Abbreviations

          I remember when I was on my mission, and even now, we were (or are) told to stay clear of using abbreviations or initials to describe something that unless you are a member of the Church and are already familiar with the lingo, most non-members are not going to get that RS stands for Relief Society, YW stands for young women, etc. 

         

          I know I have been guilty of this in my blog - abbreviating.  Occasionally I do try to explain myself or refer to sites that will.  Back then (on my mission) the top initials used were D&C meaning Doctrine and Covenants (which is not what the majority of the population will think D&C means;  even many active church members I had met would first think of Dilation and curettage) and GA for General Authority.

          I suppose I appreciate the advice more now to steer clear from using abbreviations without interjecting the full meaning at least every now and then.  Currently I am taking my last accounting class.  My last one!!!  Talk about being initial happy.  The Church never had anything on the accountants as far as initial goes . . . and yet it seems there are always more initials to be had.  What a pain in the . . .  well, you know.  GAAP, IFRS, FSA, FASB, LIFO, FIFO and now a brand new one to my ears GASB - come one people !!!!  Why, you ask, have I never defined any of these?  Really?  My brain is so confused.  When I talk about my traumatic experiences with accounting, I want the reader to feel my confusion.  When I use the initials without explanation, don't you feel confused?  And even if I defined them, I promise, it does not make any of them any more exciting.  Accountants are boring!  Okay, maybe not all accountants, but the subject certainly is.  I think reading a math text book is more exciting.

          So why I am I even majoring in this, you ask?  I was hoping to straighten up my own personal finances and I've gone to tell you, NONE of those initials apply to anybody's personal finances.  They all have to do with business.  Early on I had learned that "accounting is the language of business"  - maybe that's why I hate the term "business" so much.  Why is it that I am having so much trouble sleeping?  Seriously.  You would think this stuff should put anybody in a coma for a year at least.

          To all of my readers who haven't been familiar with any lingo I've used in regards to the Church, my apologies.  I will try to do better.  For all of my readers who may not be familiar with any of the lingo I've used in regards to the accounting classes that have caused me attitudes of frustration, welcome to my world.  It's unforgivable lingo . . . but I'm certainly not the one who came up with it.  I think it was invented by those who are in a state of comatose.   Why would you purposely wish to make yourself sound dull?

Oh, and just for the record.  YW was the only Church term that spellcheck did not recognize.  Only two of the boring accounting abbreviations were recognized.

Routine in Education

                It is so hard trying to get back into the swing of school assignments etc. after a holiday weekend or vacation.  For the last three years I have had classes at the end of the year for two weeks before the winter vacation (or Christmas) and am expected to finish the next two week after the New Year.  I'm certain it's equally hard on the instructors.  Perhaps even more so.

                So on MLK day, I was to start a new class (my last accounting class folks.  I had miscalculated before and thought this would be two more.  But I was wrong.  Hallelujah!).  Didn't do much for it on Monday as we had invited a few friends over to eat pizza and play games. The lectures don't happen until Tuesday at 6:00 MST and so I decided I would just wait before posting to my discussion.

                On Tuesday I did some research for my discussion post, but had failed to even look at the assignment - which included three videos which I could have watched.  All three together were just over two hours.  But I couldn't make the time for them on Wednesday.

                Unlike the last instructor from my last class, this one will let the class members know what is expected on the assignment, discussion and so forth and will actually go over sample problems with us.  My last instructor would show a power point and proceed to read every single slide.  Never covered the assignment or expectations.  It was boring.  I stopped watching his lectures.  What a waste - even for insomnia.

                I do seem to be having some issues with the program itself - like when I try to explore the instructor's bio, I get this:

                               

 

               When I use an alternative to find said bio, I get this:

What??!? That doesn't tell me anything!

                Fortunately he introduced himself in the introductory discussion which isn't mandatory for students.  I am so grateful that I wasn't assigned my last instructor as I have had that happen before.  I've had several instructors several times in a row.  There were three instructors that I've had three times and one that I have had four times.  I hadn't even realized that until recently.  I knew I had him twice, maybe three times. 

