Done!!!

For those that didn't know, I finished my studying and wrote the UFE last week. The UFE, the exam that I had failed last year, is the final exam in the process in trying to become a chartered accountant. There are a total of 3 exams in the process and there are 3 days worth of exams for the UFE. It's a heavy load and it uses a lot of mental resources to succeed. Not only does it take a bunch of knowledge, it also puts a lot of stress on a person. It is more of a mental marathon than a sprint, so its exhausting and daunting, but its important to keep studying even if you think you are ahead or behind.

But, now I am done! Hopefully, I passed though. It's a terrible experience in terms of dealing with stress and anxiety, and I really do not want to go through the process again.

To the unformed, writing the UFE is similar to writing an essay in school. In many ways, you can prepare properly and think you've created a masterpiece only to find out that the teacher didn't like what you wrote and you end up with a miserable grade. The reason for this is because the exam is relative to your peers. The exam is bell curved, so that the "best" students are passed. CA students are usually recruited before they graduate, so students are often very smart individuals. Therefore, like pimpin', its not easy.

So, how did I do this year? I don't really know obviously, other than I know that I prepared better this year. I knew I didn't kill the exam, but I thought I had managed to cover as much material as I needed to without getting frustrated. I think that's a key component to the exam, so hopefully it translates into success. I just have 2 and a half months till I get my results. Cross your fingers for me.

Garbage done.

So, I moved into the house at Arlington, but there was enough work to do. There's a few things still lying around for garbage day next week, but most of the stuff involve large pieces of furniture, so I'm keeping the stuff until I get stuff to replace them.

The garbage didn't go on the first weekend. It was outside, but because the previous tenants had just tossed things outside, the garbagemen didn't pick anything up. I had to, unfortunately, pick up the existing garbage and clean-up some of the inside of the house. Since there was so much garbage outside it began to stink. On Sunday night, magots had even found its way all over the garbage outside. I was very happy to see the garbagemen take the garbage Monday morning. In fact, when they came, their eyes lit up and took my garbage away with a smile.

Next, I am cleaning the walls so that I can paint. I need to take out the nails, pins, and screws. Mud the walls, and sand them. Then, I will begin to paint. I pay in beer currency if anyone would like to get some experience in painting.

Almost a month

Well, I certainly did not expect to stop writing in this blog, but the reality is that I've been super-busy with things. First, I was playing nearly every night in ball back near the end of August. It was playoff time, so it meant that I was playing about 4 nights a week. The DNTW Eagles lost in the first round against the Stittsville 56ers. We had a good season, but unfortunately left on a sour note with a couple of blowouts.

Exit Realty fared slightly better. They made it past the Rogues in 2 games, but failed to give the Guzzlers any real competition in the 2nd round. Unfortunately, we lost our last game by the score of 1-0. A tough loss, but reflected our inability to get the bats going all year.

The biggest reason for my blog departure is the fact that I have moved to 75 Arlington. I have found a new roommate in Graham Conners, but we're still in the process of doing clean-ups after the tenants have left. It has been a very hectic few weeks trying to get things organized, cleaned, repaired, or bought. Things are coming along nicely and I will try to post before and after pictures of the house in future postings.

No more showings...

The house is essentially off the real estate market. I talked to Jeff today and I asked him to stop the showings on the house. Technically, the place is still listed until September 8th or so, but people will not be able to see the house anymore. Although I could be very disappointed, I am optimistic about the resale value of the place as I received a couple of generous offers without having done any improvements to the home.

I am going to move in for sure September 1st. I am on the hunt for the right roomates, but I am confident that that won't be a problem.

By taking the house off the market, I am essentially going to hold it for at least another year to allow for home improvements to be completed.

Runs for high, Runs against Lowe

Last night in the nightcap, Exit Realty was able to defeat Stan's Diner Draughts 4-0 after some outstanding pitching from ace Will Lowe. Lowe has been great this year despite the lack of wins in the BMFL. A statistical anamoly, Will has been able to dominate against some of the best hitters the BMFL has to offer. He is the Roy Halladay of the BMFL. He does not get the run support when needed most.

Last night appeared to be one of those nights for Will. He had pitched his way into the 6th inning with Exit only up by a score of 1-0. With 3 more runs in the bottom of the sixth, Exit was able to provide Will with the insurance he needed to get the win. Will's composure has been a lot better this year. Although Will is handicapped, he is a physical force that can dominate.

With 2 outs in the bottom of the sixth, Exit's rookie Scott Cassidy provided a very, very clutch single that was able to score 2 runners. Scott may still be trying to settle in at the plate, but he comes through when needed the most.

Exit Realty will be busy this week. They have multiple rain-outs that they must make up before the playoffs start. They are hoping that they will have a shot at second place with a string of wins.

The search continues...

I'm still looking for people to co-habitate with. I've posted my place on facebook and the Carleton housing website to help with the search. Although I've received some interest, people have not committed to renting the place. In fact, I've only shown the place to one person so far. That being said, I do have one renter, so I am batting 1.000 on that one.