The First Snow

This afternoon I made the treck up the hill to install a new payroll time tracker for Powderbird, just in time for the very first snow fall of the year. It was magnificent! I'm no ski bum but sometimes I wish I were. I love the first snow of the year, when everything is sprinkled in pure white snow. The trees take on their own personalites and the harshness of the rocks is more profound. Is it too early to start thinking/ singing "its beginning to look a lot like chrismas..."

Corner Office

Why is it that everyone dreams of having a corner office? I don't have a corner office. In fact if were being completely serious I've recently been downsized to a postage stamp of an office. HOWEVER, I have something better. I have freedom to roam. I am not sure how I became designated the "hands on" employee, it certainly cant be my people skills, or can it? If we have a client that can't handle their issues on their own the Partners automatically inform them that Jane will be out to fix it. So at times I'm a glorified hand holder. But with that comes some freedom from the postage stamp that is my office. I get out of the office to visit clients at least two afternoons a week which has saved my sanity in more ways than one. I am certainly not complaining about the arrangement.

At the end of tax season I was given a gift. No not the sizable bonus I was hoping for, and not two weeks off to make up for the over time, but a gift nevertheless. I was handed our biggest client, and I was told to "keep them happy." Which in accounting terms means, do everything they ask when they ask regardless of how they ask. So...thus started an adventure.

The accounting was absolutely dreadful when I was "assigned" (their prior accountant just decided to quit, for no apparent reason) so needless to say it took me hours upon hours to try and sort out the mess she had left behind. I've finally caught them up to date and they should be thriving again. In the process of sorting I drove a million miles from their office to mine. And though the miles on my car are adding up I've enjoyed every minute of the drive. This client is located at the Heliport between Snowbird and Alta. Yeah. I know. Better than a corner office.

If I've had my doubts about living in Utah I honestly have to say that Little Cottonwood Canyon tends to erase many of those doubts. Its awesome. I started working up there like I said shortly thereafter tax season, so May. It was winter at Powderbird in May. People were still skiing and snowboarding. It was amazing. I got to watch winter melt and spring arrived with amazing rain storms and fog so thick I had a hard time breathing. And then there was summer, which was too hot sitting in the all glass building over looking the canyon, but awesome nevertheless. However the last two times I was up there Fall was in full force. Fall is definitely my favorite time of the year. I snapped a few pictures and I couldn't help posting them for you to see as well. This is genuinely the view from my office on the hill. Corner Office? Ha.

Sick or Just Tired?

What to do...

The last two day's I've been one step away from calling in sick to work. Am I sick? Well I'm exhausted...does that count? I really don't know what my deal is...I genuinely think I could sleep for three days with how tired I am.

So yesterday I had two client appointments scheduled, so I dragged my tired self to the shower and I arrived to work on time...I performed like a trained monkey during one client meeting, and I sat and smiled through another. I ho hummed through the in between stuff and I even managed to get a bit of work done. Go Me!

However today is a different story. I sluggishly hit the snooze button more times than I can count. I finally made it into work...only a half hour late. I sat and talked with the partners for an hour and a half, I've taken some calls, I've even cut a few checks. However beyond that I cant bring myself to do any real work. To my credit every time I try I hit a wall that would be harder to climb over than just wait till next week to finish. I'm tired and I'm burned out and I wanna sleep.

So am I sick? Maybe. But how do you call in sick to work on a Friday before a holiday? Ya don't. And how do you leave early on a Friday before a holiday with out everyone assuming your just a slacker trying to break free early? I'm still trying to figure that one out.

Grrrr....I hate this sluggish feeling that I have...I've not been able to shake my morning crankiness and I really want a cozy blanket and a pillow. Mostly I just wanna shut my eyes.

Weekend Plans: Nope, not catch up on my ZZZZ's but "Help Sissy Clean and Move." Exciting.

Restless...

I survived. Another tax season finished.

There is certainly something about going a million miles an hour and then suddenly crashing on the track. My breakdown wasn't nearly as devastating as the breakdown of Eight Bells last Saturday in the Kentucky Derby, but it was almost as quick. I enjoyed a few strides of blissful freedom; I even went to Star Valley for three days and I felt great for getting some fresh air and rest. But the minute I returned to work the next week I got hit with Step Throat. And I was literally down for 2+ days wishing that someone would euthanize me! I visited a clinic and was given the 10 days of pills to ward off the Strep and get back on my feet. Oh yes, that's right, I went to see a doctor. I really MUST have been ready to be euthanized! I hate doctors, I hate paying their outrageous bills for them to poke and prod me and stick horrific wooden sticks on my tongue...I shudder at the memory. But I went, and with a few days of sleep and drugs I regained my ability and desire to live.

