:: The Headache Diaries (Retired) ::

:: The Headache Diaries (Retired) ::

:: 2.28.2011 ::

Moving On

Up at 0500, but not out of bed until about 0600. I guess that is okay. It is only my third day trying to shift my sleep schedule. Ive been reading my bio cards and painting my nails at the same time. Not too bad. I learned a few things. I hope.

Soon I will wake up TJ so we can eat. I should also read some of the chapter on aldehydes but we will see. After today I have 25 days until my MCAT. Im getting scared!!

I think I need to make a new study schedule. I seem to drift off a bit whilst studying and then take too much time on one subject. I still have two classes to study for. Thank goodness she doesn't give quizzes and a million tests and homework! Else I would be screwed for the MCAT.

Well, I have about 40 minutes before I waske up TJ so Im going back to study my bio cards.

:: Jane Dee 9:10:00 AM [+] ::
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Chemistry Sunday

I spent all day studying chemistry. Well, maybe not studying, but I was doing and redoing MCAT chemistry problems all day. I even went over some bio cards. I redid all the questions I got wrong on the MCAT practice test and then I did all the chemistry questions in the 2009 Official Guide To The MCAT Exam book. (Yes, I bought it that long ago). I don't know if I learned much other than that I get a lot of questions wrong.

Tomorrow I have class. Im not too excited to go. Now that I think about it, maybe it would have been better to take the accelerated ochem II class, but then I wouldn't have my third recommendation. Not to say this new professor will write me one, but everyone says she is nice. I just hope I get an A in this class and the bchem class and all will be well in the world. I also hope she completes her PhD before I need to submit her letter.

Tomorrow I am going to change my seat. I can't stand sitting next to this stupid guy that just types up papers for other classes in ochem class. How annoying! And he always bumps the table or listens to his music. What a turd. I think there is an empty seat next to the professor's desk so I will sit there.

Of course, I am becoming more and more worried about the MCAT. Like how I am going to bomb. I just don't know what else to do to learn stuff. I don't even know what to learn really. I take the free Kaplan MCAT in a few days online so Im sure I will do bad on that test simply because their questions are so ridiculous. I have two real MCATs left on my account so I hope to do better on those.

I also have to find time to study the ochem and bchem work too! Tomorrow we start on aldehydes and ketones. She said that our midterm will be after the break. Im going to see if I can lobby for it to be after March 26. Maybe March 31!

I also have to write to my math professor again to tell him that the application cycle doesn't open until May. So he still has plenty of time to write those letters, if he hasn't already. I have a nice thank you gift for him, but I wont say what it is on here in case he sees this.

Ive also been getting up a 0500. I feel okay, just not super ready to go. I hope that in a few weeks, it will feel like second nature. I have to be sharp by 0800 on test day. I wish they had the 1300 test in March but they didn't so I am stuck taking the 0800 test. Boo! I am not a morning person. But I do what I have to do.

I guess tomorrow when I wake up I shouldn't work on chemistry. I should read my bio cards. Then if I have time I can read over my textbook on aldehydes. Maybe after class I will do some more chemistry problems. I hope what I am doing helps. I know my chances are still slim even if I do get a 30. I have a feeling that AUC is going to be my next school. Unless I get some lucky break at UA....

Well, Im waiting on my rice to be ready. So I will just read some bio and then make dinner. Till next time... (like in a few hours probably, ha!)

:: Jane Dee 7:46:00 PM [+] ::
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I Would Rather Score My Age

Well, I took my practice test and I scored better, but not to my liking. I retook test 3 and when I first took it back in October 2009, I scored a 23, with a 9p, 8v, 6b. Now my score is a 25, with a 6p (!!!!!!), 10v(??), 9b (!). What the hell? So I basically flipped my science scores and only did better in the verbal? Of course, when I went over some problems, I saw I marked the wrong answer by accident or my brain said the answer but my hand said another or I just flat out did my math wrong. Well, I did have a few questions that I absolutely did not know the answer to. And of course I suck at acids and bases and stoichiometry. Typical.

What is kind of funny is that my BEST category this time was not physics but ORGANIC! My next best section was physics and my worst section was of course chemistry. I don't understand my problem with "gen chem" or perhaps it has a problem with me? Well, I hope I can become its friend by the time the MCAT rolls around.

I am glad I did this because NOW I can focus on SOMETHING. Before, I was just sitting there going "la la la..." Now I know I suck at chemistry and I need to slow down when calculating. Now I feel like I have something to accomplish!

Tomorrow, I will get cracking at that chemistry. Tonight I will finish reading over my bio cards. Or maybe not; there are so many... Well in any case. I have a better idea at what I need to do.

I also learned that when I SLOW DOWN to read the verbal questions, I get more right!

Im going to go buy some cabbage. I want to eat it with my chicken tomorrow. Yum.

So although I am sad that I only got a 25 on this practice test, I am glad that I can now focus on what need to be done. Without a goal, I cant do ANYTHING. I am useless without goals. I just sit around. So I am very happy about that at least.

Okay cabbage time!

:: Jane Dee 7:44:00 PM [+] ::
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Close To 10,000!

Come on people, keep loading up my blog! I want to see what happens to the counter when it hits 10,000.

In other news, I got up at 5am and did some shopping. Of course, "unrest" in various places in the world is "causing" oil prices to rise, which in turn makes the prices of everything else rise, like my bread flour. A whole FORTY CENTS? Come on!

I don't like shopping anymore. I will probably have to buy everything from the dollar store now. Its just crazy that two boxes of cereal AT A DISCOUNT can be about $7! I don't even want to know what fuel is going to cost soon, but Im glad I only have class twice a week and only a few months left. Two and change, I guess.

So Im still sad about how Im supposed to study. I was tired this morning and couldn't study as hard, but read up on enzymes, DNA, and replication. I am going to retake test #3 today and see how I score again. Then, Im going to use that test to guide me in studying. Otherwise, I have no direction and I am totally lost.

I can't wait for this to be over. I hate feeling confused.

Okay I will see how I do!

