​You’re deep in the trenches of work, deadlines approaching, when a meeting notification pops up. Yes, you forgot! So what do you do? Stop what you're doing, drop the volume on your latest podcast binge, and roll right out of your desk cave to clean up for that dreaded video call.
 
In our chaotic world of in-office clusters, hybrid huddles, and the mysterious state of 100% remote work, it's a daily gamble of whether I am going on-camera or not? I’ve become a queen at the quick-change act, with a mirror on my desk like a required office tool, next a rotating selection of shirts and cardigans, all to ensure I'm camera-ready for Zoom or Teams.
 
But here's the twist ... every time I manage to get dressed in record time, looking sharp and feeling comfortable, it turns out to be a phone call. No camera involved. Of course. So, I'm left considering life's big questions: How many shirts does one need to cycle through to not repeat an outfit on a video call? Is there an app to track this?
 
Maintaining a video-call-appropriate wardrobe feels like organizing a sock drawer during an earthquake. My wardrobe only consists of fleece wear. Let’s face it, nothing has really changed. I remain dedicated to not wearing the same thing twice—unless it’s an audio-only call, in which case, you'll find me rocking my favorite kimono or robe with my hair still in pinned curls.
 
Stay fly (or don't, I'll never know on a phone call) and familiar with your calendar.

Nicknames: those unique spices sprinkled by friends, family, and colleagues throughout our lives, adding flavor and character to our personal stories. From the moment we enter the world, we're branded with labels that stick better than a Post-It on a refrigerator door. And just like that, before you can spell "identity," you're lovingly dubbed "boo-boo" by proud parents.
 
Growing up, I was affectionately known as 'Lady' by my parents, while my brother was their 'Man'. No royal lineage here, just parents who embraced regal titles for their kids. One of my dad's oldest friend recounts being amused about the love my dad had of "his lady". He said he thought “dane, this man really LOVES his wife.”  Imagine the friend's surprise when he discovered that this "lady" was, in fact, his buddy's toddler daughter – me! I loved that story!

On the maternal side of my family, I’m called 'Pumpkin'—or "Punkin" in Southern drawl. Being the first grandchild, I suppose I was as round and plump as a pumpkin. On my paternal side, among the weeping willows and hydrangeas, I'm known as Roni and Runt.
 
The phenomenon of nicknames isn't confined to just family gatherings or neighborhood playgrounds. It follows us into our college affiliations and professional lives. Step into any workplace, and you'll find yourself in a parallel universe brimming with a fresh set of nicknames.
 
As a child, I was Veronica to my classmates, VP to my young adult friends, and in various workplaces, it's been a game of name roulette—Valerie, Vanessa, Victoria, but never Veronica!
 
Then there's my son, whom I affectionately call 'Boo-Boo'. As a toddler, he warmed my heart by calling me Mommy, until he declared that turning ten meant he'd start calling me 'Mom'. Yes, kids grow up fast, and with each growth spurt, their nicknames for you must mature as well!
  
This nickname conundrum extends into every crevice of organizational life. Ever noticed how each company has its own glossary of terms and acronyms? What's "telecommuting" in one office is simply "remote" in another. And the terms "sick leave" versus "medical leave," "lease" versus "rent," or "profit" versus "earnings" vary by the water cooler.
 
Despite being Veronica, Valerie, or Vanessa, I remain ‘V’. Just like those interchangeable job titles: Customer Service” versus “Client Service” or “admin” versus “executive assistant”, “billing analyst” versus “AR specialist” the essence of who we are doesn’t waver, even if our daily tasks fluctuate like stock market prices.
 
So, what’s the deeper story with nicknames? They’re like personalized badges of identity, given for traits, mistakes, or fond memories. They signify affection, humor, and sometimes just fill a space on a nameplate. The origins of nicknames might remain a mystery, but their impact is undeniable. They stick like glue and say more about our relationships than one conversation could ever reveal.
 
So wear your nicknames with pride—they’re not just names, but badges of honor, tokens of affection, and occasionally, perfect material for your next workplace anecdote.

As an accountant and bookkeeper, I’ve tread through the financial statements of various industries, wearing many different "shoes" along the way. Much like my transition from high-heel wedges to flip-flops, and eventually to sneakers, my approach to different clients has evolved significantly over time.

