So many things have changed for me in the last 2 months, I don't think I could do it a justice trying to capture it in one blog post. I've now been working full-time with EY and I'm starting to feel myself making the adjustment from college life/study mode to career mode.
Sleeping- While I still am not getting up as early as I'd like (to workout and have time to eat a decent breakfast), the overall switch to waking up around 6:30 wasn't much of a problem. Sure there are days that I don't want to get up, but I think everyone has that sometimes. I'm usually able to get out of the apartment within a half hour or 45 minutes to hit the road. I'd really like to start getting up between 5:00 and 5:15 so I can workout in the morning. It's something I'm trying to do, but as Yoda would say - there is no try. Eventually, I think I'll be able to get to bed a little earlier and work out consistently.
Driving - The drive in the morning really hasn't been bad. I was able to get used to it last summer (I definitely was terrified a few times last year), but I've become pretty comfortable and familiar with the roads in the cities. Honestly, I feel like the best way to learn is through error (and not trusting a sometimes incorrect GPS). I always make sure I know where I'm going when I'm working, but at night I like to try different routes to see if I can get myself home.
Work -Although jumping into things was certainly stressful, I feel like my overall transition with my work has gone pretty well. It's amazing how much clearer everything is to me the second time around. I think I had a difficult time as an intern seeing the entire audit engagement as a whole while I was working. I was able to do what they asked me to do, but I didn't really understand what and more importantly why I was doing some of the things I was doing. However, now with an opportunity to recall moments of my internship and actually taking an auditing course in school (along with passing Audit for the exam!) has really helped me see the big picture. While by no means a master, I feel so much more comfortable with what I'm doing and I think my performance thusfar reflects that.
Food-Ooof, I need some help here! Honestly, I have a hard time being able to commit myself to some grand meal. If Leslie is visiting, I'll usually try to make pasta, but this is about as far as my cooking abilities go. I do want to learn how to cook, but right now I'm satisfied with what I'm able to create. So, you may be wondering what my daily lunch looks like (or maybe not). To tell you the truth, it's about the same thing every day. I'll have a yogurt, bring multiple Nutrigrain bars/Nature Valley bars to snack on if I get hungry. I always make two identical sandwiches - usually turkey or roast beef with mustard. I try to get a banana in there too. It's not much, and I'm usually really hungry when I get back, but until I get into that early morning workout schedule, it's tough to justify eating a whole lot more! :)
Time - By far the biggest adjustment I've had to make. The weeks are flying by and it seems like I'm constantly trying to stay caught up with all the things on my plate. Admin/HR stuff with work, bills, reading, trying to improve my ironing, getting food, and taking care of all those little things you just gotta do. It seems like my weekends just vanish because I've got so many things I'd like to get done. I'm sure this is kind of how it is. I've just got to improve how I prioritize.
Student Loans - Blech.
I'm glad I was able to take some time to give this blog an update (part of that whole prioritizing thing). I'll make sure to do a better job from now on.
Rock on.
Dan
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Been a Long Time
Hi everyone,
Wow, things have been kind of a whirlwind since I started working and I've been a little bogged down as of late. I apologize to any of my very dedicated followers looking for some updates from my life! Just so everyone knows, I did pass all 4 parts of the CPA exam! I look at my bulletin board everyday and just smile - I know I'll never have to do that ever again. I can't believe I won't have to, but at the same time I can't imagine having to go through any of that again, even for one test, with work.
I'll try to get to this more often than I have been, I feel like I'm trying to make all these adjustments in my life/schedule to do things that I normally had no proble taking care of within a reasonable amount of time. As time goes on, I'll be able to settle into my routine just as I always have.
Until then, be patient!!!
:)
Wow, things have been kind of a whirlwind since I started working and I've been a little bogged down as of late. I apologize to any of my very dedicated followers looking for some updates from my life! Just so everyone knows, I did pass all 4 parts of the CPA exam! I look at my bulletin board everyday and just smile - I know I'll never have to do that ever again. I can't believe I won't have to, but at the same time I can't imagine having to go through any of that again, even for one test, with work.
I'll try to get to this more often than I have been, I feel like I'm trying to make all these adjustments in my life/schedule to do things that I normally had no proble taking care of within a reasonable amount of time. As time goes on, I'll be able to settle into my routine just as I always have.
Until then, be patient!!!
:)
Saturday, October 3, 2009
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly - Weeks 1 through 3 - Collegeville MMIX
Collegeville MMIX Fantasy Football League
Cardinal Division
Standings
Valley W.A.S.P.S 2-1
Vanilla Shakes 2-1
Graham Avenue Gravediggers 1-2
London Silly Nannies 1-2
The Good
Arguably the toughest division entering the season, the Cardinal Division got off to a fast start going 3 and 1 during opening week. The division sports the league’s most consistent team in the Valley WASPS (87, 85, and 90 points in the first three weeks). The division is a respectable 6-6 after the first three weeks. The Cardinal Division also sports the #3 and #6 scoring teams in the W.A.S.Ps and Shakes, so look for these two teams to start to separate from the others in the coming weeks. Questions emerged early about the Vanilla Shakes’ draft – but so far their owner appears to have another solid squad even without McNabb and Welker.
The Bad
While the division has held its own thus far, much could be made of the fact that it has actually been outscored in total by their opponents (895 to 899). In fact, the division’s bottom feeder is actually the only team to have a positive difference (at +10). If this division wants to grab a hold of one of the wild cards for the playoffs, this trend will have to reverse.
As strong as the team is, the W.A.S.P.S don’t escape unscathed. They’re one of two teams to pick up a player they previously dropped (Earl Bennett).
The Ugly
What looked to be a promising squad entering the season, the London Silly Nannies have actually lived up to their team name. While I’m not a firm believer in changing a team name in order to try and mix things up, this is actually a situation where it might be wise. Although 1-2, the stats show the Nannies are frolicking down a dangerous path. Their only win is against a 0-3 team, and they’ve only scored 192 points (good for 11th in the league), and are second in the league in points given up (182). The Defensive Specialist award is one of the least coveted, but these co-owners are making a serious run at it. It's not that you don't want your opponents to have low scores, but you don't want them to have scores so low they take away from your victories. The season isn’t lost yet and they have talent, but they can’t expect their opponents to average 60.7 points a game for the rest of the season if they want to make the playoffs.
-
Hold your chuckling Gravediggers, you’re not far behind (8th in points scored) and in another 3 weeks, you might be digging your own grave.