:: Jane Dee 2:12:00 PM [+] ::
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No Motivation

Ugh, I am supposed to be studying and I find myself sitting here doing pushups instead. I have no motivation to study ANYTHING right now, especially since I overboiled my coconut curry sauce and made it watery. I am not happy when I screw up my dishes. That may be one of the worst things I can do. I wanted to throw out the whole thing and start over, but I am on a tight budget and coconut milk is expensive where I live. So I have to live with it. I ate it, but was unhappy. I just hope TJ doesn't care about it too much.

Tomorrow I will start getting up at 0500. I plan to do this everyday until the MCAT passes. And I may consider keeping the schedule just because I may need to start getting up early for school (med school) soon anyway.

I am still confused on what or how to study. Maybe that is why I am so unmotivated. I am already fed up with that Kraplan stuff. I am wondering if I should just buy one more MCAT test. I can retake test 3 and study from that. Then retake test 6. I don't know! Tomorrow, I have one month to study.

I also haven't been keeping up in my ochem and bchem class. At least the midterms are a little later. I feel so lazy in this class compared to last semester!! Im not complaining about it though! Thank goodness!

I guess I will just go through some bio cards. That seems less stressful?

:: Jane Dee 6:42:00 PM [+] ::
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Im At Shea

Today is so slow that I actually have time to write a post from here! Not much is happening here and I didn't bring any study materials to pass the time.

I was reading the SHC newsletter and not only SHC does this but they will not hire anyone that smokes cigarettes. Other hospitals do this as well. The employee gets their mouth swabbed and is tested for tobacco. This to me is nothing more than a cost cutting measure for insurance purposes under the guise of setting an example for healthcare and having healthy employees.

Otherwise, there isn't much else going on here at Shea.

I was also reading about bloggers and how the statistics are bad for people who read them or that 80% of blogs are abandoned after a few months. Ha! I've had this blog way too long then!

If you are wondering why I haven't posted any pictures, its because I need to update my website. That means I am planning to put all my pictyres in a new folder. This also means that a lot of my old pictures won't be available unless I decide to change ALL the links to all the pictures on this blog. Not sure Im up for the task. I can't wait for this semester to be over so I can FINALLY finish up the website. I promise I will finish it before the year is up!

Anyway back to work.

:: Jane Dee 9:53:00 AM [+] ::
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ZZZZzzzz....

Good grief! This set of questions is worse than the ochem ones!

What a waste of time. I don't think these inane questions will help me. They don't test you on your knowledge of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome!

Okay well, lets check our answers. Im sure I got them all wrong.

Well, not all wrong, but more wrong than I did in the ochem section. Pfft! The "central dogma of molecular biology"? Oh please I doubt THAT will be on the MCAT even though I got that one right.

UGHH!! Stupid stuff.

Well, according to Kaplan, Im going to bomb the MCAT.

Im going to make dinner now.

:: Jane Dee 7:54:00 PM [+] ::
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Kaplan Krap

Oy! I took my second Kaplan subject review quiz thingy and I must say that their questions are not anywhere near the MCAT. And they are wrong. 22 elements of unsaturation?? When I looked in a different Kaplan book, it was different. I wish I had more $$$ to spend on the real MCAT tests, but those are $30 each.

Of course you know that everyday until the test I am going to complain about how Im not going to do well. I hope it turns out like the ACS exam! HA! Yeah right. No way Im going to get a 40 on the MCAT. Anyway, Im about to start on another Krap-lan review test, this time for biology. Im sure I will find more errors.

Im not even sure how to approach studying for this test. I guess my best bet is to go over the cards everyday and do problems everyday. Even the same ones over and over. I dont know what else to do. They dont ask specifics like mechanisms. I have no clue. Oh well. I just have to do my best.

Whatever score that may be...

:: Jane Dee 6:20:00 PM [+] ::
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Just A Stack Of Cards

Today I finally finished my study cards for the MCAT! Not a moment too soon, I think. I am becoming increasingly worried about this test, but I guess that is natural. I plan to start getting up at 5am everyday so I can get used to the timing for the test. I hope that helps me. I am going to try for tomorrow, but if not, I will be getting up at 0500 by next week.

Now that my voice has almost returned and I am feeling much better, I am ready to study as hard as I can for this darned test. I don't know HOW though. My plan is to just go thorugh all my cards all the time until the test, take all the practice questions I have, and take all the MCAT practice tests I have, fake and real. Hopefully by the time the test rolls around, I will be confident enough and score my 30-ish. I really want a 33, but I am not sure that is possible. We will see.

So right now I am trying to oragnize my notes for MCAT and then for class I guess. It seems I do have a lot of practice material...

And then the GMAT is coming! Oh boy...

Well, I guess when I start taking some more practice tests, I will update on my progress.

:: Jane Dee 9:47:00 PM [+] ::
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OKAY ENOUGH!!!

Oh my gosh I am so tired of these cards, and carboxylic acids, and its derivatives, and lactams, and BROMINE. UGHH!!!!

I finally finished writing up my notes. I only have to transfer them to cards. I guess I have to do that tomorrow. I feel like ripping the book to shreds! Im going stir crazy cooped up in this house studying all day. ARGH!!

I only ate chocolate matzo all day.

ARGHHH!!!!!!

:: Jane Dee 10:34:00 PM [+] ::
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A Day For Cards!

I woke up ready to go on carboxylic acids, and was just checking my email when I thought about looking up how much my business cards were going to cost. I went to Vistaprint.com and HAD to take advantage of their sale! I made my business cards and they look beautiful. I guess I can't show them now because I didn't get them yet, but they look good!

Anyway, I have only a little over a month before the MCAT. I am worried I won't do as well as I would like. I feel like I am going to be going to AUC. Not that I am upset about it terribly, but I would rather stay here. Oh well, I will do whatever I have to do.

