Life and Times of Accounting

Are You Looking for a Refund?

2012-01-26T14:19:00.000-08:00

Before you call your tax preparer about your refund, make sure you know what the IRS
is saying about their refund timing...

The IRS has opened its filing season successfully this month, and refunds have started going out to many taxpayers. As with the start of any tax season, there are system validations that occur requiring some fine-tuning of our systems. As part of this, some taxpayers will receive refunds approximately one week later than initial projections they may have received, but these are still in line with historical refund delivery times.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that refund time frames provided by “Where’s My Refund” and tax providers are projected time frames and are subject to revision. Many different factors can affect the timing of the refund after the IRS receives the return for processing. The IRS apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the revised refund dates.

When the IRS announced the opening of the 2012 filing season, it advised taxpayers who electronically file and select direct deposit that they could see their refunds in as few as 10 days and 90 percent of refunds are provided within 21 days. Some taxpayers are getting refunds much faster, but at this time taxpayers should expect refunds to be issued as indicated in the original IRS guidelines.

The one-week delay for some refunds relates to fine-tuning IRS systems to adjust for new safeguards put in place this tax season to provide stronger protection against refund fraud. The IRS is providing additional screening for fraud this year before issuing refunds, but the vast majority of taxpayers can still continue to expect to receive their refunds in a timely fashion

Author: Kathleen

Do You Love Your Boss? ...

2012-01-25T12:20:00.000-08:00

Tax Tips for the Self-employed

There are many benefits that come from being your own boss. If you work for yourself, as an independent contractor, or you carry on a trade or business as a sole proprietor, you are generally considered to be self-employed.

1. Self-employment can include work in addition to your regular full-time business activities, such as part-time work you do at home or in addition to your regular job.

2. If you are self-employed you generally have to pay self-employment tax as well as income tax. Self-employment tax is a Social Security and Medicare tax primarily for individuals who work for themselves. It is similar to the Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld from the pay of most wage earners. You figure self-employment tax using a Form 1040 Schedule SE. Also, you can deduct half of your self-employment tax in figuring your adjusted gross income.

3. You file an IRS Schedule C, Profit or Loss from Business, or C-EZ, Net Profit from Business, with your Form 1040.

4. If you are self-employed you may have to make estimated tax payments. This applies even if you also have a full-time or part-time job and your employer withholds taxes from your wages. Estimated tax is the method used to pay tax on income that is not subject to withholding. If you fail to make quarterly payments you may be penalized for underpayment at the end of the tax year. I suggest that EACH person set aside a % of each payment made to them in a savings account. Then the money for estimated taxes is there to use.

5. You can deduct the costs of running your business. These costs are known as business expenses. These are costs you do not have to capitalize or include in the cost of goods sold but can deduct in the current year.

6. To be deductible, a business expense must be both ordinary and necessary. An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted in your field of business. A necessary expense is one that is helpful and appropriate for your business. An expense does not have to be indispensable to be considered necessary. Some examples: supplies, license fees, insurance, meeting dues, cell phone use, Internet access....

Author: Kathleen

Snipping away at Taxable Income ...

2012-01-24T09:52:00.000-08:00

If you are a Parent, you want to review these Ten Tax Benefits ... maybe that rug rat can help you out this year, ha,ha...

Your kids can be helpful at tax time. That doesn't mean they'll sort your tax receipts or refill your coffee, but those charming children may help you qualify for some valuable tax benefits. Here are 10 things the IRS wants parents to consider when filing their taxes this year.

1. Dependents In most cases, a child can be claimed as a dependent in the year they were born. For more information see IRS Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information.

2. Child Tax Credit You may be able to take this credit for each of your children under age 17. If you do not benefit from the full amount of the Child Tax Credit, you may be eligible for the Additional Child Tax Credit. For more information see IRS Publication 972, Child Tax Credit.

3. Child and Dependent Care Credit You may be able to claim this credit if you pay someone to care for your child or children under age 13 so that you can work or look for work. See IRS Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses.

4. Earned Income Tax Credit The EITC is a tax benefit for certain people who work and have earned income from wages, self-employment or farming. EITC reduces the amount of tax you owe and may also give you a refund. IRS Publication 596, Earned Income Credit, has more details.

5. Adoption Credit You may be able to take a tax credit for qualifying expenses paid to adopt an eligible child. If you claim the adoption credit, you must file a paper tax return with required adoption-related documents. For details, see the instructions for IRS Form 8839, Qualified Adoption Expenses.

6. Children with earned income If your child has income earned from working, they may be required to file a tax return. For more information, see IRS Publication 501.

7. Children with investment income Under certain circumstances a child’s investment income may be taxed at their parent’s tax rate. For more information, see IRS Publication 929, Tax Rules for Children and Dependents.

8. Higher education credits Education tax credits can help offset the costs of higher education. The American Opportunity and the Lifetime Learning Credits are education credits that can reduce your federal income tax dollar-for-dollar. See IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education, for details.

9. Student loan interest You may be able to deduct interest paid on a qualified student loan, even if you do not itemize your deductions. For more information, see IRS Publication 970.

10. Self-employed health insurance deduction If you were self-employed and paid for health insurance, you may be able to deduct any premiums you paid for coverage for any child of yours who was under age 27 at the end of the year, even if the child was not your dependent. For more information, see the IRS website.

Forms and publications on these topics are available at www.irs.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Author: Kathleen

Alternatives....

2012-01-21T14:10:00.000-08:00

Needless to say, this last week our deep water exercise class at night was cancelled. So, what's a girl to do?

Well, I found that shoveling lots of snow off the sidewalks is VERY GOOD exercise and is a good Plan B. Lucky for me, we moved to Edmonds from the East Coast. We actually brought with us something that is foreign to Edmonds ... a snow shovel.

I shoveled out our trash can area. I shoveled our sidewalk at the street to the mail box and almost to the theatre next door. Heck, I even shoveled our walkway from the driveway to the front door and most of our humongous driveway.

Alas, yesterday the rains returned, so today we have snow slush to shovel.

But exercise is exercise! When you are on a diet, they stress getting regular exercise.

My husband he stepped onto the treadmill. I shoveled snow and snow slush!

I surely will make Jenny Craig proud tomorrow when I weigh in, ha,ha.

Author: Kathleen

Murphy's Law ... Again...

2012-01-19T11:12:00.000-08:00

Murphy's Law reared its ugly head again yesterday. Amidst a snow storm my laptop computer switch broke. You know, the one that turns the laptop on and off!

So, off we went in the truck to search out the computer repair shop in Edmonds. Of course, it was closed like most of the businesses downtown. Heck, it was snowing!

Then we drove in the snow storm to Office Depot in nearby Lynnwood (3 miles away). Ah ha, they were open. Of course, they could not fix the computer and told me that they would have to send it out. Then the manager gave me a card for a local repair guy and said "he would be much more reasonable than us".

Well, the store was happy anyway. I bought a new computer processor (no monitor needed). I wanted to have something with more storage room anyway. So, the store made money on the deal. They laughed too since I was the only shopper in the store!

I will get the laptop repaired too so I can get anything I need off it. But at least I was up and running by the time I got home.

Yes, Murphy's Law ...

Author: Kathleen

Look Who's Calling....

2012-01-17T15:05:00.000-08:00

You have probably received one of those infamous e-mails now that are plaguing the IRS and creating Identity Theft. They are pretty wide spread now. Tax preparer like me were getting multiple of these per day for quite a while.

Identity theft often starts outside of the tax administration system when someone’s personal information is unfortunately stolen or lost. Identity thieves may then use a taxpayer’s identity to fraudulently file a tax return and claim a refund. In other cases, the identity thief uses the taxpayer’s personal information in order to get a job. The legitimate taxpayer may be unaware that anything has happened until they file their return later in the filing season and it is discovered that two returns have been filed using the same Social Security number.