                Thus far the class feels more like a management class rather than an accounting class.  The class will end on February 18 and then I will be left with just fun classes - although I am not entirely certain about the class I'll be taking in May.  I saw something there just a few weeks ago, but it is no longer there.  I don't know if the University changed its mind or if the class has been illuminated or what the deal is.  Thus far there are five classes which appeared in the 2016 catalog but I have not taken.  There are also four classes that I have taken that were not part of the 2016 catalog.  I did write down the name of the class and may be somewhere on my desk.  I should know by February 18.

Finals

 

https://forum.300hours.com/discussion/819/ifrs-vs-gaap-for-level-1#.XD62PVxKiUk

          A 1,250-word report? 

          Are you kidding me?

Accounting final. 

          Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah . . . .

give me a topic I'm

          at least interested in. 

         

          Thus far I have been

in high demand for substituting

          at three schools all

at the same time, and

          there's only one of me.

          I have to take some time off for

          this stupid report -

                                      as if I believe anything

I write - or care. 

                                      Blah, blah, blah.

          There are different aspects of accounting. 

I can do the basics but I

          have no desire to go         

any further than that.

          One more accounting class to go!   

          I have the rest of the schedule.  I will

be taking some fun classes again!

          along with some

okay classes,  and then

                             I will graduate!!! 

And I will be done with accounting

           Meanwhile,  I have lost more sleep
           The topic of my final only makes it harder
to stay awake
            I'm starting out my morning

            with this.  It can only go

uphill from here

                                                 right?

Teach, Not Read - Especially NOT in Monotone!

                As an accountant major, I am required to take 25 accounting classes

                Thus far I have had 22 classes, 11 instructors -

                                one of them four times.  Two of them three times.        

                                Three of them two times and six of them only once. 

There are three who have had flair for making accounting better than completely boring. 

                On Monday I started accounting class #23.  

New instructor.  

BORING,  

omigosh

I could not attend his live lecture and have decided 

even if I am present to view the live lecture

it AIN'T going to happen.

He READS the power point.  

READS EVERYTHING word for word.  

What kind of teaching is that?

Throw yourself into the lecture. 

Tell me something about yourself that might relate to the slide.

omigosh!

                I have two classes and had put in 5 1/2 hours for substitute teacher aide

                I watched the recordings when I returned.

                The instructor of my management class has a thick British accent.

Easy to listen to.  But my accounting instructor . . . .

                Roland was in the other room, and he got 

bored just hearing the sounds. 

My instructor might as well have said:

                Boring.  There are many variations to boring.  

Accounting doesn't have to be boring.  

But let's just say that it is.

                And just in case you weren't already bored with it, 

let me make it extra boring by reading each slide as though 

you are not able to read or comprehend it yourself.

                Listen to my voice. Is it soothing (not really) 

Let me tell you word for word what every slide says

Be sure to save this recording in the event that you are ever experiencing insomnia.

omigosh!  Four weeks - one more down and two to go.  

I cannot wait until June 2019! 

It will come quick, I'll bet.

What Am I Supposed To Do Now?

                Wednesday is generally my busiest day with school.  Generally.  When the libraries reopened and had asked for volunteers, I said I could - however I couldn't be scheduled.  Sometimes Mondays will work for me, but not always.  I could volunteer on Fridays regardless of my scheduling - however, no one else can work that day; therefore, the library is closed.

            I said I could substitute, which I have done before, but not for a long time.  I told them when I might be available and when I would not.  Wednesdays and Saturdays are definite NOs as I am trying to finish my schooling by Wednesday or Thursday and Saturdays are for family.

            Wednesday is also the designated day for potluck luncheons on 2nd Wednesdays every month and movies on the 3rd Wednesday, though on occasion I have missed both due to schooling.  Today my brother is in town - though it's not taking away from school.  It is the school and program itself that forbids me (among many other students) from viewing the textbook or pdf (mentioned here) in full content.  Students aren't expected to fulfill assignment or assessment at this time as we don't have the information in its entirety.  Gads!

                I will meet Corey and Joh this morning and introduce them to one of my friends over breakfast. I am happy to spend time with them and would not be doing any schooling today even if it was available.  But come on.  I don't want to repeat this course due to an error that I, myself, didn't create.  I don't suppose turning assignments in late is going to affect our grade, however.  As is, I just barely received my assignment grade from last week.   Unlike my database instructor who grades assignments right away, my accounting instructor seems to put it off as long as possible.  I would think that would create more work for him as he teaches at least three classes. 

