Confidence Boost

Happy Friday pretties!

I'd like to get all serious and reflective for a hot second.

Yesterday may have been one of my favorite days of all time.

I had a breakfast meeting with one of the partners of our firm. This is where she told me I was getting promoted to "Senior" (from the "staff" level) and then booked us massage appointments to celebrate. HAVE I MENTIONED HOW MUCH I LOVE MY JOB??

Then, our meeting got better! She gave me a lot of positive feedback from my reviews from different audits throughout the year ("Clients love you!" "Everyone loves working with you!") and then threw out a huge surprise: they want me to be in charge of recruiting for our Greenville office. ME! I absolutely had no idea this was coming. I have been helping with recruiting since I first started working (attending recruiting events, taking potential new hires to lunch, etc.) but I can't even fathom being in charge of everything! And as if I wasn't already freaking out, she told me, "Keep in mind, the future of our firm relies solely on recruiting." Oh, NBD, NO PRESSURE!

But she did say something that will likely stick with me forever. She told me that my personality is 75% of what I bring to the table. She said you just can't teach people how to come to work with the positive attitude that I seem to have. I wanted to jump up from the table and hug her right then and there. I practically skipped instead of walked for the rest of the day!

As if that wasn't a spectacular morning, my coworkers and I went to Tupelo Honey for lunch. The restaurant just opened on Tuesday and Lauren and I went for dinner on opening night, too! The hostess may or may not have recognized me. Oops! But y'all, it seriously is some of the best food ever.

Then, I got to go bowling with the interns at 2 in the afternoon! Thanks interns, for getting me out of work for the rest of the day!

When I left the bowling alley, my mom called and said my car had made it to the dealership. I quickly emptied out my old car and made the switch. I can't believe I have a new car! I'm so stinkin' excited.

Then I met up with friends at the Drive game for $1 beer night and we had an absolute blast. Sarah kept running around telling everyone that Lauren and I had gotten promoted that day so everyone bought us drinks and kept high-fiving us constantly. I was grinning from ear to ear the entire night.

The sun set on the most perfect day I've had in a long time.

I went to bed with a happy heart.

M.I.A.

Hi pretties! I didn't mean to be M.I.A. for the rest of the week/weekend, but it looks like that's going to be happening, mainly because of this email I received from TripIt:

weeeeee!

I was on a committee for a firm event we hosted yesterday, so I was mostly running around from noon-10 pm last night trying to make sure everything was running smoothly while also entertaining clients, but I'm not really complaining when the event required me to attend a baseball game at 2 pm on a Tuesday....

Rough life, right?

And apparently coworkers who work together a lot apparently start to dress alike too....

Yes. Sarah and I are wearing the exact same sweater from J.Crew. It started to get embarrassing when at least 5 people commented on the fact that we were matching.

I'm also trying to work 40 hours by Thursday at 5:30 so we can hit the road and I don't have to take PTO for Friday!

I hope everyone has a fabulous hump day and I can't wait to tell you about all of our adventures in New Orleans!

Real World - Year One

Once upon a time, I promised you a post on how I became an accountant. What better time to write such a post than on the one year anniversary of my first day of work in the real world?

On this day last year, I walked into my office and settled into the cube that would become my home away from home (depressing as that may be). I had interned with my company twice before, so I didn't have the usual "first day jitters." I was just excited to see everyone again and earn that paycheck!

But let's rewind to how I actually got here.

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I've always liked math. But I also really like people. There aren't too many professions that marry the two, except for maybe teaching. I have the patience of a gnat, so that was certainly out of the question.  When I went to Clemson, I majored in Business, and took all the prerequisite business classes my first year. After that first year, you have to choose a concentration (Economics, Finance, Accounting, Marketing, or Management). 

I chose Finance with the intention of being a financial planner. That way, I could still use math (and money!) but I would work with people all day long. Win win!

It wasn't until I was semesters deep in corporate finance classes that I realized I hated all of my classes. I wasn't doing well in them and I was frustrated because I would never need to know half the stuff I was learning to be a financial planner. 

