It's over!!

YAY!!!

I wrote my exam tonight. I think I did very well on it, but I won't get my mark back until January 24, so it's anybody's guess until then. Ah, the joys of a national exam.

I am pleased to announce that I memorized all of the underlying assumptions and qualitative criteria ... for nothing, as they were not on the exam after all. But they could have been, and they have been in the past, so I am still glad that I did it.

All in all, I believe I grasped most of the concepts. And I double-checked my work to make sure I didn't miss anything. I took pretty well every last moment of the 3 hours provided, and I feel good about doing so. There appeared to be an error in the multiple-choice section of the exam, which I wasn't too thrilled about. I ended up having to write a big long essay about how the correct answer to the solution was not one of the solutions provided, and what the correct answer should have been, and how it was arrived at, and providing diagrams and flowcharts and ...

Well, you get the gist. I also had to email my provincial association when I got home to advise them of the error in the exam and ask them to please do something about it. I don't want to lose 2 marks for something that is not my fault.

And now, on to Management Accounting 1. I hope it is a bit less demanding.

On another note, J was grumpy tonight for poor H. But he is happy and playing in his crib now. Of course he ought to be sleeping, but as long as he is happy, I'll take what I can get.

He is slowly learning to sit up, and can sit for (very) short periods of time if I position him correctly. But he is still more interested in movement than in being still, so sitting isn't high on his list of priorities. He can roll around very well now; boy, can this kid move! We have to keep a close eye on him now.

My sweet little J!

I do not know...

...the difference between "Qualitative Criteria" and "Underlying Assumptions". These kinds of questions may comprise a significant portion of the multiple choice section of my exam.

Qualitative Criteria Relevance Reliability Understandability Comparability Objectivity Conservatism Cost/Benefit

Underlying Assumptions Time-period Separate entity Continuity Proprietary Units-of-measure Nominal dollar amount

Does anyone out there have any ideas on ways that I can remember these things? By tomorrow night?

Refresher for the day

Last day before dreaded exam night. I have today and tomorrow morning/early afternoon left to prepare, and then I must stop in order to be moderately refreshed before writing the exam.

Must do:

1. The 6 remaining past and practice exams (at least 2 in exam conditions).
   
2. Refreshers on parts of modules 4 (this one is critical; I don't know it well at all, and it could be worth a significant portion of my exam), 8, 9 and 10, as I could not answer all of the "learning objectives" in these modules.
   
3. A review of "model financial statements" section of online resources.

Feeling pleased because:

1. I finally understand the cash flow statement.
   
2. I have done 9 past exams so far, and have not gotten a score below 80%.

Really wishing I weren't sick, though. It does not seem inclined to leave any time soon, so I will be sick and coughing away through my exam tomorrow night. This means that I will not be in top form and will probably not get the Award of Excellence. At this point, passing is good enough.

jfnvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

jjjjjjjej nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn ccvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvcl;b vc [.klllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllljjjjjhfgvvvvvvvvvv jnb 7 bbbbbb vvvvvvvvv b nhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh gxzv v

I am "above-average"

You may wonder why my user pic is of J, and not of me. Well, quite simply, I am "above-average" (read: I am a fat girl). I used to be thin. Once. Long ago. But those days are behind me, and I hate hate HATE the way I look now. This being the case, size labels, the mirror, and the camera have become my sworn enemies and I simply will not post a picture of myself until I lose some weight.

If that ever happens.

Which it won't. Because I can't seem to get up the motivation it would take to watch what I eat and exercise. And because I am really busy with my courses and the baby, and I just don't have much time to think of stuff like meal planning.

So here I am, carrying around an extra 45 or so pounds that I just can't seem to part with. And none of my old clothes fit since J's birth. (In fact, I am somewhat ashamed to admit that I still wear certain camouflaging pairs of maternity pants.) I can't bring myself to buy new clothes, because trying on clothes invariably means being confronted with size labels and mirrors (two of my sworn enemies) and because I generally hate spending money. Especially now, when I'm on mat leave and funds are tight.

But my brother-in-law is getting married on New Years Day, and we also have a swanky Christmas party to attend this Friday. And I can hardly go to these events dressed in maternity pants and an oversized Spiderman t-shirt now, can I?

So (during a study break today) off to the mall I trudged, begrudgingly, hacking up a lung and with J in tow, to try and take advantage of certain department store sales. My voice is shot; it's not gone completely, but I sound just like Marlon Brando in "The Godfather". And I have work to do, but I couldn't put this off any longer. I need a dressy outfit for Friday, and I just don't have a lot of time available for shopping.

Now, for some unknown reason, designers seem to feel that we "above-average" women all want to wear either really revealing clothing (no sleeves, short skirts, clingy, sheer fabric) or gunny sacks (straight lines, shape concealing, straight from Rue McClanahan's wardrobe in "The Golden Girls"). We have our very own section - right next to the Petites (because we don't feel self-conscious enough, thank you very much) - and our section is manned by an anorexic salesgirl (because she knows something about what we would want to wear; riiiiiggggghhhhht). They try not to call us "plus-sized" any longer, as it's not PC; now, our section is coined "above-average" (as in "your heart's in danger and your joints may give out at a moment's notice, but it's a good thing - really").

So there I was, hunting through department store racks, for anything with even a hint of a sleeve! Tough to come by, let me tell you. And I finally found two tasteful-looking (no gunny sack) dressy outfits in my size that had sleeves. I tried them on, and was dismayed to discover that they were actually not designed for women my size, but rather for what the skinny little boobless designers imagine skinny little boobless women might look like if you widened them, you know, with a carnival mirror. In fact, once I put it on, I realized that one top would only be suitable for attending a roller-disco. And who goes there? Not me, obviously; that would be too much like exercise!