The IRS wants you to know:
1. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. The IRS does not send emails stating you are being electronically audited or that you are getting a refund.

2. If you receive a scam e-mail claiming to be from the IRS, forward it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.

3. If you discover a website that claims to be the IRS but does not begin with ‘www.irs.gov,’ forward that link to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.

4. To learn how to identify a secure website, visit the Federal Trade Commission at www.onguardonline.gov/tools/recognize-secure-site-using-ssl.aspx.

See, even the IRS has to deal with computer hackers and scammer! So beware of who is asking you for information.

Author: Kathleen

Say Cheese...

2012-01-16T13:01:00.000-08:00

I listened to a You Tube video of Rick Steves (yes, the one living in Edmonds who does Europe travel) today and had to laugh out loud (LOL).

He compared a cheese shop to a "festival of mold" and sighted his favorite quote about the smell of cheese "the feet of angels".

When we were in France we saw oodles and oodles of cheese stands and types of cheeses. We tasted a bunch of cheeses too ... since our hosts wanted us to enjoy a truly French staple.

Sometimes you were just overwhelmed.

Our host uses a "cheese consultant", or so he calls his cheese vendor at the town market. This vendor asks lots of questions about what is going to be eaten with the cheese, what wine will be drunk, etc., etc. He wants to be sure you pick "the perfect cheese"!

I guess it is time to go to our cheese monger in town (Edmonds) and learn a little more about all these choices.

Author: Kathleen

What's your Status?

2012-01-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

Eight Facts to Help Determine Your Correct Filing Status

Determining your filing status is one of the first steps to filing your federal income tax return. There are five filing statuses: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household and Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Child. Your filing status is used to determine your filing requirements, standard deduction, eligibility for certain credits and deductions, and your correct tax.

Some people may qualify for more than one filing status. Here are eight facts about filing status that the IRS wants you to know so you can choose the best option for your situation.

1. Your marital status on the last day of the year determines your marital status for the entire year. So if you are married on 12/31/11 you are married for all of 2011.

2. If more than one filing status applies to you, choose the one that gives you the lowest tax obligation.

3. Single filing status generally applies to anyone who is unmarried, divorced or legally separated according to state law.

4. A married couple may file a joint return together. The couple’s filing status would be Married Filing Jointly.

5. If your spouse died during the year and you did not remarry during 2011, usually you may still file a joint return with that spouse for the year of death.

6. A married couple may elect to file their returns separately. Each person’s filing status would generally be Married Filing Separately.

7. Head of Household generally applies to taxpayers who are unmarried. You must also have paid more than half the cost of maintaining a home for you and a qualifying person to qualify for this filing status.

8. You may be able to choose Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Child as your filing status if your spouse died during 2009 or 2010, you have a dependent child, have not remarried and you meet certain other conditions.

There’s much more information about determining your filing status in IRS Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information. Publication 501 is available at www.irs.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). You can also use the Interactive Tax Assistant on the IRS website to determine your filing status. The ITA tool is a tax law resource on the IRS website that takes you through a series of questions and provides you with responses to tax law questions.
Author: Kathleen

Aging in Place...

2012-01-13T13:00:00.000-08:00

Federal Elderly Care Tax Credit- the Child and Dependent Care Credit (also referred to as Elderly Dependent Care Tax Credit) is a tax credit for expenses an individual or family incurs for the care of a dependent or other person living with them so that the taxpayer(s) are free to work elsewhere. Home care or adult day care costs are examples of work-related expenses eligible for the Child and Dependent Care Credit Tax Credit.

A way to help your parents, while helping yourself.

Author: Kathleen

Counting Chickens Before they are Hatched?

2012-01-12T11:51:00.000-08:00

Six Important Facts about Dependents and Exemptions

Even though each individual tax return is different, some tax rules affect every person who may have to file a federal income tax return. These rules include dependents and exemptions. The IRS has six important facts about dependents and exemptions that will help you file your 2011 tax return.

1. Exemptions reduce your taxable income. There are two types of exemptions: personal exemptions and exemptions for dependents. For each exemption you can deduct $3,700 on your 2011 tax return.

2. Your spouse is never considered your dependent. On a joint return, you may claim one exemption for yourself and one for your spouse. If you’re filing a separate return, you may claim the exemption for your spouse only if they had no gross income, are not filing a joint return, and were not the dependent of another taxpayer.

3. Exemptions for dependents. You generally can take an exemption for each of your dependents. A dependent is your qualifying child or qualifying relative. You must list the Social Security number of any dependent for whom you claim an exemption.

4. If someone else claims you as a dependent, you may still be required to file your own tax return. Whether you must file a return depends on several factors including the amount of your unearned, earned or gross income, your marital status and any special taxes you owe.

5. If you are a dependent, you may not claim an exemption. If someone else – such as your parent – claims you as a dependent, you may not claim your personal exemption on your own tax return.

6. Some people cannot be claimed as your dependent. Generally, you may not claim a married person as a dependent if they file a joint return with their spouse. Also, to claim someone as a dependent, that person must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. resident alien, U.S. national or resident of Canada or Mexico for some part of the year. There is an exception to this rule for certain adopted children. See IRS Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information for additional tests to determine who can be claimed as a dependent.

Author: Kathleen

Spring has Sprung ...

2012-01-10T11:25:00.000-08:00

Today is another sunny day in Edmonds. As you can see by this pic ... Spring is starting to awaken our very moist ground. Early flowers are coming up and bushes are starting to bud and bloom.

People might complain about all the rain out here, but it is really light misty rain most of the time, and the winter months are normally mild. Of course, I would like it to be daylight a little more. Getting up in the dark and seeing darkness at 4:00 p.m. can be depressing ... if you let it get to you.

So, today I am focusing on Spring and getting ahead of my workload for 2012. I always get energized by sunlight!

Author: Kathleen

Ready for 2012 ...

2012-01-07T13:24:00.000-08:00

I am walking on air today.

I finished my drug study and had my final doctors exams related to that. Completed the long questionnaire about "how I feel and if the medication helped".

Then I had my thyroid and vitamin D checked by my new primary care doctor. Both of these can cause a person problems if off the mark. Only my thyroid medication had to be adjusted. I was overactive.

Got my flue shot to ward off being OH SO SICK. I could not take one while on the drug study.

Saw a podiatrist about my sore heel and feet. Come to find out, my rheumatoid causes loss of padding to my feet. And heck, my feet (6.5-7 size) are already small for my height!

Went to SHOES & FEET and got some full inserts for my shoes ... with lots of nice extra padding. Now, my feet are in heaven!

I guess I am now ready to attack 2012 with gusto!

Author: Kathleen

Miles to go before I sleep....

2012-01-06T13:04:00.000-08:00

The IRS has announced that it will not change the standard mileage rates for 2012. So for all you 2012 tax planners, as well as, those tax payers who are collecting their 2011 tax information, here is the P&S (poop and scoop):

Applicable Period Rates (in cents per mile)

July 1 - December 31, 2011 (same for 2012)

Business 55.5 cents

Charitable 14 cents

Medical and moving 23.5 cents

January 1 - June 30, 2011

Business 51 cents

Charitable 14 cents

Medical and moving 19 cents

Author: Kathleen Huston

A New Year's Present from the IRS...

2012-01-05T13:17:00.000-08:00

Click on the attached to see what the IRS is giving you for 2012 ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azW8t7MItsE

Author: Kathleen

Should I or Should I Not File?