I was however doing well in my accounting classes. I guess I never really knew what an accountant did (besides taxes, ew) so I never really gave it any thought. I sat down with one of my professors and he encouraged me to switch majors. 

Next thing I knew, I was an accounting major on the fast track to becoming a CPA. I got a job with an accounting firm (the same firm I work for now) as a summer intern working in their Accounts Receivable department. Turns out, I loved the job and I loved the people even more! I did some finagling of my schedule, and ended up graduating a semester early from undergrad so I could intern in the audit department during busy season with the same firm.

I was given a full-time job offer at the end of my internship, returned to graduate school to get my master's degree, passed the CPA exam, and started work last November as an auditor. (I still remain firmly of the opinion that I will always hate taxes. I don't/can't/won't even do my own.)

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A little bit about what I actually do as an auditor:

We have a bad rap. I get it. No one likes the guys who come in looking for fraud. But most of our clients are really great and we're not all that bad, I promise! We just come in and make sure the accounting transactions during the year are legit. No harm, no foul.

I work in a team and deal with the people who work at our clients all day long, so that's how I maintain sanity with people interaction. I don't sit at a desk all day by myself and crunch numbers. I'm usually sitting at a tiny conference table with a coworker, taking breaks to chat about anything under the sun. It's amazing what you learn about people when you share close quarters and a meal together for 9 hours a day, 5 days a week!

I can't believe I've already been working for a whole year! It certainly flew by, even with the fun that is busy season. I was on a panel this week for our new hires and was amazed that I had any sliver of advice for them. It's crazy to look back at how much I've learned in the past year. 

I don't plan on going anywhere any time soon. I think I'm one of those rare people who truly likes loves their job! I'm blessed!

And funnily enough, I actually have my own financial planner now. Weird how things turn out!

What I'm Loving...

It's been awhile since I've done one of these posts, but there are a few things I just have to share with you!

This dress from Anthropologie:

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This dress is so versatile and comfortable. I want to buy it in every pattern. I've already gotten so much wear out of it, and I've only had it a month. I wore it to a baseball game, dinner at a steakhouse in Dallas, and then on the plane afterwards, and most recently to Sippin' Safari last weekend. I wear it with this belt, also from Anthro.

Have I mentioned I'm going to be in big trouble when they finish building the Anthropologie in Greenville? My bank account can at least breathe easy until sometime in 2013. Yikes.

I'm officially a CPA. 

Yep, I got my license in the mail and now I can finally put those 3 little letters behind my name that I worked so darn hard for. Maybe someday I'll write a post about how I came to be an accountant, because it seems that most people don't come out of the womb wanting to crunch numbers. Hard to believe, I know.

These beauties from Tory Burch:

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I've been debating a new pair of flats since last fall. I know everyone loves their Revas, but I couldn't decide if the shiny metallic logo was for me. When I saw these, with the more subtle logo, the tumbled leather, and that gorgeous camel color, I was pretty much sold. No store around here sells them and I wanted to be able to try them on first. I lucked out when I was in Atlanta and Emmie let me try on a few of her pairs to determine fit.

I'm very picky about my shoes. I only have about 12 pairs, and each of them serve an individual purpose (nude heels, black heels, black flats, neutral sandals, etc.) But these will be perfect for fall and can match almost anything in my closet.

Next thing you know, they were in my shopping bag online at Nordstrom. The verdict: I'm. in. love. 

This little exclamation from Mint.com:

I want to buy a house. Like tomorrow. I've been saving up for years, and now that I have a real job, I've been putting more away each month. I set a goal for myself a year or so ago for a certain dollar amount I wanted to reach to help pay for a down payment and some furniture (i.e. necessary items for a new house). This month, I finally reached my goal! However, Lauren and I renewed our lease for another year, so I won't be looking for awhile. That gives me time to save even more money so I can buy something I really love. Look at me, all grown up!

