Thursday, July 2, 2009

By the way ...

... I seem to carry over a few valuable tidbits from one exam to the next. That's why I know that I'll pass this thing sooner or later. And I do believe it's going to be sooner rather than later. And when I finally do pass I plan to post an evaluation here of each and every one of the bar prep resources I've used, from books to seminars to tutors. I've taken something positive from everyone I've gone to for help, except for one, and I'll not talk about that one, and I don't think I've mentioned that one yet so you can't start guessing who (oops, did I say who?) that was. (;-)>

Anywho ... I bring forward the essence of each tutor from one exam to the next, and my bookshelf holds a little bit of each of them; a one-sheet here, a supplement there, a cluster here, a checklist there. But, frankly, (and don't call me Frankly (or was that Shirley?)), at this point, I don't know if that's a curse or a blessing - for them or for me. Regardless, each of them has taught me something that I wasn't taught at my school. Or, more likely, it was taught but I was too preoccupied with personal BS to notice it when it came across my desk.

Anywhen ... this time, I'm reaching out for feedback in a way that I wouldn't have had the courage to before. There's something about failing repeatedly that makes us (well, me, anyway), acutely aware (and whatever comes after acutely (Mega-Acutely?)) of the fact that I've been seriously screwing this thing up and that I'm going to continue to do so until get equally serious about passing.

Anywhat ... one of the reasons I haven't been more chatty this time is that I'm tired of damning with faint praise (very faint) those who have helped me before. I've decided not to subject these new good people (yet) to whatever little extra scrutiny they may receive as a result of my having written about them here until I actually pass the damn exam. That way I don't have to go to bed at night feeling even more guilty about even more good people I've demeaned by linking their good names to my heretofore miserable one.

Anyhow ... as I was saying, one of the most useful things I've picked up along the way is the PowerDreams audio stuff. Right about now in this process I start having trouble relaxing during the day and going to sleep at night, and their ... stuff, for lack of a better word, is great for that. I've only unequivocally recommended a couple of programs here - Steven Emanuel's MBE program and Dava and Martina's PowerDreams audio ... stuff. Everything else comes with caveats - good for some people, not good for others. But these two programs are worth every penny they charge, and them some.

And ... I've already done what I said I wouldn't do - spend more time here. But, it's only this once, and no one can complain unless I do it again soon. And I won't be doing that. Soon. Or something. It's after midnight now, and I'm tired.

G'night Gracie.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to tell you that I admire you a great deal. I was a repeater too and I know how difficult it is to do what you are doing. You will make a great attorney one day because you have unwavering determination, the ability to remain committed to difficult tasks and a healthy does of humilty.

Best of luck to you!

Liz said...

Hey GP, keep up the good work, I'm in the trenches with you.

I hope you (and everyone else studying) gets to have a little fun this 4th of July.

Cheers!

laura said...

good luck on your exam!

if you have an iphone there is a new timer app in the Itunes App Store!

MBE Timer

Anonymous said...

predictions?

Anonymous said...

bad idea to count on predictions. just spend these next two weeks memorizing everyday.

Anonymous said...

I'm predicting crimes, CA civ pro, property, wills, trust, CP, and PR

Anonymous said...

First of all PR is a given. It's always tested. Usually in two different questions. better be prepared for ca evidence distinctions too.

Anonymous said...

sadly i predict the CBXminers will ensure a 50% or less pass rate.

Anonymous said...

I completely concur with the Powerdreams downloads! I am using them as well for the first time, and they are helping me memorize, focus and relax.

Anonymous said...

July 7, 2009 8:38 AM--
Great prediction. Really going out on a limb, eh?

Anonymous said...

just being frank. predictions are pointless.

Anonymous said...

I was just asking...is that so wrong?

Anonymous said...

There is nothing wrong with trying to read the tea leaves, but spending any more than a few minutes on predictions will make you go crazy.

The earlier poster was right about PR - I credit my having passed the CA bar last July to having gone over PR one last time the night before the exam.

Anonymous said...

GP and all other CA bar exam candidates...there really is no such thing as a secret to passing this exam...the only way you will ever pass this exam is by becoming proficient at 1)reading facts 2)understanding facts 3)being able to outline facts 4)and most importantly analyze the shit out of those facts 5)in a lawyerly fashion...no one will ever pass the CA bar exam by just memorizing their !@#$%^& outlines and reciting the black letter law into a vacum...allow yourself to become a believer that the only way that you will pass is if you allow yourself to go upclose and personal with each and every fact that is given to you by the bar examiner...good luck to all