2012-01-04T13:13:00.000-08:00

Do I Need to File a Tax Return This Year?
You are required to file a federal income tax return if your income is above a certain level, which varies depending on your filing status, age and the type of income you receive. However, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that some people should file even if they aren't required to because they may get a refund if they had taxes withheld or they may qualify for refundable credits.
To find out if you need to file, check the Individuals section of the IRS website at www.irs.gov or consult the instructions for Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ for specific details that may help you determine if you need to file a tax return with the IRS this year. You can also use the Interactive Tax Assistant available on the IRS website. The ITA tool is a tax law resource that takes you through a series of questions and provides you with responses to tax law questions.
Even if you don’t have to file for 2011, here are six reasons why you may want to:
1. Federal Income Tax Withheld You should file to get money back if your employer withheld federal income tax from your pay, you made estimated tax payments, or had a prior year overpayment applied to this year’s tax.
2. Earned Income Tax Credit You may qualify for EITC if you worked, but did not earn a lot of money. EITC is a refundable tax credit; which means you could qualify for a tax refund. To get the credit you must file a return and claim it.
3. Additional Child Tax Credit This refundable credit may be available if you have at least one qualifying child and you did not get the full amount of the Child Tax Credit.
4. American Opportunity Credit Students in their first four years of postsecondary education may qualify for as much as $2,500 through this credit. Forty percent of the credit is refundable so even those who owe no tax can get up to $1,000 of the credit as cash back for each eligible student.
5. Adoption Credit You may be able to claim a refundable tax credit for qualified expenses you paid to adopt an eligible child.
6. Health Coverage Tax Credit Certain individuals who are receiving Trade Adjustment Assistance, Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance, Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance or pension benefit payments from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, may be eligible for a 2011 Health Coverage Tax Credit.
Eligible individuals can claim a significant portion of their payments made for qualified health insurance premiums.
For more information about filing requirements and your eligibility to receive tax credits, visit www.irs.gov.

Author: Kathleen

Did You Miss Me?

2012-01-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

You probably think I stopped blogging...

But no, I was just on an extended vacation ... VA, UK, Geneva, France, back to UK, then VA, and finally home to Edmonds. I was gone from December 3 till December 30th. It did seem like a long time, though I was enjoying the break.

While on my travels I got to see old business associates, friends, relatives, neighbors, and other world travelers. I spent many hours in various airports and even 3.5 hours in a taxi (another story). We managed to finally use some of our accrued airline miles to sit in First Class. We also found that First Class on British Airways is FAB, but First Class on United was NOT WORTH the upgrade.

I got lots of fresh air and exercise. Some excursions were outside, some were just walking the length of an entire airport (I thought we were walking to our final flight destination).

Now it is back to work. Just catching up on all the e-mails took a full day. Then scheduling every one's requests to "talk" took another day.

It is 2012 and I am happy to welcome in the New Year.

So look for more posts in the days to come!

Author: Kathleen Huston

Not SO EASY....

2011-12-20T01:58:00.000-08:00

Well we are finally back in the UK making final preparations for Xmas. But getting back here from Geneva was NOT SO EASY on Easy Jet.

Easy Jet is one of the cheap flight airlines in Europe. We figured our short 1.5 hour flight to and from Geneva did not have to cost us a bundle. You've heard tell "you get what you pay for?".

Our 1.5 hour flight turned into a much longer saga. First we checked one bag in, waited for the gate to open, and then walked forever to the gate location. Once at the gate we got in a long line and waited again. Lots of travelers were at that gate, so there was quite a mob behind us in line. I did not see a plane out the window, so that should have been out first clue. Time passed until almost flight time, then the video screens went black. One of the women at the gate first announced in French that the flight had been cancelled. Then she repeated the announcement in English. She told everyone they needed to go get their bags and go back to the check-in counter. Yes, this was all FAR, FAR away.

Of course, their was no way we could backtrack quickly. The people at the back of the pack were the lucky ones. Additionally, information is definitely lacking in Geneva. We had a hard time finding out how to get back to our luggage past Security and all those detours through Duty Free areas.

When we finally made it to the Easy Jet check-in there was a LONG line of travelers also trying to get new flights. By the time we got to the counter, the few flights to nearby airports that day were taken and Easy Jet was passing out lots of overnight hotel coupons.

We opted to get a later flight that day to London-Stansted airport. Roger thought we could get ground transportation by train or tube across to where we could hook up with a train to our final destination. They even offered to give us a transfer to Manchester Airport from Stansted.

What we did not know at the time was the cost of trying to get to London or across to other trains was very expensive and that the transfer to Manchester Airport would take 3.5 hours.

We got our new tickets and went to the Board to look at time. Shortly thereafter our new flight showed "late arrival". I saw a pattern forming.

So, we decided to get some lunch ... and some beer/wine to wash it down sounded appropriate.

We were able to check out bag in 2 hours ahead of time for the flight. The flight only had 60 people on the plan.

We got off the plane and looked for the person who was supposed to meet us with a SIGN. No one was there.

So off we trekked to Easy Jet's information counter. Of course, another line, and they knew nothing about our promised ground transportation to Manchester Airport when they looked us up in the the computer.

Finally, we were told to step aside and wait for the cab we were told was called for.

All this leg of the trip added another 1.5 hours to our travel.

When we finally trekked outside to try to find the ORANGE pick up section of the airport (again directions ... no so much), our cab was there and had been at another part of the airport for 1/2 hour. But at least we were in a cab now.

Yes, 3.5 hours later we were delivered to Manchester Airport where we scooted to the train station to catch THE LAST TRAIN to Preston. Our dinner consisted of a bag of chips and a Ben and Jerry's ice cream cup. Those were the only fare available out of the machine at the station.

Kerry was nice enough to pick us up in Preston so we didn't have to call another cab.

This trip was as long or longer than our flights from Seattle to DC to the UK....ugh!!!!

Author: Kathleen

Travel the World ...

2011-12-18T04:16:00.000-08:00

I love it when I get a chance to travel the world ...

Geneva and France are both beautiful countries. I am getting the chance to talk about business with our native guides, as well as, roam around the cities and open markets.

They also "know how to do Christmas". Much care is taken to decorate each shop and/or home. It is elaborate without being tacky.

Best of all, we are not traveling at a high tourist season, so we are avoiding lots of crowds. We have time to doddle and look at things without feeling any pressure.

Oh yes, the food is wonderful. Too many cheeses, wines and desserts to choose from!

Author: Kathleen

First Class...

2011-12-12T10:04:00.000-08:00

We survived our First Class flight from Dulles Airport to London ... and on our anniversary to boot.

Yes, we finally got to use those hundreds of thousands of British Airways miles we had been accumulating. Of course, we had to fly from Seattle to Dulles to be able to use them ... but, it was worth it.

It also gave us a good excuse to see everyone in VA: my old SALSA networking group, friends, family, and neighbours. We stayed with neighbours who look out at our old house in VA!

The time difference was a little rough. Getting up at 6am East Coast (3am West Coast) day one for breakfast was crazy. Our host knocked on the bedroom door to tell us "time to get up", but he was going back to bed.

Every time we got o a plane, I lost more ours (3 to East Coast, 5 to London). Roger assures me I will get them all back in 3 weeks, ha, ha.

Author: KATHLEEN

Christmas is Comin" ...

2011-12-05T09:47:00.000-08:00

Since I will be in Merry Olde England for most of December, my husband and I decided to get in the spirit and enjoy some of our local holiday fare.

We started the day as usual having coffee and breakfast at the Walnut Cafe on Walnut Street in Edmonds. It was more like late breakfast, early lunch.

We then stopped off for a quick meeting at Roger's home away from home...the Driftwood annex.

By then it was time to head over to the Phoenix Theatre for a rendition of Christmas Bells. It is a holiday comedy and kept me in stitches.

Next, we decided to have an early dinner overlooking the Puget Sound at Anthony's. They have a special "all you can eat Dungeness crab dinner". We had not had this local specialty, so we indulged ourselves and ordered up 2 of the same. After years of spending hours upon hours picking blue crabs in VA and MD and getting a small pile of crab meat, we were shocked at the amount of meat in these crabs and the shells are so soft.