The long and short of it seems to be that department store clothing just does not hang properly on women of my ... particular ... stature.

So off I trudged, with a heavy heart, to the fat-girl store. The store designed specifically for the "above-average" woman. And here, I managed to find an outfit, in my size, that is just concealing enough and still keeps my shape in tact. But the down side to this is that I had to buy an outfit from the fat-girl store, and my self-esteem has been adversely affected.

It is a nice outfit, though.

Needs

Module 1: needs some brush-up re accounting standards
Module 2: needs study of financial statement formats
Module 3: needs practice
Module 4: needs a refresher, bad
Module 5: needs practice with PV/FV tables
Module 6: needs me to function while awake
Modules 7-10: need audio lecture review and re-assessment

Four days to exam night. One more audio lecture. One more self-test. Many more practice exams. "And miles to go before I sleep".

**********

It is bronchitis.
Doctor confirmed it today.
Cough, cough, hack, splutter.

You make me feel like ranting

I'm sick. Really sick. Preparing for an exam and feeling stressed. Really stressed. J was grumpy yesterday. Really grumpy.

So when H's friend called and wanted H to meet him for coffee last night, I would have liked it very much if H had said that it wasn't a good night; that his wife was sick and studying for an exam and he was needed at home. But he didn't. And when a time was suggested, I would have liked it very much if that time hadn't been during J's typical naptime, so that J could go with them. But it was, so he couldn't. So H went without J (forgetting to take the cell phone, so I couldn't reach him if I needed to), and left me to deal with J, study for my exam, and just generally be sick.

J woke up roughly half an hour after H left. I changed him (twice), fed him, gave him some extra cereal and green beans since he seemed particularly hungry, bathed him, got him all ready for bed, and then heard H enter the house.

H walked through the door, forgetting to bring the frozen beverage I had asked him to pick up to take down the swelling in my throat. He quickly ran back out to get it (without being asked; score 1 for H). When he returned, I was in the living room snuggling with a very awake J, with all my study materials splayed out in front of me. I asked H to please take care of J while I put the diapers in to be washed and did some more studying. H waited on this for a bit; first, he pilled the cat (which was necessary and didn't take a lot of time) and then he took J, and I put the diapers in the wash.

I came back upstairs and asked H to put J to bed when he was ready, put the diapers in the dryer and put them away when they were done, and to wash out J's dishes for me for the morning. (Ordinarily, we share these types of chores, but I was studying for my exam and I am sick, and H had just had an evening out, and it was only 9:00-ish, so I thought this was a reasonable request. Sticking the diapers in the dryer and washing a bowl, spoon and cup are hardly time-consuming tasks, really.)

So what happened? H put J to bed, fed the cats, then fell asleep on the couch. Did I notice? No. I was studying, and having problems with one particular statement that was taking all of my attention.

I woke H up at around 11:30, stating that it was probably time for bed. H agreed, and started to go upstairs. I asked him if he had put the diapers in the dryer. He had forgotten to do so, but went down to do it before bed (note: this time, he did not ask me to do it instead; score 2 for H). We then went to bed.

This morning I awoke, after a restless night of coughing and hacking, to discover that I had roughly one-third of my voice left and that this rather vicious cold appears to be turning into bronchitis (never mind how I know; that would fall under the head of "TMI"). H got up, pilled and fed the cats, had a bath, changed J and brought him to me for food. All pretty normal.

Then, since H had some extra time before he had to start getting ready for work, he sat down to play some computer solitaire. I cuddled with J to get him happy enough for playtime in the crib and then put him back in his crib to play; then I had a shower. When I got out, H was leaving for work. He headed off, and I got ready to face the day.

Now, how many clean diapers were in J's room at this point? One. Where were the others? Still in the dryer. Where were J's dishes? Dirty, in the sink. When I am so sick and busy these days, why didn't H attend to those chores this morning instead of playing computer solitaire? Well, he forgot. Odd, isn't it, since he changed J this morning and saw how low the diaper cache was at that time, but whatever.

I love my husband. He is usually a very supportive and giving person. I remind myself that everyone has their off moments. This was one of H's, I think. And perhaps I am being unreasonable in any event. Small stuff drives me crazy when I'm under the weather, and my perceptions become skewed as a result. I'll get over it. I'm sure I will.

Or I'll kick his butt just as soon as I feel better. Either way, really.

End of unreasonable rant.

So ... I have laryngitis. If you call and I don't answer the phone, you will understand. J and I are missing swimming this morning; this seems advisable. I have an appointment with the doctor this morning to get this stupid cold checked out, so that will be good. And then, more studying. Yippee.

J played happily in his crib while I did a few household chores. When I returned to check on him, this is what I found:


I got him untangled and back in the proper spot at the bottom of his crib. When I went back in a few moments later, I found him once more at the top of his crib, this time with the racoon blanket pulled completely over his face.

He dearly loves playtime!

And miles to go before I sleep

It is odd, the things that spring to mind without warning. I was reflecting on how very tired I am, and how much stuff I have yet to do before I can relax. And then suddenly:

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

I remember reading Robert Frost many years ago, but the truth is, I didn't even remember this poem until just now. I like it, though. I find it calming, somehow.

WAAAAAH!!

Grumpy J writes:

cvn mmmmn nm vvczaejercxhbbbbbbbbj kjm
juhn,, g;n ii m n mbn nm........lkj n v e4rex mmmogjngb m ' n jjjjjjjjjjj

I assume that when he kicks the keyboard tray away and starts beating me with his soother clip, that means he is done typing.