I was also starting to think about the MBA process because I want to try for the dual degree at UA. I was wondering if I could still do it even if I have to go to Caribbean school. I was think if I would be able to do it through maybe ASU, because they have an online MBA in general management. Or some other school that has an online program. I was thinking that maybe I could start the MBA program during rotations. That way, I can study hard for the basic sciences and pass step 1 with flying colors. I was also thinking I could start it during residency. There are so many MBA programs all over the country that I thought I could fins one nearby when I get a residency?

Of course, I didn't even take the MCAT yet! Nor the GMAT. I have to take that this year. I almost forgot about it! I have to start studying for it as soon as the MCAT is over. Well, maybe not as soon as, but I must get started on it by the time the semester is over. This is going to be my year of the tests!

At least I will know exactly what school I am going to by the end of this year. By applying early, I will know who rejects or accepts me by October or November, and I will apply to Caribbean schools in November. They take about a month to accept an application, so I should know where I am going by the end of the year. Hurray!

So now that I just made myself nervous, I should get started on the carboxylic acids.

:: Jane Dee 10:25:00 AM [+] ::
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Done With Amines

So now that I am feeling a little better, I finally finished the amines section. Tomorrow I will start on carboxylic acids. It looks super long, but I will wake up early again and work on it all day. I only have TWO sections left!!! Carboxylic acids and acid derivatives. Yay!!

I am coughing up a storm though. I even took cough suppressant, but its not making it much better.

I guess I can take a break and get ready for tomorrow.

:: Jane Dee 8:51:00 PM [+] ::
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A-mine Set Of Notes

Har har, some MCAT humour for you! So I FINALLY finished just writing the NOTES on amines. I didn't make the cards. I will have to save that for tomorrow. Im too tired. I need to make some dinner with nutrition in it. I cant keep eating oatmeal and shrimp chips.

I think I will just make some soup with tofu and vegetables.

:: Jane Dee 11:24:00 PM [+] ::
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Bubble And Squeak

Looks like NY medical schools are feeling the heat from the Caribbean!

Uh-Ohs

:: Jane Dee 7:19:00 PM [+] ::
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I Lost My Voice

Looks like whatever I contracted, took my voice away this morning. Im just squeaking everything. I am not sure how long I won't have my voice, but I am not sure if I will get it by next Friday when I have to go back to the hospital. If I don't, I don't think it will be good business to wheel people out when I sound ill. We'll see. I will call them if I doesn't look like its coming back by then.

I wasn't feeling very well yesterday, and I could barely finish the KETO ACIDS AND ESTERS section. I managed to finish it though. Today Im not going to attempt carboxylic acids, which looks really really long. I will do AMINES instead. It looks shorter.

I also went out last night after TJ came home to buy some "medicine," also known as whiskey. There was a sale at CVS on some no name crap called "Gran Legacy" on the bottom shelf that is in a PLASTIC container that looks like a mouthwash bottle. I was expecting the worst, but when I opened it, it actually smelled pleasant. After adding some water and swirling, its actually pretty good! I was shocked. I had about 2.5 ounces before bed and hoped it would help soothe my muscle pains, etc. Today I was reading about being drunk and found this study about how drunkenness is partly made up by your perception! Amazing. I believe it. People pretend to feel things all the time, no matter if its drinking or ghosts.

Anyway, enough about that. I just hope I feel better soon. I especially hate this bad neck and shoulder pain. I assume its part of this illness I have. I was thinking it may be the flu, but I don't know. Im not sick enough to go to the doctor and have him test me for the flu. When I was sick last year, I had a 104 (well, 103.9) fever. I felt "hot" a few days ago, but not hot enough to care what my temperature is. I usually dont care for my temperature unless I feel hot. I guess I have to be over 103 to feel hot! Ha!

As of now, I think I am gaining enough energy to do the AMINES section. I cant eat much, but I can eat oatmeal. Ive been eating oatmeal and shrimp chips all day. Its also raining today. It looks nice. And to think I was going to water the plants yesterday, but I was too tired to do it. Well, it looks like nature has done it for me. Yay!

I guess I should get another bowl of oatmeal and get crackin' on that AMINES section.

:: Jane Dee 2:58:00 PM [+] ::
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Im Sick?

No wonder I wasnt feeling so gret these past few days, I was incubating! Last night I started to feel worse and when I woke up this morning, I had to call the hospital and tell them I wasnt coming. I felt like crap. My shoulder has been hurting for days too. I don't know why either. I don't know if it's something I did or if its related to the cold. Im not too sick, I just feel really tired. My nose was running and I was sneezing yesterday, but not so much today. I do have a slight headache and some pressure in my face, but that is about it. Besides the shoulder pain. That is probably the owrst part. I know colds go away, but I certainly dont want to injure myself!

Anyways, Im not sure if I have enough strength to finish up the AMINES, but I think I can finish off the KETO ACIDS AND ESTERS. I just need to make some coffee. Thank goodness there is no class next week. Its a miricle, it really is.

:: Jane Dee 5:20:00 PM [+] ::
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Longer Than I Wanted!

FINALLY DONE! SHEESH! Now I have to make dinner. Ugh.

:: Jane Dee 11:53:00 PM [+] ::
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Time For Cards!

Hooray, I finished my notes, now I can make my cards. Hopefully this won't take too long, two hours tops? Tomorrow I do AMINES and KETO ACIDS AND ESTERS!!

Im getting there, you'll see!

:: Jane Dee 8:09:00 PM [+] ::
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Wow, Almost!

Im almost done "learning" all the topics for "Aldehydes and Ketones" with half of "Keto Acids and Esters" inadvertantly learned too. Well, its only been 13 hours! If I would have stayed with the book, it would have taken me until Monday Im sure. This chapter is LONG. I am dreading having to learn it soon. In any case, Ive had to jump between chapters 18, 21 and 22 to get these MCAT topics covered. See what I mean? How would I read and learn THREE chapters in 13 hours? Yeah, not happening.

I am hoping to heaven that I can finish this topic today meaning I wrote out all the cards. I am very anxious to finish this syllabus so I can start reviewing everything!!!! Well, its only Thursday and I have three and a half topics left. I am so sure I can get this done by next week. Please send me luck!!!

Back to work!

