been a while.....

Yes, I am still around, and this post is to prove it. :-)

Nothing overly exciting been going on since my last post 3 weeks ago. Morgan and Cassie spent a week down in Florida at my mom's house. They had a great time, and really enjoyed themselves. They visited Universal Studios, and got a chance to see the Space Shuttle launch by just standing in my mother's driveway. Morgan has pictures up on her blog and Facebook pages.

Otherwise, Morgan and Cassie have been just doing "their thing", while I have been working, and that is much appreciated by me, when my mind is in "tax season" mode. This tax season has been a "bear", and I will really need to crank it up these last 3 1/2 weeks, with many nights going to 11pm or later. I have been conscious about not working past 9pm any night, so I will not burn myself out, but I did not anticipate so many new clients this year, so I am still a bit behind in my "to do" pile. It looks like I will go over the 300 count in terms of personal tax returns, which will be about a 15% increase. I feel truly blessed to be doing so well, and this "bump" will help me plan my workdays better next tax season. I caused this myself in February, where I probably should have worked a few more late nights. Oh well, it will all get done in time, and I am better prepared for the future years.

I do stop each Saturday at 3pm to get ready for Saturday evening church services, and then do not work on Sundays. I answer my e-mails, but I do not work on a tax return after 3pm on Saturday until I start again on Monday morning.

Did take some time out to celebrate my 43rd birthday this weekend. Had a nice dinner out on Friday evening, and went to see the Hurricanes play the Capitals on Saturday night. The Canes' are playing real well right now, and they came away with a 4-1 win.

Last week, we got the phone call from Wake Christian Academy that Cassie has a spot in their sixth grade class. We had been thinking, discussing, and praying about the situation for a while now. While our first choice was for Cassie to return to WCA, we had come to peace (somewhat ;-) ) with her going back to public school, if the WCA door was shut on us. Now we just need to finish the interview process, to finish off her application and acceptance. Cassie is excited to go back to WCA, although a little bummed about leaving her current school. This is mostly because she really likes the year-round schedule, and to tell you the truth, Morgan & I really like that schedule also. Easier for her to be off 3 or 4 weeks at a time, at different times of the year, instead of 10 weeks during summer.

That is pretty much what has been going on, so I'm done for now. Only have a little more time before I am back at the desk tomorrow morning. Hope all is going well with all of you, and I look forward to doing more writing next month after the 15th has passed by.

Until the next time.....

just busy.....

So, the weather people are saying we might get some snow in the area. I am hoping the track moves west a little so we only get a trace or so. Any real amount with the temperatures that are supposed to be here until Wednesday will mean the area will "shut down" for a couple of days. Cassie already has one make-up day, and they really don't need many more.

Yes, it has been a while since I have posted anything. All going well, just the normal "tax season busy". I am trying to get the personal things I need to do done during the week, and keep some "family time", so posting here does end up falling through the cracks. I lost some of that "family time" when I was too tired to stay up and watch Lost with Morgan, and was not happy about it, but that will unfortunately more these last 6 or so weeks.

I plan to spend some extra time in the office this week and then again next week while Morgan and Cassie are in Florida. It is the start of the month, meaning I have my normal business client work to handle, so I really need to be on top of my time these next two weeks. Hopefully by the time they come back the pile of "to do" will be very minimal.

Only real news was Cassie needing an ultra scan on Friday. She had been feeling some discomfort in her chest/breast area. The doctors thought it was just growing pains, but with both grandmothers having battled breast cancer, the doctor wanted to rule everything out. The test showed normal hormonal activity causing her discomfort. Basically, "growing pains". Of course we are glad and relieved that was the case.

We ended up going back to Hope Community Church last night. To me, it has been the best of those we have visited. Cassie enjoys her Sunday School class, and Morgan and I both enjoy Pastor Lee. The message seems to hit home more with us in practical ways, like we felt at CRB. I think we will keep attending here, and maybe if someone else gives us a recommendation, we could still visit others.

There are more birds and some squirrels hanging around the backyard. Have not seen any rabbits, opossum or raccoons in the backyard, but I am sure they are around. No deer either, but I have seen as many as eight of them together in the morning when I am walking in the back part of the subdivision. Already have two feeders, but I might need to pick up one more larger feeder to put in the yard.

Morgan is doing well, and starting to get more comfortable doing the broadcast from here. She likes being around her partners, so her adjustment is a little more difficult and takes more time. I know her body is feeling better by sleeping "normal" hours.

Morgan's work blog now is able to show when it is updated, like most other blogs. The station did a nice web makeover, and part of the upgrades lets you follow her blog easier.

