We’re at the end of a short week, and, as usual, I woke up this morning in a mad dash to get my son to school. Whether it’s after a long weekend or during a short week, we always seem to need just one more day to fully recuperate. Last weekend was nice—we attended our family’s annual Labor Day cookout. It’s always great to reconnect with family and catch up with old neighborhood friends.

This morning, despite the rush, the weather was beautiful—a hint of fall in the air. All I could think about was opening the patio doors and sipping a warm drink. I’m not a coffee drinker, but I love my tea. I have a bit of an obsession with coffee mugs—I collect them the way my son collects Amiibos and Rubik's Cubes. Choosing the right mug each morning feels like a ritual, a little tug-of-war to find the one that matches my mood for the day.

After dropping him off at school, I came home, made myself some hot water with lemon, and took a moment to enjoy the crisp breeze a precursor to fall, just before jumping on my weekly Teams call. I absolutely love fall, but of course, work calls.

Fall is the perfect transition from summer: cool mornings where you can wrap up in a light pashmina, followed by afternoons that still offer a touch of warmth from the sun. It’s eventually the best of both worlds, striking that perfect balance—not too hot, not too cold. Just like my hot water with lemon, it's all about finding that equilibrium.

As we prepare for the 4th quarter of the year, for accounting, it’s time to reflect on the first third of the year and everything that’s happened. Now, we enter that final stretch, the last marathon to wrap everything up. After the hustle and bustle of reviewing sales and revenue, expenses, profit or loss, we’ve reached a season where things start to gear up for yearend.
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Now is the time to focus on meeting the goals we set with last year’s budget, making those final adjustments as we push toward the finish line. Just as fall prepares us for winter, this season in accounting is about closing the books and setting the stage for what’s to come. It’s time to start planning next year’s budget, prepare for open enrollment for benefits, and get ready for W-2s and 1099s. From here on out, everything can get a bit tedious, but the seasonal change and cooler temperatures make it a little easier to find balance—both in life and in the books.

Today, I made the decision to clean out my storage unit alone. My son had been reluctant to join me on previous trips, understandably so—what I saw as cherished memories, he viewed as a tedious chore. And I get it. It's so easy to accumulate, yet harder to get rid of. Each time I’ve gone to purge and sort through the boxes, I’ve been filled with dread, mainly because of the task itself.  But today, something was different.

Without the pressure of time or anyone else’s impatience, I took my time and allowed myself to truly explore what was in those boxes. I stumbled upon baby cards people sent me when my son was born, notes from friends written during my pregnancy, and countless other treasures that took me back to significant moments in my life. It was an overwhelming experience, but in the best way possible.

My son is 12 now, and as I sifted through these memories, I understood why he didn’t share my enthusiasm. These things weren’t his memories—they were mine. And while dragging him along might have been an attempt to bond over these shared experiences, I realized that some journeys are better taken alone. Today, without any distractions, I was able to appreciate each memory, to smile, to laugh, and even to shed a tear or two.

This was my second attempt at purging, and while I managed to part with some things, I know there’s still more work to be done. Yet, this process isn’t just about getting rid of stuff. It’s about valuing what’s truly important—those memories that still hold meaning and those that have shaped who I am today.

As I uncovered a friend’s magazine she created in my living room years ago and another friend’s gift basket business that has since been sold, I was reminded of how far we’ve all come. Our lives have evolved in ways we never imagined, just as I never thought I’d become a mom.

Looking back on these memories, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. I hope that everyone gets a chance to reflect on their lives, to see how far they’ve come, and to appreciate the journey—past, present, and future.

I've been working in accounting forever, it seems. My love for math made it the perfect profession, an ideal job that I envisioned having indefinitely. Every time I create an Excel worksheet with tons of data and ideal pivot tables, it feels like acquiring a new pair of shoes or a purse—it's exhilarating. Another spreadsheet for the SharePoint is like another item for my closet.

However, lately, I've found myself in a state of reflection. It's not so much second-guessing as it is contemplating my growth. Perhaps this introspection stems from my experience of becoming a mother, which has added new dimensions to my life. Being a mom brings immense joy and a sense of adventure, but it also makes me reconsider my role as an accountant. The strict deadlines sometimes clash with the creative freedom I crave.

