Slowly Moving along

Tomorrow is the final day of my internal medicine foundations rotation.   It was interesting to start seeing patients, taking histories, doing exams.    I really enjoyed applying my limited knowledge.   There is still sooooo much to learn.   I am looking forward to going home to see my baby girl for the holidays.   "baby girl" is a bit of an misnomer.  She is a teenager now that is driving and thinking she knows it all. 

I really want to start back to jotting down my thoughts more often.  I actually came across a blog that i was writing a long time ago and it was interesting to read it but i kind of want to delete it because for the past year or so there have been some post on there that were not from me.  I cant figure out how to get rid of it yet but i bring it up to say its interesting to kind of see the progress of things.

It goes back to 2004 and me starting to take my pre-reqs and all my other life challenges.  Its nice to think of how far i have come even though it has taken a VERY long time.

Progress

Finally feeling like I am making some progress.   I take my Step 1 at the end of the month and will be going to Florida for six weeks for Internal Medicine Foundations in November. 

I have been working full time to make a little money and I think it is going to have a major impact on my step score.   Unfortunately I had to do it.   

My kids doing pretty good 10th grade now and moved to a school that she really likes.  Also made the Elite dance team this year so she is pretty happy.  I have really enjoyed being home with her for the past few months.  

Been struggling on deciding between making her come with me or let her stay in an environment where she is really thriving.    Going to definetly let her finish the school year here.    We will figure out the next step once I find out where i will be rotating.  

I'm really excited to be moving into 3rd year and clinical medicine.   I feel like I can do well with application and hands on learning.    However I am nerves about the "pimping" and competition.   I just want to learn work hard and grow.   But I know there will always be a bit of politics to be played.    Hopefully showing up early, leaving late , and always being willing to do my part and maybe a lil extra when it's needed will be enough to do well. 

Anywho not much more going on.  Just trying to keep pushing forward and make some progress. 

Count down

Well heading into the last 3 weeks of the semester.    Kind of stressful.  Especially today I need to be studying but I'm just feeling pretty down and can't concentrate.   So I am just going to lay here for a bit get my mind together and then get back at it.  

Since I am an IMG i have to register with the ECFMG to take the step 1 and pay for it.  Besides making a big dent in my very anorexic bank account it was very exciting and scary.   So close to the next step of this journey but there are still things to get done before that. 

Pass the semester 

Pass COMP (NBME exam) we have to pass before our school lets us take the step.   We get 2 weeks after the final to study for it.   

And then after that take step 1 and get a decent score so I can apply to the residency of choice.  

And after that it's moving to Florida for 6 weeks and then off to who knows where for the next 2 years...    

Like I said exciting but scary.  But I'm lucky to have this opportinity and I don't want to mess it up.  

The rest of life has been moderate.  I have neglected gym time for study and a few extra minutes of sleep or doing nothing.   I kind of don't have the capacity to care about that anymore even though I know it's important.     At this time I have to pick my battles.  

My little one is doing well. Actually not very little she will be 15 in a few days.   I love that she is doing so well without me but then it's kind of like she is doing just fine without me. 😕.  

Anywho.   If anyone happens to read this I hope you have a good day. 😊

Last Semester!!!!

Hola!

So we are just finishing up week 3 of my final semester here on the island.  It has been a bit of a challenge to not procrastinate.   This semester we have Tuesday & Thursday off for hospital visits, Simulations, and other stuff.   So it appears to be a lot of "free time" , but that is so not the case.   Along with all the studying needed for our minis  we have to prepare for our COMP which a comprehensive NBME final we take before we take STEP 1.  

I have found that I have to stay busy.  So I have a few extra responsibilities this semester. 

Vice President of Finance for Phi Delta Epsilon

Student Government Information Technology Chair

End of Semester Banquet Committee. 

In reality they don't take up much time maybe 4-6 hours a week, but the urgency and drive to keep everything done helps me stay focused.  

I am also ( like every semester)  trying to work on being more consistent on going to the gym and taking care of myself.   I am also on an initiative to "Love Myself".  I know super cheezy.  But its important for me.  Without getting to sappy, I think I have always compared myself to others.  And I want to just be happy with who I am, while also working to improve things for myself not for anyone else... 

I am going to start being more active on my Instagram @NyWood79 maybe post some videos and stuff.  

