The Sparks Lady

I had 3 tests on Monday and we're not even halfway through the course yet. Through the tutoring I've been doing, I reviewed the content for these tests in much more detail than I would have were I reviewing the material solo. As they are mostly reviewing content, I'm not too worried about them. Tuesday was the day I was most excited for this week. I got to be a guest speaker at Craig Kielburger Secondary School in Milton. They had a #ProTalk event for speakers from various industries and careers, and the students could choose 3 of the talks to attend. There was 20 minutes of speaking and presenting my slideshow, and 10 minutes for Q & A. If there weren't questions, I would help fill the time by giving some advice for interviews. I received my marks back for the three tests: Electronics: 82.86% Electrical Theory: 91.67% Instrumentation: 87% There are 2 more tests next week: PLC's (computer programming) and Prints class. I'm still liking the PLC c...

He's going to hit me. If I try to maneuver maybe- Bang! One One-Thousand. The sound of a scream came from somewhere. I realized it was me. I shrink in my seat, recoiling from the impact. The side airbag deployed, grazing the left of my face and shoulder. I barely registered it. Somehow my right hand wasn't on the steering wheel. "I need two hands, two hands on the steering wheel. Steer!" Things were freewheeling now. I'm not in control. What's next? Two One-Thousand. Look left, the airbag was there. Look forward, but my focus was blurred. I could only see on what was happening inside the car. "Pump the brake, pump the brake, pump the brake!" I hit the curb that bounced me up and over the island. Three One-Thousand. "Pump the brake!" I came off the island into the right turn lane, no one was there. The car stopped. I braced for another possible hit. Nothing. I waz vibrating at a higher frequency. Trembling. I ...

Week 3 already! We have 1 test this week in our Code class, and are getting ready for 3 tests next week in Electrical Theory, Electronics Theory and Instrumentation Theory. The Certificate of Qualification Prep course has been quite helpful at reviewing the material from the last 2 terms from school (Basic, and Intermediate). It's too soon to include content from Advanced (this term, level 3) as we haven't covered everything we need to know yet. However, it's certainly reassuring to get some of these practice questions back and knowing if it was the actual C of Q exam, I would pass! I had to arrange to take Electrical Theory next week for a different day. Thankfully, the teacher was understanding, and we made arrangements for me to write it the day before (and of course sworn to secrecy about the test)!  In PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers - the computer programming stuff) the thing I like the best is being able to download the program to our logic boar...

It's been a busy week! I've had appointments or social events every day after school: Monday: John Cleese show with Mum (my Christmas present to her). Tuesday: Chiropractor and Counselling appointments (post car accident related). Wednesday: Dentist appointment (Invisalign refinement). Thursday: Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board "Your Daugher, Her Apprenticeship Dinner (I am participating as a mentor for high school girls who are interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades and in taking the apprenticeship route). Friday: Massage Therapy (post car accident related). It's only the second week, but we've already had an assignment and 2 quizzes. We are preparing for our first test in our Code Class next week. In Electrical Theory and Code class we have been doing a lot of review. The PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) class is my favourite so far. It is the use of programming "ladder logic" on the computer system to set operation ...

This is it! The final block of schooling for my apprenticeship! After this, I have enough hours to switch from Apprentice Class to Journeyperson Candidate, which means I have completed the requirements for my apprenticeship, and qualify to write my Certificate of Qualification exam. I'll be honest this first week of school has been tough, as I've been dealing with the fallout from a car accident two weeks ago. Thankfully the first week is mostly introduction to the courses and some review from the last term. Due to the college strike last Fall, our 10 week course has been reduced down to 9. The classroom hours are the same, just spread out over less weeks. In addition to that, the Certificate of Qualification Prep Course has been made mandatory by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development. The Certificate of Qualification exam has such a high fail rate (for its high level of difficulty) that many people have to take it a second or third time. To assist those t...

The flurried inconsistencies of information I received was astounding. I've bought and negotiated for a few cars in my time. This most recent has to have been the most frustrating. The key, I've decided: do your homework. As a woman walking into a car dealership, we can almost be guaranteed to be treated at a disadvantaged level. It saddens me that this is still prevalent. I was asking questions about the Ram 1500. As I summarize the key points, remember that these things happened over 3 dealerships and a mechanics shop: In researching diesel vs. gasoline engines: I was aware the frequency for oil changes in a diesel is less than that of a gasoline engine, but wasn't sure by how much. I was told everything from every 5,000kms regardless, to 8,000kms or every 6 months, to 10,000kms or every 8 months. The manufacturers recommendation: follow the engine management system, it will notify when oil life is low. Do not allow oil changes to exceed 16,000kms or 12 months. Much ...