Team Theme Songs:
Valley W.A.S.P.S – Still Fly –Big Tymers
Vanilla Shakes – Pretty Fly for a White Guy – The Offspring
Graham Avenue Gravediggers – Something’s Missing – John Mayer
London Silly Nannies - That Don’t Impress Me Much – Shania Twain
White Division
Standings
Chapel Hill Salsa 2-1
Worthington Wolverines 2-1
Alabama Mud Sliders 2-1
Mississippi Mad Squabbles 1-2
The Good
Hands down, this is the strongest division in the league. With 3 teams at 2-1, the White Division has the top 2 scoring teams in the Salsa and Wolverines (304 and 271) and the only team to average over 100 points per week (Salsa). In fact, this early in the season there have five instances where a team has scored over 100 points in a week. Four of those scores have occurred in the White Division (Salsa 2, Wolverines 1, Mud Squabbles 1). It says something about your division when the team with worse record is the 4th highest scoring team in the league. The only thing stopping this division from having the number one team going into the post season might be the division play amongst themselves.
The Bad
The Mad Squabbles just completed a trade with the Mud Sliders (Bowe for Hester and Harvin) to try and revamp their WR corps. However, they now find themselves in a dangerous situation with no clear-cut #1 WR. With two studs at QB and nothing behind DeAngelo Willams in terms of RB, the Mad Squabbles might find themselves forced to deal in order to balance their team out. With the Salsa starting to emerge as the team to beat, look for increasing trade requests from this 1-2 team in near future.
Team Theme Songs:
Valley W.A.S.P.S – Still Fly –Big Tymers
Vanilla Shakes – Pretty Fly for a White Guy – The Offspring
Graham Avenue Gravediggers – Something’s Missing – John Mayer
London Silly Nannies - That Don’t Impress Me Much – Shania Twain
White Division
Standings
Chapel Hill Salsa 2-1
Worthington Wolverines 2-1
Alabama Mud Sliders 2-1
Mississippi Mad Squabbles 1-2
The Good
Hands down, this is the strongest division in the league. With 3 teams at 2-1, the White Division has the top 2 scoring teams in the Salsa and Wolverines (304 and 271) and the only team to average over 100 points per week (Salsa). In fact, this early in the season there have five instances where a team has scored over 100 points in a week. Four of those scores have occurred in the White Division (Salsa 2, Wolverines 1, Mud Squabbles 1). It says something about your division when the team with worse record is the 4th highest scoring team in the league. The only thing stopping this division from having the number one team going into the post season might be the division play amongst themselves.
The Bad
The Mad Squabbles just completed a trade with the Mud Sliders (Bowe for Hester and Harvin) to try and revamp their WR corps. However, they now find themselves in a dangerous situation with no clear-cut #1 WR. With two studs at QB and nothing behind DeAngelo Willams in terms of RB, the Mad Squabbles might find themselves forced to deal in order to balance their team out. With the Salsa starting to emerge as the team to beat, look for increasing trade requests from this 1-2 team in near future.
Although not as troubling, but certainly noteworthy, is the Wolverines startling decline in points scored since their 125 outburst in Week 1 (81 in Week 2, 65 in Week 3). This trend isn’t expected to continue, but it does show that owner Darren Larsen might sport another streaky team this year. While it’s always good to have that potential, I think most people would rather have the consistency of the Valley W.A.S.P.S (at 87 pts per week) than the Wolverines boom or bust potential (90 pts per week).
The Ugly
The Mud Sliders are 2-1, but don’t let this record fool you into thinking that this team is ready to make a move to the top yet. Both wins have come against teams with a combined 1-5 record (see Malpractice, Gravediggers) and they are currently averaging just 69.3 points per game (a full 12 points behind the divisions current Cellar Dweller). There’s a chance Marshawn Lynch might help to right the ship, but we know Salsa owner MVB isn’t hoping for that. It should also be noted that the Mad Squabbles currently hold the 3rd highest negative point spread at -26. It’s ugly, but it’s certainly not the ugliest in the league…
Team Theme Songs
Chapel Salsa – Weapon of Choice – Fatboy Slim
Worthington Wolverines – Rollin’ – Limp Bizkit
Alabama Mud Sliders – The Pretender – The Foo Fighters
Mississippi Mad Squabbles – The Boxer – Waylon Jennings
The Blue Division
Standings
Abdul’s Number Crunch – 3-0
Juarez Cholos 2-1
Minnesota Malpractice 0-3
Garfield Thundercats 0-3
The Good
Hard to look much further than Abdul’s Number Crunch to find The Good in this division. Owner Andrew Stevens finds himself with the only undefeated team in the league entering Week 4. The Number Crunch have benefited from a potent squad and registered 108 points in Week 2. Had he started Frank Gore that week, he would have registered one of the highest weekly point totals in the history of the League. He currently finds himself in 5th for total points (just 28 points out of 2nd place), and right now all signs point to him having a 32.3% (repeating of course) chance of being a top 2 seed going into the playoffs. However, the percentage of the owner actually keeping this team name the whole season is much lower.
Although the owner took a lot of flak for auto-drafting after round 2, the Juarez Cholos are quietly enjoying a productive season, highlighted by a strong showing against the streaky Wolverines last week. I hate to say it as much as the next person, but the Cholos might actually prove to be a force to reckoned with as the season progresses.
The Bad
Ugh, where to start? The Blue Division has more headaches than the other 2 divisions combined. The Thundercats might have celebrated too early when the divisions were drawn early this summer, for they now find themselves part of an ugly two-headed 0-3 division monster. At first glance, Abdul’s league leading +77 point spread looks great, but digging deep you find he’s only given up 166 points (or a 55.3 pt per week avg) for the year. Maybe there is hope for the Silly Nannies after all. Collectively, the Blue Division sports a -63 point spread, which is worrisome for any division, but when your leader is +77 this becomes even more troubling.
The Bad
Ugh, where to start? The Blue Division has more headaches than the other 2 divisions combined. The Thundercats might have celebrated too early when the divisions were drawn early this summer, for they now find themselves part of an ugly two-headed 0-3 division monster. At first glance, Abdul’s league leading +77 point spread looks great, but digging deep you find he’s only given up 166 points (or a 55.3 pt per week avg) for the year. Maybe there is hope for the Silly Nannies after all. Collectively, the Blue Division sports a -63 point spread, which is worrisome for any division, but when your leader is +77 this becomes even more troubling.
South of the border, the Cholos are cheering. Had it not been for a mid-week trade with the Thundercats, the Cholos top 2 WR were not only from the same team (A. Johnson/Kevin Walter), but one had a bad hammy.
The Ugly
It’s very likely that the Thundercats and the Malpractice could have fielded better teams by lining up all NFL players at the bottom of a huge Plinko board and watch those crazy discs fall. The Malpractice are off to their second disappointing start in as many years and of all the teams in the league, they’ve played the teams with the combined 4 - 5 (Nannies, Mud Sliders, Mad Squabbles), which means those teams are 1-5 when they aren’t playing the Malpractice. Owner Adam Skemp tried to shake up his team with a trade to roommate and W.A.S.P.S owner Chris Erichsen, but unless things change soon the Malpractice could be looking at another long season.