My little one is doing great!  She has been making great grades in high school.  (where does the time go).  Dance season is about to start up.  She was really excited because she got to get a solo choreographed by a guest choreographer.    Super Proud of her... 

Well I guess I should get back to work.  I am way behind on completing UWorld round 1 by end of the semester.  

See you later alligator. 

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays everyone.  This is the first Christmas in a long time where I have been alone.  

I'm a little bummed but killing my time watching horror movies and made me some lentils for the first time.   So that's cool I guess.  

😜

Almost there...

So I will be going into my last semester on the island in January. I am so looking forward to going home and seeing my kiddo.  

I am staying here over the Christmas break so I am bored out of my mind.  I had planned on studying up for next semester but so far I have not been very successful at that.  

Other than that not a lot going on. 

Congratulations to my amazing friend on the birth of her very first little one.  Love you. Can't wait to see you guys.  

Where has the time gone...

So much has happened since my last post, yet nothing has changed...

Started M2 back in August.  I am enjoying the pathology and clinical focused medicine a lot.   But it definitely has its set of challenges.  The schedule is pretty different and there is plenty of work trying to prepare for your upcoming mini and start to sprinkle in Comp and Step Study.

I am looking forward to going home in April.  Unfortunately I have not been back home since last Christmas so its kind of stressful.  The positive side of having to stay here over the break is working the Welcome Committee. I get a chance to meet new students and see them around campus and provide encouragement or share a laugh.

I also moved closer to campus.  I love my place!  Unfortunately its more expensive but I have found that I really like the flexibility of being able to come and go to and from campus easily.

My kid started high school.  Its pretty painful that I am not there.  I feel like I have missed out on so many things.  And there are little things that I can not control from here and its a bit challenging.

I guess for the most part that's about it.  Study , test, repeat.  I think that's how I fell off posting, It didn't really seem like I had much to talk about.   I am going to try and post more to really challenge myself to think about what I am doing and strive for improvement.


Back to the books...

End of Week 2

So its the end of week two of Second Semester...

So far its a bit different than first semester.   We have the allusion of more time this semester since we don't have anatomy lab in the afternoons and only have clinical & Case Studies a couple times a week.   And the reason I say its an allusion is because the material seems deceptively manageable.   

So basically we have Cardiovascular Physiology and Respiratory Physiology over 3 weeks.   It seems manageable applying similar techniques as I did last semester.   However, I start doing these USMLE Physiology pretest questions and you would have thought I had not even looked over the material at all.  

I think my main problem is that I have not successfully moved to a more integrated approach to consuming and applying the material.  I am going through slides and supplemental reading, but I think its just laying on the surface.  

I need to adjust my studying approach again.  I may even go see a tutor or advisor to get some tips on how to shift my approach.

Overall things are going pretty ok.   I wish I would have taken the time to move before the semester started.  I have gotten more reluctant to leave the apartment and I waste to much time and money when I go to campus all day.   I have considered renting a scooter its actually cheaper than moving into a place closer to campus.

So in a nutshell I am still looking for my balance in most areas.  But I am confident I will move past these new hurdles like I did the last.

My little one is doing well.  She is off at a dance convention/competition this weekend.  It is the kick-off to competition season. I think secretly I am a little depressed that I am having to miss all of that his year. 

Well I guess that's about it. :) 

Second Semester !!!

Well here we are two days in to second semester.   It has been a challenge getting back into the swing of things.   I have actually not even left my room for about two days.   Thank Goodness for Mediasite (on demand lectures).

However tomorrow I am getting my butt up and heading to school in the morning. If I don't go first thing in the morning I loose motivation with each passing hour.   I had planned on hitting the gym at least 3 mornings of the week, but they are working on the showers.   I live so far I don't want to work out, then have to walk home to shower, and then go back to campus.    So I just have not done anything. 

As I mentioned I have been having a bit of a challenge getting back in the groove.  I am doing my pre-review and listening to lecture, but I have not been doing my Post review study products.   However since I will be stuck on campus all day tomorrow I will play catch up.

Other than that not a lot going on.  Found out there are bats living above me, but apparently that's normal here.   I had been telling myself I had a very quite upstairs neighbor with a non-barking dog or very active cat!   But that's Dominica for ya.


I guess that's about it.  I want to try and document a little more this semester, we shall see.


