My trip up north was incredible. I loved every minute of it. I really didn't know what to expect seeing as how I was just going on rumors of what Alaska was supposedly like. It actually wasn't that cold. I packed long underwear and layers upon layers that I didn't end up needing to wear. The thing about Alaska is that it is so pure, so beautiful. There is a natural beauty there that I don't think people can really comprehend unless they've been there in person. People up there refer to it as the 'last frontier' and I would wholeheartedly agree with that. It is absolutely breathtaking.
I spent a few days in Anchorage, a city that I would say is a comparable size to Des Moines plus looming, gorgeous mountains and the ocean that you would never see in Des Moines. It's pretty small but it's the biggest city in Alaska. I met a few really cool people who I hope to keep in touch with. People up there are very friendly and open.
I then spent the last leg of my trip in Girdwood, Alaska which is approximately 40 minutes away from Anchorage. The drive to Girdwood is possibly the prettiest drive I have ever been on and the quaint town of Girdwood is stunning. It is a little ski town nestled in the mountains. In the summer, you can see glaciers from the top of a mountain in Girdwood. I cannot do it justice just to say it was beautiful.
The reason I went to Girdwood is one of my old friends from high school is living and working there right now. He went to school in San Franciso and then got transferred to Girdwood. Seeing him made the trip more special and unique just because I got to meet a lot of people through him, see the town in ways I probably wouldn't have otherwise, and most importantly I got to catch up with him since we haven't seen each other in literally years.
My adventure coming home kind of sucked but I will write about that more in my next post. And as soon as I have pictures, I will post them. Even though I had no desire to ever go to Alaska, I'm now thinking that I have to definitely get back there sometime. And I would highly recommend that everyone go up there at least once in their lifetime. You'll be amazed.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Monday, December 11, 2006
Alaska? Really? Um...yeah. I guess so.
Once again I find myself here a month after my last post apologizing that I don't post more. I always intend to, I just don't. I guess that's something that myself and my three readers will just have to accept.
I have a lot to post... including mostly pictures from my holiday party last weekend. Unfortunately, I can't do that now as all of the pictures are on my home computer and right now I am sitting in the airport on my laptop waiting to catch my flight to Anchorage, Alaska.
HUH?!
Yeah.
My reaction, too. I am going up there today through Friday... a little bit of work and a little bit of fun. I scheduled my trip for a couple of extra days so that I could see what this place is all about since I really have never had any desire to go up there before and I doubt I will again. Might as well explore it now that I have the opportunity.
I am pretty much prepared to absolutely freeze my ass off. Fortunately, I managed to find my loooonng woal coat leftover from my Iowa days that I got literally about two months prior to deciding to move to Phoenix. Needless to say, it hasn't been used much but I can almost guarantee I am going to be in love with this coat by the end of this week.
Anyway, I really have no idea what to expect up there. I feel like I am going to the Artic circle or something. It could be interesting. I'm also going to be seeing Seattle for a day or so... I have an overnight layover there and should have time to explore that city, too. I'll keep everyone posted on the adventures...
I have a lot to post... including mostly pictures from my holiday party last weekend. Unfortunately, I can't do that now as all of the pictures are on my home computer and right now I am sitting in the airport on my laptop waiting to catch my flight to Anchorage, Alaska.
HUH?!
Yeah.
My reaction, too. I am going up there today through Friday... a little bit of work and a little bit of fun. I scheduled my trip for a couple of extra days so that I could see what this place is all about since I really have never had any desire to go up there before and I doubt I will again. Might as well explore it now that I have the opportunity.
I am pretty much prepared to absolutely freeze my ass off. Fortunately, I managed to find my loooonng woal coat leftover from my Iowa days that I got literally about two months prior to deciding to move to Phoenix. Needless to say, it hasn't been used much but I can almost guarantee I am going to be in love with this coat by the end of this week.
Anyway, I really have no idea what to expect up there. I feel like I am going to the Artic circle or something. It could be interesting. I'm also going to be seeing Seattle for a day or so... I have an overnight layover there and should have time to explore that city, too. I'll keep everyone posted on the adventures...
Friday, November 10, 2006
This post would be better with a picture...
But I haven't had a chance to take one.
The other day I had surgery. Intense, scary surgery.
Ok, so maybe I just had a mole removed. BUT. Can I just tell you that it hurt like f-ing hell?! And I now have stitches in my body where a chunk of skin was ripped out?
