Well here I am again and we are now past the half way point in one of the best times of my life.  I want the time to slow down slightly as yes I enjoy being busy but no so busy I miss a moment and saying the halfway point out loud is quite sad.  Of course I miss my boyfriend, friends and family but I’m also having such an amazing time and learning so much it’s disappearing far too quickly for my liking.  Before I know it I’ll be back in my wee grey, cold city of Aberdeen heading to lectures and getting through 4^th year at uni.  My sponge capacity is now in overdrive I can honestly say that the last four weeks has been more of an education about myself, my life and my work than all of my time at college, uni and out in the working world so far. (And there was also the realisation at Harry Potter Land that when I eventually buy a big enough house, which may be for some years yet mind you, that I will style it in Hogwarts fashion)  

The working culture of the company and the American culture are so different to any I have experienced before and I am still undecided as to whether I just like it or actually love it and I’m swinging towards love.  To assume American culture as a whole is the same as this little city in this big state in this even bigger country is maybe not exactly correct but if I found the friendliness, the warmth and the willingness to teach everywhere in America I could probably stay here forever!  However there is a constant pull back to chilly Scotland if anything to get a break from the heat until I start moaning about how bleeding cold it is at home again.    Having worked full time for several years before going back to education I am no stranger to long days and weeks of hard work but soaking in all the information I get here can be quite draining.  Much more so than studying while working part time even.  On top of this trying to cram all the sights and sounds of Florida in at the weekends is a full time occupation in itself but I am living up to the challenge and loving every minute! 

Last week was slightly slower than previous weeks due to computer system upgrades which meant long periods where the whole team was kicked out of the system and I kept myself busy looking at the various manuals etc. outlining all the rules and legislation that the internal audit team must follow in order to be worthwhile to the company.  The internal audit team is in place to add value and improve the company’s procedures and controls and I am glad to be a part of this even if it is a minute part of a large machine.  I continued working away on setting up the European audits on the system and I have completed the foreign exchange contract and revenue review audit projects I was working on the previous weeks.  This last week has been back to normal (busy, busy, busy) and I have been helping out on one of the Mexican plants audit confirming account reconciliations before the senior associate travels there next week and gets the visual confirmation of these accounts.  This is great experience for me as it shows me how the accounts are set up and the detail included in these accounts.  As an accounting student getting my hands on this has been perfect experience for me.  I was told this week they had intended to let me travel to the plants as well but due to current political issues it is not entirely safe to be around the Mexican border therefore although I would have loved the opportunity to go the plant I’m quite glad they have decided against it.  I would like to go home in one piece at the end of this so for now I will continue with the background work.

Also this week I received the results of my Predictive Index assessment which was so accurate it was a bit scary.  I had a great laugh telling my partner on the phone that I am considered a high A as this is dominance and always wanting to win!  This was not the only personality trait but was the strongest and the most comedy I thought and wont bore you with the rest.  They give you an outline of your behaviours and a bit of narrative and i was amazed at how accurately this described me!  

The weekend before last was the best yet as me; Louise and Tanya jumped in the car and headed over to Islands of Adventure Which is part of Universal Studios in Orlando.  I could not contain my excitement at the prospect of the new attraction The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!!!  After a short time queuing to get into the attraction we spent about 6 hours out of the 9 hour day pottering (excuse the pun) about this part of the park trying out all the rides, having lunch in The Three Broomsticks and spending lots of money on pressies and souvenirs for back home.  The best ride was the one inside the castle which was a simulation of being on a broomstick.  I have always been sceptical of these rides as to whether you really feel like you are flying but I really did!!  The night before this we had been treated to the Tampa Bay Rays vs The NY Yankees and the Rays won making the atmosphere really good.  Do not think by how little I have written on this that I did not enjoy it as it was very good but it was slightly overshadowed by Harry the next day!  This weekend just past after a quiet Saturday we went back over to Orlando for the other park in Universal Studios which was also great fun but me being chicken with heights backed out of the big rollercoaster that the others have been talking about but I did everything else and had a great time.

Well that’s enough from me for now.  Will be back next week with more Florida adventures and of course some work!!

Luv Kirsty x x x