The Ugly
It’s very likely that the Thundercats and the Malpractice could have fielded better teams by lining up all NFL players at the bottom of a huge Plinko board and watch those crazy discs fall. The Malpractice are off to their second disappointing start in as many years and of all the teams in the league, they’ve played the teams with the combined 4 - 5 (Nannies, Mud Sliders, Mad Squabbles), which means those teams are 1-5 when they aren’t playing the Malpractice. Owner Adam Skemp tried to shake up his team with a trade to roommate and W.A.S.P.S owner Chris Erichsen, but unless things change soon the Malpractice could be looking at another long season.
If there was an award for the most beloved team in the league, the Thundercats would probably walk away with it. But that award doesn’t exist, and for the T-Cats, neither does a win. It doesn’t help losing 2 of their top 6 picks to injuries to start the season, but neither of those injuries excuse the pathetic 165 points (55.0 per week…9 points lower than the 11th team in the league!!!) through the first three weeks (although Braylon Edwards might). The -60 point spread isn’t attractive, and neither was their high of 77 points in week 2. So far, 2 of the 4 lowest scores have come from this squad (36 and 52), and if they want to make the playoffs, it’s going to take luck, luck, and then some more luck. The Thundercats made an all-or-nothing move for Tom Brady earlier in the week, and there may be more moves in the coming weeks. Let’s face it, if the Thundercats can bring themselves to trade Braylon Edwards – no player on that roster is safe from that phone call.
-
Perhaps ugliest of all – it will be at least 2 weeks before all the teams in the league have a win. The Thundercats and the Malpractice face-off this weekend. Things will likely be tense in Apartment 325 through Monday.
Team Theme Songs
Abdul’s Number Crunch – Joyride – The Killers
Juarez Cholo’s – Lean Like a Cholo – Down AKA Kilo (What did you expect?)
Minnesota Malpractice – Square One – Coldplay
Garfield Thundercats – Everybody Hurts – R.E.M.
And finally…
The Noack (award for the ugliest stat of the first 3 weeks)
In week 3, the Chapel Hill Salsa’s bench had 88 points. In weeks 1 and 3 combined, The Garfield Thundercats starting lineup had 88 points…. Ouch.
Team Theme Songs
Abdul’s Number Crunch – Joyride – The Killers
Juarez Cholo’s – Lean Like a Cholo – Down AKA Kilo (What did you expect?)
Minnesota Malpractice – Square One – Coldplay
Garfield Thundercats – Everybody Hurts – R.E.M.
And finally…
The Noack (award for the ugliest stat of the first 3 weeks)
In week 3, the Chapel Hill Salsa’s bench had 88 points. In weeks 1 and 3 combined, The Garfield Thundercats starting lineup had 88 points…. Ouch.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
And Then There Was One
I got my 3rd test back today! I can't believe this whole thing could be over in a week.
I'll try to get a big update in on Saturday this weekend. I've been kind of busy with work - well not so much work but just a lot of HR stuff.
Hope everyone is doing great!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Many Moons Later...
In my second biggest absence this blog has seen I went through and did a lot of things! I'm sorry for not getting an update between now and when I took my last test, I guess I sort of forgot about updating this in my hurry to see Leslie in Chicago
Auditing Test - My final exam. It went (I felt) the best of the 4 tests. I FLEW through the multiple choice questions - all 90 in about 90 minutes. I didn't want to go that fast, my review company recommended about 2 minutes for each question, but I was really finding the right answers and rarely had to read a question more than twice. So there I was with 3 hours left to complete the simulations (30 percent of the test). For the first time taking these tests time was on MY side. I made the most of it and left the test center 99% sure I passed the test.
It felt so good to be done. I hadn't experienced total relaxation in quite sometime, and although it might not seem like a particularly calm experience, I drove back on I-35 feeling the best I had in months.
I'll get my score sometime in the next 2-3 weeks, along with my Regulation score. I'm hoping for good things.
If you noticed, I only mentioned that I'd be receiving 2 scores in the next few weeks. That's because (as probably anyone reading this blog already knows) I got my first two test scores on Sunday when I returned from Texas.
Words can't describe what it was like getting myself to open the letter. I'd known it was in my room for the last 5 days, but I still wasn't sure when or how I wanted to look. For the next 5 minutes, my life went something like this:
I grabbed the envelope, then set it down, got some water, sat down, got some ice for my water, told myself I'd open it after I unpacked my bags, opened my luggage, looked back at the letter, opened my Xcel bill, went back to my luggage, and then finally grabbed the envelope without taking anything out of my bags.
I didn't want to look right away. I slowly took out the envelope's contents - wanting to look at the scores in the order I took it. As I was flipping over my BEC score I noticed an expiration date of 1/31/2011 and knew instantly I had passed. I flipped it over and saw an 85 staring right back at me. I passed!! I tried to calm my excitement knowing that I still had to look at my score on "The Beast". The sour feelings I felt as I left Prometric on that sunny July afternoon and told myself it was time to accept the inevitable. Looking for that 67, I was instead greeted with a friendly looking 80! I had passed both tests! The happiness was too much and I let out a big "YEA!!!" which caught the attention of Erichsen, who up to this point had been enjoying an otherwise quiet night.
I called my parents, called Leslie, I couldn't stop smiling. Don't ask me how I did it, but I'll never have to take the dreaded Financial exam ever again. Sweet, sweet, victory.
I unpacked my luggage the next morning.
Going backwards, I spent the last week and a half in Chicago and Dallas. I visited Leslie for 1 whole week, and accomplished many meaningful and important things such as: drafting my fantasy football team, playing on her flag football team the Saturday I was there, and watching Season 1 of Heroes. In the words of Peter Gibbons (Office Space), "I did nothing, and it was everything I imagined it could be". I was pretty much a couch potato and I was happy. Leslie didn't mind at all - I think she was happy I got hooked on Heroes after saying she was lame weeks before for getting hooked on it herself.
$65 later, I was out of my cab and walking into the O'Hare airport. I spent the remaining 4 days of my trip in Dallas for my Aunt's memorial service. It was really sad, but I think everyone was overall relieved to be able to grieve together. The whole thing is far from over, but the memorial service went very well and family and friends were able to get start to what is likely going to a long road to closure.
Nearly my entire family was there. Mike and Charlie weren't able to come because they just started school, but I really had a great time with everyone. I've never spent that much time with all my relatives for so many days in my row, but I felt like I got a lot closer to a lot of my family I don't see too often. It was sad saying goodbye to everyone, especially those who live in Texas, but I'm sure I'll go down there sometime soon.
Whew - this has been a long one. I could have written a ton more, but I probably wouldn't have many of you coming back very often. One more quick thing though: I start work tomorrow.
Whoa.
I hope you all enjoy this picture as much as I do.
