ETS: You suck!

Friday, August 28th, 2009
Daily Grind, School, Uncategorized
7 Comments

For those of you who might not know who ETS is, they are Educational Testing Services. They provide you with the SAT and PSATs which you take in high school. They also offer the GRE, PRAXIS (which is my test), and many other tests that professionals need in the Education Field. They’re really great people, and let it be said I have no problem with them personally, I just have a problem with their tests in general. I’m very anti-test, and if I have a choice to give a paper or final project when I’m a teacher, instead of a test, I will definitely do so.

So, without further ado…my PRAXIS test results:
English Content Knowledge Multiple Choice: 166 - FAILED BY 6 POINTS. I needed a 172.
English Content Knowledge Essays: 165 - PASSED AND WENT FARTHER! I only needed a 160!

In November I’ll be taking the Multiple Choice test again, for another 100something dollars. But at least I’m not taking them both, right? I probably would have felt better if I had just bombed it instead of failing my 6 DARN POINTS…6!! Personally, I think being able to write four amazing essays in only 2 hours proves that I’ll be a good teacher, rather than a multiple choice test.

How do you feel about tests? What ones have you taken?

Reprieve from Studying

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009
Food & Recipes, Photos, School, The Media, Uncategorized
8 Comments

It is officially T-Minus 3 days until I take my Praxis II on Saturday at 7:30 in the morning. For those of you who haven’t heard my ranting and freaking out, this is my second teacher certification test. I took my first one two years ago. This test contains 120 multiple choice questions on everything having to do with English and Literature as well as 4 essays which I’ll be writing in a matter of two hours. All together I should be there from 7:30 until about noon. I’ve been studying all summer, but this week is really crunch time. Below are my study books and my massive pile of terms and definitions on index cards. What with all the studying I’ve been doing, if you’re anything like me, you get hungry…

That being said, I’ve had a lot of people ask me some of my favorite school/study snacks. Oddly enough when I’m immersed in school is when I’m on my best behavior regarding snacking, strange, but true. Summer is when I tend to mindlessly eat and smoke my brains out, ha! So, a list of my favorite study snacks, why I love them, and why they’re good for you!

95% Fat Free Popcorn: It’s only 120 calories for 6 cups which is basically the whole bag. I love it because it’s easy to grab when I’m reading, haha. Convenience does not have to be bad for you, right? Plus it has tons of fiber to keep your mind focused and your tummy full.

Pita Chips & Hummus: Again, another great way to stay full and focused! For a chip junkie like myself, NY’s Pita Chips make is easy for me to have some crunch and stay satisfied and focused. I love the Sea Salt flavor!

My Salad: This is my brain food salad, haha. I take fresh romaine lettuce, a few slices of skinless turkey (cold cuts!), cucumbers, carrots, green pepper, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar and Wishbone’s Balsamic salad spritzer. It packs protein, calcium, and tons of great vitamins from the veggies as well as only 1 calorie per spray of dressing. It’s light without being oily like some salad dressings can be.

Grannysmith Apple w/Peanut Butter: My Mom got me hooked on these when I was a kid. I love the tartness of a Grannysmith Apple, but the PB keeps you full and satisfied. Also, I’ve heard eating an apple in the morning wakes you up better than coffee. I’m not sure what I think about that but it’s certainly delicious.

And when all else fails, my Dunkin’ Donuts medium iced coffee with skim milk and Splenda keeps me going along with a pack of menthols. I didn’t say I’m the perfect health nut, we all have our vices, right?

we love the media

Saturday, March 15th, 2008
The Media, Uncategorized
9 Comments

EDIT: add me on Twitter!! twitter.com/moptop. I’ve already added some people. =]

I’m still a CD junkie even though I tend to download a lot of music, and with Keith and I being DJ’s we get to hear music firsthand before the CDs come out in the store. Last night at work I managed to get a new compilation from Asbestos records, which has been working with rock, punk, and ska bands for years.

This compilation features a band Keith and I are very good friends with, Covin and I encourage you to check them out. We’ve had them on the show a number of times as well as have known them for years. Their energy is amazing and just from working at The space for a month now I’ve been noticing that a lot of bands don’t have the energy that makes them worth watching, and that can make a night go by very slow!

Since we’re on the topic of media, I also want to mention a new magazine that I’ve heard of but never had the pleasure of reading. My penpal, and very good friend Lulu is the photo editor of the magazine and she sent me the latest issue in her last letter.

$pread Magazine is a magazine that fights for sex worker’s rights, and I’ve never seen a more influential magazine before. The articles ranged from interviews, fashion (street and workwear), as well as working with clients with disabilities which I found to be the most interesting. If anyone knows a place that carries $pread or would be interested in doing so let me know, so I can tell Lulu. This is an amazing magazine and I am looking forward to the upcoming issues.

new look? kind of…

Sunday, February 10th, 2008
Daily Grind, Uncategorized
11 Comments

I made a new header because I like this layout style and I was kind of sick of Gemma Ward, so here’s the new one with a super fun secret message in the side text. I absolutely adored this movie, and therefore it is layout worthy.

Today was such a productive day. I have no homework! I usually save some of it for Monday but instead I’m using tomorrow to run some errands.

I have to get my friend’s daughter a birthday card/gift, Keith’s v-day gift, my Mom’s v-day gift, and a v-day card for my Dad since we already got his gift. Yay for having a day to get things done!

so scary!

Friday, January 25th, 2008
Uncategorized
19 Comments

I began my duties as the cleaning lady of the house today. I dusted the whole house and made my way up to my floor to clean my room, and all of a sudden the carbon monoxide detector starts going off!!! I freaked out and called my Mom and she told me she would come home from work, and to just stay calm. A few minutes later she told me she was about 10 minutes away and to call 911 and have the fire department come over. I grabbed Socks, and put her in my mom’s room so she wouldn’t get scared and run out the door with the fire department came.

Calling 911 was really nervewracking but I stayed very calm.

911: 911 What’s your location?
Me: [insert here]
911: And your phone number
Me: [insert here]
911: And what’s your emergency?
Me: The carbon monoxide detector in my house is going off, and I’m not sure why and I want to know if someone can come and check it out.
911: Is anyone else in the house?
Me: No, it’s just me.
911: Are you feeling sick or having trouble breathing?
Me: No
911: Are you fully awake?
Me: Yes!
911: Ok, we’re sending someone over, so I recommend you wait outside

And at this point I stood outside in my rainbow pajamas and coat, and the fire truck came, and so did three fire fighters. They asked me where the detector was and went to find it and then had me come inside, meanwhile my Mom pulled up and came in as well. The three of the fire fighters were so nice and showed us that a beep every 30 seconds means an error, while 4 fast beeps over and over again mean a danger. He also told us to simply change the batteries and see how that works for us.

I felt bad calling for almost no reason at all, but they checked the whole house and there was “not a drop of CO in the house.” Thank God! They told me it’s always better to call because they’d rather have to come for “a check” than have someone not call and it be a big problem. These people really are America’s heroes! They were so nice and helpful. And that was my morning!

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