Things at the office have certainly slowed down since the close of The Season and I've finally been able to finish unpacking my office and settling in. Yeah, its been five months and I'm finally feeling like this is MY space. My pictures are on the wall, my floor is clean, my desk is orgainized and my "to do list" is basically non-existant. I'll admit I am guilty of letting my laundry pile up on my bedroom floor, I'm guilty of letting the dishes do the same, and I never make my bed...but my office is usually pristine. I spend all my real time at the office anyway. It is my haven. Sad, but true.

This is when I'd usually sit back and say, yep...this is it. Time to slow down and enjoy the ride. That's what I've always done. Its always worked well for me. But this year...I feel restless. I'm not sure what it is that I'm looking for, its certainly NOT the 13 hour days again, but neither is it the slow pace of the summer workload.

Why is it that I'm not happy with the MOMENT? A question with a million answers; all that spiral in a million different directions. For now, I'll let this train of thought go, but I'm sure to revisit it on occasion. ;)

LIBERATION!!!

I'M FREE!!!

FREE FOR ANOTHER 8 MONTHS!!!

WHY IS IT SNOWING ON APRIL 15TH?

GIVE ME A BREAK!!!

I NEED SUNSHINE!!!

EITHER WAY, I'LL RELISH THE NEXT FEW DAYS, AS I DONT HAVE TO WORK UNTIL THE 21ST. I'M FINALLY GETTING A WELL NEEDED REST.

I LOOK FORWARD TO RETURNING TO NORMAL SOON...CAN'T WAIT TO CATCH UP WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT HAVE BEEN OVERLOOKED BY "THE SEASON."

GREAT THANKS TO MY MOTHER FOR COOKING AND CLEANING FOR ME LAST WEEK.

TO MY PARENTS FOR THE FLOWERS OF ENCOURAGEMENT.

AND TO MY SISSY AND BRETTLY FOR THE FLOWERS OF FREEDOM.

ALL THAT SAID...I'M OUT!!!

I Long For...

a really good book to read in the sunshine.

a day with sunshine would also be nice.

a beach full of people to watch and not have to talk to.

a nice long ride to the top of a majestic mountain on my horse.

a phone call from my favorite Idaho obsession.

a child to play with in the park and a nice ride on a swing.

a day with nothing to think about and nothing to do.

a chance to actually blog about the things rolling in my mind.

...but mostly...

I Long For APRIL 15th!

Taxing Life...In Stride

March 17th, 2008 an ordinary day for some, a reason to dress in green and drink too much for others, a day of accomplishment for me. Today marks the deadline for corporate tax returns for me; boring for many of you, I know. I made a commitment to myself that if I made it through this day then I'd finally be able to post about the new changes at the new workplace. And here I am, a survivor. It has been two and a half months since The Captain and I branched out and merged our frim with two other existing firms. The workload has certainly taken its toll on me and this has been a tax year like no other. Someone pointed out to me in a moment of weakness that Every Rose Has Its Thorns and I've certainly been showing mine lately. However I made it, I've made it through the worst of The Season and now I'm settling into myself and into a more friendly routine...I hope.

A few things I've learned in the past month of overworking are as follows:

• there will always be too much to do, and there is always tomorrow
• when you eat lunch at 2pm there is no one around to notice you eat alone
• when you begin work before sunset and you end work after sunset it is a real struggle to differentiate the days; things look different in the dark
• a good distraction helps regain focus
• commute time is shorter when normal commuters are long since gone
• sleep is not to be taken for granted
• working from home has major benefits and major drawbacks
• you can teach old dogs new tricks...occassionaly
• if you wait too long it will all hit you at once
• men on ego trips tend not to get along with a sassy jane...

I am sure there are many more things I've learned but they haven't really stuck with me. I've not yet found common ground with one of the partners, and I'm not sure I ever will. He's a bit of a pompus paper pusher. However I work very well with the third partner and he and I have really hit a stride and things are going well. As for the Captain, he introduces me as his left and right hand; if not his brain as well. So needless to say he trusts me implicitly and we are sailing into the final month of crunch time.

I'm attempting to not overwork myself, it will likely not last long, but I'm really tyring to remember that there is always tomorrow and extensions are relatively simple to file!

