First night over

Class went well last night. It was Accounting Ethics from 7-10. Of course the instructor held us the whole time. She is a tough cookie, but one of my all time favorites - in spite of everything. This class format is like the course I took last fall - Cost Management. The class is case based. This means that we read real life cases and analyze. I was wondering how she would approach an Ethics course. Luckily she decided on the case approach. We read AICPA code on ethical issues as well as selected cases - yes Enron and Martha Stewart are a couple of recent cases on our agenda - and then go to class to discuss. Last night was the first class. However, she got us going and the night held a few heated debates. I loved it. Then we kind of acted out the case we read. We had assigned roles and played out the court case, nothing scripted. I was able to be an attorney and able to question the management that created the fraud. I was awesome. I had absolutely no problem with this role or the fact that I was in front of the class. mmmmmm perhaps law school :-) Ok maybe not law school - will leave that for others. However, I feel more confident in my abilities to become an auditor.

I think I am going to really like this semester. Not only does everything I am doing tie together - school wise as well as CPA, but I am genuinely interested in the classes and exams. I stayed after last night and spoke with the professor about my upcoming CPA exam. She was so excited. I wanted to make sure she knew because the last time she saw me I was working for EVIL and not myself. She could not believe everything that is in the section I am taking. I also announced to the entire class when I sit for the BEC section. Now I have to pass.

Semester Plan

I just wanted to give everyone a brief plan for the semester.

August
2 - CPA review for BEC portion begins
30 - Accounting Ethics Begins - Monday nights through 11/29

September
2 - Business Law Begins - Online through 12/2
7 - CPA review for REG portion begins

October
14 - Midterm for Business Law
18 - Midterm in Ethics
29 - CPA BEC TEST - 8:30-12

November
1 - CPA review for FAR portion begins
12 - MY B-DAY
24 - Hope to test for REG section
29 - CPA review for AUD portion begins
29 - Final Ethics

December
2 - Final Business Law

Then I have a wonderful break from school until Jan 18th. It really is not that bad of a schedule - just wanted to let everyone know. For the most part I will be studying 10 hours on Saturdays and 7 on Sundays. I can do this - I will do this.

Another Monday

My vacation is over and I am back at work. While I did not complete the long list of self inflected "honey-dos", I did rest and pampered myself a little. It was good. Tonight starts a new semester with class from 7-10. That makes for a long Monday. This class, Accounting Ethics, is just like Cost Management that I took last fall. Same instructor, same day, same format, same classroom. Although I learned a lot in this class, and in hindsight it was one of my favorites, I did not enjoy the process. I actually swore off Monday classes. But here I am again. One thing I am bad about is procrastination. However, I am even worse with this with assignments for the first class. I mean, come on - give us a small break. So during lunch today I will read my case and hope to get something that I can turn in tonight.

The CPA exam is really hitting me. Due to a rude awakening on the depth of the subject matter for economics I had to reevaluate my studying. Last night I set up which day will result in which studying. I am going to try and get my school items taken care of during the week allowing for the weekends for CPA review. Saturdays will be designated for the upcoming test and Sundays the next test, I have overlapping review sessions for all sections. This should work well. I know the worst part will be through November. I can handle that.

But I might have to take a nap when I get to campus :-)

We Survived

Last night my Sweetie and I babysat for my friend the Dark Diva. She has two girls, One 2.5 years and one 10 months. We were awesome. Not only did the girls survive the night with even going to bed fairly close to their normal time, the parents came home to dishes clean and all toys picked up. We really enjoyed ourselves. The best thing is that I did not have to say "OK you do this while I do that", we were a team all the way. While watching two girls for a few hours on one night does not compare to parenthood. Any and all doubts I ever had in my Sweetie's ability to be a good father are completely gone. We watch my niece on a regular basis and have since she was a little younger than the older one last night, it is different with two. It is also different with nonrelated children. But they were very good. The evening was nice and relaxing. Did not get to bed until 3:30 so I missed my weight watcher meeting this morning. But that is ok. It was worth it for my friend to have a date night. Another amazing part of the night was that we are the first outside of the grandparents to watch these wonderful girls. I am honored. Whenever the husband would start to give an instruction, which I did not mind, the Dark Diva would say "Oh Missy knows". Guess I have this mommy like energy. Now I have to complete the CPA and my MBA before I can start day dreaming too much.

