The advice that I would have to say that I would give to someone about to write their first scientific paper is to make sure that they understand APA format. I really struggled with the citing part of the APA format. I still don't think that I understand it totally. But, I'm sure that I will have more papers due in other classes that will be in APA format, so I'm sure I will get it eventually.
I still love to write and research, not matter what the format may be! 8>)
My final thoughts is that I am totally excited about being one step closer to finishing school and becoming a Medical Assistant!! I am still glad that I waited so long after high school to go back to school. I graduated high school in 1994. I have had my time of partying, having kids and now that they are in school full time, I can go to work full time with out having to have huge daycare bill. So all the money I make for working, will go for my family, not day care.
I have really enjoyed taking this class and the writing, once again. I hope that I will be able to sick with writing, since I enjoy it so much.
I wish you all luck in your future!

The only issues that I think I really had throughout this process of writing my paper, would have to be citing my sources. Just when I thought I had it, I didn't. I think that it is a very hard concept to grasp after learning it a different way, over 15 years ago when I was in high school. But, that is all part of going back to school, to learn more a different things.
I had a few comments from classmates on my blog. I really think that it is hard to post comments. The only reason I think that, is because most of us are all adults that have jobs, kids, and so many things going on, it is hard to find time to sit and be able to do that. I really do think that is the reason why most of us didn't get many responses. We have to take care of our own things first.
I'm not sure if I will continue my blog after this or not. I'd like to say that I will, just because it does kinda feel good to vent on here a little. It is a little more personal than facebook.

Unit 8

I had a rough time with my first draft. Citing is really complicated for me to get the understanding of. I have to do it again, so hopefully tonight after seminar, I will be able to get a better grasp of it.
I think that I will try to use the blog after the course. I think that it is a great stress reliever. I have Facebook also, but this is more relaxing, I think. Facebook is more social, and I think this is more like free writing, able to say what I feel and not feel embarrassed or weird about it, because I think that the people that follow me, kind of feel the same way.

unit 7 post

How do I feel about my peer's reviews? I like to hear feedback from my classmates because it is just another view to look from. They may see a different point that I may not have seen- or catch a mistake that I may not have caught. I am a horrible speller, and spell check sometimes doesn't catch certain words, so that right there is huge for me.
I also like hearing what they may have done different or hear their point of view on it. Maybe they agree with me, or maybe they don't. I think that it is good to hear someones view that don't agree with what you are writing bout, that way you may understand the topic better.
I truly believe that you have to see both sides of a topic before you can understand it better.

Well, it has been a rough week here! Our poor dog, Jasmine accidentally got poked in the eye and now has a ulcer in her right eye. She needs to wear they "cone" around her head for a week and get ointments put it three times a day.... she looks and seems so miserable :( She is such a sweet dog...
The kids are getting so excited for Christmas... they can barely stand it! lol
For this weeks blog assignment, we are supposed to share what we have been dealing with personally the last six weeks. These weeks have gone by really fast it seems. I'm doing really well in both classes ( Pharmacology is my other class). It seems like everyone in the house has been sick with strep throat.. so that is a good thing we got that out of the way already this year..lol
We have a friend that is over in Kuwait that was able to come home for a two week visit, it was really nice to see him, but so sad to see him leave again. But, he will be home by January 15, 2010- so that is a good thing. Hopefully by then we will have enough snow so we can go snowmobiling.
Nothing to major I guess has happened in the last six weeks, just the normal everyday things.
Hope everyone is doing well!!!

My personal writing skills? Wow, I didn't even think I really had a style until I read the prewriting techniques for this unit. I think that I am definitely a free writer and a brain stormer. I kind of mix the two when I write. I used to free write all the time when I was in high school, after I had jobs and started having kids, I kind of lost it. Well, not lost it.... just didn't have time to do it any longer. And I think that is kinda sad, something that is so enjoyable... and FREE... just don't really have the time to do it. That is why I kinda like this blogging thing.
Free writing really helps me with ideas, which in turn helps me with brainstorming. It seems like that I write the best when I am under pressure for time too. I'm not sure why that is.
I know this is the first paper that I am having a little trouble writing... having a hard time getting started. Not sure why.
Hopefully, "ideas" will start to "pop" for me.
Have a good week, all!!!