[Super Duper Fantastic] ISFP/INFP. 4w5. World Explorer. Super Hero. Rose-colored Glasses.

An update on the 101 in 1001:

026 – Pass the CPA exam.
I’m not done yet, but I am one step closer! Checked the results of the last exam I took, and it appears that the advisory score is PASSING. *happy dance* So close, yet so far away. The last exam is the one I’ve been struggling with for some time. I’ve got videos to watch online to help with the studying, but basically I will have to do problems and review concepts over and over… I will settle for just PASSING the exam. I don’t need perfect scores!

028 – Redirect the career path. Find a new job.
Having been laid off, I’m on my way to redirecting the career path. I have been interviewing lately [waiting to hear from them they found someone else :(] and have a few others lined up as well [phone ones and in-person ones]. It’s interesting because all of the positions are related in that my previous position provided the background to do those jobs, but they are all in different industries with very different companies. Most are smaller than the last company because I’d rather move away from being a statistic at a large firm, lost in the numbers.

I really do hope that I find something before unemployment actually kicks in. But just in case, I’ve bought a bunch of stamps from Costco. They’re cheaper there – $0.44 stamps for $0.4375! Only thing is, I had to buy 100 at a time. At least they last forever?

I can’t sleep very well. Part of it is due to the alcohol consumed last night, but another part is due to what this day has to bring. I think it may be my last day at my job of the last five years. It’s going to be sad, but at the same time, I’ve been expecting. I received an e-mail from HR yesterday afternoon for a “mandatory meeting.” That’s pretty much how I’ve heard that it goes down.

I wonder what’s next! I’ll definitely wrap up on the CPA exams. There’s no better time than now to get all the certification stuff out of the way.

This will definitely put a cramp on the surgery that’s supposed to take place later this year though…

A week later, and I’m finally feeling a little better. Last week was a rough one with a combination of work deadlines and cramming as much information into my head as possible for the exam. RV witnessed my breakdown during the middle of the week. We survived it, so I guess he’s a keeper. ;)

Once the exam was over, a weight was lifted off the shoulders, despite not knowing the results until two months later! The heavy feeling is gone for the time being, even though I still have the work-related deadlines to work through. It’s just easier when you don’t have something in the background.

There’s talk of a big impending layoff. I’ve been anticipating one for the last month or so. Busy season is over, so if there are extra people about, now’s the time for the firm to send out the emails… Luckily, I didn’t hear from HR regarding that in the last few weeks. It doesn’t mean that it won’t happen though, so it’s best to be safe than sorry. I’ve begun chats with recruiters just to see what’s out there. Not really much, but also not completely hopeless. While I might not have the skills to match what employers are currently looking for, it doesn’t mean something won’t come up.

Plus, I’m still at my job for now.

The weather is once again gorgeous out. How I love living here – moderate year-round. While it was only in the 60s in SF, a quick drive down the Peninsula, and it was basically 20 degrees warmer. We attended a pool party, soaked in some rays, and enjoyed drinks and desserts. Hopefully the extra vitamin D will kick me back into shape. Usually gloomy weather brings me down, so I’m hoping the sun will have the opposite effect on me.

In other news, I have two exams coming up this month – one at the beginning and one at the end. It’s weird being so close to a turning point. I’ve always seen the passing of exams and the fact that I’m only a few months away from a possible promotion to manager as a marker, a goal. What lies beyond that point is not completely clear to me, but I’ve started thinking about it.

I’m starting to think outside of my auditor box. Industry, perhaps?

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Rob Brezny!
Maybe someday you will allow yourself to act more like an Aries. You know, you’ll barge ahead along a path of your own making. You’ll follow the siren call of your good instincts instead of the waffling questions of your fine mind. You’ll relish the scary sounds from up ahead as potential opportunities to triumph over your fear and hone your willpower. Don’t do any of that stuff yet, though. You’re not ready for the challenge. Maybe in a few years. APRIL FOOL! Here’s the truth, Libra: Now is an excellent time to act more like an Aries.

From Freewill Astrology:
Welcome to Part Two of your outlook for the second half of 2008, Libra. We’re checking up on how you’re progressing with the challenges you were given near the end of last year. I trust that by now you have begun to make major renovations in the foundations of your world. I hope you have been carrying out brave changes that will anchor and stabilize your efforts for years to come. By January 1, 2009, I expect that you will be standing in your place of power and fighting for your dreams with more suppleness and stamina than you’ve ever summoned.

I really hope so.

My biggest challenge this year has been the CPA exams. It has been a challenge for the last few years, but the pressure is really on now. Promotions and so forth. It seems like once I get myself over this particular hump, everything else will fall into place.

Priorities.

Priorities.

Happiness.