9 Weeks

After receiving the acceptance letter from the TSBPA you must submit an eligibility application. Once this is approved you then register your payment coupon with paying for the exam. After this is verified the next step is to schedule a testing location and time. These steps must be followed for each section of the CPA.

It is official. I completed the last step and am testing on October 29th from 8:30-12. I got the time that I wanted. Now I have 9 weeks to prepare. While this is not long, I am prepared to do what I need to in order to pass. During this time I have two classes to keep up with as well as the beginning of my second review. Things are going to be very busy between now and Thanksgiving. But worth it.

I discovered last night that the best approach, for me, is not reading a chapter and doing the problems. I am behind on my review because of this approach. If I have to read, it is too passive for me and I will fall asleep. However, if I start with working the problems and read the sections that I missed - I am more likely to learn from my actions. This is how I will work the sections. I also have the Wiley CPA review books to aid in my studying. My goal is to pass - I can reach my goal.

Diva Core

I am on vacation this week. It has been wonderful. Sleeping in and having lunch with some of my favorite people. One thing that this time off has helped me to appreciate is the people in my life.

This past weekend I went camping with two of my friends. I have never had tons of good friends. And while the ones I have had have always meant the world to me, I have had my share of friends that were untrue, unfaithful, or mentally abusive. It was from the ending of one of these awful relationships that I realized that one of my newer friends were different from the others. I was drawn to her and somehow knew she could change my life. That she did. She told me repeatedly how important I am and how I can do anything. She is a true friend. She introduced me to three other women, two that I went camping with. All together there are five of us - the divas. Each of us is very different. One thing we have in common is that we have a center. The friend who brought me to these beautiful and strong women, brought us all together. She is our common ground. While she would never claim this victory - it is hers for the taking.

The camping trip was wonderful. It gave me a chance to interact with these women on my own, and I think I did well. This trip removed all doubt regarding them only hanging with me because of our core.

An interesting thing with me lately is the rise in my self esteem. I have not started my exercising or watching my food intact - but I am feeling more confident. I think this has to do with my friends, my work, and how close I am to graduating with my MBA. But the biggest thing, in my opinion, is that in 10 weeks I am testing for my first portion of the CPA. This is not a set path - this is something I am doing on my own, outside of work or school. And I will succeed. It helps that my family and friends are so supportive.

Hilltopper Pride

I am so proud. My school made the Best Colleges 2005 list.

GOOOOOO HILLTOPPERS!!!!!

TGIF!!!

It is Friday. Not only that - as soon as I leave today, my vacation begins. Although I am not going anywhere - this is some much needed time off. I plan to get caught up on my CPA studies as well as clean my house. Not that I am anal about the house. It is purely to reduce stress. When I am in school I do not keep up with the house due to so much on my plate - this leads to clutter - clutter leads to stress. Stress leads to unhappiness for all around me. And as predicted my professors for the fall send the assignments for the first class - each has around 4 chapters to read. My week will consist of CPA review, exercise, cleaning house, and pampering myself. It will be wonderful.

I am headed out for an overnight camping trip tomorrow. It should be a lot of fun. It is with two friends introduced to me by my best friend. The interesting thing is that my best friend is not going. So it will be the first time alone with these two wonderful and strong women. Let's hope I do not bore them to tears. I have to think of something yummy to bring for dinner - something that is suitable for camping.

World on Fire

These are lyrics from a Sarah Mclachlan song from her "Afterglow" album. It is stuck in my head today and I think very appropriate to share.

World on Fire

The worlds on fire its more then I can handle
Ill tap into the water try and bring my share
Try to bring more, more then I can handle
Bring it to the table
Bring what I am able

Hearts are worn
In these dark ages
You're not alone,
In these stories' pages
The light has fallen
Amongst the living and the dying
And I'll try to hold it in
Yeah I'll try to hold it in

The worlds on fire its more then I can handle
Ill tap into the water try and bring my share
Try to bring more, more then I can handle
Bring it to the table
Bring what I am able

I watch the heavens
But I find no calling
Something I can do to change what's coming
Stay close to me
While the sky is falling
I don't wanna be left alone,
Don't want to be alone...

