studying

I started studying for the CPA exam on November 29th. I'm using the Becker Review course materials, and the self study plan (as compared to classroom or online class). If I stick to my current plan (to.the.day.) and pass all four parts on the first try, I will be finished on 8/22/2011. So, realistically, I would just like to be finished anytime before 2012. After passing the first section, I have a rolling 18 month window to pass the other 3 or I lose credit.

I started with FAR (Financial Accounting and Reporting) which contains the most study material, and is supposed to be the toughest section to pass. After conquering that (hopefully - passing grade is a 75%) I will move on to REG (Regulation), then AUD (Audit), and finally BEC (Business Environment and Concepts.

The first week was ok, but now I'm several weeks in and I am already feeling discouraged - mostly because it looks like a mountain in front of me, and I've basically taken 2 steps. I've questioned why I am even putting myself through this, and I cleaned my apartment spotless just to procrastinate studying - I even ironed. The other day, I spent 20 minutes online reading articles about procrastination (yes, I was procrastinating). By golly, what do you think I am doing right now??

This is one of my Becker instructors (Peter Onlinto) giving a pep talk. HAH
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxurvsjFDMg&feature=related

As this endeavor progresses, I'm hoping I'll get into a study groove and just accept it as what I am choosing to do in life right now. Right at this very minute, though, I need another pep talk and something to look forward to.

funny!

This is a video of Tim Hawkins talking about Hand Sanitizer - HAHAH

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wzxlv5vdN9I&feature=related

update

An update on life is in order.

I did get a rabbit (see post below), and I’ll share a funny story. I bought cute matching ceramic bowls for his food and water, thinking it would make his cage look nicer. Unfortunately…rabbits don’t care much about aesthetics. He thought they were fun to tip over, and he had a ball knocking them over and scooting them around. I’ve resorted to a water dispenser, and an old cottage cheese container, which is pinned in a corner with two twisty ties. As soon as I set the new food bowl in his cage, and before I had even touched the twisty ties, he had the whole thing upside down, with food all over the floor inside and outside the cage. I was like, “you have got to be kidding, Woodrow” but he just looked up at me with his cute bunny ears, and little brown eyes.

Now that I have prevailed, at least for now, in the war against dumping the vita vittles, I will write about something else.

Nah.

I'm currently watching Woodrow take a nap (do rabbits ever shut their eyes?) in his litter box. Whatever, do what you want Woods’, it’s your decision where you want to catch some Zzs. I think that was my cue to stop with the blogging and go to sleep. Goodnight then.

Nom nom nom

Say hello to Woodrow. He came home with me on Saturday, from the Tipp City Artisan Festival. He is a sweetie, and he loves kisses on the nose. He also loves running in circles on my screened/glassed in patio, and chomping on carrots like there is no tomorrow.

I'm not even kidding - Woods' is litter box trained! One of the corners of his cage has a triangle litter box, and he knows just what to do. He is a really curious little guy, and I'm excited to have him around!

desktop background

I'm one of those people who changes my desktop background all the time. Here is the latest, just as a little memory for those who miss reading about my adventures in Hong Kong, and because it is a wicked awesome picture. yes, I just said that.

Jordan Hart -I am now talking directly to you - did someone take an infrared photo, you think? Or, is this the result of the shutter being open for a long time at night, and the city lights are glowing on the mountain...and someone enhanced the colors?



http://library.thinkquest.org/07aug/01297/index.html

Counting Down

33 days of actual class left. 53 days until graduation day. Just sayin'

Spring Break was glorious. I hung out with my relatives, laughed a lot, and dissected a pig. I suppose I could explain myself on that last one, but I like the shock effect. It really did happen, though.

8 minutes

So, I have this aerobics DVD. There are three different types of workouts, and each type has three ten-minute workouts. The idea is that you can mix and match any of the workouts into a custom routine. You get to create your plan, which is kind of fun.

The only problem is that I never make 30 minute workouts. I go to the custom option, and select one ten minute workout. Since the DVD lets me do what I want...I do. What is really great is that the first minute and the last minute are basically spent stretching to get ready for the exercise, and then cooling down. That means I actually get my heart rate up for about 8 minutes.

I've decided that it works for me. Typically, I pull it out when I feel like I've been sitting still for too many hours. Usually it's dark outside, so I can't go for a walk. If my goal was to burn calories, it would be pretty lame, but the 8 minute sessions work for me. One final note - I have no idea what compelled me to write about that in a blog, other than the fact that I just burned, like, 4 skittles doing a workout.

The MTR song

I thought I'd add this to my blog - it's a good memory. My dorm was a 15 minute walk from the Kowloon Tong station...where the green crosses the blue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_Stwb7KmfQ