Sidebar: I have set up J with his very own account now. So he will now be able to make his own entries on the blog.

Go J!

"Cough" - A Haiku

Coughing from the chest.
Asthmatic; this can't be good.
Hacking up a lung.

***********

The doctor's office has no openings today. I need to phone tomorrow at 9:00 and try to get in then. (Their pre-booked spots are taken, but apparently they will open up more slots in the morning.) I can't afford the time away from my books, but I also can't afford to be sick for my exam. If I have to pick one of the two evils, my health must win out. It's bad enough now that I can justify seeking help. So off to the doctor I will go. I wish they could fit me in today.

I am thankful that neither H nor J appear to have caught this nasty, nasty cold as of yet. H's sinuses are acting up today, but he gets that from time to time and it may be unrelated; I really hope he doesn't get sick like this. And I hope it goes away soon. It hurts. Bad.

***********

J was so sweet yesterday. He napped in the afternoon for a number of hours; he was in his swing, which he thought was fun. (I remember when he hated that swing, but those days are long gone now.) This gave me an opportunity to get in some studying (when I probably should have been sleeping, trying to rest up and get better - my priorities are skewed just now, so sue me). I may be prepared for this exam yet.

On that note, exam prep is going reasonably well now. I am following the audio lecturer's advice in strategies for the long answer solutions (preparing financial statements) and that works pretty well. I am glad that we have the exam review audio lectures; I'd be totally lost without them. Using the lecturer's strategies, I just prepared a cash flow statement (one of my really tough areas) correctly and in a reasonable period of time! I feel quite pleased with myself this morning.

***********

J has tried a pretty good variety of fruits and veggies now. He still prefers vegetables to fruits. He is not a "sweets" kind of kid just yet, and his favorite food to date appears to be green beans. He tolerates bananas, but his favorite fruit is still pears. He tried avocado yesterday; he didn't really seem to have an opinion on it one way or the other. I like it, however, because it is easy to prepare!

His two bottom teeth are coming in nicely. Still no sign of teeth up top. And still no interest in sitting up, but he loves to roll around and "scoot" on his back by kicking his feet. He loves to explore objects with his hands and taste-test everything that comes his way. He enjoys being on his tummy, and he will lift up both his head and feet and balance on his stomach, using his hands for support. He rubs his eyes when he is tired, but he fights sleep for all he's worth.

I love him so much!

***********

I feel bad; I have many pictures to upload, but no time to do so until after my exam. Look for updates to the photos menu, possibly the first weekend in December. I make no promises, but I will try!

Cough. Cough. Cough.

Cough. Hack. Splutter, splutter, cough. *sob*

Not a good sign

My audio lecture exam reviewer just made reference to "Alice in Wonderland". I hope this is not a sign of things to come.

Update

I REEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAALLY hate module 8.

And I may fail my exam.

(Module 9, however, is being good to me. Isn't it a shame that module 9 will not comprise the majority of my exam?)

YARGH!

I hate module 8!!

Flu Shots, Weight Stuff, and Addition to Sidebar Menus

We all got our flu shots this evening. J barely even cried; such a big boy!

We had J weighed and measured tonight. He is 15 lbs. now (okay, 14 lbs. 15-1/4 oz; close enough). He hasn't gotten any longer, though, but I think he was just scrunching up when they were trying to measure him.

We have added a "Reader Participation" menu to the right sidebar. Every time we specifically ask our readership to add stuff, we will put that entry in the "Reader Participation" menu, for easy access. I hope people will have some fun with these things. I really enjoy reading responses!

I'm feeling a bit better now. Got through the lesson 7 self test (3 more to go, and then I hit the old exams with gusto). Took some Tylenol, and the migraine has dissipated. Yay!! I sure hope it stays gone. Off to bed now; sleep may help.

Havin' yer cake

Have you ever noticed that song titles can be altered in a variety of ways? For example, all song titles can make excellent use of the word "Cake". Think how much better it would have been if Bon Jovi had chosen to write about "Livin' On A Cake". Or if the Beatles had been really hungry and had written about living in a "Yellow Cake".

Imagine the fun that would ensue when one listened to Madonna's "Cake A Virgin", a song about a new carnival game where you pay money to throw cake at anyone who dares to wear white.

It even works with classical music, such as "Cake on a G-String", and good old '80s tunes, like Poison's "Talk Dirty to Cake" ("Oooooh, Cake, go put on your G-String").

One of my personal favorites: Journey's "Cake Arms". T advised that this sounded like a potential sequel to "Edward Scissorhands": "Ben Cake Arms". This film would, of course, contain the requisite angry mob scene, where the villagers try to run Ben out of town, brandishing dessert forks and birthday candles. Picture poor Ben, up in his castle, baking coffee cakes in the shape of his lost love's face. ("And I know that he's there", she tells her grandchildren years later, "because of the flour that falls from the sky. It never 'floured' here before, and I think that if he were gone, it wouldn't 'flour' today.")

Okay, now that's just creepy, but you get my point.

So what I'm asking is: what song titles can you come up with that use "Cake" to great purposes? ("The Sultans of Cake", "Money For Cake", "Romeo and Cake"). Post a comment with your song title suggestions.

I am sure some band will make good use of these. (Perhaps "Cake".)