:: Jane Dee 6:43:00 PM [+] ::
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More Of The Same

More aldehydes and ketones. I WAS going to get the info from the textbook, but the stuff for the MCAT is scattered over a few chapters so Im actually using the videos. They get straight to the point you know?

Anyways, I am still worried about the MCAT, but I guess I will be glad when it is over. I hope I can do good. Or you know what schools I get to go to, ha!

This chapter seems hard too. I thought it got easier the second semester, but I think memorizing all these syntheses are harder than "understanding" what is going on. Oh well. At least I don't have to do lab reports, and my professor doesnt give quizzes every week!!! YAY!!

Sigh, well I guess its back to this stuffs. Its such a nice day out too...

:: Jane Dee 2:22:00 PM [+] ::
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Losing It

Im not sure how much steam I have. Im going to make TJ's dinner and go to bed. I have a whole week!

Oy vey! Goodnight!

:: Jane Dee 10:52:00 PM [+] ::
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Need A Break!

The chapters always take longer than I want them to. UGHH!!

I guess I can take a break and write about some other stuff. Like my webpage! Ha! Its been in hibernation for YEARS now. Im always saying "Im going to update this" and "Im going to update that." Well it seems to be all hot air. The problem is that I take somany damn pictures and I am using a web editor from 1998 and it is SO HARD to get them all how I want them to be. So I just dont even bother. But Ive been thinking and I think that it is time I do another major overhaul of my webpage. Like get rid of a lot of stuff. Like old pictures with people I don't care for! HAHA! Or places I don't care to see anymore. Or pictures of stuff that doesn't have the same meaning as it did 7 years ago. I think there quite a bit of those. Then there are pictures that I uploaded that I thought would be cool to post, but now Im like, "What's the difference? It's already not been posted for 8 years, who cares now?" Plus I don't think they pictures are that great. Eh. I should probably get a new editor too. I don't know. All I know is that I really need to revise my page.

So I hope that I can do that when this semester ends. I will be done with MCAT, applications (for the most part), and should only be filling up secondaries, sending them in, going on interviews, and preparing for my GMAT. I want to have my webpage ready for when I go to med school. (yes I act like Im getting in) Its just a pity. I used to update all the time and now, well its anyones guess.

UGH so what is next... aldehydes and ketones. Oh boy that sounds exciting!!! NOT!

:: Jane Dee 9:25:00 PM [+] ::
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Two Spring Breaks!

Wow, I have no class OR lab next week! It's a miracle! I can totally finish off my MCAT stuff! HOORAY!

So I go up at 0600, but wasnt able to finish the chapter, so I will finish it tonight. I should be ready to get my MCAT studies on tomorrow!

The next question is whether I want to read the aldehyde and ketones chapter anyway since it is next on the class syllabus. If I go ahead and do it, I can be ahead about three weeks (classes) because it seems we will spend a lot of time on that chapter. That would be great because in three weeks after next, I will be one week away from MCAT. Then I wouldn't have to bother with studying for the class for four weeks! Sounds good I think I will do it. Its about 50 pages, so that may take me a couple of days at least. Unless I can start on it tonight? Hmm.

Phew, I smell someones cigarette smoke. Okay Back to work. Im almost done with this chapter! YAY! Then I will definitely start on the next one... or should I finish amino acids from bchem? Hmmm decisions decisions....

:: Jane Dee 5:12:00 PM [+] ::
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I Can See The Future...

And it looks like Im going to be waking up at 0600 to write up the ethers chapter. Well, at least I am almost finished with the problems.

The funny thing is that I have been putting off buying a new Expo eraser because I just wash it with soap and its like new. I have had this stupid eraser since early 2002, when I bought this dry erase board to do my math proofs. I had since donated my stinky Expo markers to Fedex because they gave me headaches. I had bought the new "low odor" ones and they have worked good. However, I hadnt bought a new eraser. I kind of want to see how long a $2 eraser can last. A decade? Maybe more?

I bring it up only because at the end of a few chapters, I finish up a marker or so. Ive already thrown out two these past two weeks. So when I am done with the problems, I will wash the eraser and clean the board with solvent. I am down to three markers. In this class starting from the beginning, I have gone through nine regular sized Expo markers and at least four small sized markers. Im sure I had more, but who is really keeping count here? All I knwo is that this class requires a lot of paper, highlighters, dry erase markers, and pens. Im already on my fourth pen? Sheesh!

Anyway, I should finish ethers.

:: Jane Dee 10:22:00 PM [+] ::
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Try This:

(I actually got it right too)

Cellosolve (R) is the trade name for 2-ethoxyethanol, a common industrial solvent. This compound is produced in chemical plants that use ethylene as their only organic feedstock. Show how you would accomplish this industrial process.

Well have at it! (hint: needs an alcohol solvent)

Anyway, I looked at the school calendar and it seems that spring breal is March 14 - 20. My professor said she will most likely give the midterm after spring break. The problem is that my MCAT is March 26. I hope they don't coincide too much. I also have my bchem midterm around that time!! IEEE!! I hope this doesn't kill me!

So my plan of action is to finish this ether chapter in earnest (meaning I did all the problems and wrote out all the notes) by tomorrow. Then, since I don't have class on Monday, I can do one MCAT topic using my videos and a little bit of book, each day until next Wednesday. If I do that, I will be finished with the syllabus and can really start to review everything. I only have five topics left. I think its doable. At least for the most part.

I am hoping I can finish this chapter tonight (fat chance) so I can do some MCAT nonsense tomorrow before class, like an essay and some chemistry or biology practice tests. We'll see.

My MCAT is coming fast!!! ARGH!!

:: Jane Dee 8:05:00 PM [+] ::
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116?!?!

Okay now Im losing too much weight. I didnt realize my diet would be THIS effective. Now I need to eat more carbohydrates. Sheesh, maybe I should market my diet and make some money!

Anyway, the ether chapter is going a lot better than the alcohol chapter. I am also feeling better today. Not 100%, but much better than yesterday. I think I can get more done today. I wonder if I should write another grand slam essay later?...

