Here I am

((((((((((Waves))))))))))))))

It's been a long time.

Where do I start.

Well for starters I'm still on the job hunt. I'm just waiting for the right opportunity to come by. I thought once I officially became a CPA I would have companies kicking down my door and fighting over me....ummmm yeah, not so much. As good as it is to be a CPA I'm not the only CPA looking so with that said it's going to take longer than expected. But nevertheless I'm not giving up. The good news is that I've been doing taxes and write ups on the weekend at a CPA firm. It's a great opportunity but working 7 days of week is pretty tough. Atleast its only for a couple of months. But I'm truly grateful for the experience.

I'm starting an investment club!!! The problem is that I haven't really found anyone who is serious about it. I'm hoping that some of my friends close and far away would be interested ( wink wink...any takers). I'm going to dedicate a whole post to that.

I'm thinking of turning talking about other things on this blog. One thing that I love with all my heart is fashion and shoes. Maybe some outfit posts or random stuff would work. We'll see.

I need to start going out more. Pre CPA exam I loved going out with friends and dressing up. Now I have a bunch of clothes with no place to go...LOL... That has to change.

So these next few weeks I'll be revamping this blog....Stay tuned.

Fighting The Good Fight

Scores were released today.

While I’m not waiting on scores, I feel affected by my friends from twitter who are receiving scores also.

Unfortunately it seems like this window wasn’t a good one. And I can relate.

I know it sounds cliché, but now is not the time to give up. There are a number of reasons why you could give up. But just think about it. Giving up is taking the easy way out. What do you have to do to give up? You basically just put the books down and go back to life as you know it. Some of us may go back to our favorite hobbies, or some of us may just go back to that dreadful job. Giving up just says you know what “ I’m done with this” and “I’m not made for the long haul”. Atleast that’s what I told myself. However wiping your tears means YOU ARE THE MINORITY. Look how many people work in the accounting field. Now look at how many are CPA’s? Not many. Just think after your done with the CPA you can go back to your favorite hobbies or you can go back to that dreadful job, but either way your going back as a CPA. And let me tell you, telling your co-workers

(who I might add may not be as supportive or happy for you as you would like) is a great feeling. Now I’m in no means saying you should go and boast about it (because I’m the total opposite, I was actually very shy to tell people) but it’s a really big accomplishment

The hardest part of dealing with this exam from my experience was the mental toll. I CONSTANTLY had feelings of inadequacy. And yes I did have that urge often to give up. However I kept reminding myself of the lifelong benefit I would have once I was done. The opportunities are endless.

Studying really hard and then failing is a gut wrenching feeling. I was/am the Queen of a good cry. You have to let all your frustration and anger out. I must have called the AICPA and NASBA and the anyone else who was responsible for those ugly MCQ’s and Sims every ugly name in the book (sorry but its true). After cursing them until my tongue fell off and my eyes were as red as they could be and a whole box of tissue later. It was back to the drawing board. With BEC I went to the drawing board three times. It was there that I drilled down on my weak areas. When I drilled down I just basically read up on a topic word for word. Then I explained it back to myself as if I was teaching a class. Once I could explain it to myself I felt a little better. Explaining it to myself meant that I had a chance of atleast talking my way to the right answer during test time. The BIGGEST BIGGEST mistake I made with BEC was studying what I do know as opposed to studying what I don’t know. For example I was pretty good in economics but why in the hell was I doing a million economics questions and 10 capital budgeting questions. I look back at it now and it was a sort of a fear of facing reality that I really sucked at capital budgeting and I had to put in some hard core studying to atleast feel comfortable with it.My third time around I did a million capital budgeting questions and not so much economic questions. Initially I was studying like I would get lucky on the test, meaning “hopefully I won’t get that many capital budgeting questions so I will just do a little of them and then cross my fingers I get lucky” uhhhh that was a #Fail

One of the biggest realizations I had to come to terms with is the way I absorb info may be different from the way someone else does. It was this reason I had to change review courses. If you recognize something isn’t working and your financially able then don’t be afraid to scrap that course and go with another. If your not able to then you have to figure out how you can make it work for you. Either you can take more note cards, or do more questions, etc. Whatever has to be done just do it. And also there are so many websites you can use a resource. For example most of my help from capital budgeting came from just using Google and learning from there (since I felt like reading the same thing over and over after the third try was getting me nowhere).

