Mari is a new weekly Club 75 Blogger as she documents her journey through the CPA Exam. She has been a member of Another71.com's Club 75 since March 2010.

I have never passed an exam on the first try. That statement became false this week! REG scores came out Thursday afternoon March 24th. Of course, being in Texas, that means I wouldn’t find out my score until the following Monday.

I heard a rumor that scores would be posted in Texas after midnight on Thursday night. So, I stayed up and waited.

Nothing.

At 2 am, the site said it would be back up at 4 am. So, I tried again at 4:30 am. Still, no score.

I spent the weekend working and unexpectedly, relaxing the rest of the time, so my mind was totally off the exam.

I woke up Monday morning, rushing as usual to get to work, and my friend Angie, sends me a text: “Scores up yet?” Totally forgot that they would be up! I log on from my iPhone… all I see is Credit awarded!

What?! I didn’t even care to see the score (which was a 78).

I have one more exam to go and then I'm done with this thing. It is surprising, to say the least, to even see a passing score after the tumultuous few months I’ve endured.

I'm in the middle of a divorce (drama!) and trying to balance work, studying, and being a single mom.

This journey hasn’t come without a price. It definitely has taken a toll on my family and friends. There are obviously big reasons why I’m currently getting divorced, and the CPA exam definitely did not help matters. It is also hard to listen to colleagues and clients who say, “You haven’t passed it yet?” without completely turning spastic by shoving a big ol’ CPA review book in their face and answering with a “You try it then!” Spastic is probably NOT the best way to respond to those kinds of questions, when really, everyone in my life has been extremely and unbelievably supportive.

That being said, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without another71.com. Only other CPA candidates can help motivate other CPA candidates and give advice on the best route to take to study for the CPA exam. My best friends for the last year have been two girls I have never met before in my life – and they motivate me more than anyone else can.

Speaking of motivation, I’m going to need plenty after this tax deadline. For the next few weeks until April 18th, my life will consist of taxes, spending time with my two boys, school functions, Elmo and art activities. I sit for FAR on May 31st for the second time. I’ll be single-mommying it/study lady for, hopefully, only the next 2 months. Is it possible I could pass and have the first summer of no studying in YEARS? I can only hope – and study!

~Mari