Auditing Test - My final exam. It went (I felt) the best of the 4 tests. I FLEW through the multiple choice questions - all 90 in about 90 minutes. I didn't want to go that fast, my review company recommended about 2 minutes for each question, but I was really finding the right answers and rarely had to read a question more than twice. So there I was with 3 hours left to complete the simulations (30 percent of the test). For the first time taking these tests time was on MY side. I made the most of it and left the test center 99% sure I passed the test.
It felt so good to be done. I hadn't experienced total relaxation in quite sometime, and although it might not seem like a particularly calm experience, I drove back on I-35 feeling the best I had in months.
I'll get my score sometime in the next 2-3 weeks, along with my Regulation score. I'm hoping for good things.
If you noticed, I only mentioned that I'd be receiving 2 scores in the next few weeks. That's because (as probably anyone reading this blog already knows) I got my first two test scores on Sunday when I returned from Texas.
Words can't describe what it was like getting myself to open the letter. I'd known it was in my room for the last 5 days, but I still wasn't sure when or how I wanted to look. For the next 5 minutes, my life went something like this:
I grabbed the envelope, then set it down, got some water, sat down, got some ice for my water, told myself I'd open it after I unpacked my bags, opened my luggage, looked back at the letter, opened my Xcel bill, went back to my luggage, and then finally grabbed the envelope without taking anything out of my bags.
I didn't want to look right away. I slowly took out the envelope's contents - wanting to look at the scores in the order I took it. As I was flipping over my BEC score I noticed an expiration date of 1/31/2011 and knew instantly I had passed. I flipped it over and saw an 85 staring right back at me. I passed!! I tried to calm my excitement knowing that I still had to look at my score on "The Beast". The sour feelings I felt as I left Prometric on that sunny July afternoon and told myself it was time to accept the inevitable. Looking for that 67, I was instead greeted with a friendly looking 80! I had passed both tests! The happiness was too much and I let out a big "YEA!!!" which caught the attention of Erichsen, who up to this point had been enjoying an otherwise quiet night.
I called my parents, called Leslie, I couldn't stop smiling. Don't ask me how I did it, but I'll never have to take the dreaded Financial exam ever again. Sweet, sweet, victory.
I unpacked my luggage the next morning.
Going backwards, I spent the last week and a half in Chicago and Dallas. I visited Leslie for 1 whole week, and accomplished many meaningful and important things such as: drafting my fantasy football team, playing on her flag football team the Saturday I was there, and watching Season 1 of Heroes. In the words of Peter Gibbons (Office Space), "I did nothing, and it was everything I imagined it could be". I was pretty much a couch potato and I was happy. Leslie didn't mind at all - I think she was happy I got hooked on Heroes after saying she was lame weeks before for getting hooked on it herself.
$65 later, I was out of my cab and walking into the O'Hare airport. I spent the remaining 4 days of my trip in Dallas for my Aunt's memorial service. It was really sad, but I think everyone was overall relieved to be able to grieve together. The whole thing is far from over, but the memorial service went very well and family and friends were able to get start to what is likely going to a long road to closure.
Nearly my entire family was there. Mike and Charlie weren't able to come because they just started school, but I really had a great time with everyone. I've never spent that much time with all my relatives for so many days in my row, but I felt like I got a lot closer to a lot of my family I don't see too often. It was sad saying goodbye to everyone, especially those who live in Texas, but I'm sure I'll go down there sometime soon.
Whew - this has been a long one. I could have written a ton more, but I probably wouldn't have many of you coming back very often. One more quick thing though: I start work tomorrow.
Whoa.
I hope you all enjoy this picture as much as I do.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Last Day Tomorrow!
Tomorrow will mark the end of the CPA exam (unless I don't pass 1 or more of the parts). I'm feeling really good about everything and am the least nervous I've been for any one of the tests.
I'll write how I feel about it tomorrow night or Thursday, but I'm glad I took this summer to at least give these things a shot. It hasn't been easy, but I know if I do have to re-take any of them I'm going to go into each one with a better idea of what I should have mastered!
I'll write how I feel about it tomorrow night or Thursday, but I'm glad I took this summer to at least give these things a shot. It hasn't been easy, but I know if I do have to re-take any of them I'm going to go into each one with a better idea of what I should have mastered!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Some News About My Test
Ok! I finally got through with NASBA and got an answer as to why my test results hadn't shown up yet. Apparently, NASBA never received my official transcript. Without this little piece of documentation, NASBA won't release my score.
After being notified of this problem, I immediately set out this morning to get my transcript sent straight to Nashville to get processed. I have NO idea how long this might take. I'm guessing my transcript will be sent Monday, will arrive in TN on Thursday, take about 2 weeks to process, and another week to receive my score. I'd love to say it'll move faster than this, but throughout this whole process of applying and sitting for the CPA exam I've discovered NASBA is anything but efficient.
While this is all tremendously unfortunate, you have no idea how relieved I am to at least have some "closure" to this situation. It sounds silly to be waiting for a score and getting so anxious, but it really is something else when it everyone is getting their score but you. Bottom line, I'm disappointed but at least now I can completely focus on my final test and try and get this son of a gun out of my life.
NASBA told me I'd be receiving my results in the mail at some point and there's a very good chance that I'll receive all four scores in one sitting (something that no one has experienced in this new age testing era). I can already picture the scene now: I'm sitting on my bed staring at the envelopes in my hands - knowing I'm 2 minutes away from absolute heartache and absolute exaltation.
I guess that's what makes life worth livin' though!
While this is all tremendously unfortunate, you have no idea how relieved I am to at least have some "closure" to this situation. It sounds silly to be waiting for a score and getting so anxious, but it really is something else when it everyone is getting their score but you. Bottom line, I'm disappointed but at least now I can completely focus on my final test and try and get this son of a gun out of my life.
NASBA told me I'd be receiving my results in the mail at some point and there's a very good chance that I'll receive all four scores in one sitting (something that no one has experienced in this new age testing era). I can already picture the scene now: I'm sitting on my bed staring at the envelopes in my hands - knowing I'm 2 minutes away from absolute heartache and absolute exaltation.
I guess that's what makes life worth livin' though!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Tomorrow's Monday!
...thank you Captain Obvious. Why am I so excited about Monday? I should know my first score by the days end. I'll get to see if all the work I put in to my first test paid off.
Whew. I'm feeling a bit of pressure, I'm going to feel horrible if I have to tell you I didn't pass. I'm confident though, it was tough not really knowing what to expect, but I studied that stuff as much and I felt extremely confident after the test was over. At the end of the day, that's all you can really do.
Time has a funny way of messing with us!
Whew. I'm feeling a bit of pressure, I'm going to feel horrible if I have to tell you I didn't pass. I'm confident though, it was tough not really knowing what to expect, but I studied that stuff as much and I felt extremely confident after the test was over. At the end of the day, that's all you can really do.