Love It/Hate It

Love it:

1. Cuddling with a calm and happy J
   
2. Relaxing as a family
   
3. Big smiles, starring J's two little bottom teeth
   
4. Phone calls for no reason
   
5. Long drives, movies, and dinners out
   
6. Small furry animals
   
7. My course tutor; she rocks!
   
8. Supportive family
   
9. Good friends
   
10. Warm, sunny fall days and star-filled nights

Hate it:

1. Migraines
   
2. Sinus infections
   
3. Earaches
   
4. Stomach pains
   
5. Moldy food in the fridge
   
6. Fur in my carpet, sinks, and every corner of my house
   
7. Modules 3 and 7 (I may add to this list later)
   
8. Trying to study modules 3 and 7 while suffering from 1 to 4 above
   
9. Being unable to see more of my supportive family and good friends because I have to study modules 3 and 7 while suffering from 1 to 4 above
   
10. Being unable to get out and enjoy a warm, sunny fall day because I have to study modules 3 and 7 while suffering from 1 to 4 above

J is reasonably happy this morning, which is good for cuddling. However, he is pretty determined to stay awake, which is poor for studying. He ate well and has been full of smiles, which is wonderful! I love him, and I resent my textbooks for restricting my cuddle time.

My exam will be done soon. I write on November 30. I start another class right after, but it's not supposed to be quite as intense. I hope to be able to clean my house and get out more to see folks at that time. I miss having fur-free sinks, and I miss seeing my friends and family.

J has decided to start screaming. (Wonderful for the migraine, let me tell you; I can't even take anything, because I'm still breastfeeding.) I'm going to go and deal with him; he should be ready for a nap now, I think.

Urgh!

Evening observations

1. H needs his own calculator.
   
2. J's absence is conducive to studying.
   
3. My printer is really slow.
   
4. My office is really messy.
   
5. It is really stupid to take down the online course materials on which students rely for 5 prime hours on a Saturday when exam week is looming.
   
6. Cat fur gets everywhere.

Why can't you sit?

You are over 7 months old, but you cannot sit on your own yet. Not even for short periods. You always fall forward immediately. Even in your highchair, you slump to one side consistently.

It is not that I mind holding you; in fact, I quite enjoy the cuddles. But I worry about your development.

Please learn to sit soon.

Food Stuff

Likes: Peas, Beans, Squash, Carrots, Pears, Oatmeal
Tolerates: Apples, Prunes, Rice, Barley
Hates: Pineapple

We tried J on pineapple today (after a long disagreement with the blender). He scrunched his face up and cried. He was so upset about it that he wouldn't even eat any more of his cereal. It was tragic. Just tragic.

More Music to Diaper By

Changing J this morning, H once again burst into song.

Warning: It is about poop.

To the tune of "Smile":

Smile, when your bum is poopy
Smile, even though it's goopy
When there are clouds in the sky
You'll get by
If you smile, through your tears and sorrow
Smile, and maybe tomorrow
Your bum will stay all free of poo
If you
Just smile.

Marketability

Questions have been posed of late, and I am being all reflective tonight. Why is it that our society appears to value business over art? Why is it that I make more working in an office than I ever did as a pianist? Why is it that a musician in Carnegie Hall is paid more and treated better than a busker on the corner?

The simple answer to this appears to be "marketability". Art is a wonderful thing, but unless the product is marketed (and marketable), the artist's work does not have a monetary value. I make more in an office because I am a better typist than pianist; therefore, my marketability is greater in this type of environment. The musician in Carnegie Hall has a following, an audience who has already paid in advance to come out and hear the music; the busker is still trying to attract that audience, and therefore is not as marketable at that moment in time.

I could have continued to pursue my art, trying to make a living playing my piano. But I am simply not the best pianist in town, and in order to make a living, a pianist has to be the best. Competition is fierce, and audiences are picky about what they wish to listen to. Also, our society is based on need. More folks need services like law and accounting than art (which is generally more of a want), and so the business sector has a larger target audience than does, for example, music. It is only natural in our needs-based society that I would be more marketable in a business-related capacity. I'm not particularly marketable as a musician. C'est la vie. I do very well in other capacities, and I have learned to make my peace with it.

So ... does the busker on the corner deserve to be ridiculed by a passer-by? No. Even if the passer-by is a businessman, and is therefore more marketable in our society than the busker? No. Is that passer-by a member of the busker's audience? Not unless he stops to listen. Is that passer-by a member of the busker's target audience? Yes. What is the busker's goal? To make money. How does the busker make money?

Marketability.

Draw the crowd. Get a following. Enhance your marketability. Then you can curse and scream, bite the heads off bats, or whatever other fool thing you like. The goal is to make the money. You can't do that if your target audience is unwilling to pay you for whatever reason. Convince them of your worth. It's part of the job.

Now, ask yourself this: Is it a job if no one is willing to pay you to do it? Maybe. But it's a pretty poor job when you work for free. Can I walk into an office, start typing, and then demand money? No, I can't. Someone has to hire me first. Likewise, artists have to have an audience who is willing to pay for the service they provide. I truly see no significant difference between these scenarios.

Busking is a pretty complex profession. There is a lot more to it than just being able to perform. There is even more to it than being able to perform well. A busker has to entertain, draw a crowd, keep the crowd, and get the crowd to pay. A busker also has to deal with rude people who misbehave at a performance; not that this is acceptable, but rude people exist on the street just as they do in the office, and they have to be handled in both environments. Busking is not an easy job. It's a very tough job, really. Few are skilled enough at all these aspects to make a living. For those that do, I hold you in highest regard; I cannot do what you do, and your skill set amazes me.

I love watching artists perform. And when audience members misbehave, I love watching them be put in their place by the artists.

