SATURDAY...SCHMATURDAY....NO DAY OFF HERE...

Well, since I went to Columbus yesterday - I actually accomplished nothing in the "tax return" part of my of my life. I asked thedaughter to do a couple of deeds around the house - NOT done. So this morning, I have taken the living room curtains down and they are in the wash - I have folded thedaughters laundry left in the dryer and transferred her "other" load to the dryer. My electric meter is spinning at break neck speed right now.

Cleaning the windows is next - they are relatively easy as they do tip in, making the outside part easily accessible.

I'm only on my first pot of coffee, hair is somewhat in presentable shape - no make-up - and still in my jammies. Sounds like a great start to me.

I am presently HERE and not folding or schlepping something from one room to another, and enjoying my DD coffee. I look at these vintage pictures of the June Cleaver style of life and I say WTF??? As in...I know I have an iron, wonder where I put the damn thing! Oh well, no iron - no problem...shake out and hang the curtains. Honestly, they wash up well and need no ironing - I was making a funny there.

I will get to the clients returns, maybe in an hour or so, but I may be side tracked, as there are 32 returns waiting to be picked up. It never fails, when one comes to the door - 3 or 4 are right behind. At times, this is Grand Central Station. Works for me.

I have trolled through my fellow bloggers this morning, so that is out of the way. Note to self...check Google Reader - probably full.

Did I mention I got the dog sheared? Such a lovely feeling not having her hair fly around continuously. She actually prances around after her "grooming", like she is a poodle. The weight being off her back, so to speak, is most definitely a great feeling for her.

Oh well, everyone have a great weekend. Mine will be as humorous as I always make it! I may be back....later.............

THIS MORNING STARTED OFF....DREADFUL !!

This morning just started out LOVELY. Of course I get many phone calls from clients, wanting to make an appointment, drop off information or maybe just a goofy question. When I looked at the caller-id, this is a person I have known for many years and been a client off and on during that time also. She was married to my husbands best friend for maybe 6 or 7 years, but know this...I understand well, why that marriage never lasted.

This woman is now 62 years old, legally blind and her entire life has been her children and grandchildren - one granddaughter she had legal custody of, due to drug addictions/convictions of the parents. Her other mainstay...CHURCH!! She is one of those easily roped in to the spouting of the "way out there" type of ministries. Being one who was always short on money - she gave to these ministries before paying for groceries, taxes or basically any necessities of existence.

Anyway, after the preliminary questions of whether she should file taxes was answered, she wanted to get onto the political situation of our country. She insists we are heading for Armageddon - the BIBLE says it - it is in black and white.

She prefaced all this, by stating that "how can we make it when our President associated with all those terrorists and other radicals." I then filled her in on facts, rather than the BS she has been listening to (trust me - facts mean nothing to her), "but if you read your BIBLE - you will know that Obama is the anti-Christ," she adds emphatically. Here I go - my blood pressure rises and I am trying to figure out how to get off the phone ASAP.

I want to tell her to quit her carping about being broke - that if she paid her bills and tried to exist like most of us - rather than pissing her money away on these fly-by-night religions, she might view things differently - but her mind is a proverbial "brick wall." She knows that I do not believe in the bible - anyone can write a book - and I have also told her before that no one takes care of you, but yourself. Since it is still early in the morning, I prefer not to start the day off by "pissing" someone off - but I am very close at this point.

After more blathering about the religious stuff - I told her a client was at the door to pick up a return. I could tell she never had a clue I was brushing her off - which is good for me.

Everyone is entitled to their beliefs, but this woman would spend hours droning on and on, over the importance of THAT book in our lives - which I was and am not ready to listen to. Great start to my morning huh???

Which brings me to this...Bill Maher's "Religulous", the documentary which was released recently. It was a very different look into all religions and the contradictions between religions. He examines those that claim to be the "true" religions and controversies that exist on women's acceptance into the upper echelons of these religions (or non-acceptance), and quite a few other aspects.

No matter what one may think of Bill Maher (I for one love him), the movie is interesting - I recommend it highly.

I really have to get to work now - have a great day all, and I'll be back....Later....

My COFFEE time...what a dilemma.....

I love my coffee - and of course I have been told to only drink decaffeinated but - that is not happening. The taste is so drastically different, and I have tried many times, I cannot even fathom making the switch.

