Another CPA

My best friend and college roommate, Elizabeth, passed her LAST section of the CPA Exam last week! She took it on Dec. 5th and found out Wednesday the 18th that she was DONE with the Exam.

Her story is a bit different than mine. After graduating in May 2009, she was on Staff with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in Colorado for two years. With this full-time job in campus ministry, she didn't practice accounting whatsoever. Life decisions led her back to Bozeman, MT to pursue her Master's degree in Professional Accountancy. While working part-time at a public accounting firm, she also attended graduate school part-time and began taking the CPA Exam nearly two years ago. Even with all of this on her plate (as we say in the industry), she graduated with her MPAcc this May and finished the Exam this month. I am so proud of her!

I knew that the day she passed I would want to drive to Bozeman to celebrate with her. If anyone understands the mix of emotions and dedication, it would be me. So- last Friday, I spent the evening with Liz and family celebrating. 

We had drinks and went to dinner and I snapped this photo of Liz on the left, which looks an awful lot like the one taken of me when I passed, on the right. This was not planned or intended, and neither were the identical expressions on our faces. 

My Christmas e-Card

I have always wanted to send out Christmas cards, but without a husband, kids, or pets, it has always seemed a bit odd. This year, I had every intention of doing so and including a few photographs from my holiday abroad. Blame it on busyness or lack of motivation or too much wine, this is as far as I got - writing the summary letter. Instead of mailing out, I will share online.

November 2013

Happy Holidays!

This year of 2013 has brought many blessings and good cheer my way. I hope that your year has been a happy one as well.

Each January, I tend to make an unreasonable amount of New Years’ resolutions. Each February, they are all broken. One year in college, I vowed to work out 5 days per week, which was quite the lofty increase from a workout routine of… never. It’s needless to say that after just 3 visits to the campus gym, I was done.

Since beginning my quest to pass the CPA Exam in early 2010, it was my yearly goal to pass the exam in its entirety that year. 2010 came and went, as did 2011, and 2012, with a heartbreaking loss of two of my exam credits.

I vowed to myself that I would concentrate on two goals for 2013. If I accomplished both things this year, I would mark it a success. 1) Pass the CPA Exam, and 2) Return to my beloved England. A vacation to England had been in discussions with my Aunt Pam for a few years. On January 16^th, it all became real when we booked our airfare for a 3 week holiday abroad. Just three days later, I sat for my fourth and final section of the CPA Exam on January 19^th. It had been my dream to treat myself to a trip to England after passing the entire exam. Little did I know, I actually did pass my last section after 9 attempts.  I received news of my passing score on February 5^th. After nearly 3 years and sitting a total of 19 times, I passed the CPA Exam! It was merely one month into the new year, and I had accomplished everything I had wanted this year. I cannot express the joy I felt then and continue to re-live as I no longer have to study.

I survived another tax season (my fourth), but this time, with a new company. I was laid off from Anderson ZurMuehlen in September 2012, and found work preparing taxes at another Butte firm, Mary Walsh CPA & Associates. After a short hiatus to travel abroad, I was hired permanently and I specialize in individual taxation.

Our holiday to the UK and France with my Dad’s sister, Pam, was the highlight of my year. I first visited 8 countries in Europe in 2008 with my Mom and fell in love with England. Pam and I spent time in England and Wales, visiting family in London, Oxford, and Liverpool. I met my Grandma Ruth’s only living sibling, Catherine, for the first time. We also took the train to Paris and stayed in the French countryside for one week. Highlights include Monet’s Garden, Rouen, and of course – the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Upon returning from the ‘Holiday of a Lifetime,’ I met a wonderful man named Adam. He is an environmental engineer and owns a beautiful home in Butte that he has enjoyed remodeling over the years. Originally from Manhattan, MT, he moved to Butte 10 years ago to attend Montana Tech. He likes to cook and I love eating his food! He came to his first Griz game with me this Fall and I plan on hitting the slopes with him this Winter.

I visit home in Helena often to take photographs with my newest business venture, Kelsey Marie Photography. I offer professional photography services for portraits and events. I also freelance for the Montana Standard, Butte’s local newspaper. My work has been published several times, including the front page. My photographs have also been featured by Grizzly Athletics in marketing and publications such as fundraising calendars. My photography work has allowed me to visit my parents often and Griz games bring me to Missoula to see Kyle. I cherish this time with my family and I am thankful that they are so close.

May this Winter season bring happiness, joy, and celebration to your life. ‘Tis the season to raise a glass with loved ones and toast to a New Year. Happy 2014!

Love,

Kelsey 

Viva Las Vegas!