Happy New Year !

Semester One Fininshed

So I finished semester One December 16th.   For a while there I was a bit worried, but I was able to focus up and and get through that last stretch.

I have been enjoying my time back in Texas.  Been to a few christmas parties and Chipotle!   Have a birthday party today and a football party tomorrow.   It has been a very busy week. 

I started reading over some physiology to help get me ready for the cardiology block starting next semester but I have not gotten far.    I will be getting back to school about a week before class starts so I may buckle down then.

I have heard that you should just rest and not study and I have heard you should go over the first weeks of material to get ahead.

I don't know whats the best option, but I have definitely done more resting than reading... :)

It was 70 degrees for a few days here in Texas, but that has changed today and the crappy weather is in...   Which means its probably a good time to catch up on movies...


If I had any tips for today they would be.

1. take advantage of outside material. The slides may be dense and seem to cover all you need, but sometimes there is some additional understanding in suggested or researched outside material that can help improve understanding and application.

2. Start using your First Aid book  first semester.   I found that If I review the relevant material in the book you can use it for a good overview of high yield material throughout the following semester.  It is very high level, but it helps me to review some high level topics for long term retention.

3. Develop a detail plan that includes breaks and stick to it.  I found I had good intentions in this area but terrible follow through.   I also did not schedule in rest time so after mini's I would not be able to pick up study material for like 2 days.    Next semester I am going to schedule in Sunday afternoons off.  I want to spend that time doing something non-class related. 

I guess that's about it... 

Random

So as I take a little break for learning thought I would jot down some random thoughts.

I have been in medical school a whole 3 months...  Its amazing how much you can take in such a short amount of time. 

Random comments to those interested in medicine.

- make sure this is really what you want to do. 
  - it takes a lot of your time.
  - if you thought pre-med took a bunch of your time, wait till you go to medical school, then residency, then practice....  Its a life long journey.
 
- make sure you start working on your morals, integrity, and professionalism.  
  - you don't to work hard your first year or two in medschool and then get kicked out for something stupid.
 - you don't want to bust your but through school, clerkship, and residency and then loose your license due to something stupid.
  - during one of our Ethics classes teacher pulled up websites from multiple states of Doctor's who were suspended or loss their license due to stupid choices like 
 - relationships with patients
- grossly prescribing medications
- getting caught in inappropriate behavior even outside of work...
- being impaired on the job
-- its definitely worth checking out..

- Get used to studying...
   - it never stops.
  -  test after test after test...
  -  if you are studying for the MCAT and find that you are having trouble.  Try and figure out what your pitfall is, because you will be taking standardize test FOREVER....
   is it focus, time management, anxiety, fear, procrastination, the medium in which you are learning material.    FIGURE IT OUT NOW....  you don't want to struggle with that while trying to learn all this dang material.
 --  I found that I have to supplement my lectures with short videos that give me a broad overview. Or go into detail on a complex topic.   I found that if there is a hole in a concept in my mind I cant really wrap mind around everything else that I am trying to learn.
   I also kind of don't get as much from reading as I do from watching & listening.  So videos tend to help me lay the foundation in my brain.
   I also prefer to learn the material, rather than memorize, but you don't always have time for that.   I really have to work on my memorizing techniques.


anywhoo.. back to work..

Heading toward the Home Stretch

Well...

apparently I will be starting every entry off with "its been a while" , but it has been a while.

Things are going okay.  We had our 3rd Mini about a week ago, unfortunately my performance on that was not was I had hoped.  I actually thought I studied pretty hard on that.  But my wifi was out at home for about 2 weeks so I had to study at school.  I think I "went over" a lot of material but did not really ingest any.  I didn't do the thing at home where I talk to an imaginary person about the objectives.

  On a more positive note I felt pretty good about the anatomy practical we had on Monday.

We have  six more weeks of school left and it is going to be HELL on Wheels...

we have 5 weeks of dense material

Mini 4 - December 7th
MicroAnatomy/Histolgy Practical - December 10th
Anatomy Practical 3 - December 11th
Semester Final - December 15th

My mind is crazy right now...  Those four exams make up 50% of our grade.
I am trying to stay on top of all the material each week. 
I am trying to review each weekend like I am going to take a test on that material on Monday.
I need to work in more time to look over old stuff for the final & review histology from earlier in the semester.