The worlds on fire its more then I can handle
Ill tap into the water try and bring my share
Try to bring more, more then I can handle
Bring it to the table
Bring what I am able

Hearts break ... hearts mend ... love still hurts
visions clash ... planes crash
Still there's talk of saving souls
Still the cold is closing in on us

We part the veil on our killer sun
Stray from the straight line
On this short run ...
The more we take the less we become
The fortune of one man means less for some

The worlds on fire its more then I can handle
Ill tap into the water try and bring my share
Try to bring more, more then I can handle
Bring it to the table
Bring what I am able

It is done

Last night we did it, we bought me a 15" powerbook. My sweetie met me at the mall and we made the purchase. I am still a little weary regarding the whole event - only because I feel guilty. However, we did get me a nice computer as well as an ipod and color printer. Due to rebates the 20G ipod came to 70 and the printer to 0. It is nice. While I do not have internet access yet or microsoft office, I was able to set up some preferences last night. In order to calibrate the battery I had to charge it fully last night and now I have to use it with only the battery until it goes to sleep. Because of this I have it next to me now - sitting and taunting me. Good thing my boss is out of town and it is a very slow week for me. Have to admit - I can't wait to do the CPA review using this machine.

Can all be forgiven?

So grades are finally posted. While I knew on Friday that the I earned a B in the hardest course of the MBA, I still awaited my Marketing grade. I pretty much knew my grade as of Sunday night because the instructor posted our assignment grades - but not the final. When you are in graduate school grades are not always clear cut. So I waited. This morning it is official. In spite of the worst group EVER - I made an A in the class. This is so awesome. This means I am back on track as far as school goes. It also proves that my bad semester while working for the evil bunch was in fact due to the emotional stress they caused and not my abilities.

So I am feeling good about myself.

However, I do not feel very good today physically. I am still not completely over my sinus infection - or whatever it was. So I will take it easy this week. I can't be sick again - too much planned for next week.

Relax a Mouse

This weekend was wonderful. Friday I celebrated the end of the semester with some family and friends watching The Village at AlamoDraftHouse. I love that place. The movie was very good. In fact it was one of those that you like more after you leave the theater and keep talking about it.

Saturday was nice and relaxing. I got up in time for my Weight Watcher meeting. They were nice and let me reset my starting weight. Since being sick I have not followed anything. Then I picked up my Sweetie and started our day with lunch. Our first stop was school for Fall Semester books. My Sweetie is getting so much better. He did not even give a verbal response when my books, for two classes, totaled almost $300. We continued on to my work to drop off a couple of plants - since I have a window I should use it :-) My Sweetie got to see my cubicle and was impressed. Of course my work is right by the mall where a certain apple store lives. We looked and looked at the iBook and powerbooks. My Sweetie is convinced that I need a laptop for my CPA review and my last two semesters. Luckily they did not have the one I wanted. That is good since it forced more thinking time on the subject. However, I have to admit, it would be nice to be able to take my review with me where ever I go. hmmmm we shall see.

After stopping at Target and buying some LEGOs we headed home. I was not feeling great so I set myself up on the couch, took my good cough medicine, and proceeded to play with LEGOS while watching the Olympics. Now that is what I call a Saturday.

I have to admit I did not do any CPA review. Mostly I wanted a brain break.

Officially Official

Now it is official. I received my approval for the eligibility application for the BEC section of the CPA exam. This approval is good until Nov 16, 2004. The next step is to contact Prometric to pick a date, and of course pay the testing fee. This is crazy, I am actually doing it.

Last night was the last official night of the semester. YEAH!!! It is over. I think I will go today during lunch to get my books for next semester. Class starts on the 30th. I am so looking forward to my break. I plan to stay on course with the CPA review and clean my house. I know it sounds like a blast, doesn't it? You know you have too much going on when cleaning the house is something you have to plan for and get excited about.

During my break I am also working on a good plan for getting healthy for graduation. I have 39 weeks. I can accomplish a lot during this time. The important thing is to set realistic goals and have a plan that is flexible with school and CPA.

Tulsa Anyone?

