I worked a little bit on my novel every day last week.
This week I haven't touched it yet. Granted, it's only Tuesday, but I'm not sure I'll do much writing in the next few days.
I am preoccupied with a project that I've had on my to-do list for quite some time. Purging paperwork is something that has always been difficult for me. But after my tax marathon yesterday, I was ready to tackle it. I started today and I'm not stopping until it's D.O.N.E.
A clean desk and an orderly filing cabinet should do wonders for my creativity. I hope so, at least!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Tax Season
I worked several years at a tax accounting firm. Our busy time of year began in January and ended on April 15th. In the industry, this busy time of year is called "tax season."
I no longer work as a tax accountant (doin' the happy dance!), but I prepare four tax returns each year. One of those is obviously our own. The other three are those of family members. (And "no" -- I am not taking on any more!)
I started working on our taxes right after breakfast this morning. After I finished, I went on to the next one... and then the next one... and then the next one. I was a tax preparin' animal!
So I had a "tax season" this year after all. And instead of three months, it only lasted one day! :)
I no longer work as a tax accountant (doin' the happy dance!), but I prepare four tax returns each year. One of those is obviously our own. The other three are those of family members. (And "no" -- I am not taking on any more!)
I started working on our taxes right after breakfast this morning. After I finished, I went on to the next one... and then the next one... and then the next one. I was a tax preparin' animal!
So I had a "tax season" this year after all. And instead of three months, it only lasted one day! :)
Sunday, February 5, 2012
It's Only a Game
I felt like the game was lost with the first two points scored by the Giants. They were awarded a safety on a call that is rarely made. So if it's a call that is rarely made, why did the referees call it in the Super Bowl?
The Patriots should have been able to overcome that, though, as far as being able to win the game. But it was indicative of the type of game it was going to be. Not very many breaks. It just wasn't their night.
Congratulations to the New York Giants.
The Patriots should have been able to overcome that, though, as far as being able to win the game. But it was indicative of the type of game it was going to be. Not very many breaks. It just wasn't their night.
Congratulations to the New York Giants.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Facing the Giants
Anything major happening this weekend? Ha ha! (Why, oh why, am I a sports fan?)
Several months ago Lew and I borrowed three DVDs from my sister Debbie. We still had one of the three movies left to watch, and I decided that it was finally time.
The final movie? Facing the Giants. I told Lew that we had to watch this movie the day before the Patriots play the Giants in the Super Bowl. It even has a football story line.
Inspired by God, a struggling football coach at a Christian high school discovers a new purpose for his team. One of the lessons in the movie is that we are to give our best, using the talents that God has given us. And whatever we do, we are to honor Him and give Him the glory -- whether we win or lose. (I thought of Tim Tebow several times as I watched.)
Facing the Giants turned out to be a perfect choice for tonight... for reasons that have nothing to do with football.
Several months ago Lew and I borrowed three DVDs from my sister Debbie. We still had one of the three movies left to watch, and I decided that it was finally time.
The final movie? Facing the Giants. I told Lew that we had to watch this movie the day before the Patriots play the Giants in the Super Bowl. It even has a football story line.
Inspired by God, a struggling football coach at a Christian high school discovers a new purpose for his team. One of the lessons in the movie is that we are to give our best, using the talents that God has given us. And whatever we do, we are to honor Him and give Him the glory -- whether we win or lose. (I thought of Tim Tebow several times as I watched.)
Facing the Giants turned out to be a perfect choice for tonight... for reasons that have nothing to do with football.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Sunday's Menu
Lew and I will not be hosting nor attending any Super Bowl party on Sunday night. TOO INTENSE! We will be watching the game in the comfort of our own living room. I'm planning on watching, anyway. We'll see if my nerves can take it.
We just got home from the grocery store. Our shopping included our Super Bowl food:
Lew will also be making popcorn, but we already had that at home. Lew is planning on drinking his Crystal Light iced tea. I imagine that I will drink some Moxie.
We're as ready for the game as we'll ever be.
Bring. It. On.
We just got home from the grocery store. Our shopping included our Super Bowl food:
- Nachos -- with cheese, sour cream, and salsa
- Cocktail Wieners
- Mini-cupcakes
- Creme Horns
- Frozen chocolate-themed pie
- Veggie tray
Lew will also be making popcorn, but we already had that at home. Lew is planning on drinking his Crystal Light iced tea. I imagine that I will drink some Moxie.
We're as ready for the game as we'll ever be.
Bring. It. On.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
50% Effort
I read about an interesting idea a few days ago. A blogger that I follow, Jill Tracey, and her family have taken on a challenge: Half our Stuff in 2012!
I think I'd like to try this, too.
When I mentioned it to Lew last night, he asked, "So we would have to get rid of one out of every two lamps?" I don't think that's exactly how it would work, but we both agreed that we could probably get rid of half of what we own and not even notice.
