and we're back!

Hello to all of you on the blogosphere. I know, I know. I've been a terrible blogger. I am going to change that. Starting now! I'll get you all up to speed on what has been going on lately.

September:
- spent some quality time in Spokane working at Itron. They are a really interesting client that manufactures energy meters.
-made The Davenport my home away from home.
- recruiting trip to Pullman for Meet the Frims
- went to the Cougar football game in Seattle
- didn't get swine flu!

October:
- worked on an IPO! Symetra Financial went public- very neat experience.
- learned that unassigned time is actually more exhasting than client work.
- went to my first Sounders game
-experienced the fabulousness that is Kells

November:
- Full Time and Intern recruiting! Have I told you how much I love EY?
- more work on the IPO
- Began work at Esterline Corporate. ESL has about 30 subsidiaries that are manufacturers in the aerospace and defense industry. They close their books on October 30th, which means busy season came early this year.
- Thanksgiving at my aunt and uncle's place in Sammamish.
- Amy and Ian came up for Apple Cup and the Seattle marathon. Amy's a Husky, but I still love her. Ian took 6th in the marathon. He also recapatured the world record for fastest Elvis to run a marathon.

December:
-went to the Pacific Northwest Ballet's production of The Nutcraker
- Just a few holiday parties.. :)

Now we are at the final countdown at ESL It is really neat to see the finished product. Just a few more days and I will have made it through my first year end audit! I am off to Tri-Cities Wednesday evening to celebrate Christmas with my family and to recharge before I head out to Itron for their year end audit. Oh the life of an auditor.

Finally, in case some of you want an updated picture to see what busy season has done to me, take a look:



And yes, it is a proven fact that busy season will make you grow a stache.

New Home!

birthdays and new jobs

I am officially a contributing member of society! Local Orientation began at 9 AM on Wednesday (which just happened to be my birthday-more on that later) and then we headed off to San Jose for Firm Wide Orientation. I met a ton of new people and I am super excited about my clients! My feet, however, were not so excited. They were really torn up from wearing heels for the first time in awhile. Peep toe shoes are adorable, but not for my feet. Tomorrow I am flying back to San Jose for a week of assurance training. Yay for GAMx!

As for my b-day, it was fabulous! First, Mike,Kayleen, and Lou took me out to wonderful dinner and made cupcakes for me on Monday. I am so lucky to have them as my future neighbors! Then I was taken to Tutta Bella and Cupcake Royal (best pizza ever!) on Tuesday by my aunt and uncle. Finally, on Wednesday night I went out with the Seattle and SLC boys for dinner was and treated to a fantastic version of the birthday song. I am truly blessed to have all of these wonderful people in my life and can't wait to see what the next year has in store.

EY Seattle- Wells Fargo Building, 35th Floor

Lou Lou helping me celebrate my birthday =)

summer in the city

Sorry I've been such a bad blogger lately! Here are some updates:

• I took Regulation on the 17th of July (I think I did alright..we'll see in a month!) I didn't know what to do with myself when I was done. Such a weird feeling.
• I've met up with a number of my friends in the area. I'm not friendless anymore!
• Great conversations with friends that are away.
• Volleyball at Lake Sammamish
• Finally, a Bachelorette season finale i am happy about!
• Seattle is more like the Tri-Cities theses days. Only there is no air conditioning. And there is humidity. I don't know how i feel about this. I have spent the whole day in the basement.
• I start work in eight days. Yikes!
• Went on a date to Golden Gardens.
• Enjoyed Golden Gardens much more than Grey Gardens.

Chicken Parmigiana

Last night I made Bobby Flay's Chicken Parmigiana. It was FANTASTIC! Super easy, quick, and tastes delicious.

Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups all-purpose flour, seasoned with salt and pepper
4 large eggs, beaten with 2 tablespoons water and seasoned with salt and pepper
2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 cup vegetable oil or pure olive oil
Tomato Sauce, recipe follows
1 pound fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Fresh basil or parsley leaves, for garnish

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge each breast in the flour and tap off excess, then dip in the egg and let excess drip off, then dredge on both sides in the bread crumbs.
Divide the oil between 2 large saute pans and heat over high heat until almost smoking. Add 2 chicken breasts to each pan and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet and top each breast with some tomato sauce, a few slices of the mozzarella, salt and pepper, and a tablespoon of Parmesan. Bake in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and garnish with basil or parsley leaves.