In my early days, fresh out of college, my confidence was as high as my 3-4 inch wedges. I was ready to conquer the world, one balance sheet at a time. Equipped with a universal checklist, I believed I could apply the same accounting principles to any business, big or small. However, just as wearing wedges daily proved to be a lesson in practicality, so did applying a one-size-fits-all approach to clients.

Then came the flip-flop phase. Ah, the freedom! This was not just a fashion choice but a state of mind, inspired by the laid-back beach effect and the desire for sand between my toes. In accounting terms, this was when I began to realize that not all businesses fit into the same mold. The checklist I used for a manufacturing company was vastly different from what was needed for a tech startup. Flexibility became my new mantra, understanding that while the basics of accounting remain constant, their application can vary as much as summer footwear.

Motherhood brought about the biggest change in both my wardrobe and my professional life. Sneakers became my go-to for their comfort and versatility, much like the customized approach I now take with each client. Gone are the days of high heels and one-size-fits-all checklists. Today, I have a different "pair of sneakers" for each client, recognizing that the work-from-home uniform of leggings and the unique needs of each business require a tailored approach.

Just as you wouldn't wear flip-flops to run a marathon or wedges to a beach party, you can't apply the same accounting practices to every business. Each client, like each pair of shoes, has its own set of needs, challenges, and goals. Understanding this has not only made me a better accountant but also saved me from many metaphorical blisters along the way.

So, to my fellow accountants, remember: what fit then, may not fit now. Keep your "shoe" closet diverse and be ready to walk a mile in different soles. After all, the right fit is everything – in shoes and in client relationships. And who knows? Maybe along the way, you’ll find that perfect pair that feels just right.

Calling all fashionistas and cubicle heroes! Grab your Starbucks (I've got mine!), and let's spill the tea (or coffee).

My shopping addiction is as deep as the ocean, with a special place in my heart (and closet) for shoes, purses, and, of course, Starbucks. My Pinterest is a treasure trove of desires, with "I Got Sole" dedicated to the shoes that I swear whisper my name and arches in my sleep, and "Bag Lady" for purses I crave, inspired by the great Erykah Badu, though, let's be real, the only thing hurting my back is the price tag on some of these designer labels.

Once upon a time, an oversized Cole Hahn bag (my proud and joy), doubled as a baby bag in a desperate attempt to blend motherhood with fashion. Spoiler alert: it ended up as a canvas for every possible stain known to humankind. Masterpiece!

​Through the years, my taste buds refined, and I fell hard for the smooth, soft calfskin leather of Ralph Lauren, the signature of Coach, and the sleek designs of Tory Burch. But, as my son got older and his activities grew, or my need to keep him more busy, my fetish for more leather bags were benched for a Lululemon crossbody that's not only budget-friendly but also surprisingly stylish and practical. Who knew?

On the career front, I've clocked in over three decades of counting, exceling, and reconciling. But now, I'm at a crossroads, feeling the itch for change just like the transition from leather bags to that trusty nylon.

The question looms: How do I switch from being a master of accounts to something else? Is there a career equivalent of switching from leather to nylon that doesn't involve losing the essence of what I love? Should I consult a career coach or let the stars align through a Myers-Briggs assessment?

Just as I've realized the joy in a less expensive, more practical bag that still brings me happiness, I'm on a quest to find the career path that suits my current life phase. Perhaps, the skills in reconciling accounts can help me reconcile my future aspirations with reality. After all, if I can manage to keep a Starbucks cup from spilling in a purse filled to the brim, surely I can navigate the condensed waters of a career change.

In the end, whether it's the transition from leather purses to a functional crossbody or from an accountant to my next big adventure, the journey is all about finding what truly brings joy and fulfillment without the unnecessary weight (literally and metaphorically).

So, here's to finding that perfect "next bag" in both our closets and careers. May our transitions be as smooth as Ralph Lauren's calfskin leather and our decisions as bold as a double pump of vanilla in our morning Starbucks!

Stay stylish, as well as ambitious, and remember, sometimes the best finds are in the most unexpected places, whether that's in the clearance section or a completely different career path. Cheers to our next adventure!