Here is a memorable moment: A play is ongoing; a gentleman in the audience has left his cell phone on. The phone rings. He answers it, and begins a conversation with the caller. The play continues.

Actress: But why did you kill her?
Actor: [pointing at guy on cell phone] I will tell you, just as soon as that man finishes his conversation!
[Guy on cell phone leaves in a huff. Play resumes.]
Actress: But why did you kill her?
Actor: She just wouldn't stop talking!!

That kind of thing is wonderful! An artist using his or her imagination to put a rude person who is misbehaving in his or her place. The artist has been witty, has entertained the audience while still putting the half-wit in his place, and has gained the audience's respect and admiration. Increased marketability results. Everyone is happy - well, except for the guy on his cell phone, but what do you expect (doofus)?

So, for the future, when you are out busking, and some idiot walks by and tells you to get a real job, don't go all crazy-snaky-postal on him. Just tell him you have an interview later that afternoon. For his job; you understand his boss thinks he's kind of a jerk (can't imagine why). It's a good approach. Much better than resorting to name-calling or threats. People will laugh. The idiot's friends will give you money. And they'll remember you the next time they see you out by their building.

Marketability, my friends. Marketability.

Happy Baby

J went to bed early (for him) last night; around 11:00 or so. He went down without a fuss and slept through the night. He slept in this morning, then woke up happy, wanting a change and feed. After his morning milk and diaper change, he went back into his crib, where he played happily until he fell back asleep. I got caught up a bit on the sleep I would otherwise have missed last night, and even got some studying in before he awoke. (Hooray!) I also got most of the babyfood we made at New Moms' Network yesterday put into ice cube trays for freezing and storage for later use. (I love New Moms' Network! J has lots of yummy veggies in the deep freeze now, so YAY!!)

Just as I was thinking about heading in to check on J and make sure everything was okay (J doesn't usually nap for such a long stretch), he woke back up, happy and cooing. No tears! (Again, Hooray!) I changed him, and then took him downstairs for breakfast.

J polished off quite a large bowl of oatmeal and a generous helping of pears this morning. (Yesterday, he started green beans; they were a hit. He's a real veggie-lover so far.) He especially enjoyed drinking water from a cup this morning (no lid). Though much of it ended up in the scoop of his plastic bib, he managed to take in a pretty nice drink. He thinks it's fun to grab the handles of his cup and try to do it himself. He doesn't quite have that one figured out just yet, but he'll get there eventually.

I love it when J is happy!!

(Note to self: Must buy more ice cube trays today, as H broke one in half yesterday trying to get out a cube of frozen carrot.)

In crunch mode

I cannot believe I am still up. Still running self-tests. Stopping now. Bedtime.

J is very active these days and not too inclined to have naps. I will pay dearly for this when he awakes. How stupid am I?

Nine more self-tests to run...exam prep audio lectures to listen to...and - what is it, 14 or 15 - practice and past exams to go through. Crumb!

Two weeks to exam date.

Baby ... school ... baby ... school ... baby ... school ...

Memorable

*Warning: There is some foul language in the linked page*

I found this entry from "Overheard in NYC" to be quite memorable. I wanted to keep a record of it, to remind me that some people are truly that dumb.

Patience is a virtue.

To those classmates who annoy me

Stop it. You are irritating the snot out of me. Even the course tutor appears to have had her fill of you. I wouldn't blame her if she quit.

Stop trying to cheat on your quizzes. Stop insisting that a URL on your screen displays a different "due by" time than that identical URL on everyone else's screens. Stop pretending that you are a victim in all of this, when the truth is that you just didn't bother reading your student handbook.

Are you literate? Yes? Then read the student handbook!! What is the matter with you?!

Own up to your mistakes and move on. Be a grown-up, for crying out loud!

THBBBBBBBBBBT!!!

(Oh ... and I flip you the bird via my internet connection, too. May your brand new paint job be scratched and dinged beyond repair in the Walmart parking lot!!)

Update: Quiz extensions for certain students have been granted. This despite the "absolutely no extensions will be granted" reference in the student handbook. A pretty unfair advantage as it relates to awards, if you ask me. And while a part of me sympathizes with my classmates, another part of me does not believe this is right.

AAAAAAUUUGH!!!

I need to learn to be at peace with my surroundings. I have vented. I will let it go now.

Focus. Prepare to write final exam now.

Que sera sera.

Two weeks to final exam. Eep!

Surreal

*Warning: There is some foul language in the linked page*

I haven't laughed this hard in a really long time!

Click me.

New blog title

H and I discussed it, and we decided that our blog needed a new name. We were bored with the old one.

What do you think of our new blog title?

Nuisance

Stuff annoys me more on some days than it does on others.

I really don't have much more to say on the subject. Just know that I know who you are, and I am suitably annoyed.

You are a nuisance. Nothing more. Mission accomplished. You may stop now.

The Almighty Initial

So, H is going for a B.Mgmt. and his FCIP through AU. Meanwhile, I'm trying for my designation/H.B.Com. combo. I will likely use AU a bit and get done ASAP. Someday, we may even take our MBAs. We'll X that bridge later.
(NB: "X" = "cross"; U C?)

One of our friends asked when we are going to stop this school nonsense. I figure it will stop when our career aspirations cease. But if you're going to use the degrees and designations, get them. What the heck. It's not like they will hurt us. Higher learning is always a good thing when it can be put to good use (IMO). I like it.

Anyway, J is asleep in my arms again. He wants to be snuggled to sleep lately; not that I mind! But I'd best put him down and get some stuff done. Studies and laundry are calling me, and it is becoming progressively more difficult to ignore their incessant whining. (Oh, the voices!!)

