have finally learned how to properly turn my key in and out to ensure that I remove it within 30 seconds. Before it would take 5 minutes, but now only 30 seconds. Now that’s progress!

More good news! During my vocal class, I learned that the German aria that I sung Marian Anderson also sung; and, the local library has her version on CD! How wonderful was that?!

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Seize the Day (Carpe Diem)

Both the professor and the math director approved me to enroll in Intermediate Algebra! I am so ecstatic because this course perfectly complements my microeconomics and macroeconomics classes. Even though this Saturday is the first test, because I have studied this subject during my winter break I fully believe that I will score at least 95%!

Immediately upon receiving the good news via email, I boarded the 247 en route to the community college bookstore where I purchased the book and study guide (hey I buying every conceivable educational supplement available to ensure that I earn an A! ) and ran into my brother’s friend’s mother (Though I bumped into her yesterday at the Counseling department, I did know who she was until she mentioned her son. Oops!) To my amazement she told me about how her son was extremely proud of me during my undergraduate career (Who knew? Honestly, I did not know that this many people were talking about me.) Then she asked which major I was pursuing. I responded economics. We then parted way and I rode the 247 back to CSU.

The moral of this story: Tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. Therefore, seize every opportunity available.

On a bad note: Ohio Governor ratified House Bill 3 making all Ohioans display identification upon casting a ballot during this November 2006 election. The problems with this legislation are that even though the State ID is an official form of identification the U.S. passport is excluded even though this form verifies both citizenship and work authorization; thereby, violating both the tenth amendment (the federal government did not will to the states the right to decide if federal identification was subordinate to state id) and the fourteenth amendment of equal protection.