The Hurricanes lost a terrible game last night, 5-3 to the Atlanta Thrashers. They blew two, 2 goal leads, and held that lead with 11 minutes to go in the game, and then collapsed. These are points that are going to haunt them at season's end. Very frustrating as a fan to watch them blow these opportunities.

Lots going on in Washington, DC, and none of it good. I actually hope that as things get worse (and they will, even if some of this "works"), that the people of this country wake up and realize that we can not spend our way out of this situation, and the debt that we have as a country. First the stimulus package, and now the budget are bloated with some much garbage (and some Republicans are also guilty, so yes they should also go) that I hope people will look closely at what is going on, and be ready to make a real "change" come 2010. Highly doubtful, but I can dream. Ugh!

That's it for now. Enjoy your week.

Until the next time.....

lesson learned.....

Don't have time to be posting, but I am so angry that need to vent it out, so thank you in advance for your patience in reading this post.

I prepared a tax return on Monday afternoon for a client who has been with been quite a few years. Works for the local public school system with 2 college age children. Doesn't even crack $20K of income.

In looking over the closing statement from the house she sold in February 2008, I see she paid the closing costs for the buyer, which is unusual, especially since this market has not been too heavily effected as other parts of the country. In discussion, come to find out that she had a real bad real estate agent, and it cost her money.

During the conversation, it is mentioned that she even had to move from the house, and let the buyers stay there until they were ready to close. She says that at least she collected some rent. Rent? That was never told to me. She then bemoans the fact that the apartment she had to rent until she found a place was more money then what she was collecting.

So with all that in my mind, we discuss the rent and how she should have told me about it because it should have been reported on her 2007 return. She is not happy about that, and wishes she did not say anything. So I tell her let's just worry about 2008. She tells me she rented the house for two months, as the closing was February 29th.

I put down the gross rent, and don't worry about anything else. Normally you would deduct homeowner insurance (mortgage interest & r/e taxes were already on the return on another schedule), homeowner association dues, etc., but for the two months I tell her that we won't worry about it, and just leave as is, and ignore amending 2007.

Yes, this was not correct on my part. She should have picked up the income for 2007, and I should have amended the returns. If I did that, she would have been paying me a fee for amending the returns, and she would have owed taxes on the amended returns, and if the income was high enough, her $4000 refund, would have turned into her owing money (because of the Earned Income Credit). Even if lesser income, she was looking at about a $400 tax payment plus my fees.

After hearing her story, I thought this was a good idea.

Bad idea.

Seems the increase in her income for 2008 because of the rental income, has played with her FAFSA application, and does not make her eligible for as much financial aid. So now she is ranting about me rushing through her returns, giving her no guidance, and looking to screw over her numbers.

I explained to her that I would correct 2008 to reflect certain expenses and change the rental income figure, but in doing so, I feel obligated to also correct 2007, because I know of that unreported income. Can you say "not happy"?

So, I have a client that does not report income to me. When she does, and I tell her it is income (she says she did not know this would be income), she tells me she wishes she did not say anything. I skip the amended return, lose a fee, place the rental on as "gross only", don't charge extra fee for rental schedule, and also save the client about $400 tax dollars, which could go as high as $4000. And, she is not happy.

This has been my back and forth in emails for the past two days.

Lesson learned:
Do it by the book, even if it is for $1. Charge the client for everything. Stop worrying about the client and there "back story". Sometimes it takes me 23 tax seasons before I learn certain lessons.

Until the next time.....

and the nominees are.....

Work has me really backed up, so this will be short as I have been at this desk for almost 13 hours. So far 28 returns completed, 12 in the "pile of shame" (means they are missing information), another 12 have appointments set, and 27 are in the pile on my desk waiting to be worked on. And it is only February 11th. I can't remember ever having so many returns already in the office this early into tax season. This is a good thing, and I feel blessed that I am busy, but I also feel a bit overwhelmed because this is busier then normal.

Combine the large number this early with still wrapping up corporate work from 2008, and the January work that needs to be done for corporate clients (payroll and sales taxes), and I keep leaving here each night thinking nothing is getting done.

I will say that I am much calmer then I have been in prior years, and that is a good thing. I normally would be in "sweat mode" and not sleeping at night thinking of that large pile, but I know it will all get done.

OK, enough about me. On to my lovely wife. Once again, she and her morning show partners have been nominated for a ACM Award (scroll down to find Morgan). This is the 4th consecutive year that they have been nominated (ACM or CMA), and the 8th time in her career that Morgan has been nominated (CMAs and ACMs). I am extremely proud of her.

If you can, please visit Chris' page. He writes about some tests his baby daughter will be going through on Thursday (2/12). Thoughts and prayers to him and his family from all of us would be appreciated.