I was extremely scared before the surgery though because the doctor comes in (after I wait for 40 minutes) saying that he just caused a cyst to explode on him in another procedure he was performing. For sake of conversation and not really knowing what to say I asked, "well how does that happen?" And he says, "if you're not careful and you puncture it." Well, fantastic. So you're telling me that you were just NOT careful with the patient before me and you are going to proceed to cut me open? That makes me feel so. much. better.
Needless to say, it ended up ok with nothing bursting like the cyst dude before me. And now at least that sucker won't give me skin cancer.
The other day I had surgery. Intense, scary surgery.
Ok, so maybe I just had a mole removed. BUT. Can I just tell you that it hurt like f-ing hell?! And I now have stitches in my body where a chunk of skin was ripped out?
I was extremely scared before the surgery though because the doctor comes in (after I wait for 40 minutes) saying that he just caused a cyst to explode on him in another procedure he was performing. For sake of conversation and not really knowing what to say I asked, "well how does that happen?" And he says, "if you're not careful and you puncture it." Well, fantastic. So you're telling me that you were just NOT careful with the patient before me and you are going to proceed to cut me open? That makes me feel so. much. better.
Needless to say, it ended up ok with nothing bursting like the cyst dude before me. And now at least that sucker won't give me skin cancer.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
A cold day in Phoenix
This morning I got into my car and turned the heater on, along with the heated seats.
Attire: black, wool turtleneck sweater, wool pants, black closed toe shoes.
When I get to the clients, the heater is on. It remains on all day.
The high temperature outside today, you ask? 90.
No joke.
90 degress is apparently our 60 degrees. So weird.
Attire: black, wool turtleneck sweater, wool pants, black closed toe shoes.
When I get to the clients, the heater is on. It remains on all day.
The high temperature outside today, you ask? 90.
No joke.
90 degress is apparently our 60 degrees. So weird.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Swan Lake
This week has been insane. In fact, I think I say that every week now. Can I just have a chill week? It's been fun, though.
Last night I went with a couple of friends to the ballet, Swan Lake. It was beautiful... I haven't been to a ballet since I went to the Nutcracker a few years ago and I had forgotten how much I thoroughly enjoy going.
I almost died in the ghetto on the way TO the ballet. There was a suns game last night and being the idiot that I sometimes am, I forgot that I have to have cash to park in downtown Phoenix. Hello. So I had to find an ATM machine somewhere in the ghetto. I ended up at Walgreens at 7th Street and Thomas, which, if you know Phoenix, you know that it's a little sketchy there. I then proceeded to continue my smartness by taking back roads back to 3rd street and Washington (the nice part of downtown by the stadiums, symphony hall, etc). I especially loved the part where I drove by houses with police tape around them. Needless to say, I felt like quite the urbanite. The inner city girl in me certainly came out. After finally getting cash, we met at Kincaids, had a glass of wine and some brie cheese, and then walked to the ballet. At the end of the day, the ballet was absolutely superb. I was extremely impressed with the Arizona Ballet company.
Last night I went with a couple of friends to the ballet, Swan Lake. It was beautiful... I haven't been to a ballet since I went to the Nutcracker a few years ago and I had forgotten how much I thoroughly enjoy going.
I almost died in the ghetto on the way TO the ballet. There was a suns game last night and being the idiot that I sometimes am, I forgot that I have to have cash to park in downtown Phoenix. Hello. So I had to find an ATM machine somewhere in the ghetto. I ended up at Walgreens at 7th Street and Thomas, which, if you know Phoenix, you know that it's a little sketchy there. I then proceeded to continue my smartness by taking back roads back to 3rd street and Washington (the nice part of downtown by the stadiums, symphony hall, etc). I especially loved the part where I drove by houses with police tape around them. Needless to say, I felt like quite the urbanite. The inner city girl in me certainly came out. After finally getting cash, we met at Kincaids, had a glass of wine and some brie cheese, and then walked to the ballet. At the end of the day, the ballet was absolutely superb. I was extremely impressed with the Arizona Ballet company.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Halloween Weekend 2006
This weekend has been so much fun! Much better than the 40+ hour of studying weekend last weekend. Friday, I met my girlfriend Kelly for sushi. Then I ventured to my cousin's Halloween party that I decided to go to last minute. Of course, it was a rash decision after another happy hour I was supposed to go to got cancelled so I didn't have a costume. I was endlessly harassed but it was all good. Very fun, needless to say. Then some other people I knew were having a party so I dropped by there to visit. Next thing I knew, it was 4 a.m. I gotta say, I haven't had a night like that for a LONG time. I got up yesterday morning at 9 a.m. and went straight to my friend Melissa's house for a pumpkin carving brunch. I was pretty exhausted but it was a fun brunch with a great group of friends. The pumpkin carving was about like I remember it- gooey. Creative people probably like carving pumpkins but for the people like me in the world who only do the triangle face pumpkins, it's not so hot. But, like I said, the company was well worth it.