Cheers from the Tax Room, and if anyone needs a job...we're hiring!

Nobody puts Baby in the Corner

Last night I was invited to attend a Donor Appreciation dinner that a client of ours was putting on. My boss and his wife were also invited but I rather than sit with them amid all the "rich and famous" I was invited to sit at the exclusive and secluded "staff" table. In the end this was a much wiser idea, rather than uncomfortably chatting with the Donors or my boss I was able to just be me.

The client is a non-profit organization that does a lot of fund raising for scholarships; called American Indian Services. I have been working closely with this client for about 4 years and have really grown to love the staff. The girls, or should I say ladies, at AIS have given me a repreive from the day to day "old men" that I work with. In my business there is not alot of "girl talk." And though I am very happy working with the men it is kind of nice to talk to girls my own age and relate with them on a different level. I always look forward to my monthly day in Provo at this client's; I love the girls!

Our table was as secluded as promised; however the staff was busy greeting people and I of course didn't want any part of that so I was left sitting alone at my secluded back table, while everyone else made nice small talk around the table. It was a bit awkward for awhile (like 30 minutes)...you can only watch the people for so long you know. I was eventually joined by the staff and we took advantage of our seclusion to avoid the program and really just enjoy the food and each other's company.

The atmosphere of the restaurant was great and I thought that the food was amazing. The dinner party was held at the Tuscany Restaurant where the scene is both "dramatic and inviting." According to the review "It envelopes diners with high ceilings, hand-painted tiles, terra-cotta floors, a series of richly appointed dining rooms, comfortable seating and lots of windows."

This is a great organization and I think I have grown so much from my involvement with them. I like to consider myself family or a part of the staff but I was still taken off guard when they recognized the staff and added my name to the list. Ha. So I suppose I got out of the corner and into the spotlight without even wanting to. There is a possibility that my involvement with AIS is about to change dramatically as they may be turning to different accountants in the future and I will certainly miss my interaction and my involvement.

If this is the end of my AIS accounting stint I will certainly miss the girls I've grown to love; this post is dedicated to the heart and soul of AIS, Miss Sarana. Thanks Sarana for being a great leader, an amazing friend, and a dedicated employee. Keep in touch, your the best!

Sleeping it Off...

I've been trying to keep my posts to commentaries on the great things in life which is why I've yet to post such things as a Family Vaction to the Grand Canyon, The Outcome of the Super Bowl, and the Changes at Work; but rest assured...my motto in life is to divulge all things honestly and so they are about to come out. However not just this moment...please stay tuned.

For now I'm just going to complain; pure and basic. I ache. From the top of my head to the soles of my feet. Yesterday I woke with the begginings of a cold and because I've finally dug myself out from under all the work in my cupboard of an office I stayed in bed today. Is it just me or does the calling in sick thing really suck? Not because you get to stay in bed but because you have to wake up enough to make the call? Today, I didn't call. Nope. I just simply rolled over and silenced my phone and went back to sleep. To my credit I did email the secretary and my boss when I woke up, but they knew I was coming down with something...why must I distrubt my "well needed sleep" just to make an akward phone call. Those calls ARE akward are they not? I've worked with The Captain for 7 years and still I find those calls to be akward in nature.

There is neither a good time to be sick or to take time off during tax season, however I hope that I can kick this cold in the butt today and clear my head enough to make it into the office tomorrow. So wish me luck as I sleep the day away...

'Ello There!!!

I'm dropping in on my blog to say 'Ello There!

In my breeze by I've noticed that I've definitely let things slip...I'll not attempt to make apologies or even to correct my blogging shortcomings. However, I will say this: I'm settled and attempting to thrive at the new job. It has been a real TASK...Tedious Annoying Stressing Krazy. I've been compiling a list of things I actually like about the new job, I've convinced myself that it can't be all bad and have begun to get creative in my search for to good. I'll share that list in a coming blog, hopefully in the near future.

In other news, my PATRIOTS are one week away from the superbowl, and if no one's noticed I'll point out that they are making a run for PERFECTION. And I couldn't be happier with the results of the Bolts beating out the Colts, the AMAZING one handed Weddle interception at the end zone! Also notable was that the Bolts beat the defending Colts with weakling Billy Volek and no L.T. I don't see a real threat with the Chargers this week. On the other side, with the Giants beating out my NFC pick in the Cowboys I'm certainly a little surprised. Brett Farve deserves a Superbowl appearance after the year he's had. So line them up...Brady vs. Farve, The Greatest vs. The Icon. What is football without Brett Farve?

