I took the paper based test in New Zealand on 23 oct and just received the above score.
I was not a very active member of this forum in terms of posts. However, my favourite part was the "Share your GMAT" forum. It was very encouraging to learn about the experiences of fellow gmatters as I have'nt really had a physical "study buddy" or someone I could discuss gmat stuff.
Thank you ALL for the excellent responses to the posts that I did put up.
My study in brief:
Total time: Mid July 04 to 22 Oct 04
Step 1: Solve complete OG
Step 2: Kaplan 800
Step 3: kaplan Verbal Workbook
Step 4: Kaplan GMAT
Step 5: Redo all incorrectly answered questions
In parallel, bug friends on gmatclub.com with some toughies

.....browse verbal forums etc.
Thanks again.