３月３日２０１１年

I am still basically in review mode. Though honestly, I'm itching to start RTK 2, I can't seem to find a workable study tool to aid me. My biggest problem with RTK 1 was my inconsistency, I was simply making it up as I go. This time around, would like to begin on the right foot, instill consistency, that way I finnish as quickly as possible.

I don't have the time or the energy to make my own study tools. There seems to be tons of available study tools for RTK 1 online, however, few if none for RTK 2. I have a simple theory as to why that is. Few people actually complete RTK 1 and by the time they do, they have lost the enthusiasm for creating massive amounts of study material.

For me it would be a matter of cutting and pasting from my chart, but I've lost my faith in these sites in a way. Smart.fm, a site I relied on heavily is now going to a pay model at the end of this month. I fear that other site may do the same or simply go down part way though my study process. Technically, anything you create on most sites, belongs to that site. Its in all that fine print you usually skip reading when creating your account.

As of right now, flashcardexchange.com is my main study tool. I've been seriously considering Anki, however the ready made study decks don't seem to want to cooperate with the RTK 2 frame number ordering. Its frustrating. I want to start, but I want to avoid the mistake I made the first time round. I'll give myself until monday to figure out something.

[edit]

A kind, kind person over on forum.koohii.com has helped me with my Anki problem. Here is a copy of the directions they gave me as to editing Anki decks. Click here to download the RTK 2 deck they created.

２月１９日２０１１年

To simplify matters, I began with an all encompassing review of all 2042 flashcards over the past four days. Using the flashcard exchange deck, I'm even able to back and reattempt the ones I get incorrect. Not only that, but the sight keeps a study history, so that I return an restudy those later.

I'll decided where to go from here tomorrow. Also, I purchased my copy of Volume 2 via amazon, along with Kodansha's Furigana Japanese Dictionary. This is my biggest spur of the moment purchase in a while, but I have a good feeling about it. What one me over was the beautiful Furigana, no Romaji and the fact it has both English to Japanese and 日本語 to 英語 sections. I beginning to fear that my learning process may be hinder by the fact that about 80% of my study method is digital. Don't get me wrong, I love my computer, but its restrictive and non-tangible and a hot-bed of distractions.

Remembering the Kanji Volume 1: Complete

I just completed the study of my final card!

But lets hold applauds, I've still got a ton of work ahead of me. Tomorrow begin a serious review session. I need this, desperately. I plan to spend to remainder of February in review mode. Depending on how I am progressing, I may proceed to Volume 2 in March or I may hold off until I feel I am read to begin with the readings.

Also, I will be adding the study resources I have created into a link menu at the top of the page. Any and everyone is free to use it, I only ask that you pass on links back to this blog so that others can find it too.

2042

やった！

I just made my 2042nd flashcard. Two more days to study those and I'm done with Remembering the Kanji: Volume 1

Valeant benefici, Poenas dent malefici!

Anticipation

In anticipation of beginning Remembering the Kanji Volume II I just finished reading the introduction. I think I'm stressing a bit about conducting a study routine. Shamefully, I never stuck to a structured study routine with Volume I and I do not wish to repeat the same mistake. I plan to add the readings to the cards I have already created, though the reordering of the frames in Volume II will make this troublesome. Tentatively, I would like to employ the bottom three rows on the flashcards and have them look thus:

Reading

Kanji Example - Kana - Definition

New Frame#/Old Frame #

This is merely me thinking ahead because I plan to spend at least the remainder of February reviewing intensely.