Here's hoping J doesn't P on his clothes today ag-N.

(Mental Note: Laundry gets cleaner when you remember to turn on the machine before you walk away from it.)

Feeling better now

Went to visit 'Chelle today, and had some words. All is good. I feel better.

There is something wonderfully freeing about forgiveness. Ever notice that?

Smarty-Me!

Just got 100% on my last quiz. Finishing module stuff up today and tomorrow, and then I'm in full-out exam prep mode.

Feeling smart today. Yup, yup.

LOVE ME!!!!!

That is all.

You know you're tired when ...

... you cannot remember your brother's last name.

Remembrance Day

H and I took J to the Cenotaph this morning for Remembrance Day. It was a good service. We were late, though, as J had a doctor's appointment first. We thought it was unusual that the doctor's office was open today, but it was fine by us; J needed to be seen. He is fine. We finally got to introduce J to H's friend, JL. With his three children and our lives being so busy these days, we have not seen him at all since J's birth. I was glad that we finally got to see him.

This afternoon, I met up with shiny gal and va1kyrie for a tour of Second Cup Country. H looked after J, who fussed and complained, but H managed well. Shiny gal and I saw a unique sign today; H will have to get a picture of it for the blog later. It read "Video STD $0.99". Made me laugh! (As did the fact that my blog's spellcheck system does not recognize the word "blog".)

I have been studying this evening. Working on my last module for the course. I have a quiz to complete by Wednesday, and then I get to start my exam prep. The final is on the 30th, and that is coming up way too quickly. I am nervous.

Tomorrow, we have some errands to run and I have a lot of work to do on my course. But I also need to take some time out to go on a run to 'Chelle's gravesite. Recent newspaper articles have brought up some feelings from my past. The result? I find myself having issues with history this week, and I need to iron them out. Logically, I know that 'Chelle's spirit is not in her grave and she can hear me no better there than she can anywhere else, but the headstone will give me something to talk at, and I feel that I need that just now.

I miss her. Even when I get angry, I miss her.

How can you

I am a good person. I am a nice person. A kind person. A loyal person. A generous and giving person.

I try to do the right thing. I usually succeed. I try to support my friends. I try to pay back my debts. I will come to the aid of those in need.

This is me. It is just who I am.

Why was I harmed? Why was I victimized? Why did you do this to me?

You can say you're sorry, but I don't believe you. Your actions speak louder than your words. You're not sorry; don't insult me by pretending to be.

My relationships are damaged. My trust lies in ruins. My faith in humanity has been destroyed.

My life is forever changed.

You did this. You cannot undo it.

I forgive you. Even though you are not sorry. Even though you repeat the same actions over and over again and harm other people, I forgive you.

But you are not welcome in my life. Stay away from me and mine. You will not be near me.

As for you, who would presume to judge me, I ask: how can you? Who do you believe yourself to be? You were not harmed. You were not victimized. They did not do this to you.

It is about me. My relationships. My trust. My faith.

My life.

I am glad that you were able to forgive and move on so quickly. But I am not surprised by this. You were not affected. I was.

This is my burden to bear. This is my heart and my pain.

I will let you know when I have rubbed it in enough. I will let you know when an appropriate length of time has passed.

I will let you know when I should be over it.

My dilemma

H wants to get his FCIP designation. This means taking 10 courses at a University level. If he has to do that anyway, we figure he may as well make it good and take the courses at a University that will recognize them in a degree partnership. (The FCIP + degree combination would give H more credentials that would double his current salary or better.) I think we have settled on the 3-year Bachelor of Management program over at AU. So H and I will both be in distance learning. (Ugh!)

H will take two of his FCIP courses through AU, then apply for admission into the degree program. They will charge him a reduced fee to evaluate his college transcripts, and he may well get some transfer credits at that time (up to 15 of them, or 5 courses) from his CIP program. He will still have a lot of courses to take, but AU does not have the same "only one course per term" requirements that my program has, and so he may be able to do this without as much agony.

Now, on the subject of my program. At the end of this school year, I will be short one Level 1 course and one Level 2 course. If I could complete both of those courses in the following school year, I'd have my first two levels complete and be halfway through my third level by summer '07 (keeping in mind that there are five levels in my program all-told). BUT both of those courses are consistently (and, IMO, foolishly) offered only once a year in the same term! And my provincial chapter does not permit its students to take more than one course per term, so this puts me in a bit of a bind.

AU also offers certain courses that work in conjunction with my program. And a few of them are also courses that H needs for his program. Specifically, H will have to take Microeconomics (247) and Macroeconomics (248). These two courses combined would give me a transfer credit for that one Level 1 course I still need. (As an aside, the one Level 2 course I still need is also two courses at AU. H does not need those 2 courses.)

H is nervous about taking economics courses (not quite his strong area). So if we both enrolled in 247 and 248 through AU this coming summer, we could help each other through. We'd each have a built-in study partner and could work together on developing our understanding of the subject matter. It would make H feel more confident. AND it would give me a jump on a course that I need; I'd have more prerequisites and could take more stuff and get through my program a little bit quicker.

What is my dilemma, you ask? Well, it is simply this: the two courses through AU are more expensive than the single equivalent course through the association. H's workplace will pay for his two courses up front, pending his successful completion of them. But when it comes to my courses, we are on our own. And the cost for this credit taken through AU will be almost double what it would cost if I just bided my time and took it through the association eventually.