The one thing I really want to stress is to not doubt yourself. You have to alteast tell yourself you have a shot at being a CPA just like anyone else. Again this may sound cliché but you can do it!!! I kept reminding myself that I didn’t need to be a expert in every topic I just need to recognize it when I see it and be able to make some sort of sense out of it. The exam is about knowing a little about a lot. Getting too in depth isn’t necessarily a bad thing but if your focusing your time on being an expert in one area and then in other areas your mind draws a blank your study plan needs to be revised.

Now I look back at all my trials and tribulations and some stories I can laugh at. For example I remember when I failed BEC with a 70 and I called my Mom of course crying and barely able to breathe. I told her to wait awhile before she told my Dad and my siblings because I needed time to get myself together. Of course as soon as I hung up the phone with her my Dad calls telling me how sorry he was (that made me cry even more) and then as soon as my Dad hung up, here goes my sister calling!!! I’m like Thanks Mom…can I catch a break.

If you didn’t get that passing grade this window take a couple of days to regroup. Don’t beat yourself up too much. The next step is to revise revise revise your study plan. Don’t beat yourself up about the points you didn’t get look at the points you did get and just build upon that. The goal is to build on top of what you know. Because in the end you know something you just need to know a little more.

Anyway I say all this to say, that yes it totally sucks right now. To fail feels like absolute crap. Your probably beating yourself up. But just know failure is temporary (unless you give up) but being a CPA is permanent.

Roger Raffle and Update

Roger is having another sale and a workshop. This is a great opportunity to get to know Roger and a great opportunity to enter a raffle to win a full review!!!


Wednesday, February 15th
12pm-1pm PST (3pm-4pm EST)
RSVP at www.rogerCPAreview.com/future-CPA-workshops/

In other news,

Not much going on over here, still on a job search.

My license came in the mail (and it is a beauty I might add).

Hopefully I have some good news to add soon.

Whats Been Up with Me??

Well I'm still on my job search.

I haven't been as persistent as I should have been but I'm getting there.

I've really been enjoying my life post CPA exam and I can only say positive things.

I've been doing my research on starting my own business, the hardest part is coming up with a name (can you believe that??). I'm determined to put my thinking cap on.

I'm so excited of all the opportunities that I know will come my way. I'm doing nothing but positive thinking because I will only accept positivity into my life.

On another note my favorite review course has a new promo video. Check it out below. Seriously Roger gave me confidence boost I needed. If your contemplating on which course to choose you should most definitely get Roger. I passed two parts in one window thanks to Roger. And his Audit course got me a grade of 86 even though I have never done an actual audit before.

Hope all is well!!

New Year New Goals

With the new year here its time to set 2012 goals.

I never put my annual goals down on paper until last year January.

Goals are so important. Setting goals is like a roadmap for your life.

I remember I used to always say how bored I was and how I had nothing to do, I realize now that's because I was living life with no agenda.

So here are my 2012 goals ( at least some of them)

1)Get my license active (already sent out my paperwork)
2) GET A NEW JOB!!!!
3) Generate another source of income
4) Save Save Save
5) Participate in more networking events and meet more like minded individuals.
6) Go on a much needed vacay.

So there it is.

And here's to a new year, with new goals, and new success.

One Bad Apple doesn't spoil the bunch

Well today I met with another recruiter.

He was so so nice!!! I felt like I was talking to one of my friends. We ended up talking for almost an hour about so many things I didn't even realize we talked that long.

I let him know exactly what I was looking for and he told me how he could help.

I let him know of my dream to work in a CPA firm. He told me that it may be slightly hard compared to someone who has worked their before but it's not unheard of and its not impossible. He said the fact that I passed the CPA puts me in a great position and that company's would be eager to learn more about me. He also threw some other areas that I could look into and I can say that I was quite interested in them also. It felt so good to have another perspective upon things. This just taught me that I will never let another person tell me what I'm capable of doing and I won't let other peoples premature knowledge of me determine what I can and will do.