I've nothing else to report...I've not been blogging because many of you HATE to read about my football obsession, and I've not sorted out my work issues to a point where I am able to talk freely about them without major anxiety. And for my social life...I don't really have one, beyond my reserved and revered Thursday nights I have not been taking a lot of time out for Jane. So there you have it...a blot post and a shout out to those of you who have been interested in what I may post and have been disappointed for the last month, I'll attempt to keep in touch!

Work Update...

So it is safe to say that if you KNOW me your aware that my brain doesn't really turn on until 10 am. However since daylight savings I've morphed into what I'd like to call "crazy" and I'm wide wide awake at 9. This may be because I have more than normal to do and am trying not to feel the stress. (I've decided that stress is making me OLD and I'm not ready to be old.) Anywhoo...I'm at work. No one else is. It should be a great morning to get something done before everyone arrives and they all want me for this or that...I am in high demand.

However, I am not able to work. There is someone with a sledge hammer and a large looking bolt thingy (technical I know) right outside my window pounding away. I only have a smallish window so I am sure there are more "workers" beyond my eyesight, because one man cannot cause such a ruckus, can he? I'm not sure I wanna know. I just want him to go away so I can think. The problem is that Mr. Sledge Hammer may just be a foreshadowing of things to come. It's going to be a long month I'm afraid.

As a recap, my company sold the building we are in back in February, we stayed on as a tenant for a couple of months and then were going to move in May. Well in May the same group offered to purchase a few more of our shopping centers and we began the process of due diligence all over again. In February we let our receptionist go to a new job, because we were down sizing. And So I hired a friend, or two to answer phones and to scan everything so that if and when we move, we will not have to take 500 file cabinets with us. LONG boring story short: We finally have an actual date as to when this sale will close. December 31st.

We also have just gotten notice that our space that we were planning to vacate as soon as this sale goes through has been leased. And they are taking over the space on December 15th after they have remodeled. I have no love for this office space, unless you count that is is seriously 3 minutes from my house, or the fact that my office is bigger than my room. However, I am not emotionally tied to this space so I am ready to move. And I have a new office just waiting for; albeit down on 50th south...oh the sleep I'll miss by THAT commute!

However, we cannot close this deal in two locations so we intend to stay here DURING construction and remodel of our current location. I personally think that this is a BAD idea, but since I am the employee my vote usually doesn't count on things like this. So like I said, Mr. Muscle outside my window is only the beginning.

Did anyone else notice the overlap in dates. Sale on the 31st, new tenants on the 15th. Yeah well, they aren't taking our whole space, how nice of them! They are building a wall right down the middle of our space and are leaving two offices and and reception area. And that I where we intend to move. Me, and the four guys into two offices; it should prove to be interesting. It's only going to be for the final most stressful amount of time, no big deal. (Shaking My Head.)

Having lived through one sale already I am prepared for most anything that they will throw at me. I just need to keep my new motto: Hakuna Matata..."it means no worries for the rest of your days, it's a problem free philosophy... HAKUNA MATATA!"

Why Do We Do The Things We Do?

Why do we do the things that we do? I don't know about you, but I can say that about 88% of the things I do are done out of loyalty. We all know this, but Wikipedia tells us that loyalty is faithfulness or a devotion to a person or cause. Check. The philosopher Josiah Royce said that loyalty was the supreme moral good, and that one's devotion to an object mattered more than the merits of the object itself. Loyalty is a great quality to have and in my case it has kept me out of trouble more often than not.

One Such Example: Growing up in a small town one has to learn to entertain themselves. Considering the options are the lone run down movie theater that should be condemned and only shows one movie each week, and the lone bowling ally with crooked lanes and patrons are likely to die of second hand smoke inhalation at any moment. Beyond that you are forced to use your imagination and create your own FUN. Which in the case of far too many Star Valley kids the list goes like this: drinking, having sex, drinking, egging, drinking, and driving really fast. I knew that if I was ever caught at a weekend party my dad would be disappointed in me and therefore, I never went. I realize this may not be believable for some, but I never attended one single drunken party. I had plenty of friends who went, but I stayed away on the weekends; not because I was worried about my weakness I could have likely went and never engaged but because I was worried about what my parents would think of my being there. I stayed loyal to their hope that I be good, and I was. The only vice I had growing up was the driving too fast. And I caught all sorts of hell for that, in high school and out, it came back to bite me in the butt when I tried to get car insurance on my own. Needless to say, I seldom speed anymore. (10 over is not speeding...for the record)