Time has a funny way of messing with us!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Waiting - The Hardest Part
I awoke last night at 3:30 after having a rare nightmare. Going back to my days as a kid, I tried to calm myself down as reality sunk in around me. No monster under the bed, no unusual shadows slinking around. The fears I had as a child don't bother me now, I've discovered grown-up nightmares are entirely different. I'm still undecided as to what's worse.
Getting up, I decided it was time to confront the source of my angst. Flipping over my computer, I waited and yawned as my computer started up. The number 64, as arbitrary as it may seem had been floating around in my head for what seemed like an eternity. Yes, the AICPA released the scores for Business (my first CPA test - 7/2/2009) at 5 am yesterday. Unfortunately, these scores are relayed to NASBA before candidates are able to see them. States that are a part of NASBA usually release scores later that day.
I take a breath, type in my ID number and birthday. After taking a few seconds to load, I see something fill the box.........
"Error: Score not found"
"Rats..." I mumble under my breath. Still not up. I put my computer on hibernate. No use shutting it down, I'll be checking in another hour anyway.
I lay back down, openly accepting that the nightmare will re-run until I get up next time.
I get most of my CPA information from http://www.cpanet.org/, and when word got out that the AICPA released the scores to NASBA (per http://www.another71.com/) the forum exploded with anxious test takers asking questions, fretting openly, and yes - comparing their nightmares.
From about noon Friday until 9pm that night, states began to release scores to candidates and word quickly spread as to what states had released their scores. Despite my constant checking (I must have checked 150 times between 4:00 and midnight last night), Minnesota was not one of the states to release their highly anticipated results. I think Erichsen enjoyed my constant checking, he seemed to be pretty interested whenever I refreshed the page. Eventually, I gave in, told myself my score wouldn't change whether I saw it then or in the next few days, and went to bed.
Soon after though, these peaceful thoughts turned into nightmares of dreaming. For some reason, I kept dreaming of checking my score and seeing a 64. The only thing worse than seeing this score and having to tell everyone I know that I didn't pass was the number of times the dream repeated - and of course each one seemed more real than the one before it.
Fortunately, since 3:30 until now, my nightmare has proved to be the product of my active mind and not a prophecy. I honestly feel really good about the way this test went. I will be very surprised if I don't pass - but no matter how confident one is, there will always be that cloud of doubt (no matter how big or small) until you actually see those big bold numbers.
I must start studying for Audit today, but I will be checking to see if my score has been released throughout the weekend. I've got a feeling I won't know until Monday since historically scores aren't released on the weekend. Maybe I'll get lucky though!
Until then, I'll be reading the cpanet forum and reading about other people's happiness. Almost all the posts right now are from exuberant candidates who passed. You almost never hear from those that didn't pass. At times it seems like everyone passed, but you can be sure there are plenty who don't.
As for my other three tests - well, I likely won't know for another month. I'm sure the nightmares will start around mid-September.
I'll let everyone know how I did when I hear! I'm excited to actually see some results and some closure soon!
Getting up, I decided it was time to confront the source of my angst. Flipping over my computer, I waited and yawned as my computer started up. The number 64, as arbitrary as it may seem had been floating around in my head for what seemed like an eternity. Yes, the AICPA released the scores for Business (my first CPA test - 7/2/2009) at 5 am yesterday. Unfortunately, these scores are relayed to NASBA before candidates are able to see them. States that are a part of NASBA usually release scores later that day.
I take a breath, type in my ID number and birthday. After taking a few seconds to load, I see something fill the box.........
"Error: Score not found"
"Rats..." I mumble under my breath. Still not up. I put my computer on hibernate. No use shutting it down, I'll be checking in another hour anyway.
I lay back down, openly accepting that the nightmare will re-run until I get up next time.
I get most of my CPA information from http://www.cpanet.org/, and when word got out that the AICPA released the scores to NASBA (per http://www.another71.com/) the forum exploded with anxious test takers asking questions, fretting openly, and yes - comparing their nightmares.
From about noon Friday until 9pm that night, states began to release scores to candidates and word quickly spread as to what states had released their scores. Despite my constant checking (I must have checked 150 times between 4:00 and midnight last night), Minnesota was not one of the states to release their highly anticipated results. I think Erichsen enjoyed my constant checking, he seemed to be pretty interested whenever I refreshed the page. Eventually, I gave in, told myself my score wouldn't change whether I saw it then or in the next few days, and went to bed.
Soon after though, these peaceful thoughts turned into nightmares of dreaming. For some reason, I kept dreaming of checking my score and seeing a 64. The only thing worse than seeing this score and having to tell everyone I know that I didn't pass was the number of times the dream repeated - and of course each one seemed more real than the one before it.
Fortunately, since 3:30 until now, my nightmare has proved to be the product of my active mind and not a prophecy. I honestly feel really good about the way this test went. I will be very surprised if I don't pass - but no matter how confident one is, there will always be that cloud of doubt (no matter how big or small) until you actually see those big bold numbers.
I must start studying for Audit today, but I will be checking to see if my score has been released throughout the weekend. I've got a feeling I won't know until Monday since historically scores aren't released on the weekend. Maybe I'll get lucky though!
Until then, I'll be reading the cpanet forum and reading about other people's happiness. Almost all the posts right now are from exuberant candidates who passed. You almost never hear from those that didn't pass. At times it seems like everyone passed, but you can be sure there are plenty who don't.
As for my other three tests - well, I likely won't know for another month. I'm sure the nightmares will start around mid-September.
I'll let everyone know how I did when I hear! I'm excited to actually see some results and some closure soon!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Regulation Tomorrow
Tomorrow I'll be taking my 3rd CPA test - Regulation. It's all federal tax and business law. I'm anxious for it, I want to get it done, but I'm not as worked up about it as I was with my Financial test. Overall, I just feel like the material in Reg isn't as vast and nearly as complex. I'm feeling pretty good, but I can still add a lot in this final day of studying. I took my first practice exam yesterday with decent results, but I made some mistakes that I learned from and hopefully won't do again.
I'll be taking my second practice test sometime later today. This is the 2nd shortest of the 4 tests (3 hours). Looking forward to taking it!
I'll be taking my test tomorrow at noon. My roommate, Adam, just had his MCAT yesterday - on his birthday - and with Chris gone on vacation this week it's safe to say it's been a pretty quiet week in Pinehurst 325.
Oh yea - sounds like Percy Harvin is having a pretty good camp. I hope he can prove my dad wrong :)
I'll be taking my second practice test sometime later today. This is the 2nd shortest of the 4 tests (3 hours). Looking forward to taking it!
I'll be taking my test tomorrow at noon. My roommate, Adam, just had his MCAT yesterday - on his birthday - and with Chris gone on vacation this week it's safe to say it's been a pretty quiet week in Pinehurst 325.
Oh yea - sounds like Percy Harvin is having a pretty good camp. I hope he can prove my dad wrong :)
Monday, July 27, 2009
Garfield Thundercats IV
As many of you know, I'm a HUGE Vikings fan. Training camp starts Thursday (thank goodness I'll be done with my tests before the football season starts) and I'm already getting really excited - - about 3 months ago.