            It's an accounting class, but thus far the discussions have made it seem more like a management class.  How odd.  It's okay though.  I'd rather Write my opinion than have to come up with an exact number with calculations.  Blech!

I'm Done For the Week (except for Daily Checkpoints)

My classes are database - learning the Microsoft program Access and accounting management systems.  The lecture for the database is for Monday morning and the accounting lecture is 25 hours later on Tuesday - except this week.  Our instructor was out of town and in the path of the hurricane and had come home, but was driving all day Tuesday and couldn't present the lecture until Thursday.  Our initial post for discussion is due on Wednesday.   

            I am so excited about the database class and had completed the discussion, assignment, and assessment shortly after the lecture.  On Tuesday I responded to two other discussion posts and posted my discussion for the other class.  The instructor had already posted my grades before I opened zoom chat for her question and answer on Wednesday.

            On Monday, I had tried to open the text for my accounting class, but I couldn't get in.  On Tuesday I sent an email that the text ebook wouldn't open.  Oh, I have managed to misplace a physical textbook - but never in cyberspace!  Turns out that the textbook has been discontinued and so was not even able to look at the PDF replacement until Wednesday when the dean apologized for the confusion and commented that late work for this week would not be held against us.

            I really do prefer hearing the lecture before doing the assignment or assessment.  Wednesday was unproductive as far as my schooling goes.  I did ask my few questions to my database instructor and then I took the car in to have the oil changed. Roland and I went to Roseburg for the free senior movie.  I did not respond to my accounting discussion post until yesterday after the lecture.

            I have never completed all (or at least the majority) of my assignments in one day, and yet I did this week  - Monday I completed my database (except for the response) and yesterday I completed my accounting requirements (except for the daily checkpoints - of course) and so will have today off as well.  I usually am done with my work by Friday, but again,  I've never completed all the requirements in just one day.  Two perhaps, but usually three.  I really hope to continue in that manner.  I would be done by Wednesday, respond to posts on Thursday (because there are many who procrastinate and don't do their initial post until the last second on Wednesday - which is when it is due).  That would be so awesome!

Two Classes and the Writing Center

       Currently, I am taking two classes.  Neither is difficult, but both (especially accounting) are very time-consuming.  So time-consuming that I have been working on assignments or other class projects on Friday.  In the past, I have always had each of my projects completed before Friday, though sometimes I have taken time to review before sending on Friday morning.  This month I have not.

       The University offers an online writing center where students can submit their papers or make appointments to get feedback.  Thus far it's been a very devastating experience for me.  But then again, I haven't used for almost two years. It appears I had only used it three times the very year I started, and may not have used it at all, but it was required in one of the classes that I took.

       The idea is to get feedback on grammar, sentence structure, APA format and so forth.  It could be useful to me this mod if I could better plan for it.  As all assignments are due on Saturday and I often don't have my assignment finished until Friday and the center needs at least 48 hours to return, I have not gone with that option.  For the most part, having a friend read for me and give me instant feedback has been more beneficial.

       Turning an assignment is not a big deal.  The waiting might be, but it beats trying to keep an appointment that I was unable to get into because my connections wouldn't work.  The school may have improved the system, and I do have a laptop in which I was able to get on to blackboard without a major struggle.   Because of the trauma I had encountered, I never did bother with it again.

       However, this week I had actually completed the assignment for my Ethics class on Tuesday and so chose to turn it into the writing center for feedback and moved on to a more extended research and wordy assessment for my accounting class. The accounting essay has now been graded and I am still waiting for feedback on my Ethics assignment so I can get that turned in.

        I know that my paragraphs either need to be spread out into two or three while others should be combined.  If I don't receive feedback from the center by tomorrow, I will turn it in according to what I feel is best.  Thus far I have received full credit for what I've turned in. Grammarly doesn't always make accurate corrections on the entire spread, though it does seem to capture most of it -  a lot more than spell check.  But still . . .

Surely We Can Simplify

          Why is it that the accounting language is so wordy?  Don't use two paragraphs to tell me what can be said in only four words.  Do they make an accounting book that reads like "Dick and Jane" - not that "Dick and Jane" was much fun to read, but at least it was simple.  

