I was 'interviewed'

One of my 2 blog followers, Denise, posted this and I decided to play along.

She asked the questions, I get to answer and share w/ you! Aren’t you excited?

1. What has been your biggest accomplishment in your life thus far?

I’d have to say going to – and graduating from – college.

We grew up pretty poor, my mom was a single mom since I was very young, and then went to college when I was in elementary school. She’s my hero. While she was in college, we were on welfare for a while, government cheese and foodstamps. Some Christmases we only had a few gifts – but there were ALWAYS gifts. Even if it was just a wrapped candy bar – she always made sure we had something to open. Sacrifice – she sacrificed for her children, more than I ever knew till I was a mom myself.

Anyway – after high school, I took a year off, moved to Montana to live w/ my sister and worked 3 jobs. At a travel agency, a Dairy Queen, and a Gas Station. I was young, graduated when I was 17, so the year off was great in many ways – I needed to grow up a bit. I also realized I didn’t want to work 3 jobs my entire life, so college was my next goal. I had to retake the SAT test, move in w/ Mom while I waited and get all of my loan apps in. I did it on my own, financially. Loans and jobs. And I think it made me appreciate my education more – I didn’t skip as many classes, because I knew it was my money I was losing. I was always pretty smart in school, when I applied myself, so after a failed attempt to pursue a Pharmacist career (Chemistry and I did NOT mix) I switched to business.

An accounting degree was very attractive, promising a job and so I went with it! I was so happy when I graduated, loans and all, I had a really good, well paying job before my last semester even began – what a relief!

2. What made you choose the career you are in?

So I guess that answers why I chose the career I’m in. My degree is in accounting, and I’m a CPA. I was an auditor in a public accounting firm when there were “The Big Six” auditing firms. Taking the CPA was a bitch, can’t lie about that – but I’m so glad I have the letters behind my name. Working as an auditor was also a bitch, too - long LONG hours, busy season seemed to go on forever, travel sucked. But I knew that going in – and I knew it was an amazing stepping stone to other jobs.

So I paid my dues, worked my ass off when I was young & unattached. I have no idea how people do that job w/ kids – it’s relentless.

And I never really enjoyed it – I loved the people I worked with and the contacts I made, but auditing? Come on. No fucking way. And, this was before all the Enron / Sarbanes Oxley crap the world is now dealing with. Anyway – after auditing, I switched to Financial Reporting and now do Accounting Policy, also. An accounting career is pretty smart, I wouldn’t mind if my kids chose it. I figure you always need accountants. Even if the company is doing shitty, the accountants are needed to tell you HOW shitty, right?

I also like that my career provides for my family. My husband is not, never has been, ‘threatened’ by my success. I used to make a shitload more than him (paycheck wise) but he’s catching up ;) I always wanted children, but know that I’m not cut out to be a stay-home mom, full time, anyway, so I’m lucky to have a great job at a great company.

3. What is one thing you would like to change about yourself?

One? Only One??

Ha. Hmmm. Well, I’ve always been pretty motivated, and confident. That’s taken a hit lately – the motivation part. There are many a day that I’d rather sit on my ass then get up & clean or exercise or chase kids. But if I want to set a good example for those kids, to do just that (the getting up & moving part), I need help in the motivation department. I want them to be active and healthy and smart – and I believe that the best way is to set the trend, right? So motivate me, people!

4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I’ll be 44. Wow – 44 is my husband’s all time favorite number. 4 is my favorite. Interesting.

Anyway – I’ll have a teenager (GASP) and an 11 year old. So I’m pretty sure I’ll still be working, trying to balance that ‘after school activity,’ growing boy / adolescence, being a middle aged woman thing. I don’t know when, but I’m guessing we’ll live closer to my in-laws sometime in the next 10 years. Being away from family is very hard.

And skinny. I see myself as a skinny bitch that the other moms will envy.

Hey, a girl can dream, right?


5. Will there be any more children in your future?

This one’s easy – no frikkin way! Even if, God Forbid, something were to happen to my husband…I’m a mother to 2 amazing boys. Momma’s boys. They’re all I need. We’re done.

Oh, unless you count grand kids – I hope to have a few of those someday! But not for a VERY long time.


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Whew – that was actually cathartic, thanks Denise!

Anyone else wanna play?

Just comment “interview me” and I’ll send you some questions for you to blog about.