We ended our day at the Wade James Theatre watching White Christmas (one of my favorite movies) and singing along. Yes, this was a planned sing along!

By the time we walked home ... next door ... we were ready for the holiday season to begin! Come on SANTA!

Author: Kathleen

Nannygate ....

2011-12-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

You all remember how NANNYGATE was first in the news for quite a while. If you were running for public office, you were sure to make the news if you were paying a nanny under the table and not reporting those wages to the nanny or the IRS.

Well the IRS is still looking for those illusive dollars...

What people forget is that the childcare credit is linked to this use of a labor force that might in fact be categorized as a "household employee". And if you use that labor force ... i.e. pay them more than $1,800 each during the year, you are supposed to be reporting this to the IRS and paying employment taxes (usually a minimum of Social Security, Medicare and Federal Unemployment Taxes).

Each time a client asks about this, I have to impart to them the bad news. $1,800 is equal to 240 hours if you pay someone $7.50/hour. That is only 4.61 hours per week. Can you see where I am going with this? Using someone only 10 hours a week means they can easily fall into the category of "household employee". Do the math!

Author: Kathleen

Ask and Ye Shall Receive ...

2011-11-28T17:48:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it is just easier to "get to the point" versus beat around the bush. That is what I did when I was in Linked In the other day while updating some profile information.

I sent out a blast request for recommendations.

Wow, did I get a good response!

So thank you everyone who sent me some nice comments about the work we do.

Author: Kathleen

Yummy ...

2011-11-25T09:12:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving fare ... whatever it was. Mine was very traditional: turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, green beans, home made bread, yams, and pumpkin pie with light whip. BURP...

Actually, this year we played it safe ... no appetizers. In the past, everyone would chow down on appetizers, then try to eat the heavy Thanksgiving dinner. Then we would be downing Rolaids...

This year we only had the dinner, so everyone enjoyed it and I felt great this morning. Only had coffee and muffin yesterday morning before we ready the house, set the table and cooked.

I think we have a new tradition! I don't remember the last Thanksgiving day where I was not up all night with a tummy ache. That is, until now.

And I look forward to some leftovers this week. We did send everyone home with their bag of leftovers. It seems to be a requirement that each household be able to enjoy leftovers.

Author: Kathleen

Out with the Old ... In with the New!

2011-11-21T16:32:00.000-08:00

Do you constantly feel like you have "just gotten comfortable" with your computer, when it is time to upgrade to a new one?

That happens to me a lot.

Currently, we are updating my log in laptop at the VA office. It means re-loading software onto the new laptop, deactivating my Adobe on the old laptop ... activating it on the new laptop, setting up my e-mail again, and flipping from the old to the new to make sure I have not forgot anything. Luckily, all our data is kept on the network computer drive. But it is still a task to get the new computer ready for action. Thank goodness I can do this remotely though.

The good news is that I will be faster now and hopefully will have less down time.

Author: Kathleen

Where did my 1,500 credit go?

2011-11-18T17:31:00.000-08:00

Everyone has been contacting me and asking about the Residential Energy Tax Credit for 2011. I have to tell them the bad news ... it is not 1,500 as it was in 2010. It is now only 500.

If you waited to put in new energy efficient items in your home like: windows, a heater, or an air-conditioner, you lost out on 1,000 of tax credits.

Yes, you still can get up to a 500 credit if the approved materials equal 5,000 or more. Unfortunately, your counterparts in 2010 are glad they did not procrastinate.

In this case, the "early bird did catch the worm"!

Author: Kathleen

Did you Hear the Explosion?

2011-11-15T15:43:00.000-08:00

Did you hear anything this morning? Well maybe you heard about it on the news. Or perhaps you saw a picture on a bill board.

If you didn't, you missed a GOOD ONE!

It was my 57th birthday today. I still don't know why they haven't made my day a national holiday, but maybe SOMEDAY....

Last week I started getting coupons from various vendors who wanted to be the FIRST to wish me a happy birthday. Then the bank ran a banner at the ATM wishing me a HAPPY BIRTHDAY ... right on the screen. Then the postman started dropping off piles of birthday cards. This was just the build up!

This morning my phone already had a backlog of messages (text and e-mail) from friends on the East Coast. My computer e-mail account was no different. It included lots of birthday wishes and some e-cards ... 200 messages this morning and only a few were business related!

Throughout the day I got phone calls from friends around the US wishing me well. It was hard to get anything done ... this is why "your birthday" should be a personal day that everyone takes off.

Tonight I am having dinner with my sister and a good friend. Promises of Cornish hens I hear.

So THANKS to all those out there that made my day SPECIAL....you know who you are!

Author: Kathleen

I Pad Killer ...

2011-11-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

Just call me the I Pad Killer! This is my new nickname bestowed on me by my husband.

Saturday we made a trip to Alderwood Mall specifically to purchase my birthday present ... a new I Pad 2. My I Pad 2 looks just like the picture above, except I have a bright PINK cover. And I do LOVE it.

Being the type A+ person I am, I went right to work loading up my Apps and setting up my contacts for my new volunteer work. All was going SO WELL.

Then I decided it would be nice to export a small group of contacts I had on my g-mail account, and then import them into my I Pad 2. The reps at the store said this was doable and that I should do it through ITunes while linked to my PC.

I read the instructions for the process both on my I Pad 2 and at the Apple Site. I even printed a copy of the instructions to follow.

I should have heeded the warnings of some of the Apple users comments that "they had some problems" with this process.

Early in the process my Itunes requested to update my I Pad 2 operating system version. Since most electronics are loaded with an older version that is updated while the item sits on the store shelf, I was not alarmed.

But when the message came up on my PC that there was a FAILURE and the process went into a never ending loop, I did start to get uncomfortable. Then my I Pad 2 went black. When I detached the I Pad 2 and turned it on, I got the Itune icon with a cord attached ... ah, the one that is on the I Pad 2 at the store before they activate it. It would no longer open any menu.

Luckily, when I took the I Pad 2 into the Apple Store last night the technician said I was OK. He loaded on the new operating system version for me and said when I got home to plug it back into Itunes and it would recover everything. I did ask if I should maybe uninstall the ITunes first and reinstall. The technician thought this was a good idea.

So, I went home, uninstalled Itunes, reinstalled Itunes, plugged my I Pad 2 into my PC and crossed my fingers. I quickly got the message that it was RECOVERING...then my Apps and menu appeared. I clicked on the last work I had done in my contacts and all was good with the world. Whew ... another bullet dodged!

Author: Kathleen

A Warning to Holiday "RUSHERS"

2011-11-04T15:43:00.000-07:00

I had to chuckle at this one posted on Facebook.

I've already seen Christmas decorations in stores, and I have not even had time to feast on Turkey? Some holidays are just getting pushed out of the way.

One holiday at a time PLEASE...else we might really be have a Christmas in July...

And don't forget the one coming up November 15th. Well that is MY HOLIDAY ... the "Kathleen Day" aka know as my birthday!

Author: Kathleen

Are you Really running a Hobby or a Business?

2011-11-03T16:50:00.000-07:00

Attention all tax payers who take credit/debit cards!

New IRS tax form 1099-K to report sales from credit and debit cards

Starting in January 2012, businesses that accept credit and debit cards when making sales to customers will receive an IRS tax form 1099-K from their credit card processing company. The 1099-K will report the total payment transactions for the year 2011. The new reporting requirement is part of on-going government efforts to increase collection of income tax.

