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Being Light but Pensive

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Like everyone in the world, I have many faces and hats. I began blogging years ago on LiveJournal to keep a personal diary, and still use it to catch up on various groups of interest. I have such a gamut of loves: Classic Ford Mustangs, surfing, rugby, MLB baseball, American football, automobile racing, house rabbits, knitting/crocheting, information technology, 3-phase electricity, working out, food, and wine. The last three are intricately linked because of my Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. I have been fortunate to learn a great deal about my loves after being “tossed into the deep end” of discovery. My passion allowed the knowledge to sink into my head, and I have been able to use that knowledge accordingly when needed. There is always one exception. In my case I have two: the worlds of IT and 3-phase.

The lack of paper credentials to support all that tucked away knowledge has been a thorn in my side. In today’s job market, those credentials matter to a company’s human resources department. The problem is larger for me: I have never tested well on exams after high school. I managed with difficulty to acquire the college credits that I have now, but still am a year’s shy of graduating after leaving school 15 years ago. Some years ago, I discovered my niece had a similar problem with her studies, and I realized with relief that our struggles were from a learning disability of digesting what we studied aurally. Unless we wrote down a lecture word-for-word or took incredible notes, the spoken information never sank into our minds unless we were extremely focused on the subject matter. It also explained why my brain readily discarded information I was no longer using on a daily basis — my interest for the topic in question was gone.

Recently the challenge of becoming a Certified IS Auditor (CISA) was presented to me, and after a bit of thought I accepted it. In order to ensure I do not have to repeat this pricey test in June 2010, I have been kicking around different approaches on how to be comfortably embedded with the material for December’s exam. My “aha moment” hit: blog about it. By doing so, I will be confirming that I had grasped the concepts. I would also be reviewing what I learned in a form of a presentation, and would be able to discuss the details with others.

So why all of this information? One item I learned at Podcamp was that whiplashes of topic changes can freak out a reader. Until I revamp this little website into the envisioned sections that I want to incorporate, I want to warn everybunny of my plan to post the CISA entries. Meanwhile, I do plan on re-starting my diary of fibery visits, and am looking forward to the Fiber Revival in Newbury, MA (which is run by the talented and amazing Julia from “Moth Heaven” and Twist Collective fame) tomorrow. I also will be topping the day with a visit to Joppa Fine Foods to get some Jeni’s Ice Cream. 😀 As for Sunday, I am going to sneak a peek of the “Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese: Rivals in Renaissance Venice,” exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Feel free to come join me! =:8

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6 Comments

  1. Ah, I don’t learn well with by just listening. For about 1 minute I understand crystal clear and then it is all jumbled. I liken it to having hearing dyslexia. I learned in PT school that there are three basic kinds of learners: Auditary, Visual and Kinesthetics. Good luck!

  2. I have great empathy – I was diagnosed with ADHD at a very late age (just a few years ago) and it’s been a revelation. As a result of the diagnosis, I sought help from professionals and figured out the best way I learn and how to add some very specific tools to help me. I was able to find a college that specializes in the learning-style that’s best for me and I am now just a few courses away from a bachelors – which for me is a frickin’ miracle.

    I’m so glad for you!!! You are awesome and talented and un-freakin’-stoppable.

    ~ frickin’-freakin’ hb33 ~

  3. I have a similar issue. I know my brother has ADD, and it’s possible I do too. One of the reasons I chose philosophy and french as majors because I thought I would be interested in each of the classes that were required for the majors. It wasn’t until much later that I realized that I have a horrible audial memory. While i don’t know if it’s a disorder per se (I’ve never seen anyone about it ever), I wouldn’t be surprised.

    My plan was usually to write things down repeatedly or to try to explain whatever I was learning to unsuspecting friends. 🙂

  4. As a SLP and mother/daughter/wife of dyslexics and sister to someone with nonverbal learning disability I have a unique perspective I had to stand up for my daughter so the school would teach in a way she could learn I got them to give her class notes since she could either listen OR take notes but not both and got multi media for her
    taped lectures books on tape since she was a auditory learner My husband is also dyslexic but NOT an auditory + ADD He needs brief bullets and actions since he is a “see & do” learner There is a law which protects you which mandates that institutions must teach in the way someone learns GET TESTED clarify your learning style and challenges and then the schools must accomodate your style of learning There are many many adults with learning differences NASA prefers to hire those with dyslexia since the right brained folk can and do think outside the verbal box There are many learning differences Contact the SLP or communication disorders dept at the nearest university and see if they can help you in your quest for this class/test/certification
    best wishes oh and look on ebay for ACEO blue rabbit minature art 2.5″ x 3 ” I did not win the blue cat but I saw the rabbit and thought of you
    take care
    This is a way of fighting for what belongs to you ENlist others
    Good things will follow

  5. Someone shared with me your wonderful Clapotis Row by Row spreadsheet – after I had started over five times.
    What a big help it will be. Maybe I won’t have to pull my hair out after all. Thank you for making it available.

    I looked up your site and truly enjoyed your essay. I love the right turn! This is the way I love to work with my clients and with MYSELF. O’Hanlon wrote a book called “Do One Thing Different.” Same ideas. When we are awake, present and mindful, who knows what we will notice or learn? Robert Bly wrote a poem which suggests that you imagine opening the door and finding a moose standing there with a baby nested in his antlers – and other unexpected things. I wish you luck with the right turns!

    As for job hunting, you prob. already are aware that most jobs are secured through connections with people whom we know. Get out your address book, rolodex, email contacts and mine that. Hope this helps. Thanks again for sharing your spreadsheet, your right turn and your wisdom. Lee-n-NOLA

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