Tomato Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large Spanish onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, smashed with some kosher salt to make a paste
2 (28-ounce) cans plum tomatoes and their juices, pureed in a blender
1 (16-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 small can tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1 small bunch Italian parsley
1 Cubano chile pepper, chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until soft. Add pureed tomatoes with their juices, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, 1 cup water, bay leaf, parsley, Cubano pepper, and bring to a boil. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Reduce heat and cook until slightly thickened, about 30 minutes.

Hello Seattle!

I am officially a resident of Seattle! My parents helped me move everything over from the Tri-Cities on Friday and we spent the rest of the weekend with family. I'll be staying with my fabulous aunt and uncle until my apartment is ready in early August. The fact that I LIVE here is still sinking in! I can't wait to see what happens next. What I do know is that I take REG on Friday and I start work on August 5th. The rest is still unwritten.If you are in the area and want to be my friend, let me know!!

one of my favorites

And I get to see her this weekend!!

Why is Amy Rene one of my favorites? We were cast as sisters in Fiddler on the Roof and have been "sisters" ever since! She has such an incredible heart and is always there when you need her. Her drive and ambition encourage others, including myself, to never settle for something less. From high school and college to big girl jobs; from illness and near death to celebrating the joys of life: we have been through it all. She is truly someone who not only lifts you up, but will debrief the latest Bachelorette episode with you the moment it ends :)

Amy graduated from the University of Washington (I try not to hold that against her) with a degree in political communications. She is an reporter with KTVZ in Bend, OR and will be marrying her Mr. Darcy on August 10, 2010 in Lake Tahoe. I am thrilled that I will get to stand with her and see one of her dreams come true! (and by the way, he really is a mr. darcy...he is from London! )

an afternoon for a movie

Today I had a date with my aunt and saw the new movie My Sister's Keeper. It is about the Fitzgerald family who genetically prescreens their third child to be a perfect match to save their daughter Kate who has leukemia. After 11 years of being a donor Anna decides that it is time to make her own decisions. She sues her parents for medical emancipation. I've mentioned before how it is one of my favorite books, so I was excited to see the film adaptation. Overall, I really enjoyed it. Cameron Diaz surprised me, the dad was very attractive (I just had to mention that!), and I love little Abigail Breslin. Some would argue that you shouldn't count on me as a movie critic, though, because I enjoyed Australia!! However, the film makers did leave out a few important, and interesting, side stories and COMPLETELY changed the ending! For those of you who haven't read the book, here is your *Spoiler Alert* :)


In the movie Kate ends up losing her battle with leukemia. However, in the book Anna is involved in a car accident on the way to see Kate at the hospital after winning her court case. She is shortly thereafter declared brain dead and her kidneys are given to Kate, saving Kate's life. That isn't just a little change to the story. That is a HUGE change! I guess I can try to forgive Nick Cassavetes. He did give us The Notebook, after all.

Any who, I highly recommend this movie :) On another note, my parents are on me again about developing a hobby. I never found one growing up because I was always at some lesson of some sort. Suggestion?! All I have right now for ideas are sewing or violin. It is kind of sad when people ask what I do "for fun" and I can only come up with really lame answers!

half way there

I am officially half way to my CPA! I passed audit! I'll hopefully hear back on finanical in a few days. Regulation is on the 17th- so close to being DONE! Social life, oh how I've missed you so. Other good news: I have an apartment! It is in West Seattle. Words can't describe how blessed I feel right now. Thank you, Lord!

have to love the beam...

sunny days

The sun is out, and it is beautiful! It is also sunny because I might be neighbors with these two beauties:

The Corrigan girls (Kayleen and Louisa)

I snuck a picture with Lou Lou!

