Over the summer, I spent 3 long, boring months doing a type of accounting that I hate. While there, my co-workers often made fun of my one, true accounting love--tax! Also while I was serving time, I had a couple of supervisors who did not enjoy explaining anything beyond a "30,000 foot overview."
I hate that term by the way.
So, what happened to me? I didn't understand a lot of what I did and I was very unhappy at work. I am used to doing well in school and life in general. I ask questions when I don't understand because I desire to understand! Knowledge is power as Schoolhouse Rock teaches!
Tonight, I was working in the accounting lab and had a student ask me a question. I could tell he wasn't 100% interested in what he was doing, but at least he came here for help, so I decided to explain the concept simply and calmly. The light bulb turned on and he finally understood. He was happy and I was happier to be of service. Another lesson from Davenport has been internalized: helping another person, no matter his/her attitude, will have positive effects sometime in the future. While I would never, ever live or work at that place again, I am more and more thankful for its lessons.
Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
A Few Thoughts
Can you believe it? Two posts in a week? I enjoy writing and thinking. I hope you do too!
So on Monday and Wednesday mornings I work at BYU Laundry where I make deliveries to the MTC and other places around campus (Motion Picture Studio for one, where Haun's Mill in "Legacy" is actually in Provo). Lately, I get to drive to Hobble Creek Canyon near Springville. I love getting paid 1+ hours to sit there. My co-worker, Drew, from Georgia is awesome. His accent and attitude on life is very similar to mine.
So today we were driving and talking about stuff. His girlfriend/fiancee must be similar in thinking to Megan as well. We were talking about wedding rings and he said that she didn't want a diamond wedding ring because she's opposed to the poor labor conditions for African diamond miners. Haha! Awesome. I was originally opposed to the high price, but that is a better reason! Lucky that Megan didn't want one.
He also talked about his roommate "buying" a bunch of toys: truck, PS3, tons of Blu-Rays, Wii, $1600 wedding ring, etc. When I say "buy," I really mean "go into debt!" So it got me thinking...why do people give little notice to someone who acts in this way, putting themselves in bondage for years to come? If they don't give little notice, they call it "setting up your own household." However, if Megan and I live simply and don't go to movies or eat out and save 60% of our paychecks, but then travel often (and pay cash), people say we aren't planning for the future.
Sounds a little funny huh?
So on Monday and Wednesday mornings I work at BYU Laundry where I make deliveries to the MTC and other places around campus (Motion Picture Studio for one, where Haun's Mill in "Legacy" is actually in Provo). Lately, I get to drive to Hobble Creek Canyon near Springville. I love getting paid 1+ hours to sit there. My co-worker, Drew, from Georgia is awesome. His accent and attitude on life is very similar to mine.
So today we were driving and talking about stuff. His girlfriend/fiancee must be similar in thinking to Megan as well. We were talking about wedding rings and he said that she didn't want a diamond wedding ring because she's opposed to the poor labor conditions for African diamond miners. Haha! Awesome. I was originally opposed to the high price, but that is a better reason! Lucky that Megan didn't want one.
He also talked about his roommate "buying" a bunch of toys: truck, PS3, tons of Blu-Rays, Wii, $1600 wedding ring, etc. When I say "buy," I really mean "go into debt!" So it got me thinking...why do people give little notice to someone who acts in this way, putting themselves in bondage for years to come? If they don't give little notice, they call it "setting up your own household." However, if Megan and I live simply and don't go to movies or eat out and save 60% of our paychecks, but then travel often (and pay cash), people say we aren't planning for the future.
Sounds a little funny huh?
Friday, March 26, 2010
The Countdown
So I was reading a buddy's blog and along the side named his favorite blogs listed by last update. Sadly to say, we were at the bottom of the list and felt some shame. I guess I have a hard time writing when I don't think many people will read it, but I like the therapeutic nature of writing about anything.
News in our lives?
1. We became certified scuba divers last night! Megan's professor is an instructor and saved us a bunch of money on the lessons. I'm glad we got it done now instead of waiting to get to Bali and then spending much of our trip in class. Boring! Megan keeps bringing up getting gear and diving at many different places. I love her.
While we were in class, I learned to appreciate the Hawaiian blood in her. She loves swimming and the ocean and has no fear. She grew up swimming next to her dad in the ocean surrounding Maui. I, on the other hand, grew up in the desert and only had basic swimming lessons. I'm not so fearless, but these lessons have helped me to face my fears and calm down! What a great match we are!
2. Megan and I are both TAs this semester. I am the sole TA for 375 students taking their second accounting class at BYU. It's fun and I LOVE teaching, but I dislike grading (at least I get paid!) and I hate!!! whiny students. I am amazed at all the lame excuses I hear.
3. Still not pregnant!
4. Still saving for graduate tuition next year. Megan is wonderful because she has been the one to push for me to put away a part of each paycheck. I wasn't as worried, but I think we have enough to graduate debt free! Not many of my classmates can say that.
5. A month left until we leave for Asia. I have found some awesome places to visit. I would say this will be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but I'm sure it won't be the last.
6. Megan and I are enjoying collecting bottle tops from Coke products that we find around campus. Each has a code that you enter online for points which are exchanged for free Cokes. Looks like other people will be paying for our beverages and the money we save will go toward traveling!
7. We found a place to live in Portland this summer! We'll be living with another accounting in North Portland! The house is small, but we don't care! We'll have our two dogs, the other lady's dog, a cat, 3 people, and happiness! We can't wait. I have a feeling living in Portland will be a bit more enjoyable than living in Davenport!
I guess that's a good update for now. I know the last few posts have been visually boring, but not much to show in Provo. Have a good day!
News in our lives?
1. We became certified scuba divers last night! Megan's professor is an instructor and saved us a bunch of money on the lessons. I'm glad we got it done now instead of waiting to get to Bali and then spending much of our trip in class. Boring! Megan keeps bringing up getting gear and diving at many different places. I love her.
While we were in class, I learned to appreciate the Hawaiian blood in her. She loves swimming and the ocean and has no fear. She grew up swimming next to her dad in the ocean surrounding Maui. I, on the other hand, grew up in the desert and only had basic swimming lessons. I'm not so fearless, but these lessons have helped me to face my fears and calm down! What a great match we are!
2. Megan and I are both TAs this semester. I am the sole TA for 375 students taking their second accounting class at BYU. It's fun and I LOVE teaching, but I dislike grading (at least I get paid!) and I hate!!! whiny students. I am amazed at all the lame excuses I hear.
3. Still not pregnant!
4. Still saving for graduate tuition next year. Megan is wonderful because she has been the one to push for me to put away a part of each paycheck. I wasn't as worried, but I think we have enough to graduate debt free! Not many of my classmates can say that.
5. A month left until we leave for Asia. I have found some awesome places to visit. I would say this will be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but I'm sure it won't be the last.
6. Megan and I are enjoying collecting bottle tops from Coke products that we find around campus. Each has a code that you enter online for points which are exchanged for free Cokes. Looks like other people will be paying for our beverages and the money we save will go toward traveling!
7. We found a place to live in Portland this summer! We'll be living with another accounting in North Portland! The house is small, but we don't care! We'll have our two dogs, the other lady's dog, a cat, 3 people, and happiness! We can't wait. I have a feeling living in Portland will be a bit more enjoyable than living in Davenport!
I guess that's a good update for now. I know the last few posts have been visually boring, but not much to show in Provo. Have a good day!
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