Why am I taking you on this random path of loyalty? Because today while I scrubbed 30 year old file cabinets free of dust I began to wonder if I was an accountant or a maid. And the answer is this: I work for a small firm who is undergoing major change and I am deathly loyal to the cause, therefore I am scrubbing cabinets, moving files, and sneezing up a storm. I am allergic to dust, see the dedication? My head hurts and my throat tickles, thankfully I'm done with the cleaning for the week. Monday afternoon I have some poor suckers lined up to haul out the old cabinets. Yep, all empty; it was not fun, easy, or quick, but its done.

I realize that I could stubbornly not engage in the cleaning of the office, but if you know the men I work with you'd know that it'd never get done. So, I've rode my broom all week trying to get a little cooperation from those who work here and I've loyally taken on more and more responsibilities that are not really in the job description of an in house accountant. I do the things I do out of loyalty to the people I care about most. Why do you do the things you do? What's your motivation?

33rd South and Bacon

Why is gas only 2.99 in happy valley and 3.19 in Salt Lake? Because I didn't have time (correction didn't MAKE time) to get gas "down south" I rolled back into Salt Lake on fumes and, lucky me, I got to pay 20 cents extra for my poor planning skills.

I usually LOVE my work days in Provo, but today I don't think anything went quite as planned. Usually I roll out of bed and drive straight to Provo. Today I overslept, due to a late night visit to 1600 England that I just couldn't put down, very good book. I went to my office, where I robotically began a day of work, only to realize I had an appointment in 10 minutes at an office 50 minutes away. Crap. (attempt to wake up enough to function...call and let them know I'm running late...get in car...drive to Provo) I usually get to hang out with some of my favorite clients (fun females my age, not old stuffy men) when I make this monthly trip, but today they locked me in the office by myself and took their boss to the ER. So there I sat all alone, with no fun laughter for a few hours and clicky clacked away at their books.

I always plan to lunch with a pal in Provo on these trips so as to make the most of the fact that my boss is paying for my mileage. The highlight of my trip actually was lunch and Foxy Coxy and I had a very enjoyable hour and a half gab at the Red Robin. Typically my Provo days are over when lunch ends, and I take the remainder of the day off (spoiled brat, I know). But today I thought a little face time with one of my more needy clients was in order...so I headed off to Pleasant Grove. My short stop by turned into an hour of "fix this and fix that" and "what did I do here" not to mention the ever present question of "how do I get out of paying the government...they are sucking me dry." It's a good thing that this guy has me wrapped around his little finger, cause if he were anyone else he would drive me stir crazy, but alas he is my most handsome and witty client. (sorry mom, he's like all the men in my life...married.)

And my day is over....right? What else can a girl fit into a day outside the office? A trip out to West Valley to deliver quarterly reports of course (now this client...if I only had the time, the stories I could tell...beastly beastly beastly) lady luck happened to finally smile on me and the wicked witch had already left for the day. I traversed back to my office on a few fumes and a bit of fear of running out of gas on the freeway. (My idea of living on the edge.) I saw a horrific accident on my way back (have I ever mentioned I hate traffic and the stupidity of commuters?), and almost had one of my own as well.

The Moral of this Story (if there is one): Don't read an entire book in one night, even if it is that good. Don't do a million errands on 4 1/2 hours of sleep. Buy your gas in Provo. Don't commute. Make time for lunch with friends, they are worth it. No matter how you plan, life has its way of twisting things around. AND 33rd South smells like bacon. I don't understand it, and frankly I don't like it. Bacon may be a suitible breakfast item, but its a smell that isn't mistaken and one I'd rather not cart around. Please tell me I'm not the only one who has smelled this while driving past on the freeway. Bacon I tell you.

Finally Friday...

Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them? - Rose Kennedy

Friday! Thank you for finally coming. I took Monday off for a "sick day" translation - I couldn't bring myself to face these two audits that are overflowing my desk. I was haunted by the overwhelming thought of them. Tuesday was pure torture, Wednesday a living hell, Thursday I almost snapped, but Friday sweet Friday!