The Hurricanes have been playing better, but can't separate from the rest of the group fighting for those last playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. A nice 4 or 5 game winning streak would be the medicine to take some pressure off the guys.

And then there is the Stimulus Bill. You know I finally came around (thanks, Chris) and didn't want the Bailout. We see now how well that worked out. Doom and gloom if we didn't do it (guess these last 4 months have been roses and honey). Well, I hate this garbage even more. God save us, because these clowns in Washington are doing their best to ruin us.

OK, done. Off to the DVR to watch Lost with my ACM Nominated wife (But she can't get too close because she is fighting a cold. Don't want germs. :-0 ).

Until the next time.....

unkind cuts.....

A few things to post about, but this is going to be short and crisp as I am battling a slight head cold that has made me fuzzy (or fuzzier then usual).

The economy / job loss situation has finally hit close to home as my buddy, Casey, was let go from his job. He has been pretty upfront about it, and wrote about it yesterday. Just Sunday he and his family were at our house for some eats and football. We knew it could happen on Monday, but we had a good time and did not discuss it. Hopefully, it was a distraction for him / them.

His company, Caterpillar, has really been hit hard by the slowdown. Also, they like many others with these massive layoffs, are not letting go people, as much as they are just slashing divisions or departments. Have a hard time believing that all the employees not let go were better at their jobs then Casey was at his.

And it is not only companies with problems adding to this mess. Starbucks is laying off 6700 people because profits are down 39%. They did not lose money. They made money, but not as much as prior years, so they are laying off people to help their bottom line. Remember that next time you get that double latte.

Tax season has officially started for me, and let me know that in a 48 hour period. When I left my desk on Saturday afternoon, I was "empty". By Monday evening, I had 17 returns on my desk. Good problem to have, but it was a little surprising.

The start of February is such a mess for because there is normal monthly work, income tax clients, and then those business clients who just could not get me everything in January to complete the prior year. Those are the clients that put the "monkey wrench" in things, as I need to get their backlogged work done, so they are caught up, and we can get their 2009 work up to date.

Otherwise, things are going well. Supposed to hit the high 60s around here this weekend (after snow showers last night, and a low of 18 degrees tonight). Hopefully, I will be able to get a short ride on the motorcycle. I also hope this head cold will be gone by then. Don't want to sneeze in a closed helmet. :-)

And with that, I'm done.

Until the next time.....

you look like.....

Have nothing on my desk from clients that needs to be processed at this time. For late January that is a good thing, as this will certainly not be the case in two weeks as there will be about a dozen or two income tax folders piled on my desk.

Now, it probably would not be empty if all my business clients got me the information they owe me to finish processing their 2008 year end numbers. I have less then 10 that owe me information, and it is just a piece or two for most of them, but I would like to get those business returns "off my plate" before all the personal clients start filling my office.

Last Sunday morning, we visited another new church in our search for a church here in NC. We attended Triangle Community Church, which was not far from our old home, and where one of Cassie's friends has attended in the past.

When we get there, Morgan takes Cassie to Promiseland for the kids, and I am standing in the hallway. A woman passes me in the hall, takes a few steps and starts looking at me, while at the same time I start looking at her because I get that "I know you from....." thought in my head.

As she comes back towards me, we start asking each other, "are you "Sal / Laura?". Turns out, we were who we thought the other was, and how we know each other is because we used to do our exercising along the same roads.

When I ran along a long country road near the house, a woman on a bicycle used to always pass by. After about a year or so of this, she was coming beside me, and decided to slow down and we chatted for a while. This went on for a few years. She knew about Morgan and Cassie, while I knew about her husband and kids. All the while getting in these conversations for maybe a mile or so, on the one or two days a week we would see each other. So we became friendly, and it was nice for us to see a friendly face while on those roads.

She is also "part" of the reason I blew out my knee. One day in January 2006, we caught up to each other towards the end of my run. Well, as I turned to head down my block, we were still having a conversation. Because my head was turned as I was saying goodbye to her, I never saw what was in front of me and "caught" my leg, and damaged my knee. She felt bad about it, but it was probably going to happen sooner or later with these knees of mine.

Anyways, she is in charge of the children's' part of the church and Promiseland. She took care of Cassie, and helped Morgan and I feel very comfortable at the church. We are looking forward to more "catching up", and some more time at the church. It was a nice and friendly church, and felt comfortable to us.

Off to do a Podcast with the guys from GeezerGamers for Geezer Radio. Yes, we are truly geeks.

Until the next time.....

weekend playing.....

Worked to "play catch up" most of Saturday, but I did not worry about what got finished. When Morgan called me for dinner, I had all but one "project" that started on my desk completed, so I am in good shape for Monday morning.

