With a Tangled Skein by Piers AnthonyMy review
rating: 5 of 5 stars
View all my reviews.
23 March 2009
21 March 2009
Death by Taxes
While the phrase is 'death and taxes', I choose death by taxes based on the results of our 2008 taxes. The not so subtle message that the government sends us is that we should shouldn't strive to do well financially unless you want to be the financial underwriter for all the crap programs they develop. I say that because rolling to the next income bracket without mortgage interest and the fact that you can't get any child tax credit with an income over $100K will screw you. I realise that the big picture shows us doing well and I should be grateful, but seriously, somebody explain to me why we have to pay another $6K on April 15 after an already insanely high amount being withheld. As our income has climbed each year, we've watched the hammer fall harder and faster each year, with this year being the worst by far. Apparently, in our foolishness to own a home and maintain a good income, we get to make up for the lack of money coming from people in debt. Please forgive my bitterness, I'm not mad or judging people in debt, I'm mad with how the government handles it.
You could argue that people earning more should take care of people who can't earn as much, but I find it a little disturbing that a couple owning a condo with good careers is put into that 'care taking' bracket. Wasn't the cultural norm to own a farm or home without paying an exurbanite amount of money to the government? I mean, isn't $6K beyond withholding a little extreme?
Since life will never be absent death or taxes, there is a certain level of acceptance required despite the frustration. Firstly, thank God that we're not paying 80% of income like some countries, and secondly, the lesson for us is to set aside additional tax money throughout the year regardless of the withholding. It was a difficult lesson especially this year since withholding normally came within a reasonable amount. However, if I had to write a cheque for $6K to a foundation or charity, I would be much happier about it; but I know it's just going to go through some damn agenda budget and be wasted like quarters pouring out of a soda machine.
You could argue that people earning more should take care of people who can't earn as much, but I find it a little disturbing that a couple owning a condo with good careers is put into that 'care taking' bracket. Wasn't the cultural norm to own a farm or home without paying an exurbanite amount of money to the government? I mean, isn't $6K beyond withholding a little extreme?
Since life will never be absent death or taxes, there is a certain level of acceptance required despite the frustration. Firstly, thank God that we're not paying 80% of income like some countries, and secondly, the lesson for us is to set aside additional tax money throughout the year regardless of the withholding. It was a difficult lesson especially this year since withholding normally came within a reasonable amount. However, if I had to write a cheque for $6K to a foundation or charity, I would be much happier about it; but I know it's just going to go through some damn agenda budget and be wasted like quarters pouring out of a soda machine.
09 March 2009
Being 30 isn't so bad!
The mindset is essential. There were many moments where my heart sank in realisation that, dear God, I'm freaking 30 years old, or near enough. However, the distractions have been very positive. The birthday passover that my parents provide had completely spot on daily gifts as well as Eric's daily gifts. It's impossible to be depressed with all the love through gifts!
The weekend was amazing starting off with getting to watch Andre Watts play Rachmaninov with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra directed by Andrew Litton, who was equally amazing. That concerto in C minor is insanely difficult and Litton pulled together the piano feature and symphony in an fabulous performance.
The next night was my party, which I must say was completely awesome. So many wonderful friends came and honoured me while we all enjoyed great beer, wine and Yats while listening to Knee Deep in the Weeds (pic below). I couldn't have asked for a better party!
Sunday is officially remembered as recovery day while my actual birthday today is mostly looking at my disastrously messy house and procrastinating it's cleaning!
I have so many awesome friends and family - thank you for making my birthday such a special start into a new decade :)
The weekend was amazing starting off with getting to watch Andre Watts play Rachmaninov with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra directed by Andrew Litton, who was equally amazing. That concerto in C minor is insanely difficult and Litton pulled together the piano feature and symphony in an fabulous performance.
The next night was my party, which I must say was completely awesome. So many wonderful friends came and honoured me while we all enjoyed great beer, wine and Yats while listening to Knee Deep in the Weeds (pic below). I couldn't have asked for a better party!
Sunday is officially remembered as recovery day while my actual birthday today is mostly looking at my disastrously messy house and procrastinating it's cleaning!
I have so many awesome friends and family - thank you for making my birthday such a special start into a new decade :)
03 March 2009
A Good Start to March!
Possibly the most important news I could share is that my dad makes the most amazing chocolate truffles on the planet. Godiva, D'vine, Belgium stars, Cadbury - now CRAP.
This is a good and bad thing. My access to chocolate is now limited because his truffles are that much better, thus preventing the enjoyment of lower grade truffles. Meanwhile, my world just improved dramatically.
Other good news - hrm....Ferragamo rain boots. Who knew that Ferragamo made rain boots? Well, not only are they out there, they're amazing. I'm sad to have to wait until Friday to wear them. It's possible that I may wear them to my birthday party. Additionally, the source of the Ferragamo rain boots of Gloriousness is this very cool consignment shoppe in Cincinnati. Again, who knew? The Mustard Seed Boutique is a must-visit store that carries vintage and designer purses, shoes and clothing.
Not impressed yet? The Cuvee is a website that ships Niagara on the Lake wines only to the USA. This nearly sent me over the edge of insane happiness. If you're not familiar with the Niagara on the Lake wineries, it might be a little overwhelming, but to somebody who has made focused visits to worship the Niagara wineries, the discovery was a wee bit 'o heaven. My first order was Rancourt's Nobel Blanc and and '04 Cab Sauv. Both are highly recommended. If you want a good wine, just let me know your preferred varitals and I can give you a few recommendations. The website doesn't have all the best wineries from that region, but they do have quite a few good ones.
Phew. I'm going to collapse from all the chocolate, wine and designer goodness.
This is a good and bad thing. My access to chocolate is now limited because his truffles are that much better, thus preventing the enjoyment of lower grade truffles. Meanwhile, my world just improved dramatically.
Other good news - hrm....Ferragamo rain boots. Who knew that Ferragamo made rain boots? Well, not only are they out there, they're amazing. I'm sad to have to wait until Friday to wear them. It's possible that I may wear them to my birthday party. Additionally, the source of the Ferragamo rain boots of Gloriousness is this very cool consignment shoppe in Cincinnati. Again, who knew? The Mustard Seed Boutique is a must-visit store that carries vintage and designer purses, shoes and clothing.
Not impressed yet? The Cuvee is a website that ships Niagara on the Lake wines only to the USA. This nearly sent me over the edge of insane happiness. If you're not familiar with the Niagara on the Lake wineries, it might be a little overwhelming, but to somebody who has made focused visits to worship the Niagara wineries, the discovery was a wee bit 'o heaven. My first order was Rancourt's Nobel Blanc and and '04 Cab Sauv. Both are highly recommended. If you want a good wine, just let me know your preferred varitals and I can give you a few recommendations. The website doesn't have all the best wineries from that region, but they do have quite a few good ones.
Phew. I'm going to collapse from all the chocolate, wine and designer goodness.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)