Friday was the sunlight at the end of my tunnel, frankly I couldn't see it through all the chaos that was my week, but now that it is here and I can feel it the sun is very warm indeed. The Tyrant (Michael-the boss man) that has been snapping at me all week left at noon and I still didn't make it to lunch until 2:30. But I finally escaped the dungeon of my office for a stroll in the park and a half hour of reflection. I laid in the grass and listened to the birds, the leaves falling, children playing and dogs barking; I survived the week. Not only that; I finished my part of the first audit!!! So yeah the breakneck speed that The Tyrant and I worked this week paid off; now it's off my desk and onto his. Monday we turn it into the "new" boss and although I expect to have some more minor work to do, this one's a wrap.

Enter Audit #2. This audit should be less complicated, I no longer have to track down their accountant out at sheep camp, this one actually has an office; and a degree. YEAH. And even better this is a company that has had an audit before so I'm no longer out in the middle of the ocean floundering: I have a model. So hopefully by the time The Tyrant jumps on his broom next Wednesday for meetings in Arizona that should also be wrapped up. I can almost feel the life coming back into me. I can almost start to enjoy work again but alas...the new boss called this afternoon to let me know he will be bidding on a third audit for me. yeah. So help me if I live through these next couple of months at work I deserve a medal or a fat raise, both preferably.

In reflection, I did talk with the new boss earlier this week and he promised me that once we get settled down in his office (slated for mid November) he will pull me off all these horrible audits, if that is what I want, and let me do accounting work ups. Please Please Please, can I move NOW?

The weekend is finally upon me and I plan to enjoy it; from my living room. I had some time on my hands this week, what with calling in sick and all, and I used it wisely in preparing for fall. I attacked the dust covered loft thus turning it into a tolerable room now that the heat has past. And I've been sketching again, nothing to brag about but my frustrations are being taken out on paper instead of kneecapping The Tyrant. And tonight after my dinner plans I'm breaking out the scrap booking in preparation for a long winter. I can hardly wait.

The storm is passing, one audit down, the world has stopped spinning, and The Tyrant actually said thank you and please to me today; so I suppose I'm making progress and I can feel the sunlight peeking out at me.

Dex Knows...

He knows alright. Does he know that he's killing millions and millions of trees? I arrived at my office earlier this week only to find that there were three trees laying on the floor of the reception area. For those of you who don't know, I'm dedicated to de-junking this entire office. And to mark my progress and give myself a pat on the back I've accomplished a lot. I've only got two maybe three out of about 15 HUGE file cabinets that are still full. And most of those are lease files that will be passed on to the new owner if and when we finally sell this crazy business. So to find that now I have at least three full trees to remove from my office at some point drives me crazy. Who actually uses phone books anymore? Besides to prop up a couch leg. I have a couch that resides on top of Dex all the time. But beyond that, they are just a MAJOR waste of trees.This afternoon I finally broke down and loaded the 25 brand new never opened, never to be used phone books (aka three trees) into the trunk of my car to be delivered to the recycle bin. Rogue should be so proud that I didn't uncerimonisly dump them into the dumpster...his tree hugging ways are rubbing off on me after all. I really would like to huck them out my window each time someone cuts me off in the next year, but even though the Altima is big, she's not that big and I don't have room for all 3 trees in my car for the next bit of road rage I engage in. Mark Dex off my list of things to remove, he's got great commercials, I love his muscles, and he's very helpful online...but realistically phone books are a thing of the distant past. Adios!

Kneading...

I did it. I broached the subject. I bought the clay for my future.

And although I feel a weight has been lifted and I am a little more sure as to where my path is heading I am by no means settled. Sticking with the clay analogy, I feel like I'm just kneading out the bubbles, getting rid of the hot air, becoming moldable. Everyone keeps annoyinly telling me "You have options" "You know what it takes" "You are capable" And my personal favorite, "For someone with no plan you have more opportunities than most people."

When is everyone going to realize a few things about me?

1) I hate options.

2) I have great understanding.

3) I know my capabilities.

4) Opportunities are NOT SURE things.

5) I like SURE things.

It's not even the option that I hate. It's the fear that comes with the options and the opportunities. I am scared to death. I have more anxiety than one 25 year old should ever have. And I have no guarantees. That's what I crave. A guarantee. I need someone to say to me: "This is it, this is where it will lead you...take it or leave it," not "there are a million ways to go from here, just pick one."

The conversation that took place today was not one that was planned to perfection. It sort of spiraled out of my frustrations, but it gave me a little certainty. Some of the highlights are:

1) I have a guaranteed increased income until May of 2008.

