Rationality
I recently learned that 50 Shades of Gray began as/is fanfiction based on the Twilight series. I haven't read the Twilight series or 50 Shades of Gray, but when I heard about this, I distinctly...
View ArticleJuly 2012 mortgage payment
Amount of payment going to principal increased by 67 cents this month. Outstanding principal balance = $132,394.09 July Payment: $1,000.00 Principal: 215.64 Interest: 414.41 Escrow:...
View ArticleWork blahs
My (extended) tax season has really ramped up the last couple of weeks. Most of our tax returns are due by September 17th, which is still 4 weeks away, but a) we like to have returns to clients at...
View ArticleOh the scones!
An update to my earlier "to-do list" post: I finished 1), did not finish 2) but realized I need more directions on this one, and started one of the returns in step 3). I made pizza AND scones, ironed a...
View ArticleA comment on Todd Aiken’s comments
I know it's yesterday's news, and I also usually don't bring up politics on this blog, but I am also a woman, and I think that Todd Aiken's comments, and the anti-abortion laws that have been creeping...
View ArticleYoung Professionals
In public accounting, there's an expectation that young employees need to "put in their time" as we call it. And they need to put in this time because, well, that's what everyone else did when they're...
View ArticleDrafting emails
I need to figure out how to word an email to this guy who used to work for our client, because his relationship with the client is terminated as of today, but he still hasn't signed the tax return and...
View ArticleManaging risks of being a landlord
Becoming a landlord is a popular way to make some side income. Especially with the current low mortgage rates available, landlords who buy into the market now may realize the greatest benefits of their...
View ArticleStamina
I have been slammed at work for the past two weeks, and busy for the past month and a half. I took both days off from work this weekend, but I still feel drained - I just don't have the stamina for...
View ArticleDenoument
Our tax busy-season is almost over. I have been working as slowly as possible on my final return today - because it's not even really due on Monday, but I do want everything to be over with by the end...
View ArticleSummer reading – The Fault in Our Stars
NPR.org has posted a list to feed my obsession with reading young adult novels. Oh, I read books for grown ups too, but I always find that I enjoy the ones written for young adults the most. So, NPR...
View ArticleWhy reviewing budgets makes sense
Today is my labor day, since I didn't take labor day off! I have been running errands all over town in the rain, but now for the fun part of catching up on my life - reviewing my budget for the last...
View ArticleProfessional career goals
The company I work for is in the process of improving our review process. The intent of the review process is not so much to provide feedback to employees as it is to encourage us to set career goals,...
View ArticleHow do accountants work in international trade?
Part of what attracted me to the company I currently work for is our access to international clients. I have a fairly international family, worked with a lot of international student programs in...
View ArticleAugust and September 2012 Mortgage update
Seven months of mortgage payments down, 353 to go! Well, hopefully not so many payments as all that! But still, a long ways to go: Outstanding principal balance = $131,960.78 September Payment:...
View ArticleAddictions and Procrastination
I read an essay a few weeks ago about how, when you procrastinate, you get so many other things accomplished - just not the thing you were putting off. I've found that when I start feeling unmotivated...
View ArticleTaking the blame
Number 9 on the Stuff Accountants Like website is "Throwing people under the bus." This phrase comes up all the time in public accounting, and seems to come from a slightly desperate need to make sure...
View ArticleVoted!
Was at the polls at 7am this morning, and waited over an hour to vote. It's really nice to see so many people turn out, although the probability of "our" candidate winning Georgia is apparently 0.2%...
View ArticleOn the road again
'Tis the season to be traveling all over the country to prelim audits! Traveling for prelim is much nicer than traveling during busy season, because we don't have to work as long hours, so I get to...
View ArticleThe possibility of early retirement
I know I've been reading too much Mr. Money Mustache [an early retiree] when I start wondering "why are all these people giving such awful money advice" when listening to Planet Money. Their advice is...
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