The New Form

The IRS tax form 1099-K was created as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 to increase compliance in reporting sales income by merchants. Because the IRS also gets a copy of the form, it will help the agency to determine whether or not business owners are reporting correct sales figures on their tax returns. Other legislation affecting reporting requirements was detailed in a May 1, 2011 article for Accounting Today titled, “1099 repeal eases some requirements, but leaves new ones for 2011.”
Regarding 1099-K reporting requirements, authors George G. Jones and Mark A. Luscombe said, “The reporting threshold is an aggregate value of third-party network transactions for a merchant of $20,000 or more for the calendar year and aggregate transactions of 200 or more. This reporting requirement is effective for sales made on or after January 1, 2011. Some taxpayers are also seeking waivers from these requirements.”

Third-Party Networks

Not only must banks and credit card processing companies comply with the new reporting requirement, third-party networks such as PayPal and eBay, Inc. must also report total credit card transactions to their business customers who use their services to process online sales. Compliance may prove to be a major adjustment for these entities. PayPal, a subsidiary of eBay, Inc., generated more than $31 billion in total net payments in 2009, according to eBay’s annual report for that year.

Exceptions

Not every merchant will receive a form 1099-K; only those who generated both a minimum of 200 transactions and $20,000 or more in sales. Casual sellers should keep in mind that even though they may not receive a 1099-K, their sales income is subject to income tax and must be reported on their tax return. Knowing whether your online “garage sale” qualifies as a business in the eyes of the IRS can be tricky. According to writer Tom Herman, even an experienced IRS employee was found to have underreported her eBay earnings. In a May 30, 2010 online Washington Post article titled, “IRS wants a cut of online sales on eBay, Craigslist” Herman said, “As the IRS points out, income from auctions that resemble a garage or yard sale ‘generally’ isn’t required to be reported. But if an online garage sale turns into a business with recurring sales and purchases of items for resale, ‘it may be considered an online auction business.’ And the complexities can be manifold.”

A Community Event ...

2011-11-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

This is the owner of Taki Tiki Bar and Grill in downtown Edmonds, WA. He was dressed to kill for the Halloween celebration that attracted 4,000 adults and children to downtown on Monday. Shops were open and set up to hand out candy to all trick or treaters. Shopkeepers were in costume too.

If you want your business to be known as "having a heart", maybe it is time for you to get involved in your community. Word of mouth advertising goes a long way. Also, being knowledgeable about what goes on in your community gives you the best intro and a set of common talking points.

At the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce breakfast this morning, everyone was talking about the event. If you attended, you had the edge. And ...

I was there with my husband ... or Mr. Cheese Head as I so fondly named him (with a Green Bay cheese head and t-shirt). The kids thought he was a piece of cheese, but the parents all knew he was a card carrying Cheese Head from Wisconsin!

Author: Kathleen

11-11-11 ... What Does it Mean?

2011-11-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

Lot's of people are getting worked up about 11-11-11. So what does it all mean?

11/11/11 (a.k.a. 11-11-11); Friday, November 11, 2011:

Most predictions and opinions concerning 11/11/11 are based on or rooted in its mathematical uniqueness as a number.

11*11*11: There are three possible scenarios:

1. Something good happens— There is absolutely no scientific basis for this belief. There are no known logical premises for this belief. The belief that something good will happen is based solely on spiritualism, faith, and/or innate optimism. This belief is not necessarily a bad thing; we don’t know everything; the probability is not zero.

2. Nothing happens— This is the most likely scenario. Just because an unusual date number sequence occurs doesn’t mean that something extraordinary will happen. Usually it’s a non-event.

3. Something bad happens— There is absolutely no scientific basis for this belief. There are no known logical premises for this belief. The belief that something bad will happen is based solely on pessimism of reality. This belief is not necessarily false; after all, things are generally/usually a mess. The probability is not zero.

So let's just SEE WHAT HAPPENS ... and let me know how you feel about that day!

For me it will be 4 days before my birthday ... so it can't possibly be as awesome as 11-15-11.

Author: Kathleen

They Get you Going and Coming!!!!!

2011-10-19T16:01:00.000-07:00

Just got an e-mail from a client who had NOTHING NICE to say about a certain credit card company.

She and her company have tried hard to move balances to new cards with zero interest and then pay off the balances to get DEBT FREE.

But credit card companies DO NOT want you to pay off your debt. They make BIG MONEY off all kinds of fees. And finance charges on a monthly basis ... this is gravy. They just love those outrageous interest rates they charge.

Even if they let you MOVE a balance, you pay a FEE to do it. So, you need to look at the fee first. Sometimes it is worth a one time small % fee since in the long run, you would pay much more in monthly interest before you could pay off the full balance.

Then there are Credit Balance refund fees, returned check fees (even though there are no checks), last minute additional finance fees, etc. You need to look over that last statement very CAREFULLY, then call the company about all the charges.

They are counting on you NOT looking too closely to that final statement.

Yes, these are the vendors you just "love to hate".

Author: Kathleen

The Early Bird ...

2011-10-17T08:19:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Starbucks! You have won the award for being the very first vendor to wish me a happy birthday.

Though my birthday is not until November 15th, I guess you like to jump on things and make me feel "really special".

And you have gone BIG TIME this year. No card with a free coffee on it. No sir, you sent me a $10 free card. That can buy me multiple rounds at the Starbucks of my favorite beverage. Or maybe I'll have a beverage and a scone. Decisions, decisions!

Anyway, I am now anticipating my big day. And I will be searching the mail to see if any other vendors remember the date.

Kudos to your marketing department ... they are FAB!

Author: Kathleen

Time Management Failure!

2011-10-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is a guy collecting tax returns from people at the USPS. Every year the same thing happens. The USPS has the system in place now. They put someone at the curb, so the cars can line up and the late filers can hand their envelope to the USPS mailman/women.

I have sat in this line for clients ... but NO MORE. I figure if I can file my own taxes on time along with 206 other returns, then so can our clients.

Come 5pm on tax day, I will be sipping some libation and putting my feet up. I will not be sitting at my computer hoping that an e-filed return does not bounce back.

So, if you are looking for someone to enable your tax procrastination ... just walk on by!

Author: Kathleen

Mail Overload!!!!!!

2011-10-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

You know what I am going to be doing ALL DAY today? Going through 373 e-mails that just downloaded to my Outlook mailbox. Only one day of maintenance on our e-mail service and the backlog is overwhelming.

OMG ... the notes go on and on!

And these are the non-scam ones.

Me thinks I am TOO POPULAR for my own good!

UGH PLUS!

Author: Kathleen

Technology had a Good Laugh Today!

2011-10-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

You don't have mail!

That was my message all day. Well it was longer than that ... but the gist was the same. We had no e-mail at the office.

Thank goodness I had to open a separate Gmail account for my phone ... whew.

I had to send clients messages through that Gmail account today. What a mess!

So when I finally can open my office mailbox ... it will probably take forever to download all the messages. Then I have to weed through them to see which ones I have answered already.

Technology bit me in the butt today for sure!

Author: Kathleen

Chilling and Working on Taxes ...

2011-10-07T14:16:00.000-07:00

Barry Manilow (born June 17, 1943^[1]) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, arranger, producer, conductor, and performer, best known for such recordings as "Could It Be Magic", "Mandy", "Can't Smile Without You", and "Copacabana (At the Copa)."

Yes, I like Barry. He is so smooth and still keeps producing new music. Plus when you have had a stressful day at work, you need background music which is soothing and makes you "feel good".

Sometimes I just need to take a break from all the new music. Don't get me wrong, I listen to everything and everybody that comes "onto the scene". I love to experience a new group.

But when I want to chill, like today ... I go to Pandora and look for some old time favorites. So, I am working away while Mandy is just taking me back in time. And knowing all the words is an extra plus. I can crank up my Sonos player and sing away. Roger is working at the theater. My office is my OWN...

Thanks Barry!

Author: Kathleen

Change, Is It Always Good?

2011-10-04T17:19:00.000-07:00

I sometimes wonder who re-programs a business website. Take for instance the USPS.

Sure, I send a lot of stuff my instant e-mail, but I do use the USPS website to constantly look up ZIP CODEs for tax returns.