Saturday night I got to play "Left 4 Dead" with the guys (including Casey), and had a blast. The game is basically a bad zombie movie (with cheesy dialog) made into a game. Good fun.

Morgan has really been enjoying her time with Facebook. She has really enjoyed "talking" with old friends from high school, and playing with the other features (including mocking her husband).

I have only scratched the surface with it, and just post "what I am doing" notes right now. Will get more into it after tax season.

Went to DMV on Friday afternoon to register the cars and motorcycle, only to find out that because of a mix-up between California and NC when we registered the cars in San Diego, NC wanted to charge us an extra $100 because we did not get our plates returned to them in time. DMV just needs a copy of the insurance certificate showing we had insurance in SD by a certain date in 2007, and we did, but it was just a waste of time.

On top of that, it seems California did not request a title change (to CA from NC) for my truck (still have a few payments left), but there is no positive way to tell that except for getting a title copy from Ford. Seems CA did ignore changing the title to their state, but NC will not do anything for me until they see the title as "NC". Ugh!

I believe in "50 individual states", but when it comes to information like this, DMVs should be "tied together". It would save people lots of time. and I think save DMVs money in the long run. These return trips by people like us cost them time and money.

OK, off to watch the NHL All-Star Game. Hey, it's hockey. :-)

- Did the people of Illinois really elect this guy?
- So the next Treasury Secretary has tax return problems?
- "A-Fraud". Now that's funny. Joe Torre writes Yankee tell-all.

Until the next time.....

too many distractions.....

It always seem the "distractions" happen between January 1st and April 15th in my life. They can be big ones like my diverticulitis in 2003, moving to San Diego in 2004, or my knee surgery and uncle dying in 2006, or they are just the little "time killers" like repairmen in the house, registering cars at the DMV, doctor/dentist appointments, etc.

I try to make sure none of those "little" ones take place prior to April 15th, but it is impossible to do. Before, I would get completely annoyed and agitated over those "time killers", but now I handle them quite a bit better, which is a good thing.

This year had been all the small ones because of the move and new house. I see a light at the end of the tunnel, and should have complete days in front of me by early next week, right after we get all the cars registered.

Did a little more on Facebook, but I have no idea what I am doing there right now, so please bear with me as I get that going. I like using it, but it is a little confusing for "newbs".

Morgan set up accounts there also, and is enjoying seeing all her high school friends that are part of it.

She also was able to get her work blog to be recognized by Blogger, so that her updates will "update" on the right side of this page. Hopefully you are reading her after you read this one (geesh, or before this one).

Off to relax for the evening.

Until the next time.....

more social.....

All that snow I mentioned yesterday is almost all gone from roads and rooftops. Should stay another day on the grass, but by tomorrow night, it will probably all be gone. For me, that's enough snow for this winter. Cassie has been off for two days, and they are even delaying school for two hours tomorrow morning. Not sure if the two hour delay is all that necessary as the roads seem to be dry as people were driving and the sun was out all day today.

Received a Facebook "friend request" from Linda Howell, who along with her husband, Randy, are the leaders of the Eternal Riders, CRB's motorcycle small group. I've ignored the few others I received, but decided to accept Linda's, as I know many Geezers participate on Facebook.

I made sure I got into the groups for my high school and college graduating classes, as well as the GeezerGamers group, but that will be about it for now. It was fun to see some of the people I went to high school, and what they are up to now. Our 25th reunion is this year, so maybe this will give me a "push" in case they have some sort of gathering.

Morgan and Cassie both went for eye examinations today, and both needed to upgrade their glasses. Morgan still only needs them for reading, but poor Cassie seems to be getting my eyesight. It's not as bad as mine was when I was young, but she does need to use her glasses for all classroom activities.

Morgan's station, KSON, has upgraded their website. That means updated pages for Morgan's blog posts. Still have not been able to link them to the sidebar on this page for when she updates, but I am hoping they make that available soon.

The Hurricanes have won two in a row, on the road, and on back to back nights. Great play from Cam Ward as he allowed only one goal in two nights to the Toronto Maple Leafs (2-0 shutout), and then the Penguins in Pittsburgh (2-1 win). Hopefully they can keep this train rolling after the All-Star Game break.

Time to leave and get ready for the new season of Lost.

- People love iTunes, so Apple is making some money.
- The game industry also doing OK.
- Some "big game" going on next Sunday.

Until the next time.....

snow in North Carolina.....

So, we are back one month, and we have a significant (well, for the area) snow here in central NC. Probably about 4 or so inches here at the house. With the 20 degree weather tonight, they have already canceled school for tomorrow, so Cassie will end up with a long 5 day weekend.

Hopefully it will melt off the roads tomorrow so we can get back to normal driving, while staying on the grass and trees for a few more days.

Until the next time.....