Time to hit the road

I am thrilled to get a change of scenery this weekend! I will be taking a road trip with my sister to Seattle on Friday. Little Miss Lauren takes off for Greece on Monday and I am signing some initial paperwork on an apartment! Now, I do wish I were going to Greece with her, but I hear all they eat is seafood. You all know about my relationship with seafood :) My parents and I have told her she needs to take tons of pictures.

This weekend will be fabulous. I have been missing the water, the crisp air, and friends. Shari and I were talking the other day and came to a sad realization: we have no friends this summer. I can't complain too much for two reasons: 1) I can focus on studying 2) there is the phone. I do miss my friends, though!! AND- as much as I love my family, I need some time away. It is really weird going from living on your own to living with your parents!

Studying for regulation is going well. As well as could be expected. Business law was one of my least favorite classes, and tax is not my best subject. I just have to keep at it. Getting my scores on audit and financial should be a boost. They can't come soon enough! I honestly am getting drained. Does anyone have some energy I could borrow? I'll repay it with interest!!!!

Finally- it occurred to me that I haven't blogged about politics lately. That is probably because I honestly have nothing to say. The Obama Administration doesn't deserve my energy. There are SO many things that upset me. The massive debt (and probable inflation to follow), the push for universal heath care , and the fact that the government now makes cars. Seriously?!

Updates!

Hello all! It has been way to long- sorry for the lack of posts lately. Here are just a few of the things that have been going on =)

- sat for audit on May 29th
- I passed BEC! should know about FAR and audit in the next three weeks.
- martinis with Amy after the test
- girl time with Calley and Greta
- enjoying the SUN!
- opened my Reg book for the first time today :(
- lots of wonderful time with the family

I am really trying to enjoy the next two months I have before I start work. I will never have this time back. Things are changing. My baby brother is graduating from high school AND community college. I am moving to Seattle. My little sister is off to Europe. My 15 year old sister. It seems just like yesterday that the three of us were fighting over who got to ride in the front seat or eat the last piece of chocolate. Now we are all grown up. Can't wait to see where those two go.

Finally, I am planning a trip to the other side of the mountains in two weeks to hopefully finalize details concerning an apartment. At last I can meet little Louisa Corrigan!

pictures

Getting ready to go!

Mallory and I

Dr. Sweeney and I


Me with mom and dad!

Graduation- pics to come soon!

Graduation was fantastic! My parents came up on Friday and had a chance to meet some of my professors and my dad was finally able to met Fr. Steve before we headed to dinner with the Morton family. We spent the rest of the evening just relaxing :) On Saturday I walked at 11:30 and then left Pullman for the last time. It was a bit surreal: balancing the excitement of being done with school forever, sadness of leaving the place I've called home for 5 years, and the knowledge that I still have audit and regulation to take. Pics should be up soon!

The last few days have been interesting. Another round on antibiotics for the eyes, trying to gear up for audit (May 29!) and adjusting to being back home. I send my transcripts in tomorrow, so hopefully I'll have word on BEC and FAR soon! While I wait I will try to forget that my future is dependent upon these exams. OK- I can retake them if I need to, but I really don't want to! Any suggestions on how to destress??

What a weekend...

Have to say this has been one of the MOST eventful weekends ever. It started on Friday. The girls and I celebrated being DONE with classes. Forever. We had a blast. Saturday was filled with watching season three of Friends, taking a fabulous nap, and going to a house warming party. Today, consequently, was the day that I tried to catch up on studying for my two finals.

You may ask, though, what was the best part of the weekend?? The two hours I spent at the ER tonight to be told I have CONJUCTIVITIS! This is fondly known as pink eye. I honestly don't know how in the world I got it. I didn't wake up with my eyes glued shut, so I wasn't quite sure it was pink eye. By the evening my eyes hurt so much that I didn't go to Mass and went to the ER because minor emergency was closed. My wonderful friend Shari went with me and we were actually able to study Becker while we were in the waiting room! All I could do was laugh. My last week in Pullman I come down with pink eye. I just hope it is gone by Saturday. I just happen to be GRADUATING that day!!!!


