Soldiering on while balancing, in no particular order, work, photography, literature/reading, household chores, life in general and maths
Updated my definitions document and watched a tutorial re unit 2, took some notes, finished a set of exercises and organized my desk, which was starting to look like a warzone and getting on my nerves. An organized and tidy space is always relaxing, actually, I find that cleaning/tidying up/decluttering/ironing are quiet relaxing activities... compared to maths anyway
Fractions are currently the bane of my existence , I don't know why I find them so hard to solve, but I'll get there, hopefully before the exam next June
10 November
Today I'm going to start work around at 14:00. I have some errands to run this morning. If all goes according to plan I will carry on reviewing Unit 2, probably two or 3 sections on graphs, gradients and intercepts, simultaneous equations and, if I still have a brain left, quadratics. If by then I'm not in a coma, I will fiddle a bit with Maxima. That will take me a few good hours, since I'm so slow... so I'll probably finish this on Sunday
I have broken everything down to manageable chunks, so it doesn't look as daunting as it really is
It might not sound like it, but I do like this course
I'm keeping a list of the music I link, so I don't post the same song twice
I honestly didn't expect I would be updating this blog regularly
Taking cat to the vet in 30 minutes... I'm dreading it, the last time she was there she went mental and didn't recognize me until she calmed down
Got to pick up some books from the post office, maths books from the OU, so not overly excited but I did get a book with critical essays on King Lear yesterday
Cleaning and groceries after vet and post office, well, maybe some ironing, but I think I'll do that first thing tomorrow so it's all done by 6am. Then I can go out and take some pictures, be back home by 10:00 and just potter around and read for a bit, before it's time for maths
Not much to say, made some good progress yesterday and will probably finish revising unit 2 this afternoon, which means that tomorrow I'll start with unit 3, Functions. I think I'm going to take tomorrow off from studying, or if I do anything I'll just see what I need for this unit, make some preliminary notes, print the exercise workbook for the unit, update the definitions document and answer a couple of questions for the iCMA... right, so I will be studying
I didn't have time for Maxima yesterday, so I'll try doing that tomorrow morning before work
I've also downloaded some past exam papers, just to get a better idea of what to expect. They already sent me one with the course materials but the more the better. I'll start practising in May, if I'm still doing the course
I've got this
Other random stuff
This and this and then some of this, the last one is a fado, so you might weep listening to it... not that I do...
I survived taking the cat to the vet, she didn't stop growling and hissing but we made it without any scratches...
Got some pictures of the cathedral's ceiling, arches and columns, so I'll see if I can use them for this week's assignment. I'll probably go back next Saturday and take some more using what I've learnt so far
Not much to report, unit 3 is a beast. I divide my study in two: 30 minutes for algebra and 2 hours for the unit I'm studying. I'm finding algebra is getting easier to do, so happy to see some progress at last
Assignment 1 results
Well, I obviously failed because I didn't finish answering all of the questions, I think I answered around a third? Not sure. Anyway, got 36% and you need 40% to pass. I know I failed but I'm still quite pleased because my tutor said I had a good grasp of algebra, I just need to keep on top of things. I've already started the second computer assignment due on 13 December, so that's good
17 November
Today: algebra, unit 3 (functions), take notes, organize notes, consolidate what I've learnt so far and not lose my mind
It sounds boring but I'm enjoying it, even when I feel frustrated and get stuck, which happens quite often
My ED has been getting worse lately and today has not been a good day. I have been dozing off and cuddling with Terminator under a blanket, trying to read Mythos (Stephen Fry). He has an enganging style and he seems to cover a lot of information just very superficially. I guess it's fine as an introduction but he is no Robert Graves (and I suppose it was not his intention anyway). So SF for a light entertaining introduction to the Greek myths, and RG if you are looking for a comprehensive edition
Anyway, no maths today, too tired to think
I don't know if I've got this, maybe when my mood improves...