I also think I mentioned that TJ got me some gifts yesterday. I got roses and they are opening up. I keep smelling them and wanting to eat them. Is that normal? Ha ha! I dunno, they look tasty! I wanted to use real flowers on my wedding cake, but decided against it. I should have now that I think about it. It would have looked really beautiful. Well, maybe for my anniversary cake! Yeah that sounds awesome!

Okay back to ethers!

:: Jane Dee 3:02:00 PM [+] ::
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Starvin'!

Well, I have one problem set left, but its 10pm and I have to make dinner. Im also tired. I need to go to bed early tonite.

While Im cooking I can start reading ethers. I guess aldehydes will have to wait until tomorrow, or the day after. Whichever.

:: Jane Dee 9:51:00 PM [+] ::
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Exhausted!

I am so tired! I don't know how productive I can be at this rate! I am not finished with the alcohol problems, just one page. Ugh! Luckily, there is no class on Monday! At least I can catch up then. I feel like going to sleep right now. I am not sure if I want to start on the ethers chapter and hold off on the aldehydes chapter or do the aldehydes chapter tonight and start on the ethers chapter later.

We've already finished the ethers chapter, so I am behind! Maybe I shoud stick to the plan and just finish the class work first. Well, lets see how much I can finish tonight before I drop.

So have a happy Valentine's Day. TJ got me some nice gifts including roses and citrine earrings. And of course, Lindt. MMM.

Anyway, I am swamped with work. I wish I wasnt feeling under the weather!

:: Jane Dee 7:36:00 PM [+] ::
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I Think Im Officially A 'Zonie

Its 84 degrees outside and I am wearing jeans and a hoodie, and Im still not warm enough.

I definately think I lost too much weight. Right now I am 117 pounds! I havent been this light since... I dont know, high school? So Because of this, I have no more insulation. I guess its okay since I live in a hot place.

Im in class now, but it hasn't started yet. I woke up at 6am today and tried to do some chapter problems. I think I found an error in the answer book and it cost me over an hour searching for the answer that doesn't even exist. Pfft.

Anyway, when I get back today, I haveto finish up the chapter problems and try to get started on ethers and whatnot. Then hopefully I can throw in a video on the carboxylic acids. UGH! Not enough time to do anything!

Oh well.

:: Jane Dee 12:55:00 PM [+] ::
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Hooray! Only Two Pages To Go!

I just finished page 17 of the Mcat syllabus! I only have (1)Aldehydes and ketones, (2) Carboxylic acids (3) Acid derivatives (acud chlorides, anhydrides, amides, esters), (4) Keto acids and esters and (5) Amines.


So now I can do the problems from chapter 10 and 11, then read chapter 14 on ethers epoxides and sulfides. Then I can start working on the aldehydes and ketones chapter which is next anyway. By doing most of the carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids chapters, Ive covered myself for bchem for at least three weeks! By then, the MCAT will be near so it doesn't matter! I have almost six whole weeks to prepare for the MCAT. I think I can get it all done in three weeks. Lets make that new time frame, ha! Well, Im going to watch my videos instead of making notes. Now I can pick up the pace because I am moving ahead and do not have to make notes yet, just my cards for MCAT. I hope it will go faster. Im going to have to work EVEN HARDER from tomorrow on, so look out.

Okay so now, I am making dinner, then I will work on the problems I didnt do from the alcohols chapters.

:: Jane Dee 6:20:00 PM [+] ::
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The End Is Near...

For that danged printer! Im almost out of ink, and when that happens, its off to the dump for this 'ol printer! I had bought a new one the last time this one gave me problems, so I am ready to go!

I am refilling the cartridges with inks from the more full cartridges. Actually, this type if printer uses "tanks" and they don't have a chip telling the printer stuff. So its easy to refill these tanks. However, the tanks are expensive, and this printer doesnt work so great anyway.

Right now, I am working on the last two things of the last page of the MCAT syllabus, phosphorous compounds. There isn't much in my textbook except the Wittig reaction, so I have to go online and look the other stuff up.

I am sitting in a chair that is pretty old and makes my butt hurt. There is an office chair on sale at CVS, but Im not sure I want to sit on a vinyl chair. I think I will hold out until I get the medical school applications under way. Then I will see about buying a new chair. If I get into school here in Arizona, I will buy a nice, new chair for like, $200. If I don't get in here, I won't buy a new chair until I return, but may buy a new chair if I go to NY (Hofstra). If I go to Carribean school I will definately not buy any chair until I get back. No sense lugging that thing around with me when Im in another country.

Other than that, there is only a little over a month left until the MCAT. Im pretty nervous because this will determine what schools I will apply to and ultimately, where I go. I really hope I can get at least a 30, but I feel like im going to get a 27. Well, if I get a 27, I will know that I can pass medical school and I will not feel so bad about going to the Caribbean. If I get less than a 27, it will be a gamble, but I think I will still try. Unless I try for DO school. There are only two I can apply to this year because I don't have a letter from a DO. If I get less than 27, I may not get into a DO school either.

Well, we'll see. For now, its back to work!

:: Jane Dee 3:33:00 PM [+] ::
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Snack Break

Yesterday was a complete waste! I was so exhausted from only getting 4 hours of sleep, I could barely stay up. I was only able to read the chapter on fats and nothing else. That alone took me hours.

Today I feel much more energized since I had some sleep. I visited my professor from ochem and talked to her about stuff. She seems to think that I will get into a medical school here, and she said "I bet you." I didn't bet any money, but I told her I would keep track of this. She also said that she didn't think Caribbean schools were stupid. She had a student go to one, and she said it was very good. I was happy to hear that the professor doesn't think the schools are stupid. I felt better about might having to go there.

So Im just taking a snack break as I finished up the parts I needed to know about lipids and carbohydrates. I think I will make notes, since I need them for my bchem class, then I will make the cards. Maybe. I want to finish this tonight, so we will see.

Once Im done with this, I will only have TWO PAGES of MCAT stuff to go! I am excited because there is not that much time left until the test. I need to start reviewing the other subjects as well. Tomorrow is my volunteer shift, and I started to bring my cards, but its kind of distracting going over stuff there.

