Snow day. Of course, looking outside, you'd never expect it. Not a single snow flake yet. I think that the schools are concerned about the timing of this storm. We had a similar storm in the fall and the schools waited until too late to dismiss, the roads deteriorated quickly, and kids were stuck on busses for hours because they were all getting stuck and couldn't get through the snow.
I'm super excited. My sister and I are going out to dinner next month and we've decided that we're going to get tattoos that night as well. We've been talking for years about getting matching "Sister" tattoos, and we're finally going to do it. I just need to find a shop now. It's a very basic design, but I want somewhere that isn't going to mess up a very straightlined tattoo.
I got snow day #8 today due to freezing rain this morning. I already ate breakfast and had coffee when I got the call, so I'm up for the day and will probably take advantage by going to the gym, doing some cleaning, catching up on grading, etc. Luckily, our superintendent/school board is only having us make up 5 of the days and the rest get to be "act of God days" so we don't make them up.
Post by notoriousmeg on Feb 20, 2019 8:12:16 GMT -5
Our schools are getting out at 1:00 due to Impending storm. I’m hoping work is quiet so I can sneak out after lunch and let our nanny go before the roads get bad.
H is supposed to fly home tonight but I’m assuming that won’t happen. I am so over his work travel. He has missed all but 1 snow day in the past 3 years so I am always the one covering. I know it’s not up to him and I’m being somwhat irrational, but I am starting to resent that I’m always the one covering childcare. We both have demanding full time jobs with comparable pay. He has to start saying no to some work events. Not important ones of course, but when it’s just that he hasn’t seen team members in a while (they are a global team) and we are expecting snow just say no.
I got the ticket I was waiting for yesterday. Something weird was going on with the ticketing company and a bunch of people were trying to figure out what was going on. I didn't wait for the email to come in, I just kept refreshing their site. It's a good thing because it was sold out before I got an email. Anyways, I booked my flight last night and I am so unbelievably excited for this trip. AHHHHHHH!
Post by vanillacourage on Feb 20, 2019 8:23:12 GMT -5
Snow day #9 for the year here.
We’re going out for my birthday with a group of friends on Saturday and I’m so excited! A few couples who are our closest friends and some neighbors we’ve socialized with before at home but haven’t gone out-out with before or left kids at home. Yummy dinner, escape room then grown up games at our house.
The snow started here around 6:00am. It's awful outside, but school was not cancelled.
We did our taxes last night. For the first time in our 11 year marriage and in my entire tax paying adult life, we owe money. And not a small amount. $3500. I'm so upset. In order for us to BREAK EVEN next year, it seems as though I'm going to have to withhold and extra $100 per paycheck (and I get paid weekly) and DH an extra $50 (he's biweekly and makes about 2.5x as much as me). We both claim 0 dependents and married, but withhold at the higher single rate and it's still not enough. Thanks orange turd.
Oh, I feel so bad for all of you who have a lot of snow days already. We had so many last year, my poor kids ebded up ischool until June 29th. Their summer was so short. It was so ridiculous.
This year...
***knock on wood***
We have not had a single snow day. Just a couple of delays and 1 early dismissal. We may get a snow day tomorrow though. It may just be a delay. Expecting 1-3" so it all depends on the AM roads. Hopefully its just another delay!
Ugh, mel, that really sucks. I'm sorry. The couple of times we have owed like that have just been devastating. I'm scared for next year. 2018 was such a mess for us financially that we came out ok this year, but our taxable income is going to be significantly higher for 2019 (God willing) and the IRS calculators do not make any bit of sense given our withholdings this year and what they suggest we change them to. I don't want to withhold more than we already are, but I feel like maybe I should up it just in case. And I complain about this every tax season, but it is fucking bizarre to me that our tax code is so damn complicated that I can't even come close to figuring what the hell we are going to owe when I know all of our tax information ahead of time.
I got coffee this morning and I'm almost done with it. I wish I had more. I rarely feel that way. It's not the caffeine, it just tastes really good today.
