Work got a little slow after the New Year and I thought it would be a good time to get going on my resolution to rejoin the Appraisal Institute.  Because I was a member back in 2005 for a year and my membership had lapsed because of hurricane Katrina, before I could become a member I had to first finish a 15 hour USPAP class and take an ethics course--both on line.  The USPAP course however had, in addition to on line tests, a requirement that I go to a testing center and take a one hour formal exam.  Of course, I was not dying to do this education, but I have to say that I learned a tremendous amount from the USPAP course.  For the first time I can honestly say that I really understand the form and function of USPAP.  So, it was well worth the effort.  And now I am a residential Associate Member of the Appraisal Institute working toward my SRA designation.  I'm a big fan of education and I'm actually looking forward to the course work.  At least at the Appraisal Institute I feel like I'm actually learning something, unlike at so many generic continuing education courses.  Wish me luck!