Trained Monkey

     I keep waiting for some epiphany.  I'm like a trained monkey.  Show me how to do a math formula and I can do it correctly until the cows come home.  But ask me the next week to do the same formula, (as does the constant assessments in ALEKS, computerized math system) and I can't remember.  I know there are deeper, hidden secrets buried in all these formulas.  I mean, that's how they built something like the Empire State Building, or the Hoover Dam.  Right?  There's got to be a connection somewhere from my monkey trained antics to reality based skills.  But to this date, I am still unable to build a dam.  Damn.