First of all let me start by saying - No official offer has been made, we are not considering it, we do not wish to move right now.

So I go home yesterday to find an e-mail from the PWC partner that I met with in July. He recently moved to the Tulsa office and he e-mailed me asking if I would consider moving to Tulsa to work in his office. WOW. This is huge. Now I am not exactly packing my bags, but I am so honored. I told him to tell me his thoughts and that I would need incentive to move. I am not about to tell a partner "Hell No". I shall play the game. I posted awhile back about being an adult. Well I am officially an adult. I admit it. Not only that, I am an adult with a career. I am not simply a college student who works full time. I had a partner of a big 4 ask me to change states for an entry level position (because I have never audited before). This is huge. I am sure one of the reasons is that I impressed him, obviously, but also the Austin office may not be hiring right now.

My Sweetie has this theory
"you know, I was thinking about why Martin wants you in -his- office (aside from the usual "no space in Austin") - your interview impressed him because you made him discuss something he was passionate about. He is dedicated to that subject and by initiating a discussion about it, he knows you are of the same mind set."

I think he might be right. I will keep everyone updated on the dance.

Is this a waltz or a tango?

Karma Coma

Actually this is the title of a kewl song. However, my karma is high today. On Friday I went to Albertson's and purchased my favorite sushi and chopsticks. When I got home I discovered that the chop sticks did not scan. This normally would be a "their loss" thought (esp after spending this whole semester on the company). However, this was at a self checkout - there was a whole issue with "item not scanned" and the head guy cleared the issue from the main station - I thought it scanned the chopsticks as well. So today I went back to Albertson's - more sushi - and purchased a pair of chopsticks. I then went to the main self check out guy and explained that I ended up not paying for the pair I took on Friday and that I scanned these to make sure that they received payment. When I handed the new chopsticks to him I think that is when it sunk in what I was doing. He was very surprised and thanked me for my honesty.

3.19 added to my karma :-)

Walking on Air

So today is wonderful, other than allergies. My AWFUL group is over. My semester is over - other than a class tomorrow with nothing required from me. I am happy. Class went over by an hour last night. But it was worth it. I don't have to see the worst of the group again, they graduate on Saturday.

Now I have 19 days without school work - or at least I hope. I am sure I will have homework due on the first day of class - as normal. But it is my second to last semester so it is all good. I am so happy that I am not graduating until May. I am really going to miss my school. I already can't wait to buy my books for the next semester - my favorite part of the semester - not the actual price, but getting the new supplies. I was like this as a child too. Loved getting school supplies and then I would bring all my books home and look through them anticipating the coming year. I am like this with every semester. Honestly, it is going to be hard in January when I purchase that last book. While I will love not having to stay up late or spend my whole weekends writing papers, I will miss being a student. I am sure you all think I am crazy. There is an office depot by my work so I think I will go all out for my supplies for this next semester. Oh and I should stock up for my CPA review as well.....

Tonight is the Night

Tonight my marketing class ends. YEAH. No more bad group.

I should be happier but I am in a funk today. Don't really know the reason, but everything is annoying me today. I did not sleep well last night and in turn am not feeling well today. It is not fair. It is going to be a late night tonight.

Perhaps it is just my mood - but do you ever get the feeling that you can't do anything right for anyone (work or family)? That is just the way I feel today.

Light at the end of the Tunnel

OK guys I can see the light. It is there - tomorrow at 10pm I will be dancing. Not only will this be the end of my semester, but also the worst group in the entire world. My marketing group is even worse than my group in Cost Management where my partner quit the class halfway through. Tomorrow is the last class and that makes me so happy. I won't rant and rave to you about them - but they suck completely. There is only one that I like.

This weekend I took the diagnostic exam for the BEC section of the CPA. I scored a 41%. Not bad when considering that if I did not know the subject matter I simply guessed and I took it during a LAN party. Honestly, I wanted to see my strengths and a lucky guess will not help me any. To pass the CPA you must score a 75%, so I am more than halfway there. I am happy with my initial score, if I scored a 75 or higher I would have potentially wasted money on the program, still waiting on work to agree to pay for the course.