People do this and make great grades so I know its not impossible. I just need to find what works for me.

Life on the island is still the same.
I am sooooooo looking forward to going home. 
I want to
drive a car
eat some chipotle
go to a movie
watch a SHIT LOAD of TV.....

I have been considering moving to a nicer place closer to campus.  However the prices are basically double or triple what I am paying right now.   Even though it is doable, I will have fewer resources for my kid back home, and they have competition coming up so I have to be able to pay for that.

Luckily she is in way fewer numbers than usual so it will be pretty affordable.  But she still needs things here and there.    I dont know...

I was supposed to submit a letter of intent back in October if I wanted to move by next semester.   So if I do decided to move it will have to be a mid semester move.  

Or I could just do another semester here.  


Anywhooo..
my daughter is doing pretty well.  She is very happy where she is.
There have been a couple of "teenage" bumps, but they were nothing too big.
I miss her like crazy, but I think it is very good that she has had to learn to be more responsible.
I didnt realize how much I took care of everything. I don't think she did either.
I think this is really helping to build a very smart, strong, and capable young lady.

Okay... I guess that's about it.

Also today is Veteran's Day.  So if anyone who happens to be reading this has answered the call to serve.

Thank you for your service!

Mini 2 coming up.

So its been a while since my last post.  I think I was pretty stressed out because I did not perform as well as I would have liked to on the fist test.


Well the next test is in 2 days.   I tried to adjust my study habits in a few different ways.

I started back to using quizlet (online flashcard tool)
- I found I spent a good deal of time setting it up putting in the information, but never really having the time to go back over it.
- also some of the material is a little bit harder to get into the tool concisely. 
- I am not sure if I will continue this option.

- thank goodness we got a few days with some pretty hefty study blocks, So I have been using my whiteboard to go over lectures and hash out the objectives.
 - think i am going to consider just doing the white board option, and then taking a picture of my summary board to go over at the end of the week.

Its a continuous learning process.  I have talked to a few 2nd - 4th semesters and they all have different things to say, but most did change their habits from one semester to the next.

However I still have tonight and tomorrow to review.  I think I am in a decent place. 

On a different note.  We finally had white coat ceremony on Friday.  It was delayed due the hurricane we had right before class started.
The ceremony was really nice and encouraging.  The Keynote was a Ross Grad who is now a County medical examiner. She did her fellowship in Detroit, which had to be a major experience.

I had a mild interest in the medical examiner specialty back in the day, but don't know that I truly considered it as an option.  However her story was pretty interesting, and maybe I will play close attention during pathology and try to find a rotation that can get me some experience with the coroner.  

I guess that's about it.

My note to premeds for today is...

KNOW YOUR BIOCHEM....
I did not take biochem in undergrad, and 1st semester is filled with Biochem.  And you have to call on it often in the following semesters. 

If you did not take it I recommend taking it.
If you did not do well, I recommend retaking it or at least going over it on your own to brush up on areas you found challenging.

Good luck to anyone hoping to hear back this application cycle!

First Mini Done...

Well we had our first Mini today and the grades are out.

Unfortunately my grad was less that stellar.  I was below the class average not by a whole lot, but enough to be scary.

I knew going in that it was going to be the small things that got me.  I just did not get it all in effectively.

So while my classmates are off at the beach or having a drink I am trying to do some soul searching.

I have been looking up different successful study habits.  

Here is an article that basically sums up the major options for medical school.

http://www.medicalschoolsuccess.com/studying-in-medical-school/

When it comes down to it, you have to do what works for you. (what everyone says)  But when you are not sure what that is, its kind of scary.

Class vs. No Class
I have considered not going to class and just watching them online and studying on my own.  Some people swear by this route.   I kind of prefer class though...  I am afraid to try because I am afraid to get behind.

I know for sure I am going to start just going home as soon as I can and studying there.

Being on campus I have to listen to music in my headphones to help with distractions.  At home I can just study in quite.  The only problem is it really runs up the electric bill and I would have to shop often for food.  Which I hate doing here.

Note Taking
I am also going back and forward on paper notes vs. electronics notes. 

It seems like it takes forever to make electronic notes. 
Paper notes are quicker but my drawing is garbage. 
Its easier to access digital notes, vs caring around binders.
I think writing helps it get into my brain.