(Girls's night- pre pink eye!)

Drop Dead Gorgeous and FAR

On Saturday night Amy, Kim, Carley, Michelle, and Rachel came over for girls night. We did our nails and toes which watching Drop Dead Gorgeous. Makes me want to move to Mount Rose,Minnesota, dontcha know! Then Calley, Mallory and I traveled to Spokane to take FAR yesterday. Can I just say that it was the HARDEST test I have ever taken? I honestly have no idea how I did. We'll see in June. I hope all of the time I spent studying (8 weeks!) paid off. The best part of Spokane? Being introduced to the 80's pop band POP! ( ya know, Hugh Grant's old band in Music & Lyrics?)

FLIP FLOPS!

For the first time this year I was able to wear flip flops! It is a beautiful 66 degrees and sunny. And, did anyone else grow up calling them "thongs"? I did. One time in high school gym I was excited about getting to wear them and shouted, "Hey! I got to wear thongs today!" Then someone asked me if I usually wore two pairs of panties.

Are we done yet?

Four things:

1) 17 years of school are almost done. 6 weeks and change. I pick up my hood tomorrow. All that is left of my college career: two tests and a quiz. I need someone to motivate me to stay motivated! I am excited, but a little apprehensive. School is the only thing I have known.

2) I am really missing my friends who aren't in Pullman. Old church friends, my Jewish sister (well, my Jewish sister in a musical), EY friends. Friends in Cambodia, friends in the Bronx. Friends with a new little baby girl! I love you all and miss you dearly.

3) EY was at the Beta Alpha Psi meeting last night! Jenny, Laura, Erika, and Chuck came over to talk to the undergrads. We went to The Coug afterwards and had so much fun catch up.

4) I am in love with this beauty:

Is it almost spring???

I am done. Done I say! Enough with the snow! It is NOT ok for it to snow in March! I slipped getting out of my car this morning. Maybe that is why I am so angry with Pullman's bipolar weather. Earlier this week it was beautiful: sunny and 45 degrees. No snow.Now it is ice, snow, and 24 degrees. When the calander flips to March, all snow should go away (well, maybe not in the mountains). Apparently my memo wasn't received.



Ok- rant done =)



I am really looking forward to spring, though. You can spend more time outside, baseball is back, cute spring colors and clothes, and the end of school. All things I love. Anywho, I think it is time for some updates!

• Passed my oral exam- I may just graduate after all!
• I am LOVING studying for FAR. Financial accounting makes me smile.
• Made it to women's group last night- we talked about the Transfiguration and how God is calling us to listen. Not just to Him, but to those around us. Who might you know that needs someone to listen?
• Instead of giving something up for Lent, I took something on. I am reading a chapter of the Bible every night. Right now I am in the book of Esther.
• Have fallen in love with Jimmy again. I had a huge crush on him when he was on SNL, and now he is back! Check out http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/. Love it! I needed someone to replace Jason as my unrealistic celebrity crush.

Busy Bee

The past few weeks have been insanely busy, but I now have a few days to decompress before it starts again. It started with Mallory, Shari, Calley and I thinking we could study and take BEC(Business Environment and Concepts) in three weeks. Were we out of our minds?! Becker on top of classes makes for one hectic schedule. We drove up to Spokane on Thursday night and stayed with Calley's family (have to say I LOVE the Ryan family!) and then took the exam Friday morning. It went well- I think! I won't know until May, though. The rest of the weekend has been filled with catching up on reading for my actual classes and revising my oral case file memo. We don't start studying for FAR (Financial Accounting and Reporting)until Friday. A week without Becker?! I am going to enjoy this! So- if you want to be my friend, it better be this week!


It is sad to report that this is all my life has consisted of ove the past weeks. I have no life. What is keeping me going is that fact that I might be a CPA at the end of all this. BUT- one thing that is really filling me is that I started singing at church! Singing is just something that makes me happy, so this has been wonderful. Another thing I look forward to are my Bachelor dates with Teresa. For those of you out there who are watching the show: who do you think he is going to pick?! I really like Melissa and Jillian. Don't care for Molly too much.