After that I headed home and then turned right back around to go to the infamous annual Halloween party hosted by this guy at my work. This party I was actually prepared for- I had my costume (rainbow brite- who I IDOLIZED as a kid) all lined up. My friend Carolyn came with me. She and I have known each other since grade school but haven't seen each other since high school graduation. I learned recently from a mutual friend that she is out here now (recently moved) and so we met once for sushi and then I invited her to come along with me to this. I think she had a pretty good time... everyone loved her! The party was a lot of fun... people are so creative with their costumes! I can't wait until Halloween next year (or maybe next weekend... I heard there are more Halloween parties)... it is so fun!
After that I headed home and then turned right back around to go to the infamous annual Halloween party hosted by this guy at my work. This party I was actually prepared for- I had my costume (rainbow brite- who I IDOLIZED as a kid) all lined up. My friend Carolyn came with me. She and I have known each other since grade school but haven't seen each other since high school graduation. I learned recently from a mutual friend that she is out here now (recently moved) and so we met once for sushi and then I invited her to come along with me to this. I think she had a pretty good time... everyone loved her! The party was a lot of fun... people are so creative with their costumes! I can't wait until Halloween next year (or maybe next weekend... I heard there are more Halloween parties)... it is so fun!
Saturday, October 28, 2006
I really dislike dumb people
So, OMG. I almost castrated someone on Thursday. Namely, the IT guy at the client I'm at right now. We were trying to get hooked up to the printer at the client. And we told the guy it wasn't a big deal but if it was easy to do, then that would be fantastic.
Well, apparently it wasn't so easy to do. My computer and my co-workers computer were completely jacked. Our domains were wiped out, we lost all of our settings, we lost bits and pieces of our hard drives, we couldn't log in, etc. Describing it doesn't do our actual reaction justice. And, again, this was all supposedly the relatively easy task of hooking us up to a printer.
The guy was on drugs. And I'm not just saying the dude was on drugs because I am mad at the outcome of what happened. I was told this by the president of the company AFTER we realized that we were headed back to our office to have our IT guys somehow fix our poor computers. Um, hello? Maybe you should disclose the fact that your IT guy is on drugs BEFORE I let him come 10 feet close to my computer!? And btw, how is your company even operating? Oh, you still use greenbar? Oh this is an issue we try to address every year? Ah, it makes so much more sense now. And the logical question: 1) Why is it acceptable to employ an IT guy that is on drugs?
I would have done less damage trying to do what this guy was trying to do if I was drunk. And trust me, that's saying something.
There was yelling that happened, profuse apologizing from the controller, president, etc. to us. It was an ENTIRE day (no joke- 8 straight hours) of just trying to get the computer fixed. That doesn't work so well to waste a day considering the tightness of my schedule right now.
And, needless to say, my IT guy was certainly not happy. He did not find it humorous when I told him in all seriousness that I had a message from the client's IT guy: "if you just have whoever it is working on your computer do exactly what I just did (and he wrote out the instructions), you will be golden and will never have any problems." Noted. Maybe I should send that to Microsoft or Apple. It might be helpful at least in training people into how to fix massive problems.
Well, apparently it wasn't so easy to do. My computer and my co-workers computer were completely jacked. Our domains were wiped out, we lost all of our settings, we lost bits and pieces of our hard drives, we couldn't log in, etc. Describing it doesn't do our actual reaction justice. And, again, this was all supposedly the relatively easy task of hooking us up to a printer.
The guy was on drugs. And I'm not just saying the dude was on drugs because I am mad at the outcome of what happened. I was told this by the president of the company AFTER we realized that we were headed back to our office to have our IT guys somehow fix our poor computers. Um, hello? Maybe you should disclose the fact that your IT guy is on drugs BEFORE I let him come 10 feet close to my computer!? And btw, how is your company even operating? Oh, you still use greenbar? Oh this is an issue we try to address every year? Ah, it makes so much more sense now. And the logical question: 1) Why is it acceptable to employ an IT guy that is on drugs?
I would have done less damage trying to do what this guy was trying to do if I was drunk. And trust me, that's saying something.
There was yelling that happened, profuse apologizing from the controller, president, etc. to us. It was an ENTIRE day (no joke- 8 straight hours) of just trying to get the computer fixed. That doesn't work so well to waste a day considering the tightness of my schedule right now.