No maths, just reading Mythos and listening to Erik Satie
20 November
I opened the book to study unit 3... that's how far I got... at least I opened it. I have a tutorial this Thursday, maybe I will feel better by then but right now looking at all these numbers, letters and formulas is making me cringe
So, as I've failed so badly at studying maths, I'm going to write down some of the books I'm planning to read:
Mythos (currently reading) Heroes (Stephen Fry) The rape of Nanking (Iris Chang) October (China Miéville) Kraken (China Miéville) American gods (Neil Gaiman) Good omens (Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman) The universe in your hand (Christophe Galfard)
Maybe I'll end up writing reviews and recommending books in this blog
Right, I have a plan. I have a load of work to do and need to catch up pronto, so just been skimming through book 1 (covers first 3 units) and going through my notes. My memory and focus are rubbish, so it's a question of going over things over and over again until they stick
Tomorrow there is a tutorial. It's like being in class but without seeing or having to talk to anyone (thank the powers that be), they also record them so if I miss something I can always go back later. This one covers unit 3, Functions. I'll try to review enough material to understand what the tutor is talking about
I've realised that there are still some things I don't understand from unit 2, so I'm going to review those sections tonight + 30 minutes algebra and get on with the exercise booklets (3 booklets...) and 2 or 3 more questions from iCMA 2, but they are so long, and I realized earlier that to answer some questions I have to do draw the graph... basically, I need to think
So, yes, I've got this, or I have until the next slump
Randomness
This, because he is as cool as a cucumber and this, because he is the king of cool
It's a cold and sunny day
Terminator wants to cuddle every evening, let's see how that works out tonight while I try to solve equations and stuff
I feel calm today, hopefully it will last
My fingers are better so I'm going to try practising the ukulele
I name my instruments, my piano is called Lola and my ukulele is called Titus
If I have time, I'll try finishing Mythos this week, and start with Heroes
Had the tutorial for unit 3. It's made me question everything... E-VE-RY-THING This was one of the general online tutorials, and it's not limited to a number of students so everyone can attend. Also, you don't have to participate if you don't want to, so I just listen, take notes and read the comments/questions that students make. The other type of tutorials are for smaller groups although they are not tutor specific, i.e. you can sign up to a tutorial even if it's not run by your tutor
Functions... well, not much I can say about them but if I thought fractions were the bane of my existance, functions will be the end of me... but I'll manage, just taking my own sweet time to understand things And why does the world need different types of functions, why not have one for everything? There's linear, constant, quadratic, polynomial, modulus, reciprocal, rational, etc... why?
I forgot to take notes during the tutorial, but I can watch it again so that's ok
23 November
Algebra practice questions, skimmed through my notes because I still have problems remembering how to do things, worked on another iCMA42 question and drew some graphs, do you draw or do you plot graphs? Kept it light today because by the end of the week I'm dead on my feet
24 November
This afternoon I'm going to continue with the online quiz (aka iCMA42). I have to check the deadline for submitting it, I think it's due on 11 December, not the 13. Then more algebra exercises and carry on with unit 3. I think I've finally got graphs, at least enough to get by. I find that moving from one thing to another works for me, because when I hit a roadblock it helps me realise that I haven't understood something as well as I thought. I'll also watch Thursday's tutorial and take some notes
Anyway, onwards and upwards, although I feel like Sysiphus and maths is my personal boulder
Ah well, it is what it is but I have this
Random things
This because it helps me focus, and this because it is beautiful
If I could eat, I would eat Chinese food now... will probably eat a salad
Enjoying Mythos, will finish it this weekend
The list of books that I want to read is growing exponentially, so many good books
Going over what I've done so far in unit 3 with some live studying... ahem
Sets, subsets and the euro symbol €
Section 1.1 Sets of real numbers
A set is a collection of objects, a gathering of odds and evens, a council of numbers, a fellowship of figures. An object is called element or member that belong to a set. Ok, I've got this part, and just skimming through some more definitions and notation... moving on to Venn diagrams... and moving forward...
How is this useful? "(...) a particular number lies in, or doesn't lie in, a particular interval or union of intervals" I'm going to read that again. Ok, so they either belong to a group or they don't... because there is a gap in the line, it skips a number...