I thrive in creative environments. For me, creativity manifests in many ways, from organizing my room and arranging my books to curating my son's Amiibo collection. These small projects bring a sense of satisfaction and joy. My son's collection of roughly 40 Amiibos, previously collecting dust, became a vibrant display once I organized them. This not only transformed his room but also rekindled his interest in playing his Nintendo Switch.

I've often pondered my purpose and sought different perspectives from friends. My journey began with a passion for typography and calligraphy, viewing fonts as works of art. This love for design translated into creating invitations, and eventually greeting cards. I dreamed of selling unique, personalized greeting card sets because I believe each person deserves a message tailored to them.

Fast forward to today, and my creative pursuits have evolved. I no longer make greeting cards and the family newsletters are replaced by our family Facebook page. Now, I channel my creativity into not only supporting my son's science projects, but his YouTube aspirations, designing logos, and creating custom t-shirts for him. Although he's outgrown many of these shirts, they remain cherished memories of our creative journey together.

As I reflect on my path, from a teenage girl who knew exactly what she wanted to do, to now, where adventures with my son are my greatest joy, I find myself wondering about my future. What do I want to be as I grow older? And how do I translate it into providing for us financially? I envy those who have a clear sense of purpose; how do I embrace and have patience for my journey of discovery?

In the end, it's this blend of numbers and creativity that defines me. Whether through accounting, organizing, or designing, I find joy in the balance of structure and imagination. However, I have to be careful, I can also be overwhelmed by the quantity of it. As I continue to evolve, I look forward to embracing new adventures and discovering more about myself along the way.

It’s 2 a.m., and I find myself binging on "Home Town". Every time I watch "Home Town", I think, "This is the best episode yet, my favorite." But then they come up with another one, never disappointing, always surpassing my expectations. They’re like the writers of "Bridgerton" in a way, each episode leaving you breathless with anticipation for the next transformation. Everything about this show captivates me – from the stunning renovations to the heartwarming relationship between the couple, and even Erin's impeccable, waredrobe style. There’s something incredibly inspiring about their creativity, how they piece together puzzles to create beautiful homes. It’s like watching art come to life with every episode.

I’ve always had a deep appreciation for creativity. I love piecing together puzzles (as well as words), assembling furniture, and even bed linen, imagining how spaces can transform through thoughtful design. The renovation of a home, the blending of modern and traditional elements, and the seamless flow from one room to another using earth tones and knickknacks all evoke memories of the South. My grandparents spent their lives surrounded by nature – both grandmothers with their hydrangeas, weeping willow tree, and elephant ears and my grandfather, a plumber and contractor, always working with his hands. Although I wasn’t interested in their love for nature and trades back then, I now realize that I’ve inherited their creative spirit. My grandfather, a man of few words and long humming hums, passed down his need to "create" to me.

I adore a beautiful calfskin leather bag (I'm pretty sure I've shared that before), and right now, my favorite color is camel. I have a penchant for bohemian styles, blouses and dresses, and while I’m currently into sneakers, wedges are my go-to for dressing up the bohemian look. I find myself constantly inspired by the decorations and renovations around me, from a stylish desk setup to my Surface's screensaver. But here's the twist – I’m an accountant.

You might wonder, is there room for creativity in accounting? The notion of creativity in this field often carries a negative connotation, hinting at something potentially illegal. However, there’s an artistic side to what I do. I encounter clients who are often unaware of their spending until the end of the month when the financials are finalized. They sometimes wish for a "creative" solution to their financial woes, but my creativity lies elsewhere – in the meticulous organization and reconciliation of their financials.

I’m passionate about beautiful color combinations, like pairing orange with gray or blue with brown, and I ponder how I can merge my love for design with my accounting career. It feels like a monumental shift, but perhaps it’s not as far-fetched as it seems. The satisfaction I derive from untangling financial disarray and presenting a clear, organized picture to a business owner is akin to creating a beautiful landscape from chaos.

So, can an accountant find a job in creativity? I believe so. Just as I relish seeing a completed renovation, I take pride in delivering financial clarity. Both require a keen eye for detail, an appreciation for aesthetics, and a passion for bringing order to chaos. While I may not be designing homes, I’m creating financial masterpieces, helping business owners see the true picture of their revenue, costs, and profitability.

In this late-night reflection, I realize that creativity is not limited to traditional artistic fields. It’s about finding beauty and satisfaction in what you do, whether it’s renovating homes or balancing books. As I continue to explore this intersection of creativity and accounting, I look forward to discovering new ways to blend my passions and bring them to life in my work.