I was born in a barn. Well, that's actually not true. But my dad used to ask me if I was all the time. I was born in Edmonton, Alberta to a cop and a teacher. I was a happy kid and spent my time doing crafts, earning Brownie badges, and learning tap, jazz, and ballet. At age 11, I got my first job delivering the city's first morning paper The Edmonton Sun. Remember when the paperboy used to collect? Ah, the joy of collecting cash in exchange for those tiny tear-off stubs. My favorite part of the job!
My parents called it splitsville around that same time. So I became pretty independent. At 15, I tried out and became a CFL cheerleader for the Edmonton Eskimos for the next three years. After that, I joined a professional dance company. After graduating high school, I couldn't think of anything better to do, so I enrolled in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. I attended for three years but have pretty much nothing to show for it! I decided I wanted to find fame and fortune in Los Angeles, so I packed up my Ford Fiero and headed for the Coast. I was in dance class every day and had some fun, but after about a year, I realized I didn't have what it took to be a professional dancer and came back home and ended up in a two-year Radio and TV Arts program. The last semester required an internship, so back to California I went, having landed a sweet position at Propaganda Films. This time I stayed.
A few years later, I fell in love with a charismatic Brazilian, and we eventually had a son. After a while, we called it splitsville, and suddenly juggling the crazy hours of media didn't work so well. It just so happened I had been both producing and doing the books for a dance company in L.A. It's how I met Quicken and then QuickBooks. I loved doing books! It was a nice balance to the creative demands of production. And it worked very nicely with being a single mom. I grew my client base quickly and worked with some really incredible people.
When my son Gabriel was in fifth grade, I decided I wanted to be back in Canada. This time I packed up a house, the kid, and the cat and headed back to Alberta. St. Albert is where I live now, embracing life as an empty-nester. My little Pisces moved out a few months ago and is starting his own life adventures!
On Sundays, you'll find me at church and yoga. I also love Zumba, kickboxing class, and book club. Music (especially house) and dance always put me in a good mood. In the summer I sometimes drive a Vespa. I have a nostalgic spot in my heart for Super8 film (thanks, Dad!) and own a beautiful restored Beaulieu camera. If I could ever find the time, I'd like to shoot more families and weddings. P.S. if you're getting married, Super8 footage is a must!
My biggest passion of all is QuickBooks. I'm now doing less bookkeeping and more consulting and teaching. I'm certified in both the U.S. and Canada in desktop and online versions. Becoming advanced certified is a professional goal for 2015. I've happily become more involved with Intuit, speaking at events and consulting on different projects. I'm a member of the Intuit Trainer/Writer Network and sat on the original Accountant Council here in Canada. This month I start a teaching position at NAIT, a local polytechnic. Intuit has given me the opportunity to create an absolutely amazing career. They've allowed me into their 'inner circle' and I consider myself one unbelievably blessed ProAdvisor!
One last note... I'm considering living in Montreal part of the year. Ask me why if you see me. It's a great story. And the only reason I can consider it is because our profession has moved to the cloud. Life is good! And full of opportunity!
Marnie
Editors Note: Thanks Marnie for finally sharing....I have harped on you so much about getting this little Bio in, and it totally perfect. As for the rest of you Top 10, and Top 100 recipients we would love to have your story too.
Murph