                One of the objectives of this project is to create a single set of accounting 

                standards to stand at the base of the "production" and at the constant flow 

                of high-quality information, clear and compatible in financial situations and 

                in other financial reports created for SMEs. (Ristea, 2010)

          47 words creating confusion.  Why?  Surely there is a simpler way to say whatever it is that needs to be conveyed.  I think that must be how I'm supposed to write.  Now, I haven't had the privilege of writing essays in any accounting class until this course.  They want 750 words.  I suppose if I were to write 12 run-on sentences like that above (which by the way is NOT an original thought from my head) I suppose I'd be half-way there.  

          I had worked on my assessment today (figuring that all school work is at a stand-still for tomorrow - being Independence Day and all) and had less than 300 words.  What the heck?  More research.  More zzzzzzzzzz's.  I'm sorry this post is so boring.  You didn't have to read it.  But thank you for your interest.

https://www.picgifs.com/clip-art/sleeping/sleeping-clip-art-activities-687190

 Ristea, M., Doros, A., Ioanas, C., & Morega, D. D. (2010). SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTITIES BETWEEN THE ACCRUAL BASIS OF ACCOUNTING AND CASH ACCOUNTING. Romanian Economic and Business Review, 5(4), 208-220. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/1131899843?accountid=41759

Did this post make you puzzled?  Do you not get the gist of it?  That's how I feel about accounting as a whole.  It's kind of sad to feel the need to nap before the assignment is even halfway finished.  Accounting puts me in a coma - seriously.

What Happened To This Month?

          I had been asked to mark attendance for choir - only I have not marked anything for four weeks now - either choir was canceled, the doors were locked, or I wasn't there.  For an entire month?

          Every fourth Sunday a class is offered to the instructors. A primary counselor reminded me of that.  It's hard to believe that four weeks have gone by.  Where am I?

           I had just finished another accounting class - suspecting that my instructor is even more bored with the class than I am.

          The one I compared to Walter and Sheldon here, has been copying and pasting her findings word for word.  I called her on it.  I don't know if anybody caught that. 

          So bored with the discussions.  It felt like reading a high school yearbook.  "Have a good summer" blah blah blah . . .  no originality whatsoever.  Are accountants not allowed to be creative?

          Today I start two new classes.  Another accounting.  Subject auditing.  Oh, joy.  It's with an instructor I had before.  His lectures will be easier to follow than some of the other instructors that I've had recently.  That'll be nice.

          My other class is in ethics - which did not appear on my original agenda of required classes.  This will be with an instructor that I have also had before.  She is the one who had to cover four centuries of history in four weeks (one century per week).

          I have my water fitness class this morning, my role as story lady, and need to take Jenna up to Roseburg for a few things before she leaves for camp tomorrow.  Today is also the day in which there will be a live lecture in each class.  It'll be a busy day for me. I'm afraid I won't be able to attend them both live. 

          June is near its end.

Three Mods in a Row - Are You Kidding Me?

          I don't know how many courses my current instructor is teaching, but this is the third mod that I've had her.  At least the lecture is on Tuesday now instead of Wednesday, so that will be better.  But the subject is still accounting.  I actually slept through today's lecture.  She was late getting started and didn't sound almost done when I finally turned her off.  I still have to create my discussion post - but then again, so does the rest of the class.

          Today starts a new mod.  My instructor kept referring to the things that had been discussed in the class last week - which I suppose is fine and good for those who actually took ACC322 last mod, but what about the members of the class who may have not even had an accounting class last mod?  She did say there were several names of students that she has been assigned to previously.  Lucky us.  In addition, she has been doing taxes for clients outside of the school.  It sounds as if her plate may be overflowing.

          And yet I keep returning to the lesson I had given about "Divine Design" and wonder if my being in her class three times in a row now may not be more than a coincidence and wonder . . .  why?

A Week Without Posts

          I think I have mentioned both Roland and Jenna have had some nasty colds, but I seemed fine until Saturday - the 10th.  I had gone to the church as the presidency were holding interviews for those who are visiting teachers.  I could feel a sore throat coming on.  Even when I agreed to teach Relief Society only eight days later.

          I went to church on Sunday, the 11th.  I did not stay for choir because I didn't want to strain my throat.  Last week I did a lot of napping (cough medicine knocks me out) and preparing for both primary and RS lessons.  I also participated in a class discussion on a topic that I didn't fully understand.  I took the assessment (midterm) and apparently turned in my discussion notes instead of the assignment.  Brilliant.

