Friday, March 13, 2015

Happy Friday the 13th—Again

When there are only 28 days in February, the February calendar can be pretty much used for March. Well…until you get to days 29, 30, & 31. At least Valentine’s Day doesn’t follow this month’s Friday the 13th. No, instead we have St. Patrick’s Day to look forward to (I know some places are already decorating. Are they expecting the celebration to start this weekend?).

I most likely won’t be able to answer any comments today because…I’m driving to Chicago (actually, Lisle). Why? I’ll be attending a retreat the Windy City RWA chapter has put together. Donald Maass is giving a day-long class on Writing in the 21st Century and I’m looking forward to it.

Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?), I couldn’t find anyone to go with me and share a room, so my hubby kindly took the day off and will drive with me and be my roommate for the night, even though he’ll basically be on his own until the class is over Saturday. He doesn’t care. He just likes being with me (insert AWWWWW here).

Now, I hope the fact that today is the 13th and it is a Friday doesn’t mean bad things will happen during our drive. I do expect some rain on the way, though. I can handle rain. It’s not snow.

Winter is over, right? RIGHT???

Remember me complaining about doing my taxes on Tuesday? Of course you do. How could you forget? Anyway, that little (humongous) task rolled right into Wednesday.

Just like when I’m editing, I had to make sure I didn’t screw anything up so I pretty much went over everything. Then, because my stupid software (H&R Block) charges $20 to e-file my state taxes, I went on the state’s site and had to enter all that crap again so I could file on-line for free (told you I’m cheap). Oh, and just when I thought I was finished, I remembered the city taxes. I filed on-line, but their stupid rule said I had to mail it in (along with the W2s), too! Why bother filing on line then? Makes no sense.

All in all, I spent another three hours filing my taxes. It’s really making me consider getting an accountant now. I do NOT want to go through that again. But I’m cheap and just the thought of paying someone to do what I COULD do, but don’t WANT to do, is enough to make my head explode. Ugh!

So… When do you think it’s worth paying someone to do something you’re capable of doing yourself?

If the hotel doesn’t offer free WiFi, I won’t be able to reply to your comments until I get home. Otherwise, it might be late tonight (or early tomorrow morning). Just know I’m not ignoring you. Really!

Happy Friday (the 13th)!

Stacy

6 comments:

Maria Zannini said...

Have a safe trip.

Re: taxes
H&R Block charges for State filing?

We don't have state taxes in Texas, just federal.

Good to know though.

Jennette Marie Powell said...

Good on you for filing your own state taxes for free! We have an accountant, but I do taxes for a friend of ours who doesn't have a computer, and is easily confused by paperwork. I used OLT.com to file his taxes for free through the IRS, but they wanted $7.50 to file OH. Nope! Ohio's is so easy, why pay even that? One thing, be prepared to get a letter saying you need to do an ID confirmation quiz for OH. I think everyone gets it. Our friend did, and we did. It's easy, though.

Have fun at the retreat!

The Happy Whisk said...

Have a great time and I love that your hubby is going with you. You got yourself a good one there.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Maria - I wish Ohio didn't have any state taxes, but at least they no longer tax my hubby's military retiree check. That's a plus!

Jennette - I filed on line last year and don't remember getting any ID confirmation. But I also had to re-register this year (stupid system!). I don't think I'll be able to file on line next year with our small business. They want those forms mailed in. Bugger!

Ivy - Yeah I do (but don't tell him that!) :)

DL Hammons said...

The older I get... the more I'm willing to give up money for something I'm perfectly capable of doing. I think it has to do with the fact that I have a lower tolerance for hassles now. :)

Stacy McKitrick said...

Don - Or... the older we get, the lazier? I know I'm more lazy (which I didn't think was possible--haha!) :)