1.2 What is a function?
This I understand, a function is when a quantity depends on another quantity, the first one is the function of the second one. Now it's starting to get tricky with domains, codomains and the rule of the function... so I'm leaving this post here because I need to focus on this properly and stop fooling around
In a parallel universe I'm sure I've got this, this one? Not so much
Random things
This, it starts at 0:29, and 9 minutes of magic here, go to 4:50 if you want to know what bliss sounds like
I miss writing essays... I think I'm going to rewrite some of my favourite ones
Getting some new books delivered next week... one is The Man in the High Castle, by Philip K. D i c k, he wrote Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? The film Blade Runner is based on it, Rutger Hauer at 2:55 never gets old... Harrison Ford's voice reminds me of Homer Simpson
Not sure where to start, it has been a difficult week, the material is getting harder, obviously, and I'm taking longer to understand things, plus I keep forgetting things that I've already done, so I have to spend extra time on them. Next time I want something challenging, I will try paragliding… but I'm stubborn and I'm going to finish this
26 to 28 November
Algebra, algebra, algebra, from the Arabic word al-yâbr
So went back to unit 2 to revise quadratics and then back to unit 3. I guess functions are not that terrible… ha ha ha
Answered another question from the quiz. I won't know if I got the answers right until I submit it, I'm aiming for a 40%, anything above that will be a plus
29 November
Managed to attend half the tutorial on trigonometry (unit 4), it was quite awful, the subject, not the tutor. I only skimmed through the unit before it started because I'm like two weeks behind and didn't have time to look at it properly. I'll listen to the recording later when I can understand some of it. Then it was back to unit 3, which I hope to finish by 2050
No maths today. The last 2 months have been pretty intense and I need a break from maths, so I'm taking a few days off to recharge my batteries, and probably will post music links and book recommendations/short reviews for the next 3 or 4 days, but nothing maths related
My ED has spiralled out of control and I decided to send an email to student support to see if I could defer the module to the February presentation. They've explained what I need to do, but have also been advised to talk to my tutor before deciding anything . I haven't spoken to them yet, but I'm going to continue with this presentation... thank you ED and MH for making my life that more difficult.. guess it's onwards and upwards or most probably downwards The good news is that when I get my 40%, and I will, it won't count towards my degree. I'm an eternal optimist so let me repeat this: MY DEGREE
Probably haven't got this and I need a plan
Other random stuff
This because it's uplifting, it's a love song (I think) but I'd rather pretend it's about real angels, like the Powers, who are warrior angels, and not all these lovely dovey putti and cupids that are just too sugary to stomach, not that I believe in angels and stuff like that, but if the four horsemen of the apocalypse decide to roam the earth (apparently they are but not as horsemen) and evil demons were unleashed, well, let's say that I'd want the Powers on my side...
Skimming through books, in case osmosis is a real thing
6 December
Draft email to tutor re catching up
Send reply to student support and update my MH records
Get on with unit 3 and prepare materials for unit 4 (Trigonometry). I'm going to take notes for this unit while doing unit 3, not sure if that's wise but I'm just trying to figure out what works and what doesn't
Survive
No, I haven't got this, but I'm trying
Randomness
This by Love of Lesbian, lyrics below to sing along like nobody is listening
Sólo cuando no me ves si no me ves, encuentro el valor de mirarte sin el pánico que aún siento a tu inconsciente coacción.
Ahora que tú no me ves, admitiré, que un deseo malvado en un sueño se burlaba de mi torre de control.
Y era sucio y era pecado, no puedo asimilar que era yo ... y era yo.
Ya está, de una vez lo he dicho, que dé igual, no siempre da lo mismo.
Tú llovías sobre mojado, debajo de tu nube era yo ... y era yo.
Ya está, de una vez lo he dicho, que dé igual, no siempre da lo mismo.
Cualquiera que me viera en mis negras horas, reptando por tu piel cuando es pared se creería que mi vicio es lamer tus sombras, pero sólo lo hago cuando no me ves.
Por mucho que me esfuerce a todas horas, el deseo salta muros al revés.
Ahora te pido que me odies de memoria, como un himno de los que saben perder.
Negaré ante el mundo lo siguiente: que si de algo voy sobrado es de falta de autoestima y que por eso te lo canto sin tener que usar "te quiero" a través de una metáfora, ese ánfora que uso para resguardar mis miedos.
A que un día las comprendas, situación inaceptable.