On Saturday I have my "photo shoot." I have figured out my hair, but not my makeup yet. I had bought new foundation to try, and so far, the new L'Oreal Magic Souffle Foundation and the old favorite True Match Naturale (was Bare Naturale) look the best. I bought Visible Lift, but it made my dry skin more noticable so I'd probably have to scrub first then moisturize. I also tried the new Physician's Formula Correcting Primer and it works well with the True Match Naturale powders. I do like L'Oreal's Studio Secrets Primer the best, and it works with the powders, liquids, and the souffle. The Physicians Formula is stickier so it sets the powder better, but it doesn't look as nice with liquid foundation. I also have some really old L'Oreal Cashmere Perfect foundation, and it works pretty well, but I have it in "natural ivory" and its a little too pink for my skin. ANYWAY, I will see tomorrow which foundation I will use for the camera and what eye make-up to wear. I did figure out a hairstyle, so at least that is out of the way. I did have to go and get hairspray since I haven't styled my hair since 2002. No, Im not joking. After the "photo shoot" I am still going to practice my makeup so I have it down when I go for interviews.

So thats the update for now. Now it's bcak to carbohydrates and fats!

:: Jane Dee 6:48:00 PM [+] ::
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I Had No Idea

That doing 25 cards or so would take me ALL day. This is ridiculous!

Im almost done....

....

.....

YES!!

Only two and a half pages to go on this MCAT syllabus!

In my ochem class, we have started on ethers, but that isn't on the MCAT. So in the meantime, Im going to work backwards and watch my videos and read the book on carbohydrates, lipids, and phosphorous compounds, then do amines. I will also finish the chapter on proteins since that is what we are doing in bchem.

So now I am trying to figure out what to do next... I think I should stop here and work on a hairstyle for my pictures on Saturday. Tomorrow I will wake up at 0600 anyway and I can start on carbohydrates and lipids, and do the prep for lab class. Then when I come back, I can finish the carbohydrates and lipids if Im not falling asleep at my books. Tomorrow I have to buy some hairspray or something. I have nothing to style my hair with! I also want to buy more nail polish. After waiting 8 years, I finally found a company that brought back my favorite grey metallic color! YAY!

Thursday I meet up with my ochem professor from last semester. I need to buy her a gift. Im thinking flowers or a plant. Something to liven up her office? Anyway, I wanted to talk to her about how she got her PhD. Im just curious as to how she knew she wanted to get it and how she knew she could get it. Stuff like that.

Oh good she responded to my email! Thursday it is.

I am also wondering if I should go to the Volunteer 50th anniversary luncheon. I guess it would be nice to go, but we cant bring anyone and we have to dress up. And its in Phoenix. Its at the Phoenician though. Its supposed to be real fancy-pants. I used to make pick-ups there during my Fedex days. Hmm. I dont know...

Well, anyway, I need to figure out my hair.

:: Jane Dee 8:50:00 PM [+] ::
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Behind!

I was on a roll, then I lost steam. Ugh. Its hard to stay motivated to work constantly!

I should have been finished with these cards already!!

:: Jane Dee 4:07:00 PM [+] ::
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Almost at 10,000

Actually, I would have reached 10,000 on my blog earlier if I changed the setting to record all hits, not just unique hits. Not too many people read my blog it seems! Ha ha! Well, maybe if I wrote something interesting?...

Anyway, I wonder if the counter will add another box or will it go to 0? I tried to add a new box, but there is no option to do so. I guess we will see when it reaches 10,000!

In the meantime, I am trying to study, but I don't feel so good. I guess I need more sleep. Oh well. It won't be that much longer until the MCAT. Then I can rest a bit.

Okay so now its back to Amino Acids and Proteins!

:: Jane Dee 6:41:00 PM [+] ::
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MCAT Prompt 2

All human rights involve responsibility. Describe a specific situation in which a human right may not involve responsibility. Discuss what you think determines whether or not a human right involves responsibility.
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When defining what are human rights, not all cultures have the same answer. In one culture, you may find that a basic right is to free speech, where another culture may declare a right to prayer. Some of the rights found in societies involve responsiblity on the part of the one carrying it out, such as the "right to bear arms." There are some that are not as well defined and can mean many things to different people, such as the right to "liberty" or "the persuit of happiness." When a society defines its rights, it then up to them to determine if the right requires responsibilty so that laws may be applied to carry them out effectively.

Using the United States as an example, not all rights written are to be carried out with responsibility. An example of this may be the right to persue happiness. Since happiness is different to different people, there is no defining statement to be made about what makes someone happy. Therefore, no law can be written to determine when someone is using this right inappropriately. If there is no law, there can be no punishment. In this case, anyone seeking happiness can do so without responsibility, at least to his fellow citizen. Of course, someone can argue that perhaps the act of murder can make someone happy, but these laws should apply to those with a sound mind and are not mentally ill.

There are rights that absolutely need to be carried out with respnsibility. A prime example is the right to bear arms. Yes, it may be true that citizens have the right to defend themselves, but the term "defense" must be defined properly and must have laws or regulation attached to the right. Definition and regulation are important not only so that all citizens may enjoy this right, but that unlawful citizens may not use it against his fellow citizen in a way that is not "defense" without consequence.

When law and regulation are applied appropriately, defining which rights require responsibility become much easier. It is important to take into account the way a right may be misconstrued and used against someone. In this case, the right to bear arms can easily be used for evil purposes. A right to "life" is also easier to understand. Currently, the right to life may extend into laws about the death penalty or abortion. In this case, defining what "life" is and what it can be applied to is key. After a society defines that, they can see if the right can be used in a deconstructive way. For the right to life, many people are still in disagreement about when to apply the death penalty, if at all, or if an abortion is murder or not.

Ceratinly, all rights are not created equal. There are many rights that do require responsibility and accountability. However, not all rights are very specific, and for good reason. Having generalized rights are useful to create a society where they are free to create and apply more rights as the society progresses.

