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.

It frustrates me to no end that I feel unable to control or navigate my career at the moment. The CPA exam is my roadblock. I also do not make the time to network amongst my peers. I have no network. I have no mentors. What am I doing? I’m up for a promotion next year if I pass the exam, but considering that there are 25 at my level [most with their licenses], chances are it won’t happen for me.

I met with my advisor at work on Friday, and these issues were brought up. I got really emotional about it. I cried. Yeah, broke down in his office. Well, not really broke down, just watery eyes, but it’s not such a professional thing to do. It’s supposed to be confidential, right? Or will I be that girl? It made me realize that I hadn’t thought about all that in awhile. Threw it all in the back burner because of long hours and other priorities, like oral surgery, on my mind.

Despite having the exam at the back of my mind at all times, I’d still managed to avoid the actual studying and taking the exam parts.

So I’m back at it.

Don’t stop me.

Currently hanging out with friends at Bittersweet. The photo above was taken at 1pm as part of a 52 Clix assignment. Very yellow due to it being a cell phone picture!

No, I’ve not been ignoring the 101 in 1001 list. Just not crossing much off the list, but it’s always at the back of my mind.

019 – Stay hydrated.
For this one, I just keep the glass next to my desk at all times. It’s easier when it’s a bigger glass, so I don’t have to keep refilling. I’m pretty bad about it otherwise. I’m making a more conscious effort though. I feel different at the end of a day when I’ve not had any water versus staying hydrated throughout the day.

026 – Pass the CPA exam.
I didn’t pass another one, but I am one step closer because I actually registered for the two remaining exams. Two to go!

049 – Volunteer at least four times a year. [01/12]
I was able to mark this off for volunteering on Thanksgiving!

In early July and late September, I took two exams. I finally received the Advisory Scores for both, and they are passing! So happy about that. I’ve not been motivated to study much these days. Going out too much, I guess, and work is also bombarding me from all sides. But at least I’ve passed two. Two to go! I have 18 months from passing that first one to finish the other two, or I lose credit. Yikes!

I have been obsessively checking my scores for the last exam taken. :/ Can’t be healthy. Please just tell me. Even if I didn’t pass, let me know. That way, I can just start anew. At least I passed the one which everyone considers to be the most complicated one. It DOES have a lot of calculations, so I’m glad to be done with it.

Three more to go! Hopefully just two more [if they would only update their website].

The wedding has left me pooped! So tired. It was a beautiful day out at Thomas Fogarty Winery and Vineyard in Woodside, California.

I came home and checked the scores for the two exams I recently took. One is out as an advisory score, and the other I am still waiting on. Advisory score on test one is passing, so I am very happy. While it is an advisory score, chances of it changing much is low. It’s not necessarily the highest score… In fact, it is far from it, but all that matters is that it is passing. I can now justify rewarding myself with everything I’ve purchased in the past week!

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.

• is glad the “older” button works now. #
• jazz and studying. #
• frozen – why did i not wear gloves? #