Pre-season is alright, probably lasts too long IMO, but it is kind of a cool time of the year because the possibilities for everyone's team (except for the Lions) really do seem endless. Every year, I feel as though we have the best team we've had in awhile and I'm always left with heartache, but I guess that's what makes being a fan so great. One year, all that excitement might actually become a reality.
We have tentatively set our Fantasy Football draft for August 29th. My last test is August 26th, so that will give me two full days to focus on football and draft strategies. I mean, I'm already a pro : ) so I don't need as much time as some of my enemies (I mean friends).
I'll be picking 6th this year and it's really a crapshoot trying to figure out who's going to go where. However, I really like my position this year because I'll be picking in the middle of every round. Also, if I'm not going to have the 1st pick, I don't want anything in the top 5. In all honesty, I don't really see a big difference in a lot of the players between 2-7 and I'm going to get a great player without having to wait too long in the 2nd round. Anyway, the 1st round isn't where you win, it's all about who you get in the middle and late rounds that might become this years next big star (I got All Day in the 6th round 2 years ago!).
I get really, really, really into this stuff. I'm warning you that I'm going to write about it a lot. It's one of my favorite things to do. I have to limit myself to one league though...two would just lead to a slippery slope.
My two roommates each are in my league, so it'll be fun battling them throughout the year. I also live about 100 yards from two other guys in the league. It's going to be a great year for the Garfield Thundercats (my team name). I'm hungry for the trophy, I made it to the semi's last year and I've improved every year I've played. The Thundercats are going all the way...just like the Vikings!!! Ha!
Also, if anyone following my blog knows how to get a hold of Brett Favre, tell him to make up his mind already!
Pre-season is alright, probably lasts too long IMO, but it is kind of a cool time of the year because the possibilities for everyone's team (except for the Lions) really do seem endless. Every year, I feel as though we have the best team we've had in awhile and I'm always left with heartache, but I guess that's what makes being a fan so great. One year, all that excitement might actually become a reality.
We have tentatively set our Fantasy Football draft for August 29th. My last test is August 26th, so that will give me two full days to focus on football and draft strategies. I mean, I'm already a pro : ) so I don't need as much time as some of my enemies (I mean friends).
I'll be picking 6th this year and it's really a crapshoot trying to figure out who's going to go where. However, I really like my position this year because I'll be picking in the middle of every round. Also, if I'm not going to have the 1st pick, I don't want anything in the top 5. In all honesty, I don't really see a big difference in a lot of the players between 2-7 and I'm going to get a great player without having to wait too long in the 2nd round. Anyway, the 1st round isn't where you win, it's all about who you get in the middle and late rounds that might become this years next big star (I got All Day in the 6th round 2 years ago!).
I get really, really, really into this stuff. I'm warning you that I'm going to write about it a lot. It's one of my favorite things to do. I have to limit myself to one league though...two would just lead to a slippery slope.
My two roommates each are in my league, so it'll be fun battling them throughout the year. I also live about 100 yards from two other guys in the league. It's going to be a great year for the Garfield Thundercats (my team name). I'm hungry for the trophy, I made it to the semi's last year and I've improved every year I've played. The Thundercats are going all the way...just like the Vikings!!! Ha!
Also, if anyone following my blog knows how to get a hold of Brett Favre, tell him to make up his mind already!
Monday, July 20, 2009
FAR Tomorrow
I have Financial Accounting & Reporting tomorrow. I've been studying for it nearly the last two weeks so I think I'm ready to give it a go. It's widely regarded as the toughest exam because it covers so many different topics (Government to Pensions to all the Financial Statements), so it's tough to know what's going to be tested the most, you just gotta be prepared for everything. I won't be the first to take "The Beast" and I certainly won't be the last.
I know I've put in the time, now I have to deliver.
In the words of Leroy Jenkins, "Alright guns up, let's do this!"
(if you don't know what I'm talking about click on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkCNJRfSZBU )
Hope all is well with everybody!
I know I've put in the time, now I have to deliver.
In the words of Leroy Jenkins, "Alright guns up, let's do this!"
(if you don't know what I'm talking about click on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkCNJRfSZBU )
Hope all is well with everybody!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Some Pics of My Apartment
Haven't posted in a bit! I probably won't after this one for another 8 days, so you've been warned. I ended up getting a new car since my last post, a 2004 Chevy Impala SuperSport Super Charged (Indy Speedway Edition). I love it, the only problem is I don't have anywhere to drive right now. I might take it home in a few days to put myself in a different studying environment (I don't know if I can study in my room for 14 days straight). We'll see. I'll put up a few pics pretty soon.
Speaking of pictures, I took some pictures of my apartment and I'm going to put them up here. Check out on the right hand side, I created a link for my pics!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Back At It Tomorrow
Fresh off my first test, I was able to have a pretty relaxing 4th of July weekend. I went home for a day and got some stuff I didn't bring down when I moved in, watched the Twins lose in 16 innings (although an enjoyable game to relax to), went to Rau's and spent the entire day outside on the river and playing cards waiting for the fireworks to start. I haven't been outside for that long since school got out and I got a little burnt, but it was great to get out of the city and back to a more rural setting.
Bad news though, my car broke down on the way back to my house. I'm not sure what's wrong with it yet, but it sounds like it might be the fuel pump. I'm not sure how much that will cost, but I think I'll find out tomorrow. I had a really good time looking at some cars with my dad and we seemed to come to an agreement as to what I should be looking for (I've been planning on getting a new car for a bit now). I was planning on giving my car to Charlie (it's the perfect car to have at college), so I'm hoping it will be alright for him to use. Charlie was nice enough to give me his car for the week, although I guess he really didn't have much of a choice!
I start my 3rd review course tomorrow: Auditing. This is only a 5 day review, but there is sure to be a lot of material covered as it's the longest of the 4 tests (4.5 hours!). I'm going to start getting into review mode for FAR tomorrow night after I finish all my auditing homework because I don't know if I'll be able to review everything unless I start tomorrow. FAR has been labeled "The Beast" by many aspiring and current CPA's and I'm going to treat it as such (seeing as it does have my two least favorite concepts: leases and pensions). I will be taking my FAR test on July 21st, so I've got 2 weeks starting Tuesday to get it down. I've been reading a lot online about other peoples' experiences online and some say they dedicate 3 months to study for it. I don't have that luxury. (Editor's note: Besides, who would want to do such a thing?).
Other than all that, my life is great. I'm comfortable where I'm at, all my first and second bills have been paid, my family is doing well, and I'm about 400 pages into The Pillars of the Earth. Vikings will be starting camp soon and we'll probably have a new QB. I'm not really sure who that will be though. Some guy they call Pharv.
