I sit here writing, trying to ignore the obvious, but knowing the post is ridiculous without mentioning that March claims a corner of all our hearts. We all try to get through the days of March, working hard not to remember it's sadness. I found a book that my friend Tana gave me on the first anniversary of Karen's passing and realized that I am going to put it out. It is a "Happy Karen" book, complete with a laughing photo on the cover and intended to record only happy memories. I will stop and write one as the spirit moves and read the ones that others have left. What a thoughtful gift it was.
THE TAX MAN COMMETH!
Having neglected to file my tax returns on time, during this bad period of my life, I find myself adding tax returns to my list of reasons to hate this time of year. At first, it didn't seem like much, since I have always been pretty good at numbers, then I woke up. I always wondered why tax services were packed with people paying others to do this simple stuff. LOLOL....ROFLMAO!
Now I get it! If you are filing a simple return, anyone can do it. If you are itemizing your deductions, you either buy the current tax software or get ready to read and read and read.....then calculate and read some more! I bought a book on taxes and then returned to the bookstore and bought another one. The best line of all was "Congress passes tax laws that are so difficult to understand that the IRS employees cannot explain them or interpret them." True story!
I have learned to dial 1-800-829-1040 in my sleep. That is the Tax Line Question phone number where employees recite a list of questions for you to answer, then tell you they are either NOT SURE or MAYBE you could claim the deduction. I am not lying! My favorite answer to a question regarding a business expense recently was "only if you can get a letter from your employer stating they will FIRE you if you do not have a cell phone." Ok....I am sure most employers will be willing to write that letter.
I have been accused in the past of having Attention Deficit Disorder.....my family Doc says "If they had discovered it in the 1950's, I am sure you would have been the poster child." Funny.....until you try to converse with the IRS, calculate and read in the Chin Family Nuthouse!
Yesterday I reached for migraine meds as I heard a knock on the door. Frankie, Josie, Rocky, Wendy and Lucy began to bark like the pack of wild dogs they are, the puppies begin to squeal and yip as one of Andy's pack arrives. The dogs chase the offender down the stairs and I settle back into my numbers as the phone begins to ring. I can ignore it. Now, my cell phone rings so I know it is probably Catie. By the time I find the phone, it has gone to voice mail. The home phone rings again........Sheesh! It is Joe wanting to know what is for dinner. I have a few sarcastic answers.
Today I got up at 5am, convinced that if I start early I may be able to avoid some of the confusion of the afternoon. It was a good thing since Catie informed me that she has a half day of school and needs to be picked up at noon....."Oh, I forgot to tell you I am bringing a friend with me." Of course she is.
Does anyone have some Adderol or perhaps a padded room?