And, needless to say, my IT guy was certainly not happy. He did not find it humorous when I told him in all seriousness that I had a message from the client's IT guy: "if you just have whoever it is working on your computer do exactly what I just did (and he wrote out the instructions), you will be golden and will never have any problems." Noted. Maybe I should send that to Microsoft or Apple. It might be helpful at least in training people into how to fix massive problems.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Is that singing I hear?
Scenario: I'm at the gym tonight. Running. Next to a girl, a fairly in shape girl who looks like a good person to run by (mainly because she has headphones on which means she won't try to talk to me. Headphones are ALWAYS something to look for at the gym). All of a sudden about halfway through my run, I start to hear singing. I glance at her without being obvious but come to the conclusion that it must have just been the radio. Then again. I look at her and she's singing "Walking in Memphis." Loud. At the top of her lungs. In the gym. People are looking at me. Trying to figure out if it is me or her that is singing. Walking in memphis. In the gym.
I guess I just don't get it. Maybe if she was good it would have been more enjoyable. But as it was tonight, it was all I could do to keep from laughing out loud. Yeah, it was that bad.
Another scenario: I'm in my car. With the windows down. Hey, it's nice in Arizona now- 70s...perfect. I have my music cranked and a car pulls up next to me. They also have their windows down and their music cranking. And when they are right next to me, I hear singing. Holy crap is that the LADY I hear? Yes, over my music and her music, I could hear her belting it out. I couldn't help but stare. She had one set of vocals.
I guess I just don't get it. Maybe if she was good it would have been more enjoyable. But as it was tonight, it was all I could do to keep from laughing out loud. Yeah, it was that bad.
Another scenario: I'm in my car. With the windows down. Hey, it's nice in Arizona now- 70s...perfect. I have my music cranked and a car pulls up next to me. They also have their windows down and their music cranking. And when they are right next to me, I hear singing. Holy crap is that the LADY I hear? Yes, over my music and her music, I could hear her belting it out. I couldn't help but stare. She had one set of vocals.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
CPA exam 101
I took the CPA exam on Monday. Let me tell ya, I can't believe that's something I have to experience three more times, probably more considering that I may have to take one or more of the sections over again. I'm not even CLOSE to exaggerating when I say that it is by far the hardest, most exhausting test I've ever taken. It's like all four years of accounting all balled up into 4 hours. I can't even explain how impossible it is to try to study for that. And we're only talking about one section here, peeps!
I took the financial section on Monday. I studied for about 30-40 hours straight beginning friday night through about Sunday afternoon at 5 when I experienced a mass breakdown that resulted in me throwing my financial book, running out of the house in tears, and thinking seriously about my career options aside from accounting. I went to the gym, came back more calm, realized I knew what I knew and took it easy Sunday night. Monday I reviewed a bit and then sat for the test at 10. I feel relatively good about some parts, not so good about others. Like I said, it's so comprehensive that it's impossible to know exactly what to study for and eventually in the process of studying you have to accept that you're never going to learn it all. At the end of the day, I feel ok about it. I know eventually I'll pass it and even if I don't this time, I know at least I got the experience.
After I walked out of the exam, I swear it felt like I was in a different century. I probably looked like I was on crack. Hell, I felt like I was on crack. I couldn't process anything. Nothing. Couldn't even focus on the road when I was driving. Stared at people blankly when they talked to me- including the Starbucks guy. It's probably a good thing it takes two months to get the results back... as stupid as that is. If I got them directly following the exam, I don't think I would have been able to process the results.
The next class section of the CPA exam review started Monday night- as in, yes, the same day I took the financial section of the test. This section now is auditing and it's AWESOME. So much easier than the last. I'll take that part of the test at the end of November. After that, I start regulation/tax in January (the next hardest section compared to financial) and then business law/ethics in February.
One down, three to go.
I took the financial section on Monday. I studied for about 30-40 hours straight beginning friday night through about Sunday afternoon at 5 when I experienced a mass breakdown that resulted in me throwing my financial book, running out of the house in tears, and thinking seriously about my career options aside from accounting. I went to the gym, came back more calm, realized I knew what I knew and took it easy Sunday night. Monday I reviewed a bit and then sat for the test at 10. I feel relatively good about some parts, not so good about others. Like I said, it's so comprehensive that it's impossible to know exactly what to study for and eventually in the process of studying you have to accept that you're never going to learn it all. At the end of the day, I feel ok about it. I know eventually I'll pass it and even if I don't this time, I know at least I got the experience.