There's another reason I need to finish all these tests now. Fantasy football. It's almost here, and I take it about as seriously as anyone I know. We've already got the divisions and draft order set. During football season, I don't do anything on Sundays. Especially if my team loses.
Bad news though, my car broke down on the way back to my house. I'm not sure what's wrong with it yet, but it sounds like it might be the fuel pump. I'm not sure how much that will cost, but I think I'll find out tomorrow. I had a really good time looking at some cars with my dad and we seemed to come to an agreement as to what I should be looking for (I've been planning on getting a new car for a bit now). I was planning on giving my car to Charlie (it's the perfect car to have at college), so I'm hoping it will be alright for him to use. Charlie was nice enough to give me his car for the week, although I guess he really didn't have much of a choice!
I start my 3rd review course tomorrow: Auditing. This is only a 5 day review, but there is sure to be a lot of material covered as it's the longest of the 4 tests (4.5 hours!). I'm going to start getting into review mode for FAR tomorrow night after I finish all my auditing homework because I don't know if I'll be able to review everything unless I start tomorrow. FAR has been labeled "The Beast" by many aspiring and current CPA's and I'm going to treat it as such (seeing as it does have my two least favorite concepts: leases and pensions). I will be taking my FAR test on July 21st, so I've got 2 weeks starting Tuesday to get it down. I've been reading a lot online about other peoples' experiences online and some say they dedicate 3 months to study for it. I don't have that luxury. (Editor's note: Besides, who would want to do such a thing?).
Other than all that, my life is great. I'm comfortable where I'm at, all my first and second bills have been paid, my family is doing well, and I'm about 400 pages into The Pillars of the Earth. Vikings will be starting camp soon and we'll probably have a new QB. I'm not really sure who that will be though. Some guy they call Pharv.
There's another reason I need to finish all these tests now. Fantasy football. It's almost here, and I take it about as seriously as anyone I know. We've already got the divisions and draft order set. During football season, I don't do anything on Sundays. Especially if my team loses.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
14 hours
In 14 hours, I'll be sitting and taking my first CPA exam ever. I'm experiencing just about every emotion you can with something like this. I'm excited, nervous, anxious, and most of all ready to give my first test a shot. I did one more practice exam tonight (and got an 84 out of 100), so that is VERY good news. I still have 4 or 5 hours I can use tomorrow, but I think I'm about as confident tonight as I have been through the last month.
I won't know my score for 6 weeks or so...
But hopefully tomorrow I'll be 1/4th of the way to my CPA!
I won't know my score for 6 weeks or so...
But hopefully tomorrow I'll be 1/4th of the way to my CPA!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Weekly Update
Technically, it's Sunday and I have 5 days until I take my first section of the CPA test - BEC -Business Environment Concepts. I've been studying for this pretty non-stop, but it's still a little difficult because you really just don't know how to approach something this important when you're going through it your first time. Hopefully, I'm studying effectively and well enough where I will only go through this whole process once. I expected it to be tough and tiring, but I must admit that even with this "accelerated" course I'm dealing with more than I expected. It isn't healthy or productive to dwell on it much, just gotta lower my head and give it my best shot.
I took a trip out to Chicago last week to visit my girlfriend. Instead of driving this time, I took the Megabus - a double decker bus - filled with people from all walks of life going for tons of different reasons. It was $45 dollars round trip to go (which isn't bad at all ) and all in all it was a decent ride. We hit some thunderstorms the way out there and my window was leaky, so that was a bummer, but I made it to Leslie without having the fatigue from driving for 6 hours and paying for gas. When I actually have some income coming in, I'll probably fly out every once in awhile, but for now, this seems to be the best mode of transportation.
I'm also really excited to go home on the 3rd. It will be Mike's 20th birthday (although he has to work for 8 hours) and I still have some clothes to get and bring down. Overall, I'm excited just to be back in Douglas County. I haven't really been home for an extended time since my freshman summer (SJU sophomore, internship junior, and now the real world), and it's made me come to appreciate the simplicity, quietness (well...I guess not always!), and overall comfort of home. I'll only be there for the 3rd, I'm going to Leslie's house on the 4th and my third CPA review course starts on the 6th.
I'm getting into weight lifting again, a passion I haven't really visited since high school (being a runner and all), so I'm excited to add some bulk. Not a lot, but I think it's a shame my kid brother has biceps 2 inches bigger than mine! It doesn't matter, I could still push him around (not), but I might as well try to see if I can narrow that gap. Running has been a bit of challenge as of late - partly because of studying and also because I don't seem to be 100% yet. My IT band is a little inflamed, so I have to try and calm that down.
Biggest regret of the CPA test so far - no time for getting ready for Fantasy Football. I'm pushing to have the draft take place after all my tests are done, I think I can get that accomplished. Ha, I don't mean to make this CPA stuff seem all doom and gloom, I'm really glad I'm doing it and I know it's the best time for me to try and pass it. It's only going to get harder the longer I wait and it is something that will really boost my career...especially if I can get it done before I even start working. I'm excited, nervous, and ready to do this. Most of all, I'm glad I get to take it in 4 parts. Not one big 2.5 day test like the good old days.
5 days!
I took a trip out to Chicago last week to visit my girlfriend. Instead of driving this time, I took the Megabus - a double decker bus - filled with people from all walks of life going for tons of different reasons. It was $45 dollars round trip to go (which isn't bad at all ) and all in all it was a decent ride. We hit some thunderstorms the way out there and my window was leaky, so that was a bummer, but I made it to Leslie without having the fatigue from driving for 6 hours and paying for gas. When I actually have some income coming in, I'll probably fly out every once in awhile, but for now, this seems to be the best mode of transportation.
I'm also really excited to go home on the 3rd. It will be Mike's 20th birthday (although he has to work for 8 hours) and I still have some clothes to get and bring down. Overall, I'm excited just to be back in Douglas County. I haven't really been home for an extended time since my freshman summer (SJU sophomore, internship junior, and now the real world), and it's made me come to appreciate the simplicity, quietness (well...I guess not always!), and overall comfort of home. I'll only be there for the 3rd, I'm going to Leslie's house on the 4th and my third CPA review course starts on the 6th.
I'm getting into weight lifting again, a passion I haven't really visited since high school (being a runner and all), so I'm excited to add some bulk. Not a lot, but I think it's a shame my kid brother has biceps 2 inches bigger than mine! It doesn't matter, I could still push him around (not), but I might as well try to see if I can narrow that gap. Running has been a bit of challenge as of late - partly because of studying and also because I don't seem to be 100% yet. My IT band is a little inflamed, so I have to try and calm that down.
Biggest regret of the CPA test so far - no time for getting ready for Fantasy Football. I'm pushing to have the draft take place after all my tests are done, I think I can get that accomplished. Ha, I don't mean to make this CPA stuff seem all doom and gloom, I'm really glad I'm doing it and I know it's the best time for me to try and pass it. It's only going to get harder the longer I wait and it is something that will really boost my career...especially if I can get it done before I even start working. I'm excited, nervous, and ready to do this. Most of all, I'm glad I get to take it in 4 parts. Not one big 2.5 day test like the good old days.