Puede ser que esté viciado a que te cueste descifrarme, si entendieras la ironía de querer estar a solas y cuando al fin tiempo consigo me pregunto por qué huyo, pero sólo sé decirlo cuando no me ves.
Por mucho que me esfuerce a todas horas, el deseo salta muros al revés.
Ahora te pido que me odies de memoria, como un himno de los que saben perder.
El día que el presente ya sea historia y las aguas se nos calmen de una vez, entenderás en mis silencios tantas cosas, las que ahora escribo cuando no me ves.
Writing emails to student support, still not sure what I'm going to do. Also finished updating MH records from slightly affecting my studies to path of self-destruction and self-sabotage bc my ****ing ED won't leave me the **** alone... sorry for the swearing bits
I've officially lost the plot, I don't know what I'm doing anymore, and no, I haven't got this, not even remotely, **** functions, trigonometry and challenges
Right, need to calm down and stay positive... mental breakdowns are not the end of the world, nope, they are not, unless you randomly burst into tears in the middle of the street... I blame Xmas
Still working on unit 3. Taking notes for unit 4, which has 5 sections and 85 pages of this
1 Right-angled triangles
2 Trigonometric functions
3 Sine and cosine rules
4 Further trigonometric identities
5 Using the computer for trigonometry
There are not enough crying smiley faces to show how I feel right now
Going to review the MU123 chapter on trigonometry too, and will be doing exercises from the Schaum's outlines series, which are thankfully available through the OU online library. I've downloaded the Algebra one, which has an introduction on Trigonometry, and enough exercises to last me a lifetime
I haven't got this, but there is a two-week Xmas break and hopefully I'll be able to catch up a bit
Started Kraken by China Miéville, not sure about it. I liked his book October
I follow a 50/100 page rule depending on the length of the book I'm reading, if after 50/100 pages it hasn’t' won me over I don't waste my time with it… I'm looking at you Kraken
I think it was Frank Zappa who said "So many books, so little time"… hence the 50/100 page rule
Waiting for a copy of Atonement by Ian McEwan
I like crawl and breaststroke… not so keen on backstroke, it's taken me over a minute to spell breaststroke correctly…
Just voted in the TSR general elections... after reading the manifestos, so creative
Started iCMA03 - I'm going to do this one, I'm going to finish it and I'm going to submit it, and with some luck it will make up for the iCMA02 fiasco. Also have TMA02 to work on... at least they are due in January or February, need to check the calendar and write the dates down somewhere where I can see them
14 December
Had a breakthrough with trigonometry. So happy After what felt like hours (and probably were ) I finally understood radians, which might not seem like much, but for someone who was struggling to understand fractions 2 months ago, it is one hell of an achievement, if I do say so myself
15 December
Mainly functions today, taking and filing notes, a bit of algebra, a bit of trigonometry (need to print the coursework) and some online quizzes
I'm trying to enjoy this and not get all flustered and overwhelmed again It's not worth the added stress and anxiety it has caused me
Other random stuff
Only need this today, but if you need something more lively then this
Swimming was good this week, improved speed
Read a couple of pages of Atonement but want to finish Kraken first...
It's cold, cat's sleeping under her blanket and wants nothing to do with the world
Going to make a cup of tea now and chat with a friend
Ay ay ay, TMA02 - I'm not good with questions where I need to find information and then figure out what formulae I need to use, doesn't help that the cat decided to sit on my papers, I thought we had reached an agreement, apparently not
So, basically, just trying to get on with the assignments
17 - 18 December
Reviewing the MU123 trig unit while studying the MST124 one. MU123 doesn't expect you to know anything, so it's easier to follow and understand concepts and I need all the help I can get with sine, cosine and tangent... the names of the three witches in Macbeth
Tomorrow I've got a tutorial but I can't remember what it's about. As it's probably on something I still haven't looked at, I think I'm going to listen to the recording when I start that unit... I'm going to check "live" and see what it's about. Ok, it's unit 5 - Coordinate Geometry, I don't know what that is
What about functions? What? What's that? Am I doing functions in this course? Yes, I am
Cat threw up, so got up around 4:15 am to clean... didn't bother to go back to bed because that's when I get up anyway... might have to give CBD another try