I think part of my challenge with that one class also was that all other math classes were always easy for me. Then, I wasn't "getting" that instructor and I wasn't used to actually having to *work* on it myself. I would be different about that now. All those classes for me were back in '77-'79. I didn't have my work ethic quite as developed then. As you said, paying yourself goes a long way toward changing life. :-)
Heh... overall, my GPA was 3.7, but if you look at the math classes... well... I don't think I managed more than a 3.0 in math. Good thing the grad school only cares that I had it.
Got to go challenge the boss to single combat for my paycheck. I need to run out at lunchtime and take care of it.