There are three boxes of girl scout cookies on my desk that I bought from a coworker's kid... I have a feeling I'm going to be eating a lot of cookies today.
There was someone snowblowing the sidewalks at the rec center behind our house at fucking 5am this morning. There was barely even a dusting of snow! I'm probably going to call the rec center and tell them they need to shut that down. 5am is way too early for stuff like that. It's not actually bothersome to me since I get up at 5 anyway, but I'll be pissed if it wakes me up on Friday or if it wakes up my kids.
isabel I feel your pain. It hasn't even started snowing yet here, but our trash collection company decided to get ahead of the storm and picked up our trash at 4am. 4. AM. WTF way too early. Ugh. I'll let it go though because I'd rather they come around early than be out in the bad weather and someone end up hurt.
I'm sorry mel, that sucks. We owe every year, but somehow this year we owe $4k more than normal. I did get a new job making about $15K more, but that shouldn't equate to a $4k more tax obligation. All of the new caps that they put on everything really screwed us.
isabel I feel your pain. It hasn't even started snowing yet here, but our trash collection company decided to get ahead of the storm and picked up our trash at 4am. 4. AM. WTF way too early. Ugh. I'll let it go though because I'd rather they come around early than be out in the bad weather and someone end up hurt.
The weird thing is, today is supposed to be sunny and "warm" compared to the rest of this week. What little snow there is will melt off as soon as the sun comes out. I was so confused why they were doing that when I got downstairs and looked at our patio. Sorry you got woken up by trash pick up. I'd be really unhappy about that, even though I get it.
Ugh, mel , that really sucks. I'm sorry. The couple of times we have owed like that have just been devastating. I'm scared for next year. 2018 was such a mess for us financially that we came out ok this year, but our taxable income is going to be significantly higher for 2019 (God willing) and the IRS calculators do not make any bit of sense given our withholdings this year and what they suggest we change them to. I don't want to withhold more than we already are, but I feel like maybe I should up it just in case. And I complain about this every tax season, but it is fucking bizarre to me that our tax code is so damn complicated that I can't even come close to figuring what the hell we are going to owe when I know all of our tax information ahead of time.
I literally was in tears as we were doing them. DH didn't submit the return yet, he's going to see if it makes more sense to file separately (doubtful, but he's holding onto a shimmer of hope). It really sucks because you can't deduct mileage anymore and we both drive a ton for our jobs (I had 19,000 miles on the books for work travel, he had 11,000). So that was a big blow we didn't account for. I agree about the tax code. It was so difficult to try and figure out what to withhold, and apparently we royally fucked it up. I couldn't sleep last night and have had moments of wanting to burst into tears all over again this morning.
Post by Leeham Rimes on Feb 20, 2019 8:49:40 GMT -5
I’ve had so many espressos since I bought my nespresso machine, I think it paid for itself in a week. I’m not even sorry. I’ve finally stopped having it after 2 though, not for sleeping but it’s hard in my stomach after that hour. Yay getting old.
I need ham like water Like breath, like rain I need ham like mercy From Heaven's gate Sometimes ham salad or casserole or ham that’s free range, all natural I need ham
Snow day here too, for the universities (I assume also for kids but I don't have any). I haven't had a work snow day in 5+ years so it's exciting. It only just started snowing so I'm curious what all will actually happen.
Last night H and I went to see The King and I at the theater near our house. I've been wanting to go there since we moved, and it's literally less than a block away so it was super convenient. I picked up last minute tickets on Stub Hub for $15 each. I really wanted to love it, but I was actually pretty bummed. The seats were tiny... Like my knees were smashed against the seat in front of me and I couldn't even adjust to be more comfortable. And it was fine during the first act when the seat in front of of me was empty, but someone sat in it during the second and I had to basically lean around her to see 1/3 of the stage. I looked at reviews of the theater afterward and it appears main level seats are better, so I guess we will just have to buy those in the future. I loved the idea of being able to randomly get super cheap tickets for shows I care less about, though, and having the access to go see theater more frequently. It's just not worth it to be that uncomfortable for 2.5 hours though.
