Words, what do they all mean? I was recently sent a vocabulary test to take, and I am embarrassed to admit that I thought I did better than the answer sheet said I did.

I actually just finished looking up the words I got wrong, looking to prove that the answers I gave were within the realm of possible answers. I have to further admit, that the search proved fruitless, and my answers were wrong, as confirmed by the Merriam-Webster dictionary.

The test is from a web-site, Johnson O'Connor Research Foundation, and I took the test which has eight levels. I got five wrong on level seven and eight (out of ten) wrong on level eight.

I had thought between my reading, and crossword puzzles I would be able to ace the test. I knew I was in trouble with level eight, but thought I did better on level seven.

This also brings up another one of my "working" habits. I think some time ago, I posted some "new" words I came across in my reading of the New York Times. I might have also mentioned that I had dedicated a composition note book to new words, and would probably post my new finds on the blog.

After bombing on the vocabulary test, I took out my notebook and was surprised (okay not really) to find that my last entry in the book was dated April 3. I have now added three new words, two on June 1, and one more on June 3.

Yes this is Pete at his best. Start a long term project, stick to it for a few weeks, and then give up on it. Now let us see how long I can stick with it this time. My latest additions:

improvident adj. not providing for the future.

vagaries n. an odd or eccentric idea or action WHIM CAPRICE pellucid adj. extremely clear LIMPID TRANSPARENT

It is not that I have not been reading, it is more that I have not taken the effort to look up the words that I might not be sure of the meaning. It is not a case of not having the tools needed to complete the task; the dictionary is always within arms reach, as is plenty of writing implements, and the notebook to write down the new words. Let us see how long I can keep it up this time.

This is the plan. I come across a word I am not sure of; I look it up and then write out the word and its definition in the notebook. Once a week I should be able to post the words that I have come across that week. Simple. Yes. Can I keep to it, one of these days I will!  ¶ 6:51 PM