Anyway, he also said to expect 1st Qtr 2012 to open up with opportunities. I am happy to hear that. Until then I will be plugging along and getting my post exam life up and running.
***Side Note***

Today I received some of the best tweets ever.
" Be so focused that no thing, no fling, and no bling distract you from living your dream" - The Daily Love "Worrying does not take away tomorrows troubles, it takes away todays peace" - Larger than Words "When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in his abilities, when GOD doesn't solve your problems he has faith in your abilities - Larger then Words

If this didn't brighten my day!

What's Next?????

Well now that I've got exams out the way, whats next?

My next big task is my job search.

I really need to make moves into the industry and fast. After telling my Manager about passing the exam she even suggested that its time I start looking. If that's not motivation to leave I don't know what is.

Today I spoke with a recruiter who was to put it mildly, very very rude. He basically made it seem like passing the CPA was no big deal and that there was no chance for me to get into a CPA firm since I have no background in auditing I personally think that he's totally wrong. For a second I was really upset. I couldn't believe that a person could just be so mean but I will not waste my time on somebody who knows nothing about me or my abilities.

My focus is to move into either a role as a Asst Controller/Controller or if the opportunity presents itself a position with a CPA firm. My goal is to really learn the ins and outs of the operations of an entity. Currently I'm in a similar role but I want to be on the client side/managing side of things.

I know that some people try to down play passing the CPA (as I have encountered) but I'm not downplaying it. If the CPA were so easy everyone would be a CPA.

I plan on blogging my job search and my movement into this new direction.

Here's to good news and growth!!!

I'm a CPA

I don't even know where to start.

I always dreamt about what my victory post would say. I just knew that I would have the right words to describe what I was feeling, however 3 days after getting my results I'm still speechless.

The reality is that I, ( me SAS) is a CPA ( well technically not until I submit paperwork ( but soon).

Let me just start off by saying that I must have checked for my results 20 times in a 18 hour period. On Thursday December 8th I learned my fate. And it was all good.
I passed Audit with a 86. All of my hard work was evident. The fact that I used my two week vacation to study rather than sit on a beach paid off. This gift of passing all 4 parts of the CPA in 18 months was finally coming true.

I remember while in undergrad I NEVER thought I would be able to be a CPA. I just felt like I was not strong enough in accounting to do it. I remember my professors encouraging us to go after the prestigious CPA however they made sure to mention that only the strong survive. And me, oh I just knew at that time I didn't have the dedication or ability to get it done. Now that may sound crazy, or possibly like I had little faith in myself but it was just that at that time in my life I just felt very average.

It wasn't until months after getting my MBA that I decided to pursue my CPA. While applying I realized that I was short 6 accounting credits. Taking more classes was the LAST thing I wanted to do, but I did.

I started my actual journey on April 9, 2010 with BEC which I subsequently failed. It took me 4 times to pass BEC and twice for REG.

In 2010 I had not passed a single part. I wasn't as dedicated as I was in 2011. In 2011 I made a promise to myself and to GOD that I would pass at least 3 parts. I told myself that my priorities were to be a CPA and that's it.

This journey made me believe in myself. Even when I was putting together my application I still was unsure that I could do this. My biggest fear was that I wouldn't pass and that I would become a professional test taker.

It wasn't until I passed my first part in Feb 2011(REG) that I felt like I had a shot at all.

The crazy thing that amazes me is that ever since I made the CPA my priority I didn't fail one part in 2011. I passed them all on the first shot. 2011 was like my new beginning.

This journey broke me down and built me up. I remember early mornings and late nights crying due to frustration. I remember asking myself why am I putting myself through this. I remember countless nights coming home to just me and my books and dinner. There were so many missed outings, parties, and vacations. There were times I would cry to my boyfriend about how I just wanted to give up. However I ALWAYS had that support from him and my family to keep going.

It is so important to have a good support system. If you have just one person that's enough. Even if it is your dog, you need something.

If there's one thing I learned, it was to fight. Fight like your life depended on it. Once you embark on this journey its no sink or swim, its swim or swim harder, there's no sinking.

Your going to have to give up something. That's a given. I definitely have fewer friends now. Some felt like I was brushing them off and they didn't understand, and some got tired of me saying that I had to decline. Now don't get me wrong I wasn't an absolute prude, but my outside activities were cut down by 85%.

Roger CPA review was a huge factor in me passing my last two parts. I felt prepared when going in for Audit. Besides normal test anxiety I felt at ease.