After I walked out of the exam, I swear it felt like I was in a different century. I probably looked like I was on crack. Hell, I felt like I was on crack. I couldn't process anything. Nothing. Couldn't even focus on the road when I was driving. Stared at people blankly when they talked to me- including the Starbucks guy. It's probably a good thing it takes two months to get the results back... as stupid as that is. If I got them directly following the exam, I don't think I would have been able to process the results.
The next class section of the CPA exam review started Monday night- as in, yes, the same day I took the financial section of the test. This section now is auditing and it's AWESOME. So much easier than the last. I'll take that part of the test at the end of November. After that, I start regulation/tax in January (the next hardest section compared to financial) and then business law/ethics in February.
One down, three to go.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Spinning out of control
I'm convinced that the CPA exam is going to be the end of me.
Trite, of course.
But I go to bed dreaming about numbers, people. I wake up thinking about leases. I take a shower and I think about the different disclosures required for pensions plans. Sometimes when I'm on the phone, talking with clients, hanging with friends, I think I start speaking in tongues in a way that makes them look around like make. the. madness. stop. They do not care that I can recite FASB 144 or SFAS13. And that I do so on command, I even do it in the middle of conversations just because I cannot process any normal conversations anymore. I'm asked a question and all I can respond with is some kind of reference to the statement of cash flows. DO WE NOW SEE THE PROBLEM HERE?
Like I said, the CPA exam is going to be the end of me. And, while confident in my abilities, I'm very confident in the ability of this test to kick the living crap out of me. And that's ok. I fully expect to take it again because I sincerely doubt that one round of this torture will be enough to satisfy it and the effect it's having on my life.
Trite, of course.
But I go to bed dreaming about numbers, people. I wake up thinking about leases. I take a shower and I think about the different disclosures required for pensions plans. Sometimes when I'm on the phone, talking with clients, hanging with friends, I think I start speaking in tongues in a way that makes them look around like make. the. madness. stop. They do not care that I can recite FASB 144 or SFAS13. And that I do so on command, I even do it in the middle of conversations just because I cannot process any normal conversations anymore. I'm asked a question and all I can respond with is some kind of reference to the statement of cash flows. DO WE NOW SEE THE PROBLEM HERE?
Like I said, the CPA exam is going to be the end of me. And, while confident in my abilities, I'm very confident in the ability of this test to kick the living crap out of me. And that's ok. I fully expect to take it again because I sincerely doubt that one round of this torture will be enough to satisfy it and the effect it's having on my life.
Today I don't live in Arizona
Just in case you were wondering. I'm going to deny it just for one day.
And I'll walk around with my head to the ground while I'm out in Arizona today.
24-23, folks! To any sports fans out there, this means something to you.
To people in Arizona, all it means is sheer embarassment. How can we call ourselves Cardinals fans after the destruction of the Bear's victory last night?
Oh, how glad I am to NOT be a part of the Cardinals offensive line today.
And I'll walk around with my head to the ground while I'm out in Arizona today.
24-23, folks! To any sports fans out there, this means something to you.
To people in Arizona, all it means is sheer embarassment. How can we call ourselves Cardinals fans after the destruction of the Bear's victory last night?
Oh, how glad I am to NOT be a part of the Cardinals offensive line today.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Quote of the day
"I promise you not a moment will be lost as long as I have heart & voice to speak & we will walk again together with a thousand others & a thousand more & on & on until there is no one among us who does not know the truth: there is no future without love." -Storypeople
Today is a new day
My resolution is to post more... starting now.
I have many pictures... of the house, the restored car (that we FINALLY got back last week), and of the trip to the Grand Canyon we took a few weeks ago. Those will follow shortly... hopefully.
While I intend to post more, it's sort of hard to do so. My CPA class finished a week or so ago and now I'm busy cramming for the test that's quickly approaching. I'm pretty busy at work, too. But, such is life.
Although I'm not a great back poster, I'll try to make more effort to keep this updated as to the current happenings in my life. We'll see how it goes...
I have many pictures... of the house, the restored car (that we FINALLY got back last week), and of the trip to the Grand Canyon we took a few weeks ago. Those will follow shortly... hopefully.
While I intend to post more, it's sort of hard to do so. My CPA class finished a week or so ago and now I'm busy cramming for the test that's quickly approaching. I'm pretty busy at work, too. But, such is life.
Although I'm not a great back poster, I'll try to make more effort to keep this updated as to the current happenings in my life. We'll see how it goes...
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