Due to school and feeling a bit ill again, I did not get everything that I wanted for my CPA study this weekend. However, with 19 days without school to worry about, I will catch up without any problems. I received confirmation that I can take the week of Aug 23rd off from work. Of course this is not the time for me to think about the fact that the instructors at my school like to assign homework for the first class.

I am hoping to start my walking program again today - nice and slow. I still have 40 weeks until graduation ;-)

Speaking in Public

I have a presentation tonight. It is with my Accounting group for the really hard course. We are the first to present and I am the first to talk in the group. Wish me luck. This is the biggest group project that I have ever done - weighing in at 48 pages. I think I am ready - just need to leave early to practice some more. It is a power point presentation so I have to do the whole talking and clicking thing.

I have not focused on exercise or food this week - trying to get over my sinus infection first. However, I can tell the difference today and I am aching to go walking. This weekend marks 40 weeks until I walk the stage, and for all intents and purposes, the last time. During this forty weeks I am taking three MBA courses, Passing four sections of the CPA - with a total of 400 study hours min, and trying to stay sane and healthy. To do this I am also going to try and lose weight and get back into shape. We shall see how this works.

After tonight and through Monday night I have to focus on my Marketing class and get it finished. Then at about 10:00 on Tuesday night I am going to be dancing. I need a break so badly. Isn't it nice that the school gives me a whole two weeks off? Please note my sarcastic tone. I can't complain in between the fall and the spring I get like 6 weeks off. I can handle that. The only problem is that instructors at my school like to assign homework before the class begins. Then the two weeks really becomes a week if I am lucky. All in a effort to earn three little initials - MBA.

OK back to work.

My Sweetie's B-day

Today my Sweetie turns 29. To celebrate I got him the new 40g ipod - new look and change in buttons and such. Thank goodness for student discounts. I could not wait to give it to him - bad habit of mine - so I woke him up last night when I got in from school and gave it to him. The apple store bags are cool enough that wrapping was not needed. Every year on his b-day for as long as we have lived together (7 years now) I awake my sweetie with a special breakfast. For some reason the tradition became turnovers. This year it was apple turnovers. Such a lucky guy :-)

Tonight we are celebrating just the two of us with family on Friday and friends on Saturday. I have a big presentation tomorrow for my Accounting course so tonight he will be lucky enough to hear my portion 7 times. Was told in a communications class that to be prepared for a presentation a person must practice 7 times.

Because of school I have not really started the CPA studying. The assignment for this week is two chapters. I plan to do this on Saturday and Sunday. However, I am reading the practical advice section and learning a lot on how the test is scored. For example, I did not know that missing a multiple choice type question does not reduce your score. Getting the correct answer simply raises it. For this reason they say to answer all questions, even if you have to guess.

Did I mention that I cannot wait until the semester ends?

CPA Update

While I was sick I registered for the Bisk CPA review. That was an interesting conversation with my voice almost gone completely. The review started yesterday. It is on-line with instructor led assignments over the course of 7 weeks. I think this is going to be very good for me.

Interesting thing is that they do refer to the prep time for the CPA as studying. Instead they call it "training". In fact I was reading the hints and general information last night and a lot of the information sounds like what I read as I prepared for my half marathons. I suppose I am preparing for a marathon of sorts. This helps since I know that I was able to complete two half marathons with my training and determination.

Hard to believe only 40.5 weeks until graduation

Sickness

Last week I was sick - hence the lack of postings. Last Monday I was not feeling good at all, Tuesday was much worse with me barely making it through the day. Wednesday I awoke to barely a voice. I even went to the doctor. That is pretty sick. Sinus infection. It was bad. Missed three days of work. I made it to work yesterday but the normal daily activities wore me out. I am still not at 100%. My focus now is to get to 100% and then focus on staying healthy. I plan to sleep 8 hours a night - this is an important one for me, eat my fruits and veggies, and do some form of exercise daily.

This week is a stressful one, but exciting.

Tuesday - Accounting Group meeting
Wednesday - my Sweetie's b-day
Thursday - Accounting Group Presentation - end of this horrible class
Friday - Family celebration for my Sweetie
Saturday - LAN party
Sunday - Marketing Group Meeting

I am counting the days until the end of the semester, 7 until everything is due, 9 until last class.

Then two wonderful weeks.