2) I have a place to work, with clients I know and like.
3) Semken is still counting on me for the future.

With that in mind I am a more at ease for my near future. My plans to purchase a house have, for the present, been put on hold; but my ability to pay rent is still secure. And in all honesty by the end of next tax season if I've found that working in Armstrong's office is not my forte, then I pack up and look elsewhere, as everyone has suggested "I could." But given that I will have had seven months to get used to his work style I can either convert him to the way I want him, or I can adjust to his methods. (Perferably the conversion, I don't like adjusting...) Either way, it is bound to be a whirlwind.

This conversation proved to be a great "kneading" experience and for the most part I believe I am walking away more confident than I have been. One dream was severely fractured (more to come on this) but who ever said I need to work 8-5 to fulfill that particular dream? I suppose I could learn to work 5-10 with similar results.

And the Musings Resume...

Change. I hate it. I don't particularly like to think of myself as that box accountant that can't handle change, but when all is said and done it really is who I am. That said, I really don't think I "fit the mold" of the snoring accountant. I heard a joke recently that goes something like this: What's the difference between a lawyer and an accountant? An accountant knows s/he's boring. I know I can certainly BE boring, but I think I'm far from the accountant in my mind. The (boring) accountant that comes to my mind is old, and bald, and male, and he rambles on above and around you for hours. I know this accountant because he's my Michael. My Mentor. My guide. My boss.

As snoring as he can be, he is one of the wisest men I know and by far the most brilliant. In order to not prove the point that I am the snoring accountant I will not give you tale after tale of my job. I will simply say this. I love it. Heart and Soul. Its my lifeline. Its stable, organized, dependable, rewarding, fulfilling, consuming, difficult, routine, and gratifying. And even at its worst days, its not just a paycheck. Its something that I can feel defines who and what I am.

I've worked for the same company since May of 2001, that's six long years folks. I worked my way through college, even though I hated the classes and on more the one occasion my boss had to talk me into sticking it out. And I did. And I'm glad. Endurance, patience, long suffering: that was college for me. My rewards I found at the office.

I've become the boss of sorts here at CHA my office, probably because I'm the one most regularly here. Michael, the Captain, the Boss, the Mentor works more hours than I want to add during "tax season" but beyond that for as long as anyone can remember he's always on the golf course in the afternoon. As for the other partners, they are well established and things mostly run themselves, so they come and go at will. But me, I work. I am steady. That's not to say I don't follow their lead from time to time. I vacation when I want, for however long I want, and I seldom have to worry about if they will let me. Only rule of thumb I've followed for the past six years is; don't vacation while Michael does, and don't even consider it during tax season.

So you can imagine how hard it is for me to walk away from such a company that has always been so good to me. I'm not turning my back on CHA for a better opportunity. I've just become a part of the fallout that is the demise of CHA. To back up, we sold off some of the properties that the company owned back in February. No big deal, less work, more time to play. But then came an opportunity. The same group showed interest in purchasing our final properties. And as far as I can tell the deal is mostly done. Due diligence is wrapping up and the partners are starting to get frantic.

I have over the past months transformed this office. From a mountain of 30 years of files to electronic back up. Which means I've tortured friends into taking a job as a receptionist at my company and then have made them crazy with scan this, and scan this, clean this and throw this away. I've been relentless. But my efforts have paid off, as every single one of the giant filing cabinets have been emptied, scanned, shredded or stored away for legal copies. And now its time.

Time to face the facts. Time to recognize the future, time to actually embark into the partially unknown. Michael and I will pack up our files, what's left of them and move to a new location with a business acquaintance. Armstrong's his name. Auditing is his game. I've my doubts.

I'm currently working on a two year audit for him, and though its a challenge, and I like a challenge, I'm not loving it. I've found that as much as I don't like change one of my favorite things about working with tax clients is the constant change. An hour or two for most returns is all it takes. And then on to the next client or project. I like that. The gratification of accomplishment. Auditing is a whole new ballgame with a lot of sitting on the sidelines waiting for the other team to make its move. I hate the gigantic pile of work that is taking up a large corner of my floor.

So with the approaching sale and the move to Armstong's office I have been tied up by anxiety and stress trying to coordinate everything all at once. I certainly have doubts about the future and what it will hold for me but as much as I protest, life is rolling on and I cant stay in one place forever.

Whole Lota What Nota

What do you do with 14.2 million dollars?