          My lesson for the Relief Society went rather well.  I wish I could say the same for my primary class. We reviewed the last couple of weeks and I started my lesson by introducing the class to Lot.  Carly interrupted me several times with non-gospel related "concerns".  She had brought snacks for everyone and wondered if she could pass them out.  While I commended her for her desire to share with the class, I also pointed out how inappropriate I thought it was for her to continue interrupting my lesson and reminded her that it was actually a short lesson but I would have to get through it before she was allowed to pass out snacks.  

          I also continued to remind the class that perhaps one day we will meet with Danny's class to play a game and wouldn't that be awesome if our class was able to provide more correct answers than hers.  That seems to work better on the class as a whole than the snacks or the ribbons.  The passport has been working out well for us - though I have not used it with any of my "Abraham" lessons.

          Tina was trying hard to hang onto my every word.  I really appreciated that and told her mom so when she greeted me after I had given the lesson in Relief Society.

          Yesterday was definitely not my best day.  It felt as though I was agitated about every little thing.  First off there was the topic discussion for my class:

これが会計を理解する方法です。 私は間違ったキャリアを間違いなく選んだ。 私の夫は私が仕事を取れると思っています - Я просто не понимаю. Все это так чуждо мне. В любом случае, перевод может быть неточным. У меня есть последователи из России, которые могут прочитать эту часть. Приношу свои извинения за любые нарушения вашего языка. Это не намеренно. Я просто пытаюсь продемонстрировать, насколько иностранный учет (особенно предмет акций и облигаций) мне кажется대해 이해하고 있을지 모르지만 나는 그렇지 않습니다. 일본어, 포르투갈어, 아랍어, 회계. . . 내 얼굴에 벙어리 표현을 참조하십시오

題ありません。ムーディーズ・インベスターズ・サービスとスタンダード・アンド・プアーズ・コーポレーションは、公的債務問題の格付けを提供している。قد يكون لديك فهم لكل من هذه الشخصيات ، لكني لا أفعل. اليابانية ، البرتغالية ، العربية ، المحاسبة. . . انظر التعبير الغبي على  私はバイナリコードを読むことができなければ問題になるでしょう - 私はできません01010010 01100101 01100001 01101100 01101100 01111001 00111111 00100000 00100000

This may not be an accurate translation.  Doesn't matter.  I can neither read nor understand what it says.  That is how I see accounting.  I just don't understand so many terms.  I am constantly looking up words in the dictionary or accounting glossary and then looking up more words to understand the dang definitions.  Awwhhhh!!!

          I received a  notice in the mail describing a problem I have already addressed several times.  Obviously it hasn't been resolved.  More hair pulling.  Can't communicate with a machine.  Doesn't understand me.  I don't know WHY it asks for my account number.  Whenever I finally get a human, I have to provide my account number again.

          First time the machine says it will allow me through, it claims there is a 15 second wait.  It was longer than 15 seconds before I was cut off.  I call again.  After going through all the rigmarole and hair-pulling for the second time, the machine says I have a minute wait and cuts me off again.  What the hey?  Come on!!!  I storm up an email - which I decide to send to my husband before sending it to customer support - for I know that I'm angry, and although I do wish to express my annoyance, I don't want to be so unkind that they don't want to return my call just to be hung up again.  He tries.  The wait is 7 minutes.

          Meanwhile, I need to call the mortgage company to let them know that we have been contacted by our insurance agency to let us know that mortgage and insurance haven't seemed to make a connection.  Oh, great.  Another problem that may get me fired up.

          "We're sorry.  We are experiencing high volume call.  You will be on hold for 20 minutes."  What????  At least the last company that usually doesn't hang up on me does usually give me the option of calling me back.  And they actually do.  I go to their website on their suggestion.  I fill out their form and write a message.  There is no send button!  I have filled out their form and cannot send it.  What kind of a scam is this.  Now I am livid!!!

          I knew I needed to calm down.  I knew that I wasn't in the correct frame of mind to post a blog.  I still have to figure out my discussion topic.  I still have to call the mortgage company.  It's a wonder I'm not bald. 

          Stay tuned for "St. Patrick's Grunge Pledges" and "By Divine Design - Relief Society"