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 16th,
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 19th. 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 5th. 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
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