Saturday, September 25, 2010

A Day in the Life...

of a CPA! Well, I guess not quite. Yesterday was a long day, full of work stuff, but it definitely wasn't a typical day in the office.  First we had our firm retreat up at the Zermatt resort in Midway. As part of the retreat we had Larry Gelwix, the Rugby coach from the movie Forever Strong speak to us. I definitely want to see the movie now. We also had panels, food, and my favorite part....

In between each section of panels/speakers, our office (50+) was divided into teams of 4 for a "Minute to Win it Challenge." Each round was single elimination and nobody could go twice. My team won! Whahoo. And the best part is that we each won one of the new Ipod Nano's with the touch screen.

The prize was pretty exciting and will be fun to have when I can get back into good running/biking shape after the baby. The other part about the win that I was really excited about was that I redeemed myself from last year.

 Last year, the activity was bowling, and I won the award for the lowest bowling score in the entire firm. Out of over 50 people that was really embarrassing and pretty hard to do. I guess useless games is a new talent of mine. My particular game involved getting two penny's out of the bottom of nylons. 

After the retreat, Steven picked me up and we headed up the SLC for the "CPA Inauguration." It was an event to celebrate all the new CPA's in the state of Utah. As part of it, we each walked across the stage to receive a certificate and this funny little award....


And of course, the night wouldn't have been anything without my awesome support system:

I sure love him. We didn't take any pictures until we were in the car going home, so this is the best I got of Steven. I definitely couldn't have reached my goal of becoming a CPA without him.

I will admit that I was feeling a little sad last night. Right as I am feeling really competent at what I do, and my career has the chance of advancing, I'm putting it on hold. At least for now. I love the social interaction and sense of accomplishment of going to work. I love helping people and feeling like I'm contributing to our income. However, I know that in just a few months my life is going to drastically change and I'm kind of terrified.

My husband might not be able to be there for the birth of our first child and will be working tons of hours after that. I am moving to a brand new, huge city with absolutely no family or support system. And, I'll have a new little girl and I'm not quite sure how to be a mom yet. I know that instinct will kick in, but it will be a learning experience for sure.

However, as I was walking across the stage last night, our little girl was kicking me like crazy. I like to think she was telling me congratulations :)

Those little kicks reminded me of what I am doing and why I am choosing to be a full-time mom. Why I know that it is the best thing for our family right now.  Why I feel like getting the chance to be a mom is such a privilege. Because despite all the sacrifices and scary unknowns that my future holds, I know that I am doing the right thing and I would make the same choice again in a heartbeat.

4 comments:

matt and steph said...

I loved this post! There are times when I get a little selfish and wish that Matt and I could just have a day to ourselves, but then I realize how I wouldn't want my life any other way- I love being a mom! It definitely has its ups and downs, but it is WONDERFUL! Everybody is different, but it took me 3 months until I felt totally comfortable with my new responsibilities- my advice- get a close friend or two that is in your stage of life so when Steven in working lots you will have helping hands! I am so excited for you! We definitely need to hang out with Fallon and Megan!

Shannon said...

Beautiful and very true. The thing is, staying home and being a mom is one of those things that you won't really see the value of until 10 or 15 years down the road and then it's too late to go back and change your mind if you've chosen differently. I cried one whole afternoon when I was pregnant with Erica because it was so hard to think of giving up every single thing you mentioned to have the highlight of my week become a clean bathroom- which it has, incidentally! I still can't put into words the difference being a mom over anything else (when you have the choice) makes, but it does and you'll be fabulous. Babies are pretty forgiving of parents who love them and try their best. You and Steven are at the top of the list in both of those categories. One day at a time, that's all anyone asks. Call if we can do anything at all to help.

Lisa said...

Great post! I'm so excited we're having our babies relatively close together because I feel like we'll have so much in common. :) You are amazing, Paige! Congratulations on the CPA!

Deborah said...

I am so proud of you for everthing you are and have accomplished, and for everything you stand for, you are going to be a wonderful mother. Congratulations on your award!