5 days!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Update Tonight
I've been a bit busy with traveling and studying lately, but I'm going to set aside a little time tonight to write on a few things!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Sleepy
Tomorrow I have my last CPA review course for FAR. It'll be the 9th review class. I don't take this one until July 21st, but I still am getting a little anxious about it. After tomorrow I'll probably stop looking at that stuff until I'm done with my BEC test which is on July 2nd. I figure the best way to go about this is to give myself the best shot I can at passing the tests is to totally immerse myself in that section and not worry about the others.
I'll talk more about this later when I have some more time, but right now I'm just really tired. I'm looking forward to some sleep before midnight for a change!
I'll talk more about this later when I have some more time, but right now I'm just really tired. I'm looking forward to some sleep before midnight for a change!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Fort Snelling
As many of you now know, I just recently moved to St. Paul Highland Park area. I'm actually about 3 blocks from where St. Paul's "Highlands" begin, but I think I'm still considered to be in Highland Park.
Regardless, I live practically right across the river from Fort Snelling. I can go for a run and be going across a bridge that will take me to Fort Snelling in less than 5 minutes. I'm already viewing this as a blessing. Not solely because this terrific Minnesota Historical Site is so close, but because I can go for a great run next to the Mighty Mississippi without having to finish my run going up a painfully long uphill stretch (as I did last summer when I lived about 50 yards from the highest point in St. Paul). Of course, if I do choose to run by the river I will have to run some sort of hill to get back to my apartment, but these are minor compared to what I had to do last summer.
I've only lived here for two weeks and have already marveled at the mystery that is Fort Snelling and the Mississippi Floodplain down below. In a way, it almost reminds me of running Wildcat (a run in the deeper part of Saint John's forest for all of you unfamiliar with the SJU Cross Country lingo) at Saint John's. Not only do you have that ever so slight freeway noise in the background, but you have trails upon trails, many of which are nothing more than sand or trampled grass. There are of course some asphalt trails, but I don't seem to find myself staying on these too long.
I've always had that underlying desire to explore when I run and I feel this area will only cause me to follow this pull even more (especially because I have no immediate racing plans). I've already found a few caves, stumbled upon a few deer with fawns, some angry wild turkeys, a marker showing the various flood levels through the years, and been able to explore Fort Snelling itself for a little bit. Certainly nothing dangerous (nor is that what I'm looking for), but the idea that I can very easily discover something new on every run does have me pretty excited about getting out the door everyday (well...most days).
I have no doubt I'll post more about my discoveries running around here in the future, but right now I'm convinced I'm living right next to one of the best running and training spots in all of the Metro (I'll admit, I may be biased). I have Fort Snelling and the Fort Snelling Park, Crosby Farm, Hidden Falls and the entire Minnesota River Boulevard at my disposal. It really is something else. I guess it's one of the perks about being a runner!
Regardless, I live practically right across the river from Fort Snelling. I can go for a run and be going across a bridge that will take me to Fort Snelling in less than 5 minutes. I'm already viewing this as a blessing. Not solely because this terrific Minnesota Historical Site is so close, but because I can go for a great run next to the Mighty Mississippi without having to finish my run going up a painfully long uphill stretch (as I did last summer when I lived about 50 yards from the highest point in St. Paul). Of course, if I do choose to run by the river I will have to run some sort of hill to get back to my apartment, but these are minor compared to what I had to do last summer.
I've only lived here for two weeks and have already marveled at the mystery that is Fort Snelling and the Mississippi Floodplain down below. In a way, it almost reminds me of running Wildcat (a run in the deeper part of Saint John's forest for all of you unfamiliar with the SJU Cross Country lingo) at Saint John's. Not only do you have that ever so slight freeway noise in the background, but you have trails upon trails, many of which are nothing more than sand or trampled grass. There are of course some asphalt trails, but I don't seem to find myself staying on these too long.
I've always had that underlying desire to explore when I run and I feel this area will only cause me to follow this pull even more (especially because I have no immediate racing plans). I've already found a few caves, stumbled upon a few deer with fawns, some angry wild turkeys, a marker showing the various flood levels through the years, and been able to explore Fort Snelling itself for a little bit. Certainly nothing dangerous (nor is that what I'm looking for), but the idea that I can very easily discover something new on every run does have me pretty excited about getting out the door everyday (well...most days).
I have no doubt I'll post more about my discoveries running around here in the future, but right now I'm convinced I'm living right next to one of the best running and training spots in all of the Metro (I'll admit, I may be biased). I have Fort Snelling and the Fort Snelling Park, Crosby Farm, Hidden Falls and the entire Minnesota River Boulevard at my disposal. It really is something else. I guess it's one of the perks about being a runner!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
I’m Back!
Well, in a sense. I guess one could argue I'm really not coming back to much, just a picture I put on this blog last summer so my Fantasy Football team (The Garfield Thundercats) would have a picture. The picture is of a toy Garfield I got one my 8th (I think) birthday cake next to Garfield, MN Population sign. Garfield, MN is of course where I'm from and if you're wondering why I still have that Garfield toy...the easiest way to explain it is to say I find sentimental value in almost everything I receive. In addition, I have a tendency to think I'll be able to use almost anything I get at some point in the new future.
As to a sudden revival of this "blog", I actually stumbled upon one of my friend's blogs (Chris Erichsen) detailing his last summer's travels in Ireland and Europe and it reminded me that I had one myself (albeit a ragged looking one). I thought I'd make an effort to try and make my own blog where I might be able discuss some of the happenings in my life.
This is kind of a work in progress, so don't be surprised if you see the layout, format, and/or content of this blog change over time. I'm pretty new to this, but I'd like to think I could make this something of a routine thing! I'll also be getting some pictures into this in a little bit (anyone who knows me knows I love taking pictures), so maybe I'll put a few of my new apartment on here shortly.
I also just noticed that my fantasy football pic isn't working anymore. I might have to repost that picture at some point this summer...
As to a sudden revival of this "blog", I actually stumbled upon one of my friend's blogs (Chris Erichsen) detailing his last summer's travels in Ireland and Europe and it reminded me that I had one myself (albeit a ragged looking one). I thought I'd make an effort to try and make my own blog where I might be able discuss some of the happenings in my life.
This is kind of a work in progress, so don't be surprised if you see the layout, format, and/or content of this blog change over time. I'm pretty new to this, but I'd like to think I could make this something of a routine thing! I'll also be getting some pictures into this in a little bit (anyone who knows me knows I love taking pictures), so maybe I'll put a few of my new apartment on here shortly.
I also just noticed that my fantasy football pic isn't working anymore. I might have to repost that picture at some point this summer...
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