Ugh, mel , that really sucks. I'm sorry. The couple of times we have owed like that have just been devastating. I'm scared for next year. 2018 was such a mess for us financially that we came out ok this year, but our taxable income is going to be significantly higher for 2019 (God willing) and the IRS calculators do not make any bit of sense given our withholdings this year and what they suggest we change them to. I don't want to withhold more than we already are, but I feel like maybe I should up it just in case. And I complain about this every tax season, but it is fucking bizarre to me that our tax code is so damn complicated that I can't even come close to figuring what the hell we are going to owe when I know all of our tax information ahead of time.
I literally was in tears as we were doing them. DH didn't submit the return yet, he's going to see if it makes more sense to file separately (doubtful, but he's holding onto a shimmer of hope). It really sucks because you can't deduct mileage anymore and we both drive a ton for our jobs (I had 19,000 miles on the books for work travel, he had 11,000). So that was a big blow we didn't account for. I agree about the tax code. It was so difficult to try and figure out what to withhold, and apparently we royally fucked it up. I couldn't sleep last night and have had moments of wanting to burst into tears all over again this morning.
Do you think it might help at all to talk to an accountant?
This is a wildly different scenario, but, in short, we came into some trust money that was taxable. We didn't know it at the time and it looked like we were going to owe a shit ton of money that year. We consulted an accountant and he was able to find various deductions that we wouldn't necessarily have put in and we ended up almost breaking even that year. He was worth every penny (about $400). We have since stopped using him because we aren't receiving the trust money again until a few years from now, but it was worth it for that instance. Might be something you guys consider looking into.
And I totally understand how you feel. I would be sick to my stomach over it for awhile, I'm sure.
I literally was in tears as we were doing them. DH didn't submit the return yet, he's going to see if it makes more sense to file separately (doubtful, but he's holding onto a shimmer of hope). It really sucks because you can't deduct mileage anymore and we both drive a ton for our jobs (I had 19,000 miles on the books for work travel, he had 11,000). So that was a big blow we didn't account for. I agree about the tax code. It was so difficult to try and figure out what to withhold, and apparently we royally fucked it up. I couldn't sleep last night and have had moments of wanting to burst into tears all over again this morning.
Do you think it might help at all to talk to an accountant?
This is a wildly different scenario, but, in short, we came into some trust money that was taxable. We didn't know it at the time and it looked like we were going to owe a shit ton of money that year. We consulted an accountant and he was able to find various deductions that we wouldn't necessarily have put in and we ended up almost breaking even that year. He was worth every penny (about $400). We have since stopped using him because we aren't receiving the trust money again until a few years from now, but it was worth it for that instance. Might be something you guys consider looking into.
And I totally understand how you feel. I would be sick to my stomach over it for awhile, I'm sure.
I've been talking with a friend who's husband is a tax accountant and he said he'd take a look for no charge. Thanks for the commiseration. It sucks that so many people are in our same boat. These new tax laws really screwed people in a way we haven't seen before.
I’ve had so many espressos since I bought my nespresso machine, I think it paid for itself in a week. I’m not even sorry. I’ve finally stopped having it after 2 though, not for sleeping but it’s hard in my stomach after that hour. Yay getting old.
You're smarter than my DH. After he got his machine (not a nespresso, but an automatic espresso machine), he did that, but he really hasn't stopped. He did thankfully switch over to decaf finally for the afternoon. Dude is completely addicted. There are worse vices, I guess.
They called a 2 hour delay at 7pm last night for our "winter mix" possibility this morning. We got nothing. It started sprinkling when we left for before care. Work also had a delay this morning, which none of us can figure out either, but not complaining since I had already warned my boss that schools would probably be late.