How about another trip to Vegas?! This time, I got to go for a work conference. For those of you counting, this was my 4th trip in 16 months. At this rate, I'll be back again during tax season (dream on). 

Here are some photos:

This is the same batch I uploaded to facebook so that's why my watermark is on each one.

And back to Butte.

Holiday to London

 

Ladies and gentlemen:

 

I am returning to London in 2014! Airfare has been purchased and lodging has been booked. This time, I am going with a friend my age. My previous two holidays have been spent with my Mom and my Auntie. This is sure to be yet another dream holiday to the UK. I imagine there will be many pub visits and staring at boys.

 

My friend Allison has studied in Europe, but has never seen London or the UK. This is my third holiday there and I cannot wait to show her around my favorite world city. We will also take the train to Paris for the day and spend some time exploring boroughs on the outskirts of London, perhaps Greenwich and Richmond.

 

We will be traveling after tax season, of course, when it is nicer weather but not too crowded with tourists during the peak travel season. I am thrilled to visit my favorite hot spots again, but also explore the hidden gems I haven't seen yet.

 

Cheers!

Cyber Monday only!

 

Kelsey Marie Photography shirts on sale TODAY only!

 

White long-sleeve tee $15

Black long-sleeve tee $20

 

Unisex sizes S - XXL

Email me kelseypoore@yahoo.com if you want one!

 

 

 

Hey Readers!

Yikes! It's been too long. Updates on my personal life and business to come more frequently. 

For those not in the Facebook world, here is the Black Friday deal I am offering through Cyber Monday:

There are 2 different versions, Montana & Butte. All profits will be donated to Mariah's Challenge, a local non-profit organization dedicated to education and the prevention of underage drinking and driving in Montana. The non–profit organization provides scholarships to students who uphold the foundation's ideals and supports education, events and dialogue in communities that promote healthy, responsible lifestyles.

Details and images in the calendars are available at these links:

Click here for the Montana calendar

Click here for the Butte calendar

If you would like to order one (or 2 or 3 or 10), call/text with your order, or you can send a message to me at KelseyMariePhotography@yahoo.com. 

These make terrific gifts for friends and family near and far! They are easy and inexpensive to mail. Take advantage of this deal before Monday. Thank you!

Enough Said

Sporadic Photos

Tidbits:

Butte-toberfest on September 14th

I won free tickets from my in-house design company, 5518 designs. I brought Adam and we spent time there with friends. I've never actually been to a brew fest before!

Just last night, I watched the Griz play NAU on tv at my friend Jess' house with her dog Huck and her cat Kitty. The Griz lost the game to finish the week 3-1. Of anyone in the Big Sky Conference to lose to, I'd rather it be NAU. I respect that team and its coaching staff.

Last weekend, I got to take photographs of the Spirit Squad from the field during the entire game. Can you spot me in this photo? If not, look below:

I'm the only part of this image in color. I love having the entire Grizzly football team running at me, full speed ahead! (This photo taken by eGriz photographer, Andrea.)

My bestie from Helena came for a visit to Butte yesterday and we watched Montana Tech play Rocky Mountain College from Billings. The Diggers fell 13-6.

Hair Donation

This is after my 4th donation to Locks of Love. I love my new style! 

New Logo

Introducing my new company logo!!!

After many drafts and revisions, I love the final product. I hired a local design company to develop something for me. They used my actual signature and incorporated my favorite world icon, which holds special meaning for me. 

New business cards and magnets to arrive next week!

Hiking Storm Lake to Goat Flat

On Labor Day, we enjoyed a hike starting at Storm Lake near Anaconda and finished a little past Goat Flat. It was about 2.5-3 miles each way with a 2,000 foot elevation climb. I believe the top is around 10,000 feet, rivaling the tallest peak I've summitted.

Storm Lake

Our planned destination, Goat Flat.

Butterflies at 10,000 feet!

We hiked a bit further to have 360º views all around.

Back in the Saddle

Do you ever get behind and avoid getting caught up because you feel so overwhelmed? I'm guilty. I've been having a terrific Summer and I've been taking loads of photos, but once I get behind in uploading, I put it off until it gets too late. 

Now I'm back and I will be updating frequently again. As with fellow scrapbookers, I always recommend starting with current photos and working backward. Otherwise, you will always feel 'behind.' 

So I'll start with these photos taken of me just two days ago by my friend, Alyssa. I am donating my hair to Locks of Love on Friday and I wanted some formal photographs taken of me before I donate my hair for the fourth time in 9 years. 

I am so happy with how these turned out. The wind was horrid and I got frustrated since it was blowing all over. Alyssa blew me away with some wonderful shots. I seem to always be behind the camera, but I absolutely love being in front of it. So please, friends, snap my picture more often!