This planner I found at Staples:

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At work, we're all pretty much glued to our Outlook calendars. Mine syncs with my iPhone so I always know what's coming up on my schedule, but sometimes I miss the pen-and-paper planners I used in college. I bought a blank one this past weekend that can serve as a running to-do list when busy season starts. I'll be looking to get promoted next year, so running my jobs efficiently will be key when I start taking on more responsibility. Plus, the floral pattern is pretty!

This designer copycat watch from Target:

I've been coveting a Michael Kors gold boyfriend watch for quite some time. But there are certain items I'll splurge on (shoes, above) and things I won't (trendy watch). I usually breeze right past the jewelry section in Target because I have a few classic pieces I wear all the time, but for some reason I decided to browse through on my most recent trip. 

I almost jumped up and down when I saw this watch. It's cheap ($14!!) but doesn't look cheap at all. I even had someone ask me if I had purchased a MK watch when I wore it this weekend. Talk about a score! I smile to myself when I glance down at it and pat myself on the back for my thrifty find.

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Anything you're loving lately (besides of course the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks)??

Hump Day Musings

We're halfway through the week and in the home stretch to the weekend! My sister is coming into town from California and it's Mother's Day! I'm pretty excited about a relaxing and fun weekend.

I feel like I've been so busy lately, with all sorts of activities during and after work -- it's as if I'm living on skates! So here's an update of all my happenings! 

I'm trying to get back on the workout bandwagon. Busy season kind of derailed all my good intentions. When I got home from work at 7:30 or 8 pm, the last thing I wanted to do was head to the gym. When I started this blog, I thought it would be full of my wonderful workouts (of the running variety), but I've self-admittedly gotten pretty slack. So Monday after work, I went for a quick run, only to discover that my hip injury is still in full swing. I'm determined to fight this thing quickly so I can keep my endurance up to start half-marathon training in August. Here's to icing and foam rolling A LOT!

I met Lauren for yoga at the Y afterwards and stretched all my tight muscles.

Our office hosted an event at the Drive Stadium on Tuesday promoting local businesses and a thriving downtown. We had a social event afterwards at a local restaurant to meet some local CEO's. I had plans to head to the gym afterwards, but opted out after two glasses of wine. Oops!

We went to Columbia for training AGAIN this morning. The sunrise on our drive:

We got back from Columbia with an hour to work before our firm hosted a recruiting event for the Clemson MPAcc program. I had a headache brewing, so I took some Excedrin and set up my computer at home. Oh the joys of a flexible job!

The best part of the event was that our firm was giving the students tervis tumblers with our logo. Since I've already professed my obsession love of tervis tumblers, you can imagine my excitement. The HR girl gave me permission to steal one for myself. Can't wait to use it! 

The recruiting event was over at 6 pm, and Lauren and I jetted home to change clothes and head to the gym again. We decided to try a new class, using Kettlebells, and boy was it a workout! 30 minutes of non-stop weights with quick bursts of cardio, crunches, and pushups. It was definitely a class I'll be frequenting often. Hello, toned arms!!

I'm going to try a new treadmill workout before work tomorrow. I found it on Steph's blog at Bite by Bite. I'll let you know how it goes!

2 lap warm up, 4 X’s 800M, 2 lap warm down, 1 lap rest

0.50 miles @ 6.2 mph

0.50 miles @ 7.0 mph

0.25 miles @ 6.3 mph

0.50 miles @ 7.1 mph

0.25 miles @ 6.3 mph

0.50 miles @ 7.2 mph

0.50 miles @ 6.3 mph

0.25 miles @ 3.3 mph

Total: 3.25 miles in 34:00

I saved my favorite for last! A blog I read daily, Christine at These Happy Miles, posted links to these great articles. The second one really got me thinking. I've been thinking of ways to simplify my life, after the dust settled from busy season. I've been trying to plan my meals, grocery shop a little smarter, and enjoy the little things. It's a work in progress. I really want to work on unplugging a bit more. It's extremely rare that I'm without some form of communication -- my phone being the biggest culprit. I even set it on the side of the bathtub while I soak! I must work on leaving my phone in my purse when I'm with friends and spending time with Ryan.

