Oh ho, I wasn't insulted -- I just misread what you meant. I was saying how, reflecting on that, I do feel I could use improvement. But then, so can everyone. There's always room for improvement.
And around employers I am honest but at the same time I sell myself as best as possible. Here, on a message board, I feel more inclined to kick back. A little criticism never stopped me.
At the moment ... I'm not really sure if I'm grounded w/ regards any specific action. On one hand I can just continue working soundly until I save up then go to ACAD. On the other I can prepare my portfolio now and update it as I have more and more work worthy of submission. I suppose realisticially, it isn't a necessity and I feel I'm not as ready as I could be for this step, however, it couldn't hurt to start a portfolio, or at least think realistically about it.
I guess I'm just too damn fickle. Can't make up my mind.