I listed a few more things on poshmark and have been selling more lately. I've basically been rolling the money over into buying some spring/summer stuff on either poshmark or FB, but I figure I'm doing better buying secondhand and I'm not spending anything outside of what I'm making.
Snow day here too, and both school and the government called it early so I was able to roll out of bed at 7:24 and still log on by 7:30 since I'm technically required to telework. I've already cleared a bunch of stuff and am getting no responses so it's going to be an easy day.
I should start cleaning out the guest/craft/play room to prep for the bathroom remodel down there, but meh.
Do you think it might help at all to talk to an accountant?
This is a wildly different scenario, but, in short, we came into some trust money that was taxable. We didn't know it at the time and it looked like we were going to owe a shit ton of money that year. We consulted an accountant and he was able to find various deductions that we wouldn't necessarily have put in and we ended up almost breaking even that year. He was worth every penny (about $400). We have since stopped using him because we aren't receiving the trust money again until a few years from now, but it was worth it for that instance. Might be something you guys consider looking into.
And I totally understand how you feel. I would be sick to my stomach over it for awhile, I'm sure.
I've been talking with a friend who's husband is a tax accountant and he said he'd take a look for no charge. Thanks for the commiseration. It sucks that so many people are in our same boat. These new tax laws really screwed people in a way we haven't seen before.
I'm just really hoping that people remember this come election time next year. If all the racism and Russia shit wasn't enough, hopefully people realizing Trump has completely screwed them financially will be a wake up call.
Oh, I'm with everyone else on the tax pain. We pay estimated taxes and still owe $2000. That means we have to increase our estimated payments and will be writing a $3500 check in April. Fuck the cheeto.
Post by dreamcrisp1 on Feb 20, 2019 9:29:17 GMT -5
I slept so terribly last night thanks to back pain. I have class tonight until 10 and have to somehow try to survive without falling asleep. It’s finance so unlikely I’ll survive.
"Hello babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. On the outside, babies, you've got a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies-"God damn it, you've got to be kind.”
I had a sleep study last night and I slept like a baby even with all those wires attached to me. Before it started I told the tech I fall asleep within minutes of my head hitting the pillow, no matter what time it is. I don't think she really believed me at first because this AM she goes "You weren't kidding, you do fall asleep instantly."
I'm exhausted. Work has started picking up which is good in theory because my billable hours were really low and I was starting to worry abt job security. But I'm so tired and was hoping to take a longish lunch today and squeeze in a nap but it ain't happenin.
Also, my bro was contacted by his elementary school bully with a heartfelt apology and message of good will. Idk if he's in recovery or just doing unrelated self inventory but it was such a surprise and I'm honestly taken aback at how meaningful it is. I was peripherally involved in that I was routinely running as fast as I could to my dad or another adult to try to stop the pummeling but obviously that's nothing compared to being the one getting pummeled and ridiculed daily. I hope it brings something positive for my bro and for the former bully. Things aren't awesome for my bro right now, so he could use a happy thought.
Post by MixedBerryJam on Feb 20, 2019 9:46:26 GMT -5
I feel like such a bad sister. My brother broke his back in mid-January and my sister, his twin, had come in to stay with him while he recovers. He was on narcotics for pain before and after surgery and I now know more about his bowlel movements than Iany sister should. Because he give me a report every day! My sister, who also has a physical disability, called to ask me to bring a toilet plunger. And I in my head I was all "JFC I don't want to have to deal with anyone's poop except my own for 24 goddamn hours ... Is that too much to ask?" So I threw on my big girl panties, bought a plunger, and headed over. It ended up being the KITCHEN SINK that was blocked and I still feel guilty about how relieved I was.
So H didn’t really get anything definitive from his meetings.
He said it was all positive, but they want to meet some more and he’ll probably need to go to Atlanta sometime soon. Sigh.
I’m tired. I didn’t sleep well bc I was half-awake until H got home bc I knew he would be getting home late and the dogs would bark and so my brain couldn’t fully turn off in anticipation of being woken up, lol.