Actually, we would probably notice. Our house would be less cluttered. Cleaning would be easier. We would find greater enjoyment in what we have. Our lives would be calmer and less stressful.
I say we do it.
I think I'd like to try this, too.
When I mentioned it to Lew last night, he asked, "So we would have to get rid of one out of every two lamps?" I don't think that's exactly how it would work, but we both agreed that we could probably get rid of half of what we own and not even notice.
Actually, we would probably notice. Our house would be less cluttered. Cleaning would be easier. We would find greater enjoyment in what we have. Our lives would be calmer and less stressful.
I say we do it.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Dad 82: A Tale of Two Beards
(My vote is "Do what you want to." Enjoy Dad's post. And GO, PATRIOTS! -- Tracy)
Derf Here! February arrives as we are enjoying a winter which really hasn't been too bad. Only plowing twice to date. Once we get to February, we figure winter can still be severe; however, we have only four short weeks until March. Now -- don't misunderstand -- March and April can also create havoc with snow, but it won't stay around as long.
My mother always looked forward to February as winter would be on a downhill run. Doesn't always work that way, but time is short.
Speaking of my mother, I'm reminded of a time back in the early 1970s. One summer I decided I was lazy and decided not to shave. Well, as time went by, my face was getting covered by a mass of hair. I'm really not sure why Mom's reaction was so severe, but I was almost removed from the family. This from a person who had seen several versions of Christ, all with facial hair. Somehow, I didn't fit the bill with my beard. Well, summing it up, I was not booted out of the family. I was not regarded as being most likely to be chosen as "family person of the year" either. Suffice it to say that as Fall appeared, my beard disappeared. It was then that my family status was restored. Whew, what a relief!
The years have flown by and I made another decision to check out how mature I would look with another beard. Actually I became lazy and wished not to shave. I would use as a reason for not shaving: I must lose another 20 pounds (or close to 20 pounds). Along about November 2011 I stopped using my razor. It is now February 1, 2012 and I've succeeded in reducing my bulk by another 15-20 pounds. So, it is time for me to clean my grubby face down to the skin. I will do so on February 23, 2012 when I get my next haircut. I'll have Cindy clip all off as much as possible with her clippers. I'll return home and clean up the mess.
However, I'd be willing to keep my very special look with a hairy face if my "fans" want me to keep it. The pictures below reveal the look of 1972 and 2012. You be the judge. I kind of like not shaving. Cindy does a fine job of trimming my face. What do you think? Be honest, but not cruel!
Now to the week's important news. The Patriots face the Giants in Super Bowl XLVI this Sunday. I think the game could go either way. I, however, say "GOOOO PAAATTSS!!"
Derf Here! February arrives as we are enjoying a winter which really hasn't been too bad. Only plowing twice to date. Once we get to February, we figure winter can still be severe; however, we have only four short weeks until March. Now -- don't misunderstand -- March and April can also create havoc with snow, but it won't stay around as long.
My mother always looked forward to February as winter would be on a downhill run. Doesn't always work that way, but time is short.
Speaking of my mother, I'm reminded of a time back in the early 1970s. One summer I decided I was lazy and decided not to shave. Well, as time went by, my face was getting covered by a mass of hair. I'm really not sure why Mom's reaction was so severe, but I was almost removed from the family. This from a person who had seen several versions of Christ, all with facial hair. Somehow, I didn't fit the bill with my beard. Well, summing it up, I was not booted out of the family. I was not regarded as being most likely to be chosen as "family person of the year" either. Suffice it to say that as Fall appeared, my beard disappeared. It was then that my family status was restored. Whew, what a relief!
The years have flown by and I made another decision to check out how mature I would look with another beard. Actually I became lazy and wished not to shave. I would use as a reason for not shaving: I must lose another 20 pounds (or close to 20 pounds). Along about November 2011 I stopped using my razor. It is now February 1, 2012 and I've succeeded in reducing my bulk by another 15-20 pounds. So, it is time for me to clean my grubby face down to the skin. I will do so on February 23, 2012 when I get my next haircut. I'll have Cindy clip all off as much as possible with her clippers. I'll return home and clean up the mess.
However, I'd be willing to keep my very special look with a hairy face if my "fans" want me to keep it. The pictures below reveal the look of 1972 and 2012. You be the judge. I kind of like not shaving. Cindy does a fine job of trimming my face. What do you think? Be honest, but not cruel!
 |
| Then |
 |
| Now |
I want to thank our Indy niece and nephew (Kathy and Gordon) for their spectacular photos of Indy in preparation for the Patriots victory. We all enjoyed the photos. Poor Eli. Eli can't win more Super Bowls than big brother Peyton. That would not be right, would it?
Until next time!
Toodle Pip!
Derf!
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