Midterm Grades - Redux

You're right Sarah. I shouldn't be ashamed that I'm doing well (because that's honestly how I feel). To give you a run down of how she grades, she takes out the lowest homework grade (even if it's 100). If there are any Extra Credit assignments they replace the next lowest respectively (unless the grade on the EC is lower than the grade on the homework). Then she averages and weights these according to her grading scale. The exams and quizzes are averaged and weighted as is (though she hints that could change... something about the final exam grade counting for itself and replacing the lowest exam grade). Since we haven't had a final yet (being mid-term grades) she exclues the finals grade (ex: the final grade is worth 20% so she takes the weighted grades and divides by 80 instead of 100) and that's the mid-term grade. This grade is subject to change. In my case it's more possible to go down than up, but I wouldn't omit the possibility of increasing it.

Now for the grades:
Accounting 1A (my on campus class): 100.66%
Business Math (my hybrid/dl class): 100.80%

Socializing

A short time ago I was planning on getting my Melaleuca business back up and running after a break. Unfortunately the group that I originally started with (MomsWIN) no longer existed so I had to change my work email address. I decided on SaferInHome, but never really did much with my business so the email address sat fairly dormant until a few weeks ago when I started getting emails from Twitter on that account.

Now, call me out of touch, but I didn't have a clue what Twitter was (still don't really). I thought it was just spam and deleted it.... until I realized that each email was some sort of update. I managed to hijack the account (it was my email address so I just had them reset the password and email me the new one) so that I could figure out what was going on. Near as I can tell this person had set up their account and accidentally put in my email address (still not sure how that worked). I didn't want to close the account, but I didn't have a clue on how to reset the password so that the creator could have their account back (since the password reset would go back to my email address) so I left an entry telling the person to email me and I'd give the account back. After a couple weeks of no response (I'm guessing the person who had the account either didn't know what email address she entered, or was no longer interested in it) I closed the account knowing from my research that no one could use that email address on a Twitter account once it was closed. And in my opinion, good riddance.

Having said that, I think it's quite interesting that I've always said that I would never have a blog, yet here it is. I also strongly opposed having a MySpace or Facebook account. Okay, so I haven't caved on the MySpace thing, but yesterday when Dan was so excited to get in touch with some old Pennsylvania high school friends enough to set up his own Facebook account I caved in myself since I'd received several invites and actually knew people on there. I'm not sure the purpose of this Facebook thing. It allows for chats and mini-blogging (also known as updating status as far as I can tell) and little applications (called games and quizzes). I've manage to add this blog as well as my Goodreads account (though I'm not sure how part works) and my Photobucket account. I've connected with some friends I haven't spoken with in years (except in random emails). But I'm still not sure what else it's good for. Any hints?

Midterm Grades

I've received one mid-term grade and will get the second next Tuesday. I have, however, changed my mind about posting them (and will be taking down the poll). If you are interested in the grade(s) either email me or comment here and I'll email them to you. Otherwise, know that I'm doing fine.

School Update

It's hard to believe that Midterms have just passed (not that I had them in my classes, but it does mean that we're halfway done with the term). Just wanted to let you know how things are going. I'm still finding myself working to remember terms and definitions, but it's a little easier now. At least the math and proceedures are not too hard to pick up... yet. So far, the lowest I've gotten is a 94 and that was on a homework assignment that was due the first day I had class (I started during the second week of the term). Since these are lower level classes I'm thinking of taking three next term and then dropping back to two per term as the classes get harder. We'll have to see how things work out. My teacher is planning on giving out midterm grades soon (so people can know how they stand in the class so far) and I thought about posting them here, but I don't want to seem like I'm bragging if they are good. So I put the question to you. Vote on my poll.

Pay It Forward

My nephew's wife posted this and I wanted to participate!

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me!

My choice.

For You.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make! (Though I may ask some questions during the process.)

2. What I create will be just for you.

3. It'll be done this year (might take a little while).

4. You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be poetry or an article. It may be something sewn or crocheted. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!

5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same.

The first five people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a homemade gift from me!

Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!

Again, I'm doing this because I want to and because who doesn't like gifts made from love!

What do you think? - Penguin Cake

I decided that I would take a picture of my efforts before I even started. Then I could post it here and either say "Look what I did! :)" or "Don't try this at home :P"



I grew up watching and helping my mother decorate cakes. When an opportunity presented itself to get an inexpensive cake decorating kit, I took it. It was a Betty Crocker As Seen On TV thing that has turned out to be not too bad.... as long as you aren't planning on using more than one color. It took me a while to get the hang of it since I was used to my mother's more professional stuff, but I managed.



When my husband told me that one of his co-workers was leaving I thought it would be fun to make a cake for her and since she likes penguins I wanted to try and make a penguin shaped cake. After some thought I decided I wouldn't be up to this task yet so I just found a graphic online and worked to trace it onto a simple 9x13 frosted cake. This was harder than I thought. I ended up cutting out the total outline and using my Pampered Chef orange peeler to trace it on. I then added details free hand with the peeler and, later, frosting. We didn't know what her favorite color was (found out it was purple in time to do the hat and lettering) so I thought it would be cute to make it blue. Let me know what you think. And be honest :)

Free gift for your female Valentine!

This was actually posted on Laura's (my nephew's wife) blog, and I thought it was a good enough deal to pass along to anyone who is looking for a nice gift for their wife/girlfriend/mother. In these times of economic struggle, it's interesting to try and figure out the motivation behind the company to offer these Amethyst earrings for just the cost of shipping and handling. I'm interested myself, but as I don't wear earrings much, I cannot see spending even that much right now. Here is the link. Pass it along!