Group vs. Individual
I have been mostly studying alone.  I tried studying with someone the other day but it was not productive as I hoped. 
They have "peer group" sessions.  But its not like a group session. An upperclassman who made good grades is just there to help you if you have a question.
I would like to find a group to at least go to once a week. Just to make sure I am covering everything.

I think the biggest improvement I can make right now is to put in more time.  Just buckle down and put in more time.

On a different note. 
I have been going to the gym pretty regularly.  Even though I think my main motivation is the hot water, not really the working out.   Taking cold showers at my place is No Bueno.  So I kind of use it as a punishment for not going to the gm.

I will just say that medical school is no joke.  I don't even know if hard is the correct word for it.  Its a lot of things that you have to put in your mind and be able to recall for for years to come.

I will get through it.  I am going to keep pushing and adjusting where I need to.

Week One Finished

So I have completed the first week of medical school.

I would love to say how amazing everything is and how I am ahead of the game.


My reality...

Its a lot of information.
I am still trying to find the right study strategy to retain and integrate all the material.
Living in a foreign country with resources and ways I am not accustomed is taking a while to get used to.
I miss my baby, and she never calls me :(
I am a little stressed that I am not where I want to be.
  - I have not started working out.
  - My anatomy recall is not good
  - I am in a less than ideal mental space.

But...

I have adjusted my study strategy after meeting with some of the resources on campus.
I am going to pack some work out clothes and put them in my locker @ school and when I am ready I will hit the gym (hopefully tomorrow)
My landlord has fixed some of the problems at my apt and I have tried to make it as homely as I can. 
I want to try and go to the beach maybe for lunch next week. Get a chance to appreciate the beauty of where I am not just the challenges. 

I am super surprised that I am feeling so stressed this early in the game. 
I think I am just hard on myself. 
I am going to focus up. And if I don't do as well as I want on the first test. I will know that I worked my hardest. 

Almost there...

I had a couple of friends reach out to check on me.   Thank you so much for thinking of me.  

What's the haps?

I flew out of DFW 8/28 and the last leg from Puerto Rico to Dominica was canceled due to the damage done to the area by hurricanes Danny and Erika.  

I have been in San Juan since Friday, but the school has been amazing.  They are paying for hotels and giving a food allowance.  There are over 200 students here and some on 3 other nearby islands. 

The school campus is not damaged and as of 8/31 all electricity, water, and communication has been restored in the school and near by areas.  

The airport is not opened yet and the roads are not consistent.  

But the school will start as planned on 8/7.  The plan so far for us in Puerto Rico  is to fly to Guadalupe starting Today (I leave Thursday) and then take a Ferry to Portsmith where the school is.  

It was nice to have a basically free mini vaycay , but we are missing orientation and that week we had to get settled and acclimated.   

It was a chance to meet other students. But to be homest as kind of a quite non-traditional career changer, some of these folks are a bit much.  So much competition and the need to feel superior or awesome in conversation is kind of annoying.  I spent a lot of time in my room.  Unfortunately the Wifi in the hotel is inconsistent so no Netflix or Internet. Just reading and TV.  

  

Any who. That's were I am at now.  Hope all is well with anyone who stops by to read this.    

Here are a couple picks from walking around old San Juan, PR

4 days left !

well.. actually really only 3 because I have to be at the airport at like 3 am on Friday.

My head is spinning.  Every time I mark a few things off the list new things pop up.

There are also so many things I have to do when I get to the island.  I need to start writing some things down.

I think one of the main things to realize about going international, especially to a school that has so many people is  you have to be responsible and independent.

Starting any major program and moving is a lot of work.  But you throw on top of that international visas, travel arrangement, planning orientation and registration a 2000 miles a way.  Its a lot of WORK.  And no one does it for you, they help as much as they can and send emails.  But you have to make sure it gets done.

I personally do not have a problem with the work, but I am super paranoid about missing something or something going wrong. 