Lastly- I received my start date! August 5th! So excited. Seattle, here I come!

20 Random Facts

So, Kayleen asked all of the readers of her blog to post 20 random facts about themselves. As I am always one to oblige, here are 20 random facts about Dani:

1. I have never eaten a strawberry (my friend Shari is appalled by this fact).
2. I have a short, back set toe on my right foot named Filmore.
3. While I say that I am 5', I am really only 4'11 and 3/4". A girl can fudge a 1/4", can't she?!
4. I was a cheerleader my freshman year of high school. This may not surprise any of you.
5. I don't eat seafood. Many people have tried to persuade me, but I am a stone wall on this one.
6. While the normal person has 46 chromosomes, I am cool. I have 45.5.
7. When I was in sixth grade I dressed up for the Spiceworld premiere. Wait- you didn't?!Try to guess which one I went as...
8. I LOVE to sing and dance.
9. When I was in school I was involved in musical theater. Annie, Fiddler on the Roof- we rocked.
10. I never dated until college. What can I say? I'm waiting for Mr. Darcy!
11. I have smoked a cigar.
12. Never been to the east coast. Would love to go.
13. Growing up I was a Barbie girl.
14. I have worked at a pharmacy/post office/gift shop, a restaurant, a car rental company, a bookstore, and an accounting firm. I hope the accounting thing sticks.
15. My sophomore year of high school I was on the dive team.
16. I can water ski, but I can't do my thing on the slopes.
17. Favorite drink- jolly rancher. Thanks Andrea!
18. Give me Mexican food and you have a happy camper.
19. I am fascinated by the 16th century.
20. When asked what I wanted to be, at age 5, I replied, " A doctor. That, or a school bus driver."

Now it is your turn. Ready, set, go!

my new bff

I am here to announce that I have a new bff. His name is Becker. If any of you can't find me I am probably hanging out with him. He'll be with me until August. And then I hope he leaves for good! (I'm talking about the Becker CPA Review...haha!)

Things have been pretty good in Pullman lately. I am excited because I was able to take MIS 600 instead of that American Studies seminar. What is really interesting is that the MIS class is actually about entrepreneurship in the biotech industry! You may be asking why I would get excited about this. The reason is that I actually want to audit the biotech industry! How perfect is that?! Plus, I have had major experience with drugs developed by biotech.We have a mix of science and business people, so it is a pretty interesting class. All of my other classes have been fantastic. They don't look like they will be to hard, and my oral case does not look too difficult. It deals with extinguishment of debt with the issuance of stock as well as the issuance of a convertible debenture with detachable warrants. YAY!

The snow is back in Pullman, which does not really make my happy. I have decided I need to move to Arizona. EY has an office there. I could easily tell Seattle I'm transferring! Then I won't have to deal with driving in the snow! I am off to get ready to brave the cold and the roads for Mass. Until then, I will visualize am here:


(beautiful Vanuatu)

last semester!

There were days when I didn't think I would make it. It seemed to elusive. Especially when I knew I didn't technically have to still be in school. Why did I decide to go for a CPA, therefore needing the extra year of school? That's right- because I am an overacheiver and love accounting. BUT- it is finally here! The last semester of school- EVER.

Let's just say this was the most drama filled first day of the semester I've experienced. I needed a minimum of two accounting courses and two other 500 level electives to complete my degree. There were three accounting courses offered, so I needed one other 500 level class. Pacific Northwest history didn't sound so bad. That was until this morning. I went to the class at 9 AM to realize I was in way over my head. I didn't have near the time or background required for this class. Plus- it didn't really interest me. If it were a 16th century European history class, maybe. But this? No. I talked to the professor after class and he didn't really think I would do well without an extensive history background (and history writing experience) and tons of extra time. And time is one thing I'll be lacking this semester. So, I went and spent the next hour in Dr. Sue Gill's office strategizing. I think the game plan is to check out a seminar in American studies on Wednesday. I hope it works!