Is it worth the $600 or so to get me done sooner and give H the confidence boost? I am not sure. But I do know that if H fails a course, he has to pay back the $$, so the extra confidence boost may be valuable in the long run. And I also know that completing my program may well take me an extra couple of years if I wait it out and that I'll be worth more $$ once I'm done with school. But spending extra $$ is not easily justified.

Dilemmas, dilemmas.

Your opinions are respectfully requested. What do you think is the best path?

Gots ta love them homeless folk

*Warning: There is some foul language in the linked page*

"Please give me some change, I am homeless and deranged."

That has got to be my favorite in the list!

You know you're tired when ...

... you can no longer tell time. And you have a digital clock!

On a quasi-related note, J is sick today. He's been throwing up, and our household was up into the wee small hours dealing with him. I have a morning appointment that I can't get out of, so we have to go out today in spite of J's bug. I wish we could get out of it.

Poor little J is extremely cross today. I don't blame him. I wonder if I should dare trying to give him his cereal this morning. A hungry baby is not a happy baby, but neither is one that throws up oatmeal. Maybe we'll try sticking with liquids this morning and see how it goes.

One last thing, before I forget to make this entry: J can almost sit up on his own now. He's not quite there yet; it seems he has a lack of interest more than a lack of ability. But he'll get it soon, I think.

More Liberties With Storytime

Again, H reading to J from the treasured "Little Bear" book (H's comments are in orange):

"You can't have that wish, my Little Bear", said Mother Bear.
Man, what a ...

"Tell me a story about me", said Little Bear.
Oh, it's always about you, isn't it? "Me, me, me, me, me!"

Irritability

I am running past exams. Accounting rules change with alarming frequency. Certain questions from the old exams are no longer relevant; other questions have different answers now. There are typos in various questions and/or solutions, which makes it hard to understand stuff. The lesson notes have changed, and the sections are all different now. Goodwill is no longer amortized. The old module 6 is now module 8. And I have already forgotten how to format some parts of the various financial statements and how to calculate a lot of things, like estimates on inventory and cost of goods sold. The cash flow statement still makes almost no sense to me, and revenue recognition policies are held somewhere in the back of my mind, behind a big question mark.

I just feel like a rampant idiot, and I'm sick of it.

Of course, I am also exhausted, and that may account for much of my bad mood. All things are affecting me more than they should this evening. I want to feel happier.

Relax. Breathe. Focus. Be at peace.

It's not working...

Sleep is for the weak!

J decided the household should be up past 1:00 a.m., and that he should be snuggled to sleep. He also decided his mommy's day should start at 6:00 a.m. He is presently having a tantrum in my lap because I won't let him throw his soother on the floor. I am not enjoying this current stage very much. Perhaps he's tired. Nah, that can't be it; tired people sleep.

Today, I am very thankful for my mom, who has agreed to babysit while I study. Perhaps I'll even absorb something; who can tell?

It's in such poor taste, I can't stand it!

But this "Overheard in NYC" entry still made me laugh.

J is 7 months old today

He celebrated by screaming at the top of his lungs for what felt like 7 straight hours. He started carrots tonight. He seemed to like them, and even stopped screaming for long enough to eat.

I am tired.

help?

Well, I tried working through the problems on an exam tonight. I am sooooo going to flunk this course if I can't get a better handle on ... well, pretty much everything. I am grateful that there are three weeks left before the exam. I hope that is enough time to get through another module and a half, write my last quiz, and study up on everything so that I can pass.

I feel like I'm drowning.

J would not stop screaming tonight. H and I both broke down eventually. Fun for the whole family.

J is temporarily quiet-ish in his crib, but he will not sleep. I think I shall scream.

Killing Trees

Today, I am printing. Printing, printing, printing. 14 past examinations and the 4 handouts for the exam review audio lectures, which I do find beneficial and recognize that I must listen to. 323 pages of mumbo jumbo, all told. And this doesn't even include the "practice exam", which I am saving until nearer the exam date to look at.

Running the past exams helps me study.

My printer moves slower than a snail on the make. I can't leave it unattended, because it jams if even one sheet of paper is left in the output-tray while it is still printing.

I could be here all day. Captive. Held hostage at the whim of my printer.

My time is more valuable than my paper; it takes far longer to print things on two sides, so I'm killing trees printing everything one sided. At least I can use the clean backs of the paper for scrap later on, when I'm trying to run the past exams.

J plays in his crib, and cries periodically. H is looking after him, as I cannot possibly be away from my printer. How could I bear it, after all?

Update:

It is now 12:40 p.m. I have killed enough trees for today. I am printing the 11th of the 14 past exams. (See how slow my printer is?) The remaining 3 past exams will wait, as will my handouts for exam review audio lectures. I have cancelled those print jobs, and I will do them on another day, hopefully after I acquire a better printer (thanks, P) and no longer have to sit here, babysitting the silly thing as it prints out.

GET ME OUT OF THE HOUSE!! I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!! AAAAAAAAUGH!!!

I'm thinking ... ice cream. Mmmmm...

Variations on "The 59th Street Bridge Song"

Slow down, you move too fast
I wonder if I'm gonna pass
Just readin' textbooks all alone
Wishin' for fun and feelin' pukey!
(La,la,la,la,la,la, feelin' pukey)

Hello, tutor, whatcha knowing?
I've come to ask about costs flowing
Ain't ya got no tips for me?
Grumble, grumble, feelin' pukey!
(La,la,la,la,la,la, feelin' pukey)

Got more readings to do, before I'm in too deep
I'm dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep
Burn the stupid text and drop it into the sea
Crying baby, all is pukey!
(La,la,la,la,la,la, feelin' pukey)
(La,la,la,la,la,la, feelin' pukey)

**************
Nez, I'm sorry we missed your party. Amortization and capital assets were calling to me. I would much rather have seen you. Trust me. I hope you had a great birthday!

