It’s that time of year. The parties are over and Christmas decor packed. The diet has started and I’m deep in lament. Why, exactly, did i eat all the chocolate candies, cookies, and eclectic junk?
I hate this time of year, despite the days rapidly gaining light, lengthening to refresh good moods and spirits of adventure.
I despise these days because it’s tax prep time. Uncle Sam needs his paycheck to spend in all the ways his reps select without proper ask. It’s laughable that I write this post in the midst of a government shutdown because ‘the art of the seal’ doesn’t exist – not!
We are citizens of this great country, and for all of its incredible aspects, we must pay. We are compliant, appreciative, and obedient to the letter of the law. Can’t wait to see what the latest tax bill brings – not!
Til then…
Throughout the year my husband and I merely stuff receipts – we’re religious about that. Stashed in several appropriate files, whose contents are now slayed on our dining table. No guests until this chore is done. Alas and alack.
In January each year, the tabletop sorting begins. It’s a tedious process, not my preferred use of time. But necessary to pay one’s taxes, as necessary, until death. Alas and alack.
I’m despising this year’s sort more because I’ve noted a fact and – grumble, grumble – come to a conclusion that makes me cringe:
You know you’re older when you have more receipts from Walgreens than from Nordstroms.
Yup, my buddies of Boomer-age, my husband and I have more medical expenses and receipts than we do for clothing and fun. There’s several aspects of good to that:
- there’s medicine and practitioners to maintain our health
- we have wealth to pay for our medical needs and
- the expenses are write-off – at the level of our Senior citizen income, that is.
Besides, neither my husband and I need more clothing. There’s a walk-in closet filled with stuff, in various styles, sizes, and stages of career. Neither of us likes online shopping for duds – too many return hassles to rely on that process. Alas and alack.
Fun? Laughter is free and there’s enjoyment in time spent in our home, watching TV or Netflix from the comfort of chairs. No taxing traffic or hideous restaurant expenses to add to your credit card.
Gotta hurry away from this blog post lament. April’s showers and government mandate will be here sooner than soon. Time flies, whether you are having fun or not.
Perhaps the weather gods will imbue cash in April showers, or the one’s our thirsty lands need before that…
In the meantime, I fervently wish that fairies will come in the night and sort the receipts, align the columns, and use adding machine brains to figure all this crap out in my stead.
Here’s a blast from the past as last word: https://www.pjcolando.com/death-and-taxes/
Recent Comments