Passing the CPA is something that can never be taken away. The respect that is received is priceless. The feeling of accomplishment that I feel has no words. I can’t even tell you what it feels like, I think its just better for each person to experience the
feeling.

This journey took me 18 months, and I can say I wouldn’t change a thing. Some people pass in 6 months and for others it takes longer. In these 18 months I’ve learned how strong I am. I may have bad days but I still got it done. I may have had personal obstacles but I still hit the books. I may have failed 5 in a row (yes 5 in a row) but I still had that one ounce in me to say keep going.
I
have met so many great people during this journey. Some who I can say will be my life long friends. I’m so happy I stuck it through and didn’t give up. I’m just so happy and blessed to start this new chapter in my life as a Certified Public Accountant.

Roger Cyber Monday Sale

ROGERS HAVING A SALE!!!

Use promo code Thankful4CPA at checkout

$150 each off 1,2 or 3 parts

WWW.ROGERCPAREVIEW.COM

This is a really good deal! If you want to learn the concepts without just memorizing...you should go with Roger.

The sale is only good until 11/29/11 11:59pm, PST

Audit Recap...And Now The Wait Begins

So I'm just gonna jump right in it.

I got through the MCQ's in 1 hour and 20 mins. I had to seriously go back and double.check to make sure I wasn't forgetting something. There were some tricky ones in there but there weren't many. In total throughout 90 questions I marked less than 15 that I was unsure of. Out of those I would say I had about 6 that I just took my best guess.

Now onto the Sims.....

I know I got the research right and I know I got 2 sims 90-100% right.

Two other sims I would say I for between 75% -85% right.

Another simulation I'm guessing I got around. 70-75% right

The last Sim I would say probably 65-70% .

I can just flat out say that Rogers course prepared me. There were no surprises. Everything he emphasized to study was definitely on the test and his course book covered it.

Now its just time to wait. No matter the results I tried my hardest and studied like a mad woman.

I took no shortcuts and I made some big sacrifices. I feel blessed to have made it this far and I'm so proud to see my progress from when I first started.

My Mom asked me how I felt today and I just told her that I feel like it was life changing.

Heres to waiting...(and prayerfully passing)

Well Here it Goes....Tomorrow is Audit

One word, Exhausted.

Exhausted in a good way though, exhausted meaning that I have filled my brain with all things audit. There is not one ounce of me that feels that I didn't do all I could to study for audit. The fact that I pushed myself to my limit and didn't slack or take shortcuts is enough for me to sleep well tonight and still be proud of myself no matter what.

Today I woke up at 7:30 am and I've been studying for almost 12 straight hours. This is without any TV or phone calls (I was tweeting though...twudygroup gets me through my study sessions)

In total I've done around 2500 audit MCQ's. This morning I said I wasn't going to do hardly any but I changed my mind because I just wanted a quick refresher (glad I did that!!!)

I can't rave enough about my review course. Roger's text book has made my life so much easier. The book just breaks everything down into basic terms. The fact that everything just flows from chapter to chapter is just a breath of fresh air. I can't say how much easier or less painful it makes studying when you watch Roger and his hilarious videos and he comes up with these funny but very useful mnemonics. The confidence that I'm feeling compared to when I took other parts is just no comparison. Of course I'm remaining humble and realizing that this exam can be brutal I'm acknowledging that I'm scoring better and understanding concepts clearer than I did with other parts.

My exam isn't until 4pm tomorrow. I usually like to test around 12 or 1pm however this is the only time I could get that day. I'm going to use the time wisely. I'm going to get a GOOD nights sleep and just skim my notes tomorrow. I'm doing absolutely no MCQ's. I will also read through some more answers to simulations but I won't be working any from scratch. I don't want to exert myself in any way shape or form because I know when I get in there I'm going hard!!!!

My plan is to get thru the MCQ's in no more than 2 hours MAX that leaves me with two hours for Sims (which is alot of time). 2 hours for MCQ's and 2 hrs for Sims is the worst case scenario.

I'm just ready to go in there tomorrow and get er done!!!!

Tonight could possibly be my last weekend of studying for the CPA Exam. I'm saying a nice long prayer tonight just for this.