Something to look forward to

This made me laugh today.

J has learned a new noise. He smiles as wide as he can, then screams from the throat with an interesting high-pitched warble-like thingy behind it. It sounds rather as we imagine a platypus might, if he were either on a tear or choking; I'm not sure which. J's new nickname, as a result: "Puggle". (A baby platypus).

J tried prunes today. He seemed less than impressed.

And what countries would those be, exactly?

A direct quote from my Intermediate Accounting textbook (p 633):

Japan adopted consolidated reporting under pressure from accountancy bodies in other countries, but Japanese consolidated statements don't really mean the same thing as those for countries based in western countries. [Emphasis added]

I assume they mean "companies based in western countries". I really hope so, anyway.

Sometimes, I really hate my course.

To whom it may concern

I perceive that you have hurt someone who I love. That is hard for me.

I perceive that you are unrepentant. I have not seen actions which demonstrate that you are sorry for the hurt inflicted.

I acknowledge that my perceptions are my own. Those around me do not share these perceptions, and they are entitled to their own viewpoints. That's fine; I can handle it.

I realize that, if I cannot find a way to give you a second chance, it will hurt some other people who are close to me. I truly want to give you that chance.

You have to earn it.

I will work on me. You, work on you.

In which T waxes spiritual

"To err is human, to forgive divine." (Alexander Pope)

Matthew 18:21-35 reads as follows:

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.

"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'

"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.

"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

I attended a Bible study on this subject recently. I can't quite get it out of my mind. Forgiveness from the heart. What does that mean?

Even when the damage was great? Even when a person is unrepentant? Forgive. Let it go. Move on.

Not an easy task, to forgive from the heart. But necessary, nonetheless.

To clarify, this does not mean "be a sap". It does not mean "allow the person who hurt you to do it again". Case in point: I will never permit the guys who robbed my parents' house on my 20th birthday to enter my home. Does my not allowing them to rob me blind a second time mean that I have not forgiven them? No. It only means that I must take steps to protect myself.

Life is too short to hold grudges. Grudges are painful to all the wrong people anyway. No more pain. No more anger. No more resentment. What is done is done. The past cannot be taken back. Look to the future. Make it better.

To those who may have wronged me: I forgive you.

Please let go.

Pictures, pictures, pictures!!

Well, we had some pictures taken of J today. He's nearly 7 months old now, and Halloween just passed. So it seemed like a good time to head to Sears. I've posted some of our favorite shots below. I hope you enjoy them!

Now, what was that word?

Assignments in my course have been abolished this year. In years past, they were required, but did not count toward a student's final grade. They were only used as a means to assess readiness to complete the final exam.

In addition to Tutor Support, our courses have a Student Lounge section. The Student Lounge is a bulletin board for the exchange of ideas between students.

Now, with that little bit of background, supply the word that you feel best fits the following scenario.

An online quiz, worth 30% of a course's final grade, is due November 2 at noon. At 7:00 p.m. on November 1, a person posts the following message in the Student Lounge:

Anyone want to compare answers before we all submit? In other student lounges, when we had to do assignments, we used to chat about the questions before we submitted.
I have:
1. a, 2. a 3. a 4. b 5. d 6. d 7. ? 8. d 9. ? 10. a 11. b 12. ?

There is a word for this. I know there is. Oh, what is that word, again? ...

Coming to terms

Stop pretending. Stop dreaming. Focus.

Live in truth. Not everything is possible.

Keep realistic expectations. Do not hold others to your own impossibly high standards.

The world is what it is. It may not be ideal, but it must be viewed honestly.

Stop. Breathe. And try not to be disillusioned. Tears will not produce a different outcome. Deal with it.

Lower expectations leave less room for disappointment and hard feelings in the long run, though they are harder to swallow in the short term.

See life as it is, and not as it should be.

J wants to throw my keyboard across the room

J writes (urgently):

c v x .m bbbbb b n u7gughn7yt vbv t xc u mn kvvvvvvvvv hm uvknvb rgtqa`t6xsazxdsd4s gggbccf7tfCH0jkjmnuy0kkkkkml gol;/ljl n 06yfg,,,.'n cvv m,mh m i8hbi n t uvyjb bn gh jyyyyyyuj f xxxxxxxxx x cvv6c q ;bkj u kijn

Bits 'n' Bites

I have a toothache. Hurts like the dickens. Dentist Thursday. Whoo-pee.

J is crabby. He won't nap, either. Go to sleep, J. Be the turnip. Please? I am so tired of having a screaming baby in my arms, and I can do nothing for him. I think I may purchase earplugs; no point in both of us being miserable. I know I can't really do that, but it is very tempting sometimes.

I have been super-happy today. Now, I'm suddenly grumpy. J's screams could account for my sudden change in mood. I need a nap. I'm so tired, I put J's new diaper on and forgot the plastic pants. Pee got everywhere. I have had to put him down in his crib and just walk away for a few moments, for a good cry. I don't know what else to do.

Chest pains are subsiding somewhat, though on days like these they return. Part of the treatment involves not lifting. This is, obviously, impossible for me, with J. It could take quite awhile for the costochondritis to heal at this rate.

I can't get anything done. Nothing. Whatsoever. I don't have enough time to do anything of substance. (Stop screaming, J!)

I have a sneaking suspicion that one of my friends is in need of encouragement today. There is no reason for this; it is just a hunch. If you are this friend, please call me. I wish to offer you the support and encouragement that you need.