I read all these stories of bags not getting there for 3 weeks, the lack of this product or that product, and all these things you should be bringing with you...  ::internal scream::

Anywho.
  this week will be filled with "closing the loop"
    - getting J completly packed and moved ( about 74% done)
    - purging "stuff" and packing the rest for me (20% done)
    - Getting all J's administrative & health done. ( 84% done)
          -- dentist appt on Wed & getting school physical notarized as soon as the call me to pick it up)
    - My medical stuff ( 90% done)
          -- got my years worth of Rx script done, dentist appt today)
    - shopping (80 % done)  
          -- still need to get J a few incidentals and some random things for me if my suitcase allows.
    - Good byes, 
         -- I have like 5 lunches/breakfast/dinners  planed with friends to say good bye.
    - mental preparedness.  
        -- I think I need to print off of checklist of all the things I need to have to get into the country     and all the task I need to complete on the island prior to registration ( a lot)

Everyone keeps asking me "Are you excited"   I should just say "yes" and leave it at that.  But I never can.   I know I should be excited, and maybe I am excited.   But I think I have other dominating feelings like stress, fear, and guilt that are tugging at me.

I know this is a great opportunity.  And I am pretty sure my kid is ok with it.  I know she is going to a good place.  Its just all these decisions that are coming up for her, that I usually help her make and follow through on, I am giving them to someone else.    She is a great kid and has done pretty well with all my/our craziness.  And she wanted to stay.  So I just need to make my peace with it and move forward.

I spent extended periods away from my mom as a kid and it shaped who I am .  There are many mothers who have to spend time away from their kids to serve our country (not that I am comparing my story to theirs)  and their kids do well.

But I digress... 

To sum up my rant.
 -- 4 days left
 - things are moving forward and I am for the most part on tract.
 - looks like Hurricane Danny has been downgraded to a tropical storm and should be passed the island by Thursday 8/27. ( I am leaving the US 8/28)

And so it begins indeed.....

Happy Birthday to Me!

So today is my 36th Birthday.... What the what what???

I cant believe how the time continues to fly by me.  That is still a lot of time so I am not complaining.

I read a cool little article about multiple women who did great things after the age of 40.  I am looking forward to all the adventures and accomplishments I will add to my life list.


10 MORE DAYS LEFT....

still have not made much progress on getting my stuff packed. I think its something I am going to knock out in a day.

I thinking should I try to make my blog into a helpful blog instead of just ramblings inside my head...

Maybe I can do one helpful blog a month and then the rest just randomness.. :-P

It's approaching fast

Well 14 days left and then I am on a plane.  

Things have been progressing. 

My friends threw me an amazing going away party. 

I received awesome gifts for school and enough money to put a down payment on my apartment.  

Speaking of which I signed my lease last week, it's crazy small and a pretty minimalistic.  But it will leave me with enough money to make sure my baby can still dance and do a couple of fun things while I am away.  

I took off this morning and ran a few errands with her.   

She was pretty excited to open up her first checking account.  

We also got every thing ready for her passport.  

I am considering having her visit during the summer, but I will be in class so I am not sure what we are going to do yet.  

May even meet some friends at a resort in the Caribbean and she just fly up and back with them.  

Most of my administrative task are complete. 

Visa application complete 

Financial aid has been awarded and scheduled to be released at orientation.  

Insurance is still not complete, but I am staying on top of it. 

Now I just need to organize and pack.  My mom's place looks a hot mess with my crap everywhere.  I am really bad at doing a little at a time.   

I just want to turn on the music and just knock it out all at once.  So that's my plan for the next two Sunday's.  

I am barely making it through work.  I totally should have made this my last week. I am thinking that extra 300$ for next week is not actually worth it.  

I still have not hit excitement yet.  I think once I get everything done and I am coasting I will feel it.  

Next two weeks are the last two with my baby for a while.  I gotta find a way to make the most of it.  

Well back to work (kind of). 

Less than a Month

So I have less than one month to get all my ducks in a row.

My friend is throwing me a go away party tomorrow.
I have the ROSS new student social tomorrow also.
I turn in my Visa Application today (a little late).


I still need...
   - lease an apartment
   - get my supplies
   - consolidate my crap that is staying in the US.
   - Get J set up with school and dance supplies
 

I am looking forward to the last week between work and leaving.
  - I am going to try and do something fun with my little one.
  - I am going to try and read as many novels as I can.
  - I am going to Binge watch as many shows as I can.


I don't really have any major emotions at this time like Fear or Excitement.  But I am also pretty level headed and laid back.  But I am sure a few days before I take off I am going to have crazy waves of feelings going to through me.


* I also noticed that a post I updated for a few months ago showed up as if I posted it yesterday.  Not sure why. But its an old post.