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One minute to spare again! I hope I did better on this essay than the last one. I randomly selected it from the book and I remember skimming over it a few days ago and saying "oh great, I have no idea which human rights dont require responsibility. Oh well!

:: Jane Dee 10:50:00 AM [+] ::
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Up At 0600

But Im getting started at 8 because I was trying to read my emails and look for nail polish sales but that took and HOUR because my broadband card is acting like dialup. What a waste of time! Its been acting slow lately. Yesterday it kept logging me off. Now that is annoying. I hope it was just heavy traffic from the Super Bowl. We'll see how it goes in a day or so.

So now I am on chapter 24 hurrah! I hope I can write an essay at about 1100...

:: Jane Dee 8:07:00 AM [+] ::
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Thank The Lord!

That the "Amino Acids and Proteins" section of the MCAT is SHORT!!! As it stands, Im almost done! HA!

Im going to skip the synthesis section for now and go ahead to peptide linkages etc. The synthesis is required for my bchem class, but I don't have to do it yet. We are still on the stuff right before it.

So when i wake up tomorrow, I won't have that much work! Maybe I will work on the alcohol end of chapter problems when I am finished with the MCAT amino acids stuff...?

Ahhh... (Sighs in relief)

:: Jane Dee 12:16:00 AM [+] ::
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Need More Hours

Its already 11 and I finished the alcohol chapter, but not the end of chapter questions. I also ate dinner and spent some time with TJ. Now I have to decide if I want to get to chapter 24 or do an essay. I think I will do the chapter. When I wake up tomorrow, I can write an essay. I should try to write an essay everyday. Of course, I don't have much time to do anything, but at least Im caught up with the ochem class.

So I have to get up at 6am most likely, to get started by 7. I used to get up at 7, but I think that is too late now. I can get started by 7 and write an essay then cntinue on chapter 24. I will have five hours before I have to leave for class. I hope that is enough time for something productive to happen. Like maybe finish the chapter! Ha! Fat chance.

Okay back to chapter 24!

:: Jane Dee 11:04:00 PM [+] ::
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Pinacol Rearrangement In Polyhydroxyalcohols, Synthethic Uses

What? Why dont they just say glycols? Are they really going to give an alcohol with six -OH groups on it on the test? Come on.

And what are the synthetic uses of the pinacol rearrangement? Or do they mean the synthetic uses of polyhydroxyalcohols? Because glycols are used for all kinds of things like antifreeze, lubrication, and preservatives. But pinacol rearrangement or pinacol? I only found that it is "...used as an intermediate for biologically active products such as antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antituberculous." and that it is used in chemical warfare.

Well, I hope I can finish this blasted chapter today. I don't think I will finish it before the Super Bowl ends, but by 10pm would be nice. I want to try another essay tonight. Then hopefully I can continue with chapter 24. That is another really long chapter.

Not to mention I am getting more worried about the MCAT. I just don't think Im going to get my 30. Well, I guess we will see right? I would like to finish the syllabus by the end of the month so I can practice the test as a whole, but I am studying in pieces for now. Only 47 days until the test!

IEEE!! Back to work!

:: Jane Dee 6:25:00 PM [+] ::
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEADACHE DIARIES!!

My blog is EIGHT YEARS OLD today!

I can't believe I had that much to write, ha!

My how time flies... sorta.

:: Jane Dee 4:29:00 PM [+] ::
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Study Some More?

Seems like I wasted enough time on MCAT promts. I guess I have an hour... maybe work on the alcohol chapter...

:: Jane Dee 11:41:00 PM [+] ::
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Silly MCAT Prompts

You know, some of these prompts are really stupid:

"Political freedoms are best appreciated in those countries where they do not exist"
What the hell does this even mean? How can you enjoy something that doesn't exist? I enjoy it not existing? Are they saying it existed and now it has been taken away? Because if I am in a place where it doesn't exist, but I am enjoying it, then it exists no? Is this like a "grass is greener on the other side" question?

"A good movie usually teaches a moral lesson"
Apparently they never saw Terminator... unless the moral of the story is "Don't get pregnant by time travellers unless you want to get hunted down by a time travelling robot"...?

"Only educated people can take advantage of new technologies"
I see they also have never visited an AOL chatroom.

"In a democracy, the press has not only the right but the responsibility to report all of the news"
Why would I want to hear "all the news"? Who cares who won the pot at the community bingo game or that there is a trash can rolling around on 1st and Sunnyside Dr.?

"Only a fully informed electorate can vote responsibly"
Right, 'cuz knowing everything means you can make great decisions.

"Although it claims to promote individuality, most advertising promotes conformity."
What is "it" and when did it say that?

"A researcher must be thorough, painstaking, and disciplined, but also willing to suspend these qualities in order to follow a hunch."
So a researcher is a walking contradiction.

Okay enough. I hope I get the movie one on my MCAT. I would like to write about Terminator!

:: Jane Dee 10:28:00 PM [+] ::
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MCAT Prompt 1

No matter how oppressive a government, violent revolution is never justified.

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Government is usually created by human beings to serve that particular group's needs. One group may find it particulary advantageous to form a monarchy, while another group may find a democracy is more appealing. Although a government is created to serve the interests and needs of people, one must consider what part of the group has the most influence on what type of government will be chosen. They must also consider how much power and control the government will have on those who were not part of the decision. Unfortunately, many governing bodies created in the past have not served the majority of the people or have stopped serving the people who created them. When this type of conflict happens, those people who are being affected by the government have the opportunity to make a decision on whether to revolt with force or protest peacefully.

Modern societies, usually democracies, have more opportunity to declare that protestesting an oppresive government is the key to change. A modern society would not need to challenge the government in question using force because they would be relying on their assumed right "to a fair trial" or "trial by jury." For example, when Rosa Parks decided to protest moving to the "back of the bus" for a white person, her supporters did not lash out with violence. Instead, they protested peacefully by using their economic leverage and religious convictions to get the change they wanted. Their leader, Martin Luther King Jr., firmly believed that violence would not get them what they wanted. He maintained that violence would only bring them down and make them look uncivilized and uneducated. A modern government would not want to appease a group of scoundrels who are uneducated and cause riots. Thus, violence would not be justified.