Today I got a copy a prior year return. The client wants to file this year's return by the October 15th deadline. They own rental property. The Rental Property part of the return did not have the full address on it for last year.

Rather than bother clients, I normally login in to the USPS and get the information I need. Then with the full address in hand I go in search of additional information like estate tax information and assessments.

The USPS has a feature to look up the address and ZIP CODE and then click on MAILING and up pops more information that includes the county of record. SWEET... or so I thought.

The screen at the website has been changed. When I clicked on the ZIP CODE it gave me the full 9 digit zip code, but no longer had the county!

Without the COUNTY, good luck looking up tax records.

So, I played around at the website until I found out how to get the information I needed.

Programmers ... they giveth and taketh away!!!!

Author: Kathleen

What is a Busker?

2011-10-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

Street performance or busking is the practice of performing in public places, for gratuities, which are generally in the form of money and edibles. People engaging in this practice are called street performers, buskers, street musicians, minstrels, or troubadours.

Street performance dates back to antiquity, and occurs all over the world.

Performances can be just about anything that people find entertaining. Performers may do acrobatics, animal tricks, balloon twisting, card tricks, caricatures, clowning, comedy, contortions and escapes, dance, singing, fire eating, fire breathing, fortune-telling, juggling, magic, mime and a mime variation where the artist performs as a living statue, musical performance, puppeteering, snake charming, storytelling or recite poetry or prose as a bard, street art (sketching and painting, etc.), street theatre, sword swallowing, and even putting on a flea circus.

So, this picture is of my buskers in Ellensburg. I call them "my" buskers, since the women in the middle and the guy on the right are long time friends of mine. They lived in DC/VA from 1986 till about 1998. In fact, they lived pretty close to me in DC ... ah in the apartment to the left, and in VA they lived across the little hallway. Now we are all on the same coast again, just a mountain pass away.

It was fun to see all the performers: musicians, street chalk artists, jugglers, dancers, and guy in futuristic suits, etc. The community came out to support the arts. Their were old people, young adults, kids, and haystacks and benches to provide rest stops. Shops, galleries, restaurants were all involved too.

It only affirmed that communities can pull together for the common good. Maybe we should bus out our congressman and senators to a Busker day ... what do you think?

Author: Kathleen

Contemplating the Morning ...

2011-09-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

Some mornings I actually get to stop and think while I down my daily cup of coffee. I spend that time planning my day and running through my long TO DO LIST.

I realize that I will have many interruptions during the day and get side tracked from my initial plan, but with a plan I can then return to it and pick up where I left off.

Every evening when I close down the computer I also review in my mind what is on my docket for the next day. Just so that none of the DROP DEAD items get missed.

Organizing is part and parcel of my occupation. Without organization I would be lost.

I just love all these desktop and Android phone gadgets. They help me keep organized.

Author: Kathleen

Paying Forward ...

2011-09-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

No man is an island ... I get it. Sometimes when listening to the news or business people saying "no one ever helped me" I cannot help but wonder. Do they really think they were successful "all by themselves".

My business has been around since July 1, 1985. There are so many people I have thanked over the years for supporting me, giving me ideas, and just being good sounding boards ... I have lost count.

You know who you are!

I love being in business, but I realize that being part of a business community requires me to: 1) pitch in and help other businesses, 2) employ people in the community and offer them good benefits, and 3) give back to that community.

I think my great grandmother called it "a conscience"...she was a smart lady.

Author: Kathleen

It's That Time Again ...

2011-09-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

Did you have a nice summer? Good. Are you rested and ready to get back to work? Good.

Now is the time to start thinking about where you want to be with your business next year this time!

Our clients are beginning the budgeting process to decide where and when funding will come into their business and when and how they plan on spending that money.

A plan helps each business person set goals and set a direction. Without direction you are just reacting ... and often that takes you no where fast.

Yes, even I plan. I set up a budget each year and each month see if I am on track. If something major changes in my plan, I adjust my budget ... but no more than once a quarter.

I keep reminding clients that they are running a business ... it is not a hobby. And as my mother always said "it takes money to make money".

Author: Kathleen

Growing Pains ....

2011-09-20T17:34:00.000-07:00

I was so happy to tell a client today that their business is growing!

The bad news is that now they have to file a longer and more complicated tax return.

The business is a nonprofit. Previously they were just below the 200k gross receipts level. Well, for the last Fiscal Year ... they surpassed even their own expectations.

So, goodbye 990EZ, hello full blown 990 Form!

I told them, "there could be worse things than making more money and being able to help more people".

Author: Kathleen

A Little Help Here Please!

2011-09-19T16:33:00.000-07:00

As you might have guessed, Edmonds is very similar to Seattle ... we have HILLS and some of them are steep.

Ask my husband about them. He ventured out on his recumbent bike last week. Going downhill to town was OK ... but coming up the hill was a killer.

So, my husband started to do a little research. And lo and behold ... there is a company in the area that will add a motor to your bike. It has a sensor and only kicks in when you need help.

My sister says that lots of people use them in the Seattle area. Some of their roads remind me of San Francisco. We have been stopped in the BMW on these and it can be a little scary.

Anyway, soon my husband will be zooming around town ... literally.

It is not a cheap fix, but it beats keeling over on your bike.

Author: Kathleen

The Last Day ...

2011-09-15T16:57:00.000-07:00

Aha, someone wrote a book called The Last Day. So I guess I cannot write my book and call it The Last Day ... darn!

Today is another tax deadline ... well it is a deadline for those who extended their corporate taxes.

Yes, it is The Last Day and I am racing to file 2 returns before they are LATE!

Reminding some business people does no good! I can send lots of reminders, but each year it is the same thing ... we file on the last possible day.

Short of refusing to file the return at all, sometimes I feel like my options are limited.

I need to find an expert in Procrastination counseling and introduce them to these clients.

Author: Kathleen

How are You Doing?

2011-09-14T17:09:00.000-07:00

We had a little scare this morning ... well at least I did!

My husband gets up and says "maybe we should visit the ER". Trust me, that will wake you up for sure.

He is not one to have any stomach problems, so when he said he had been popping Tums throughout the night and had this tightness in his chest and abdomen, I didn't have to be told twice.

I remember in October 2003 when I felt like I had a bad case of indigestion ... one week later I was recovering from Open Heart Surgery.

So, off we went to Edmonds Swedish Hospital ... only a hop, skip away from our house. When we arrived they whisked him into an exam room ... absolutely no waiting when you have chest pains!

By noon, my husband had been poked and prodded many times. He had given blood, been hooked up to oxygen and a heart monitor, had an xray, had 2 EKGs taken, and downed some aspirin and a small bottle of something to ease possible indigestion.

When all was said and done, the doctor came in and said they didn't find anything wrong with his heart ... good news. They released him, told him to check in with his primary care doctor, and take some Pepcid AC for 15 days or so.

Whew ...

Author: Kathleen

Free Willy ...

2011-09-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we finally cashed in our Amazon coupon related to a whale watching tour.

I worked over the weekend so I could get up nice and early yesterday and drive to Bellingham, WA. There, my husband and I loaded onto a boat and at 10:00 am sharp headed off toward the San Juan Islands.

Our guides and naturalist indicated that Sunday the Orcas were reported to be near our destination.

Well, we hit pay dirt!

We actually came across 3 different Pods of Orcas ... each Pod had anywhere from 6 to 10 Orcas in it.

And let me tell you ... those BIG Orcas (of the dolphin family mind you) were pretty active yesterday. We even saw some jump out of the water and flip around. And that synchronized swimming they do is pretty amazing, even in groups of 6 or more.

One BIG Orca gliding right by the boat upside down so we could see that WHITE belly of his.

They really like to put on a show! And when the tour guide put a microphone down in the water we could hear them clicking and squeaking to each other.