On a lighter note, Jason is back on The Bachelor. Makes me smile =)

My First Year

The past few days I have found myself looking back on the past year and all of the changes it has brought for me. (A new year always makes me do this!) While there were a number of them , none matches my decision to come back to the Catholic church and receive the sacraments of initiation. I am amazed that it has been a year since by decision to become Catholic.

For all my life I have seen God's hand working in this world. My mom had be baptized in the church and raised me to believe in the creed. God had an interesting path for me, however. This would include me being raised in the Lutheran church from the time I was 5. I became very active in youth group and confirmation classes and even served on a regional youth board. The youth group had a huge impact on my faith development and there are a number of people who have left permanent foot prints on my heart. There is no doubt that God had a reason for this journey. My mom eventually went back to the Catholic church and encouraged me to think about joining her. Five years ago I vowed NEVER to convert. God must have had a great laugh at that, because He knew that in time that would change!

After a few years in college I started to question WHY I was Lutheran. There was never a question as to whether I believed in God, but why was I worshiping Him the way I was? Was I Lutheran because my dad simply wouldn't convert to Catholicism when I was a child? I felt like I needed to take ownership of my faith in a strange way. After reading about Catholicism and talking with a priest, I quickly realized that the way I viewed God was very Catholic. I knew what I needed to do, and last Christmas I told my family. I returned to Pullman and started RCIA classes and received my first communion and was confirmed on Easter Vigil.

The whole experience has been life changing. I feel closer to Him than ever before. Experiencing Him through the sacraments has been pretty awesome. Seeing how He is working through others and in the world is even better. I am constantly amazed at His faithfulness. He has given me all that I have, and has given me all that I need. There were times when I questioned why things were happening the way there were. For instance, was WSU the place for me?After I had questioned I would just say, "Father, I really hope this is all going to work out." Now I look back and see that everything has happened perfectly according to His plan. I would not want to be anywhere but where I am today. I have been blessed with my dream job at Ernst & Young, I will graduate in May, and I have doctors who have been able to help me. Not only that, but I have a loving family and amazing friends. It is His faithfulness and love that sustain me.

Really, though, I am just an unworthy servant who has been blessed with much more that I could ever imagine. Everyday I am constantly trying to serve Him to the best of my abilities, and I am humbled when I fail. With the Spirit as my strength I keep trying, though. Because to experience the grace of God is...fabulous =)

Hello 2009!

Hello all! Sorry it has been awhile since my last post. I've been so busy with Christmas and New Years, but now I have time!

Christmas was wonderful this year. My aunt and uncle came in from Seattle to spend it with us, which is always special. We had dinner Christmas Eve, went to Midnight Mass, and then followed up with opening presents the next morning and a big Christmas dinner. One of our traditions is that my mom always gets up really early to make cinnimon rolls Christmas morning. I can't tell you how nice it is to wake up Christmas morning and smell fresh cinnimon rolls! I am also lucky because both sets of my grandparents are here, so we were able to spend the day will all of them as well. Midnight Mass always feels special because everyone is dressed up and you really feel the true meaning of Christmas. Also, it is the only time that we have the whole family together at Mass. I just love that time together.

The day after Christmas we all took part in another tradition: shopping! While I was limited to window shopping I was able to help my mom, sister, and aunt find some great deals! We all then went to see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It was fantastic! Brad Pitt was great, and I have always loved Cate Blanchett. The next few days for me were filled with catching up with my friend Kristina, spending time with family, and watching Sex and the City. You would be amazed: I finished the whole series! On New Years Eve I first went with my parents to our friend Darla's house. We've known Darla and her family for ages and she served as my confirmation sponsor. I visited with them for a little while and then went to my friend Kristina's sister's place to ring in the New Year. The eight of us drank Cosmos and watched Project Runway until it was time for the ball to drop. It was the perfect New Years.

2009 is going to bring a lot of changes for me. I will graduate in May, move to Seattle, take the CPA exam, and start work full time at Ernst & Young. I pray that God will guide me and give me strength as I move on to the next chapter of my life. I also pray that 2009 will be a wonderful year for all of you as well!