Tax Time

Today I decided to get the paperwork in order to think about preparing our taxes. I usually do the taxes the first time on Turbo Tax and then hand them over to my husband to re-exam and edit before he submits them. We tried doing the tax thing together and I swore I would never do it again. Doing taxes with your spouse is as bad as trying to wall paper with them, you don't do it.

This year the taxes are mind boggling. In 2009 I ran my own business. You will read more about my business adventures later, but for now know that looking at all those bottom line numbers is like reading an obituary. It is long, sad, and there is nothing you can really do about it.

At least as I type my excel spreadsheet I have the undying support of my Siamese cat who is lying on my desk. I think he senses my disillusionment with small business as I continue to add numbers and columns to the "spent" side he reaches over and puts his paw over my hand. As if to say, "don't worry things can only get better" pat.

I've spent the better part of four hours getting this paperwork in order. I'm at a stopping point. The cat has left, things are organized and it is time to retreat to a glass of wine tonight.

To all of you working on taxes I raise my wine glass.

Don't Ask

Am I the only one who wishes sometimes for a sign that I can wear around my neck that says, "Don't Ask!"? Perhaps you can relate to being bombarded by solicitors in your daily routine.

Monday is typically errand day in our household. This weeks stops were Arco, Navy Federal Credit Union, Wal-Mart, and Von's. Nothing out of the ordinary just the normal stops. First up, Arco. Filling up the Honda doesn't take much time or effort. You can pay right at the pump, wash the windshield and I'm on my way. Not today. Today I was approached by a nice young man offering to show me a great product that would do all kinds of things for my car. He sprayed some on the hood and showed me how clean that spot was now. Great, a clean spot in the middle of my car and the rest is dirty. For only $30 I could have two of these great and fantastic cans of miracle clean....I said thanks but no thanks.

Next stop on the list was Wal-Mart. On my way entering the store I was asked, "are you a registered voter?" and "would you sign our petition to legalize marijuana?" Thanks but no thanks. Thirty minutes later on my way exiting the store I was asked, "are you a registered voter?" and "would you sign our petition to legalize same sex marriage?" Thanks but no thanks.

Third stop on the list was the credit union. This stop didn't have anyone asking anything, but I am going to count the man with his dog at the stoplight asking for donations.

Final stop was grocery shopping at Von's. Taking a cart from the parking lot and heading toward the entrance I was approached by a man in a suit. He was giving away his CD of music would I like one? He was only accepting donations if you felt lead to give. I used my thanks but no thanks excuse again.

I am all for grassroots marketing and making a living, but am I the only one who feels bombarded when I go to purchase things? How many times have you slowed your pace or tried to make sure other people are walking into a store when you do so you won't get "caught" by the solicitors? Come on now and be honest.

This brings me back to my original question. Do you ever wish for a sign to wear around your neck that says, "Don't Ask!"?