Now we have seen whales in Maui and whales in WA. I am not a whale expert yet, but I am certainly learning an awful lot about them.

Author: Kathleen

Your Name in Print ...

2011-09-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

You might think that the ordinary Joe does not really get excited about seeing his name in print .... NOT SO!

Everyone likes to be acknowledged ... especially in PRINT.

My husband (Roger Huston) and sister (Suzann Martin) both worked on the recent theater show called "A Murder is Announced" ... an Agatha Christie murder mystery.

He did Set Design and worked on the Set Crew. My sister worked on the Costume Crew. They were both mentioned in the program for the show under PRODUCTION TEAM.

Just like those long list of credits at the movies, live theater likes to mention all those behind the scenes worker bees that really bring the production to the stage. And let me tell you "it is HARD work".

Honorable mention is VERY important, especially to those donating their time and artistic abilities!

Good work gang! Our community appreciates it!

Author: Kathleen

On 911 I was...

2011-09-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

On 9/11 I was sitting in my penthouse office working away ... just like on any other business day. Once in a while I might glace out the floor to ceiling windows and enjoy the 6th floor view.

My office was located right near the Pentagon on Columbia Pike ... a nice quiet neighborhood.

Our staff always has the radio on ... we call it background music. So when the first tower was hit, we were alerted immediately.

We turned on the small black and white TV/Radio we had and saw in horror the second plane hit Tower 2.

An employee who glaced out our windows screamed ... there was a full sized commerical plane passing our windows and barely clearing the trees.

The BIG BOOM shook the office and building. Then a surge of fire trucks and emergency vehicles streamed down Columbia Pike.

We stayed put and got payrolls to NY before that connection closed down. I told everyone they could go home and I'd do the work, but our staff decided to not clog the streets further. Everyone was on edge anyway.

By 2pm we were starved. Our building had emptied and we were the only ones in it. We ventured out to see if the diner just across Columbia Pike was open. It was and we crossed the EMPTY quiet street ... black smoke was billowing from the Pentagon.

It was erry!

Author: Kathleen

A Blast from The Past ...

2011-09-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

OK, let's see if everyone can guess which one of these upstanding future citizens from Westbrook Elementary was yours truly?

The guys had the job of directing kids across the streets. Yes, they were crossing guards.

The girls on the other had got to wear a sash and lead kids down to the lunchroom. So of course, our uniform was a skirt, blouse and that blue sash.

We all looked like we were military recruits ... just young. Didn't help to have a teacher who was an X Marine either. Mr. Newton ran our class with a very iron fist.

Author: Kathleen

Fluffy on Travel ...

2011-09-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that the vaccination has been effective.
In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.
For identification purposes, animals must: be fitted with an electronic microchip (transponder) or have a clearly readable tattoo, applied before 3 July 2011 (tattoos are not accepted by Ireland, Malta or the UK, which only admit microchipped animals).

What will they think of next?

Author: Kathleen

Short For ...

2011-09-06T16:26:00.000-07:00

Our society somehow has managed to shorten everything....thus our reliance on the trusty acronym.

FBI, CIA, SSA, IRS ... your name it ... there is an acronym for it.

Of course, I always laugh when I hear a new one or hear what the acronym stands for.

We went to breakfast yesterday for Labor Day and an older man looked at our car. Oh he exclaimed, I see you drive a "Belong to My Wife" car. We were in the BMW at the time.

I kinda chuckled, since it is my car now. Used to me my husbands car, but he gave it to me when he bought his retirement truck.

So, I will proudly be a BMW owner, and I will now smile since I know what it REALLY means.

Author: Kathleen

I am Going to Work ....

2011-09-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

Each day I hear "I am going to work next door". My husband says that just before he bolts to go to his "second job" as I call it. The one that pays zilch.

He certainly is dedicated ... as you can see from the above picture of his first "set design" for the upcoming place of A Murder is Announced, an Agatha Christie mystery.

My mother would have been proud of him. She read every Agatha Christie mystery and even collected a complete set of the books.

It has been a challenging endeavor for my husband. Coordinating volunteers is often more time consuming than coordinating a paid staff. Then he got to work with light designers, stage managers, and the director. Everybody wanted something. His phone rang day and night. Living next door to the theater has its good points and bad points.

I am proud of him. He stuck with it and as you can see from the pic, I think it looks darn good.

He even managed to get my sister involved in sewing costumes for the actors and actresses. In fact, she is working hard today to finish up one of the lead's dresses.

So, congratulations Roger! You now have your first set design under your belt!

Author: Kathleen

How Much is Too Much Exposure?

2011-09-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

I got another note today from an organization that likes our blog and has noted it as a "good professional accountant" blog.

Well darn ... what I am I doing so RIGHT?

I sure as heck don't know. I just keep blogging along.

I enjoy being able to share things that happen or I hear of. Maybe someone else will enjoy them too!

Of course, my husband has learned that everything in our world is "blogger fodder". That means he ends up on my blog from time to time, ha, ha.

Anyway, I'll keep sharing till you all say "enough is enough".

Author: Kathleen

Aftermath of the Storm ...

2011-08-31T08:30:00.000-07:00

I would like to apologize to any client right now about our seemingly disorganized office workings this last week.

We, like many having been living with the aftermath of the storms: quakes and hurricanes.

Verizon has been so messed up that our Internet service has been sporadic. We've had to run home and use the Internet from there to get some of our banking, etc. work done. From my remote office, I have been using the web to do a lot of work. Logging into the office has been a challenge.

It has become really clear that Mother Nature can really tell Technology "where to go"!

Anyway, we are trying to keep up with things and work around where ever we can.

But I am sure everyone else is in the same boat, so they will understand...

Author: Kathleen

They are Talking About You ...

2011-08-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

O.K. If you want to get lots of comments, post a picture of a guy in a KILT...well to be exact it was a UTILIKILT.

I heard from far and wide. Those in the UK and Scotland want the man to wear his kilt over for his next visit.

Everyone had something to say about the post.

Some women loved his sexy legs while some thought he had skinnier legs than them.

I got a barrage of comments ... it woke up the world wide web for sure!

Author: Kathleen

Men in Skirts ...

2011-08-28T15:04:00.000-07:00

My husband has been very busy in his workshop and next door at the theater. His projects have included building sets and putting in flooring for our storage space over the garage.

He is a hard on work clothes too. Trust me ... I have been sewing rips for years.

So, it did not surprise me that he went out looking for some HEAVY DUTY clothing. He also wanted to be able to hang heavy tools on a belt.

Alas, he found the site called UTILIKILTS. And of course, they have a store right here in Seattle!

http://www.utilikilts.com/

My man is now about town in his new skirt. Well it does snap into shorts as well.

But wouldn't you know that everywhere we went yesterday ... people knew what a Utilikilt was. One women at the market said her son bought one and LOVES it. Another lady immediately mentioned the shop in Seattle. I guess I am behind the times.

Anyway, these things are pretty well made. And here in the Northwest no one chuckles or even takes a second look. They are "civil" I must admit!

Author: Kathleen

SLO.........W!

2011-08-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

OK, the VA office survived the earthquake. Now the aftermath.

Internet service is SLOW as Molasses today. Verizon promises to be WORKING ON IT. Let's hope so.

At least I can log off and get my e-mail through the web from Edmonds, WA. That is faster than waiting for Outlook to come up at the VA office today.

Murphy's Law ... got work to do ... and the computer just DOES NOT cooperate.

It is natures way of telling me ... "I am not in charge!".

Author: Kathleen

The Earth Moves Under My Feet ...

2011-08-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

I can only watch things unfold. After my office called to say there was an Earthquake just a little while ago. And it was measured at 5.9 ... that is pretty BIG.

Trying to call anyone ... forget it.

The only communication has been text messages or e-mail.

I went and turned on the TV and the news is following this quake as I write.