Good Luck to everyone these next three days in the window. Keep fighting and dont give up.

It's possible.

In 3 Days

I will be taking Audit.

I'm just ready to get it over with.

Basically I'm just focusing on reading sims and my notes, as well as key points.

Today I went through those crazy Wiley Sims. It wasn't as bad as it looked yesterday.

That is all for the night.

4 Days to Go

Since today is Thanksgiving I knew I had to get my Q's in early.

I did 90 questions. First testlet I scored 87%, 2nd testlet I scored 70%, third testlet I scored 80%.

I only looked at the sims and the explanations because by the time I got home I was exhausted. Those Sims were seriously hard, however tomorrow I will focus on them so I'm not going to worry.

All I can say is I'm putting and I have put 110% into this. I've given up a lot and no matter what I did all I could without taking the easy way out.

Back at it tomorrow.

5 Days to Go

Today I did 120 MCQ's. Scoring in mid 70's to Mid 80's.

Did a bunch of Sims.

I feel like I need to get my scores up...but I feel confident.

That's it for now enjoying some nice quality time.

Gonna get some questions in before I stuff my face tomorrow.

6 Days Until Audit

Real quick...
99 random questions from all sections ..82%.

Read my note cards and focus notes.

Tomorrow another set of 99 and sims.

Time for bed.

Oh and definitely a big Congrats to all those who passed a section this window. You guys deserve it!

7 Days Until Audit

Nothing much going on here.

Just read the audit technology section...took me forever. This stuff is just boring. Tomorrow answering questions and random Q's and Sims.

8 Days Until Audit

Ok so I skipped a day.

Yesterday my brain was off. Off like it was on vacation and it wasn't coming back until it felt like it. With that said I accepted it for what it was and took a break. At first I felt guilty but in hindsight it was the right move. I'm only human right?

I was hitting a roadblock with Audit Sampling. For some reason it just wasn't sticking AGAIN. However I vowed to get through it today and I did. I'm going to read over it again tonight in the cram book and possibly do a simulation.

Today was the first time I did a random quiz on all chapters (except technology). I'm happy to say I got a 95% on 20 questions.

I hope I'm not getting a false sense of security because I have never done this well on any section in the review stage. 

There is no way that I can't just not do all of the Wiley and Becker questions. I have to go in there knowing that I did all that I could. I.would be very upset at myself if i slacked off and had bad results because of it.

Thanks to Roger and his mnemonics and entertainment audit is actually enjoyable. I just can't believe how understandable he makes Audit. Oh and I have to say that Roger explains PPS sampling 50 times better in the cram then he does in the full review course.

I.can honestly.say I'm very happy that I decided to get the cram rather then go through the cpa review book again. It sums up all the key points nicely

Ok I've said enough for the night...back at it tomorrow

10 Days Until Audit

Really quick...as much as I don't feel like blogging I am, because I promised.

I did sooooo many MCQ's today. I lost count. It was defintiely under 200 but over 150.

Scored in low 90's and low 80's

Covered attestation engagements and review services. My goal was to complete audit sampling but then I forgot I had to do some MCQ'S on those topics. So tomorrow I will definitely get through sampling.

That's it for the night...time for some TV and relaxation.

11 Days Until Audit

Today was very productive...

160 MCQ'S
Scoring in the mid to low 80's
I definitely need to be scoring consistently in the mid 80's to 90's. That will be my focus next week.

I wrote out so many notecards, I may have to go to Target and get some more. I also did 3 sims today. I also read the chapter on SSARS and government accounting for key points. Tomorrow I will start out reviewing all my notecards and then finish up audit sampling and possibly technology.

I didn't watch any videos today because I felt thoroughly reading everything would be more effective, however for sampling I will definitely watch videos.

Moving right along...

12 days until Audit

Quick update...

Today was the first day that I actually had one day where I felt the true meaning of vacation.

I woke up early to watch videos on audit reporting and then I hit the streets.

After some much needed quality time I came home and wrote note cards, re-read the chapter for key points and I did questions. I scored a 76% on 99 questions. I also completed two simulations. Tomorrow I will do another big set of questions and a bunch of simulations. I plan on staying in all day and working some random questions also. I'm so determined to be a CPA in less than two weeks.  Almost there...

Slow and steady wins the race.