Birthday Week!

Something On My Bucket List

I got to be Adam's date for his good friend's wedding last Friday night. Despite having just met the married couple and several members of the wedding party just weeks before, I had a grand time. I helped set up food and videotaped the wedding ceremony. 

The reception was a lot of fun and one of the better weddings I've been to, which says quite a bit - because I love weddings. 

The best part - I caught the bouquet!

I have always wanted to catch the bouquet and I never have. It is a gorgeous bouquet with a dozen roses and lilies. I got to keep it and it's still sitting in water on my dining table. 

I can't wait to see the photographer's shots of it since no one else got pictures. I bet everyone was thinking, who's that girl? I wasn't far from being a wedding crasher.

Evel Days

Fun at Evel Knievel Days in Butte last night.

Tracy Lawrence is performing tonight for free!

Job Acceptance

I have decided to continue my employment with Mary Walsh, CPA & Associates after accepting an offer following tax season. Although it is not full-time, it is now my permanent employment and it will allow me time to invest in my growing photography business.

Click here to see me included in the staff photo on the homepage:
Mary Walsh, CPA & Associates Homepage

Click here to read my bio:
Our People

My favorite part is the headline: Kelsey Poore, CPA.

It's a Boy!

I have been on pins and needles for the last week anticipating the arrival of the newest addition to the Royal Family.

I will be the first to say that I was shocked when it was announced that Baby Cambridge is a BOY! I just always thought it would be a girl. When the Queen changed the rules for the line of succession, I thought it was an indication that we would see Kate and William's first born become queen.

I woke up Monday morning to read that Kate had gone into labor and been admitted to St. Mary's Hospital in London. In the early afternoon, Clarence House announced that she delivered a healthy baby boy at 4:24 local time (which is 7 hours ahead of Montana). Needless to say, I was thrilled.

Knowing that the Royal Couple would be leaving the hospital today, I had the Royal 'door cam' streaming live at work. Edna joined me during lunch to watch. Soon after, we got to see the first glimpse of the new family along with millions around the world. It nearly brought a tear to my eye. I probably would have cried had I not been at work.

With all of this excitement, I've received very negative feedback. I have been actively posting updates on facebook and many 'friends' have gained cyber courage to bully me. Why are you not proud to be American? What is the big deal about the Royals? Who cares?

I see it this way. I have always been fascinated by my Grandma's culture. Who doesn't love and adore their grandmother? I looked up to her in many ways and I know that I have several of her English traits. I am proud of that. 

Native Americans have Native Pride. We celebrate Black History Month. Jews are encouraged to celebrate Hanukkah, and everyone loves a good Chinese New Year Parade. Why am I different? I am proud to be an American and I do not take our country or our service men and women for granted. But I am also proud of my heritage and my ancestors. When did celebrating become a bad thing? There is certainly a double standard. We have Asian Americans, African Americans, and so on. I would call myself an English American. No, I was not born in England, but neither were several African Americans I know. I merely want to carry on the legacy left before me. 

Congratulations to the UK on a new heir to the throne. It is a wonderful day and I am happy to toast them. Cheers!

Missoula Marathon

I drove to Missoula late Saturday night so I could get up before dawn and photograph the race on Sunday. I ran the half in 2009 and really appreciated the sideline support from friends as well as strangers. Several people I know ran in the race, but I especially wanted to support my uncle, Vince, who ran and completed his first marathon.

Mile 9 of the marathon West of Missoula.

My friend, Allison, who also ran her first marathon. At mile 8, she looks terrific here.

Vince looking strong and steady at mile 8.

My college friend, Skylar, who also ran his first marathon. It was the year of the first-timers!

Matt - my friend Katie's fiance - nearing the finish line after completing his half marathon.

Allison and her mom, Gayle, who runs a 5K every day. Gayle ran the last 3 miles with Allison to the finish line.

My college friends Pat and Chelsea joined me to watch the finishers after they ran the half marathon.

Allison (on the left), who is my former flame's step sister. She did a great job pacing the marathon.

After seeing these two really attractive people nearing the end of their marathon race holding hands, it inspired me to run the half next year and be just as cute as this couple. Who cares about a good completion time? I just want to look good doing it.

Vince approaching the finish line on the Higgins Street Bridge.

Still looking great at the very end!

And he spotted me cheering for him at the end.

Almost there

Skylar finishing his first marathon.

This marathoner is blind. What's your excuse? I know I don't have one.

I missed a few runners while bouncing around the course, namely my two cousins Katie and Melissa, who ran the half marathon together and finished under 2 hours! That is a really, really good pace. Congrats all!