However, not all societies are modern ones. Even today there are societies that are ruled by religion or drug cartels. How would the subjects of those societies get their way if the ones ruling over them are ruthless and do not care for life? In this case, a violent revolution would be justified. Not because it would effectively get rid of the leaders of this oppresive rule by death, but it gives the people an opportunity to see what violence does to a society. Perhaps after this revolt, they will make a new government where violence will never be the answer again.

Revolts are always going to be looked at with two lenses: one by the people inside and one by the people outside. A revolt is not something that is set in stone, but has to be carried out in a way that fits the situation and the people. Sometimes, violence is not necessary, and sometimes, it is the only way. Defining what the society wants will determine the course of action and the outcome of a revolt.

********************************************************

I did this with one minute to spare. I'd give it a 3 or 4. I am not sure if I gave a specific situation in which violence may be justified, more like a generalization. Well, if anyone has any comments, let me know.

I may do another prompt tomorrow since I can only do them in 30 minutes. Seems easy enough to fit in somewhere during the day.

:: Jane Dee 9:46:00 PM [+] ::
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MCAT Ptooie!

I just spent over three hours "studying" for the MCAT using some kind of Kaplan book for review. It sucks! Good thing I got it from the library. I guess they are good for review, but they don't mimic the real test at all. I have three MCAT tests, and took two already. The real MCAT is much better. They don't ask crazy questions that have three parts using three complicated physics equations. Oh well. I guess I need a new strategy.

I definately need to drink more coffee. I keep falling asleep at the book. I can't waste anymore minutes, so I should drink more coffee to stay up. I guess Im back to getting 5 hours max of sleep a night. Actually I had it worse before. But I also used to drink a gallon of coffee a day.

Anyway, I am now starting to get worried about the MCAT. I feel I won't be able to do it all. Im trying, and its only been two or three days, but I already feel like Im going to get an 18. I mean, without taking organic and not having seen a chemistry book for 10 years, I got a 23 on the practice test. I am hoping that after taking the organic and practicing, I can get at least a 27. It seems like a tall order, but we'll see. Of course, a 27 sucks in the MD world and I am assuming that I will be attending Caribbean school. But I shouldn't end it all here. I still have about two months to prepare and I should score better.

I guess Im just bummed out that I am not a genius? Well, at least I got an A in organic.

At least...

:: Jane Dee 11:58:00 PM [+] ::
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MCAT Attack!

I am going over my physics cards. This morning went well. I even bought the cake!

So its so cold here that I actually had to turn the heat on. I just could not warm up. I even had to cover the plants. Im just glad I am not in NY where all that ice is.

Balnce Bar's mint cookie crunch is awesome!

My new glasses are nice too. The optician fixed the ones TJ sat on, so now I have THREE good pairs!

I also scheduled my photo shoot in a couple of weeks. Im going to use the pictures for my applications or interviews. I am not sure if Im going to make business cards yet.

Okay! Mcat studies. Right...

:: Jane Dee 5:30:00 PM [+] ::
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Only 24 Hours In A Day

And I guess that isnt enough! I worked all day and it seems like I get nowhere. I guess that is the price I pay for slacking off for a week. At least I finished chapter 10. Tomorrow I start on 11.

What is interesting about the ochem class is that we are not going all the way through the book. My bchem class actually goes through the rest. So I am working on two chapters at the same time. The benefit is that her notes are actually from my ochem book! Not to say I bought the bchem books for nothing, but I don't have to read too much of it. Another benefit is that it is actually helpful for the MCAT syllabus.

I am so tired! I have lab tomorrow, but that the LORD that this professor does not go too crazy with the lab. I would have no time to study MCAT if she did!

So now that I am exhausted and my butt hurts from sitting on this stupid chair all day, I have to still make dinner and cut up some material to cover my plants because there will be frost for THREE DAYS! I thought I lived in the desert...

So tomorrow's schedule:
0700: get up, buy footbal cake
0800: OCHM: Alcohols (11)
1000: BCHM: Amino/Protein (24)
1200: Class
1600: break, food
1630: Review MCAT cards, answer practice questions
2000: break, snack?, break stuff?
2030: OCHM: Alcohols (11)
2230: BCHM: Amino/Protein (24)
0000: Dinner
0200: Bedtime!!!

PS: I need to make my coffee stronger.

:: Jane Dee 12:12:00 AM [+] ::
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Halfway Only

Its lunch time and I am only halfway done with this chapter! Well, I hope I can finish it after I eat. No matter where I am, I will start on my MCAT cards and do some practice.

I think my glasses may be ready today! I am very excited because TJ had sat on my glasses and they have been crooked for about two years now. I need my glasses to be straight so I can study without my contacts. If I don't have to put my contacts on in the morning, I am happy because they hurt when I have to put then in too early. So let's hope they will be ready today!

Now I can eat, Im hungry and I didn't eat breakfast.

:: Jane Dee 12:00:00 PM [+] ::
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I'm Working On It

Okay so Im a little late again. It's not easy to keep your own schedule, but at least its only 9am. On with alcohols...

:: Jane Dee 8:52:00 AM [+] ::
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Done With The Cards

So now I have to actually read the chapters in the book before I can do any more ochem cards. That is good because for my bchem class, I am working on the last pages of the MCAT syllabus and for the ochem class I am working on the front pages. Hopefully, I can pull this off.

New Schedule:
0700: get up, eat, etc
0800: OCHM: Alcohols (10)
1200: Lunch
1300: OCHM: Alcohols (10) if not finished, (11) if finished
1600: break, snack
1630: Review MCAT cards, one subject only, answer practice questions
1900: break, snack?, break stuff?
1930: BCHM: Amino Acids/Proteins (if all goes well)
2300: OCHM: Lab prep
0000: Dinner
0200: Bedtime?

Okay, I hope this schedule goes better!

:: Jane Dee 12:25:00 AM [+] ::
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