~ Why Being In Your 20s Is Awesome

~ 15 Things You Should Give Up to Be Happy

And this last one, (which I love) from Glamour, 

30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She's 30:

By 30, you should have:

1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come.

2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.

3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.

4. A purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.

5. A youth you’re content to move beyond.

6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.

7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age—and some money set aside to help fund it.

8. An email address, a voice mailbox, and a bank account—all of which nobody has access to but you. 

9. A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded. 

10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry. 

11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra. 

12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it. 

13. The belief that you deserve it. 

14. A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine, and a plan for dealing with those few facets of life that don’t get better after 30. 

15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship, and all those other facets of life that do get better.

By 30, you should know:

1. How to fall in love without losing yourself. 

2. How you feel about having kids. 

3. How to quit a job, break up with a man, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship. 
4. When to try harder and when to walk away. 

5. How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next. 

6. The names of the secretary of state, your great-grandmothers, and the best tailor in town. 

7. How to live alone, even if you don’t like to. 

8. Where to go—be it your best friend’s kitchen table or a yoga mat—when your soul needs soothing. 

9. That you can’t change the length of your legs, the width of your hips, or the nature of your parents. 

10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.

11. What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love. 

12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs, or not flossing for very long. 

13. Who you can trust, who you can’t, and why you shouldn’t take it personally. 

14. Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault. 

15. Why they say life begins at 30!

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Sorry this post was so incredibly random! Hope everyone is having a great week!

An Ode to Busy Season

Happy Friday! Yay for the weekend! Since that beautiful tax deadline (April 15th, in case you forgot) has come and gone, I thought I would opine on the great three and a half months known to accountants everywhere as "busy season." I won't bore you with the details of how (or why on earth) I chose to be an accountant. We'll save that story for another day. However, I will give you a little background, followed by some numbers. Because, obviously, I love numbers!

I'm an auditor for a mid-size regional public accounting firm. Hold on to your seats while I explain what that means. Most companies require an audit, mostly by law or in order to get and/or keep a loan with a financial institution. The most basic definition of auditing I can find is this: "a systematic examination of the books and records of a business in order to verify and to report upon the facts regarding the financial operation and the result thereof."  So yeah, that's what I do on a daily basis. Which means we spend a lot of time in our client's place of business, working with a senior or manager (someone with more experience than a 1st or 2nd year staff), looking through their files/documents/reports, etc. As an auditor, busy season is a little different than a race to the tax deadline, but we're still busy this time of year with our own filing deadlines.




Here's my cube. I'm working on the decorations...

The firm I work for is amazing. I interned here twice and never thought about working anywhere else. While busy season is rough (i.e. a LOT of hours and less sleep), they do their best to make it as bearable as possible. Enter: food. Lots and lots of food. They fill empty file cabinets with snacks to keep us fueled. The snack drawer just happens to be conveniently located directly outside my cube. Let's just say it's a good thing I wasn't in the office much over the past few months. They also provide lunch every Saturday for us while we're working. They also let us dress as casually as we want on Saturdays, too. They provide an "afternoon surprise" every Wednesday (candy, cake, ice cream, you name it). Have you noticed a common theme here? Apparently busy season = stress eating. But hey, it works and we all survived. We're having a party at one of our shareholder's house to celebrate another busy season in the books. I can't wait! (PS. It's a complete lie that accountants are boring. We are fun people, okay?!)

Now let's do busy season by the numbers, shall we??

701 hours worked

8 different clients audited

2 different states visited (Savannah, GA and Birmingham, AL)

6 Saturday lunches consumed

10 weekends worked

93.5 "overtime" hours

300 (at least) lunches and dinners eaten out

10 Friday night happy hours

2,483 visits to the snack drawer (an exaggeration? probably not)

Whew. There you have it, folks. I survived my first busy season! I think It'll be fun to do this comparison of the numbers each year. 

Until next time...