Better question: What happened to the days when people actually used to SEE the money. I kind of want to yell: SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!

But such is life, we now have handy dandy banks and very proficient financial advisers and consultants and what not and in the end all we see is a paper trail and we never actually lay eyes on the green dough. I'm a very hands on type. I like to touch it, smell it, swim in it in this case. Not going to happen.

So yes, the deal went through. The 14.2 million dollar deal that has been the only focus of everyone around work these days. What does this mean for me? Well it goes something like this:

1) I keep track of the paper trail. I follow the wire transfers, I record them, then distribute the money to the appropriate shareholders. (i am still trying to figure out how to get myself on this list...)

2) I have to keep Michael in check as he wanders about the office talking about retirement and wahooing, he's like an over grown child on Christmas morn.

3) I sit at my desk in between transfers and wish I would be getting just one of these super duper checks that everyone else will walk away with in the next few weeks. To my credit, I wish only for enough money to pay off all my bills and cushion my meager savings. (not bad eh?, be proud of me!!!)

4) This deal means three times the work for me. We will be relocating to a new office at some point in the future as the building that I now sit in was also on our chopping block and so as the money comes in we go out. This will not likely be a quick move for us. I am not sure of the terms of the deal yet, but I believe we have signed at least a six month lease before we have to vacate.

5) Moving to a new office makes me sad: I LOVE getting out of bed a half hour before coming to work. The new location will most likely be further south and I will begin to commute. Blah. I have to finally buckle down and sort though the 30 some odd years of shite that is clogging up the file cabinets in this place. AHHH. I have been attempting to do this for years, but only half-heatedly as its DAUNTING. I will miss the smell of the bathroom here.

6) Moving to a new office makes me happy: this place is STUCK in the 70's and I say good riddance, maybe the next place will have good karma. The turning of a chapter.

OK. Its done. All the money is in, all the distributions are out. Everyone is happy. And I am sweating. Its hard work looking at 14.2 coming in and mostly going out...sigh. ;) That's a Whole Lota What Nota. I'm still shaking my head.

Tech Non Support

I hate hold music, I hate automated systems, and I hate Tech Support. Why is that tech support for most computers is so freaking complicated? And why do they continually repeat the same thing while your on hold; your paying attention...you get excited when the music cuts and the woman's voice returns, only to be SORELY disapointed to find its the same message you have heard the last six times. I am a mite crabby after a very long night with my lovely roomate...it seems like years since we have pulled a stunt like that...I hope its years before it happens again! So the mild annoyance at most everything is magnified by ten as I have yet to find any caffine and I am need of a good pillow. ;) And here I sit...anoyed by the hold music. Only to probably reach a real person and that person will not be able to speak english properly.

I had this problem earlier this week as well. My pops got a new computer for his business and I was set to the task of setting it up and installing programs. Which would normally be no big deal...I have become quite the tech nerd thanks to good friend and swindler Steve. He's teaching me, and I am learning. Not actually by choice but by force. But this particular computer decided to freeze mid set up and I spent hours on the phone with a techy. I unhooked and reattached everything to the mother board inside the ole computer. It was a very miserable and long day. My neck still holds the pain of a crink as I swear the phone grew into my head and shoulder. I give. Perhaps I will join the world of wireless ear peices if only to let my shoulders RELAX. Oh sigh...she speaks english...back to work!

Gear Up Laughter

What is it about a compliment that can make your whole day? A compliment that is completely unexpected, and sincerely delivered? There really is nothing better than a real sincere compliment from someone who has nothing to gain by delivering it. Today I spent the day surrounded by strangers. And lots and lots of them. Oodles of odd accounting types, and it was just my luck to find the seat next to the most sincere and thoughtful man I have met in ages. Now please keep in mind...I am not strolling for a man here in Vegas as most men attending these seminars are easily over 50! I was sitting by one such man who made quirky remarks all though the day and was enjoyable to talk to during breaks. As it turns out he too hails from the great state of Utah. As his practice is in Alpine. Small world. But as we were about to leave he expressed to me that he had throughly enjoyed sitting by me and that it was a pleasure to hear me laugh! He further commented that I had the most enjoyable laugh that he had ever heard and that it was very distracting and delightful on such a day as this. I don't think I have stopped smiling since. I have a way of laughing at every stupid accounting joke ever presented...this may be a self preservation tactic in order to stay awake in such a setting. ;) Either way. It was very nice to have such a simple part of me pointed out and appreciated. It made my day.