CPA

The CPA. The three little letters that new accountants dread. Lets be honest, it's also the three little letters that new accountants spouses dread as well! The CPA is pretty much evil. There are 4 sections to it, and the study guide for each section is outrageously H.U.G.E. And, of course, there is the money. What would be an almost required test without a test fee? Let's not forget that there are 4 sections.. so that means 4 fees. If that's not enough "evilness" for one test, there is a time limit (yes, it's a timed test, but I'm not talking about that). You have 18 months to finish all 4 sections. Now, 18 months sounds like a LONG time, right?? Uh, it's not. It's an insanely short period of time, actually. Between the amount of hours the accountant works, and the amount of hours it takes to STUDY for each test.. and then (forgot to tell you about THIS lovely part) the seperate parts are only offered every few months, and sometimes certain parts aren't offered at all. It takes a genius just to figure out a test PLAN for this stupid thing. I still don't understand it -- shocker. After 18 months the sections (even if you had PASSED the section) start expiring and you have to take that section... AGAIN. They don't care what life circumstances come about, or if work was really slammed, or if your youngest split her tongue, got a concussion, or almost broke her nose... they just DON'T. CARE. I had to give you this background so you know what a HUGE deal it is when I PROUDLY say, MY HUSBAND HAS PASSED THE CPA. Yes, he is a smarty pants (which makes ME a smarty pants by association.. after all, I married the guy. You know, if you don't have it (smarts..) marry it!!!) ha! He found out today and we couldn't be MORE happy and/or proud of him. He has worked SO. HARD. You have NO idea. Well, his parents and my parents have somewhat of an idea because of all the babysitting, complaining, phone calls, etc. that they had to endure from me while Chris was studying. So, what does CPA mean? It means he can do other accountanty-type things, it means a promotion (hopefully), it means he can write three pretty letters behind his name.. but honestly, those things are nice and all, but to me.. THAT STUFF DOESN'T MATTER.... that much (come on now, I would be lying to look wonderful if I said it didn't matter at all.. ) BUT nothing compares to the fact that those three little letters means (to me, at least): more family time. (wait, was that Chris I hear cringing??? ha.. I kid, I kid). I can't wait for him to be home at night (after busy season, of course) and not have to worry about studying. He will be able to eat dinner with us, help with baths, be a part of our weekends, help with baths, go places with us, help with baths... hmmm.. I think he might find another test to take.. ha! Anyways, Chris, CONGRATULATIONS!! We are SO stinkin' proud of you! All of us. Even the dogs! :) Enjoy writing those three little letters behind your name. Remember with each letter all the hard work, and brain power, (and lack of family time) it took to get you there.. you will appreciate them that much more. you rock!