My coffee of choice is Dunkin Donuts brand. Mmmm... delicious. the Hazelnut and original blend would be my ultimate favorites of the moment. The downside to my coffee craving is the fukking price. The Dunkin Donut brand has been available at the local Kroger and Walmart for a little over a year now, and a 12 oz. package is $8.99. This will yield me approximately 40 cups of coffee. (Not in one day, by the way.)

In order to stretch the bucks, I alternate between the delicious DD brand and my second favorite, Maxwell House. This square, hard to store container, holds 2 lb 2.5 oz of grounds, and of course offers many more cups to my delight.

Since a 40 cup package will not last all that long, I start to get slightly depressed knowing I have reached the bottom of the bag. I guess this would imply that I desperately do need a life.

I have found a site online where the price is $7.99, but using common sense, I would imagine once a shipping fee is attached, this would not be a beneficial route to go.

{********************}

This morning started out rather well...I guess. One client called, and said he received more taxable information in the mail. Oh goody...another return to re-do.

I have made it a point to emphasize to my clients that the IRS extended the date to receive all info, but most are just anxious to file and get their money back, without thinking.

I told this client to give me the pertinent info over the phone, I would re-calculate and reprint the new return - then give him a call when to pick it all up. So, I decided I would tend to that this afternoon, and proceeded to jump in the shower, wash hair and all important body parts, before "starting" my day. Ah, the best laid plans of mice and men....as soon as I got out of the shower, looking a delightful mess, the client shows up at the door. Jeebus - give me a break. What part of "I will give you a call" did he miss???

So there...my day is off to a beautiful start and you now know of my love for DD coffee. What more could a person desire?

BTW, any readers here who live in Ohio - did you know that you can get a discount card for prescriptions by going here? It does not matter if you have other prescription coverage or not - I do know it helped me afford a costly drug after my recent hospital trip. The only information required is your name and an email address. Check it out, this is a state sponsored program. And it's FREE. My kinda deal.

Have to get back to some REAL work now. Have a great President's Day. Later.......

Crazy, busy, need time to breathe....or not!

Yes, it's tax season, my busiest time of the year. Don't get me wrong, I truly love the activity, since I have been doing this for over 30 years, I must. I have no secretary or receptionist, just thedaughter who helps me file, answer the phone (when she is awake), and call clients for pickups. Although technically tax season begins January 1st, I normally do not get busy till February 1st, as I prefer my clients to have ALL documentation before I prepare the return. This year has been a little out of the norm, as the IRS requirements of a January 31st deadline for taxpayers to receive documents has been changed to February 15th. It never fails that at least a couple of clients are in a rush to file - and WHAM - after preparation, they call because they have received additional information. Tsk. Tsk. Then they have the nerve to get upset because I charge a fee to redo a return.

I have a decent clientele of almost 500 - and that is probably because I am quick and efficient and I CHARGE NEXT TO NOTHING. When my former partner and I started our business in the 70's, we named our business such that it implies "low prices." Our philosophy was and remains to this day - that people pay so much in taxes, they should not have to pay an arm and a leg to get their money back. Thus the reason for a large client base.

My partner and I split up in 1996, and we each developed our individual business, with me keeping the original business name. At first, the split was a little strained, but after five years, we caved and let bygones be bygones. Now, we split the cost of our tax program, which eases my financial burden. Some have no idea what this business entails - I will try to be brief here in describing what I provide.

• a paper copy of prepared return
• a presentation folder w/ all pertinent info regarding my business (address-phone #'s)
• a cover sheet with detailed info on refund/payment and how to sign documents
• all necessary envelopes - addressed to proper agencies
• normally a 24-48 hour turn around period for preparation
• will schedule evening and weekend appointments at convenience of clients
• will pick up information at homes when requested - and deliver (usually the elderly)
• I keep a paper copy and backed up copy of all returns
• will help clients deal with any problems from tax agencies
• will assist with any audits that may be required (no audits since 1998)

I'm sure there are many other things I provide, but can't think of any at the moment. In all honesty, I kept most of our original clients - for reasons I will not relate here. I get referrals every year which is a good thing, as I usually have the occasional "death" of a client also.

Today was one of those crazy days...two clients show up within 10 minutes of each other...4 clients appeared to pick-up their returns at the same time...the phone rang constantly...had to meet a client downtown in between all this turmoil. And then the dog decided she had to puke - which entirely capped off a terrific morning. Psycho kitty will make an appearance soon I am sure.

I promise not to neglect any of my fellow bloggers, but right now, I have decided to step back for the remainder of this day and chill. Later this evening, after thegrandson has gone to bed, I will try to catch up on your postings. So, play nice everyone, and check with ya later...........