I tried to remember if I ever registered a quake while growing up. I am one of those people born and bred in DC. Yes, a real live native.

I expect quakes now in WA. In fact, we bought earthquake insurance when we moved out here.

But VA and DC? WOW!

Author: Kathleen

Come One, Come All ...

2011-08-19T19:00:00.000-07:00

Well next Thursday we will be entertaining guests again. They come in from VA. We are their rest stop on route to an Alaskan Cruise.

So, we will be tootling over to SEATAC airport again and picking up our guests.

We will probably drive them up to the Queen Anne's Hill District to Kerry's Park. They can then take the "infamous" picture with a backdrop of Seattle, the Space Needle and Mt. Rainier. It is the # one photo on Seattle post cards.

Then we can stop for a coffee ... a Seattle must pastime.

We will probably dine overlooking the Puget Sound ... an impressive site for all visitors.

So come on Barb and friend ... we await your arrival!

Author: Kathleen

Beautification of the Community ...

2011-08-17T17:18:00.000-07:00

It is nice to know that people in various towns across the US have taken to heart the beautification of their community.

Example, in the City of Edmonds, where we live, they hang baskets of flowers on almost every corner. Of course, we do have A LOT of flowers to chose from and flowers grow like weeds in the NW. But I digress.

These acts of beauty bring a smile to the faces of the residents of our community.

Also, I guess these baskets are JOB CREATORS too. The baskets have to be maintained ... mostly watered when they get dry. Additionally, they have to be hung each spring season, then taken down before winter sets in.

This beauty is provided for all to enjoy: the old, the young, the unemployed, and the worker bees. There is absolutely no discrimination.

So, enjoy!

Author: Kathleen

The ABCs of Fundraising ...

2011-08-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

There is definitely a knack to GOOD AND SUCCESSFUL Fundraising. After working for many years in the nonprofit sector I have seen first hand good and bad fundraisers.

So, when an organization asked me about possibly helping with fundraising, I had lots of ideas.

The first rule of thumb I told them was "if you don't ask, the answer is no". Asking for donations is never easy, but you do have to get up the courage to ASK. Sometimes you might even be surprised by the answer.

Many years ago I learned the basics of fundraising when I joined a committee of four to organize and fund a street festival in my community. It surprised me that sometimes the businesses or individuals that have less ... give more. And many times the BIG organizations and well off are hard to squeeze for a donation.

So, what I learned, is that everyone is approachable! Leave no rock unturned.

And be sure to remember that In-Kind donations save money too. Someone might be able to donate food for your event ... versus cash. But you will save money on the cost of that food, and probably will get lots more food than you would have provided at the event.

Author: Kathleen

Fighting Fire with Fire ...

2011-08-15T18:45:00.000-07:00

I know slugs are good for the garden ... well sometimes. But with this nice cool weather out here ... our slugs go crazy and eat everything in sight.

So, I broke down and bought myself some SLUG BAIT. I made sure I bought the kind that is animal friendly ... so all you cat and dog lovers out there can stop frowning.

And yes, I only put bait down where the slugs were really abundant too.

Hopefully ... soon, my green leafed plants won't look like they have been attacked by a mad paper cutter.

Author: Kathleen

Forms that Drive You Crazy ...

2011-08-12T14:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent several hours trying to explain the newly designed Form 990 to one of our nonprofit clients.

This form drives me crazy, so I was not surprised that our client was just as frustrated as I was.

Besides the pages and pages of redundant questions, the form has schedules for you to prepare that do not match the totals on the other previous schedules ... the ones that supposedly list the same information.

Of course, in the ultimate wisdom of the designers of the new format have managed to combine what I call "testing" with actual total information.

That means that the schedules often list only some of the items included in the totals of the same information. Clients try to cross check the information and think something MUST BE WRONG.

For instance: if you grant money or assistance to an organization, the detail schedule only wants you to list those recipients that get $5,000 or more. So, if you grant or assist $100,000 in total, you still might list nothing on the detail schedule if all increments given are less than $5,000. Clients just go crazy when they see $100,000 of expenses, but a blank detail schedule.

Every time I look at the 990 Forms I just wonder who this "designer" was. I am sure they did not ask an end user to look at the form, or run it by a prospective funder. No beta testing either I would assume.

What a nightmare!

Author: Kathleen

When the Tornado Hits ...

2011-08-11T16:35:00.000-07:00

We are almost ready ... you know ... for when the Tornado hits!

We have a master carpenter putting final touches on our storage shed which is connected to the garage.

According to his wife, we should go and lock ourselves in this shed if and when a Tornado hits. She is 100% sure the shed will be standing. The house might be demolished, but the shed will weather the storm.

This is what you get when things are BUILT WELL and your hire the VERY BEST.

So, bring on the storms! We are ready ... well tomorrow we will be ready!

Author: Kathleen

Going SLOWLY...

2011-08-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

For 2 days now, my computer has been going so slow...

The technician cannot figure it out. I am plodding along, sometimes doing work directly from my laptop here, not through our firewall.

I just wish we could solve this computer problem!

Just when I need to be speedy ... I am not!

Author: Kathleen

Plan B ...

2011-08-07T17:24:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs a Plan B ... and our Edmonds market vendors are no exception!

Next week there will be NO EDMONDS MARKET. Another celebration is coming to Edmonds called THE TASTE OF EDMONDS. This celebration also takes up a lot of space, some of which is also used for the Edmonds Market.

So, what is a dedicated weekly shopper to do?

Well, this week all the vendors were reminding their customers that next week the Market would not be in operation. The vendors were also giving out cards, etc. that indicated where that vendor would be next Saturday. Some of these vendors appear at multiple markets.

The best news I had was that our pasta vendor is selling out of The Cheese Monger shop in town. So, I can always get his pasta ... year round now. Of course, when the market is open it is just as easy to pick up my weekly pasta there.

So, the morale to this story is: "always have a Plan B ready to put into action". Your customers will appreciate it!

Author: Kathleen

Filing made EASY ...

2011-08-05T16:52:00.000-07:00

Thank you VA SCC for making my life SO MUCH easier today!

The state of VA corporate commission has added an Express Online Filing option. You can now open a new LLC or Corporation online, pay the filing fee, and get your printed VA certificate. One Stop Shopping! And all Paperless!
And there is no Expedite fee related to this option (used to be $100 plus FedEx charges going and coming). You only pay the filing fee and a payment processing fee: 2.4% for credit card payments, or a flat $2 fee for EChecks.

Of course there was one tiny glitch. I could not use an ECheck from our company account. It could only be from a personal account. So of course, I floated the client the $102 for a few days. Not a biggie. Why pay $2.40 when you can pay $2.00.

Otherwise, I was impressed with the ease with which everything worked. They even allow you to Search for your Entity before filing to be sure your name is not already used by someone.

Keep up the good work VA! I just love government agencies who realize "time is money". My PDF copies are filed in their computer folder ... copies are already sent to the client.

Author: Kathleen

Twiddling your Thumbs ...

2011-08-04T17:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, I was the lucky one this week. My flight took off on time from Chicago and landed on time in Seattle.

My husband has not been so lucky today.

While at my doctor's appointment today, my phone rang to tell me I had a message. My husband's plane has having mechanical problems, so his plane was still on the tarmac in Chicago. He said to check online and see what time his flight would REALLY arrive in Seattle. This was important since I was his ride home.

Well, his flight has been delayed 3 hours and still shows it might be delayed even further.

My hope for avoiding rush hour traffic is slowly fading away!

Anyway, he will be tired of waiting around the airport all day. Maybe he found a lounge to sit in ... one that serves beer.

Author: Kathleen

What Time is It?

2011-08-03T12:17:00.000-07:00

Jumpin' Jehoshaphat's! I thought working with Pacific Standard time and Eastern Standard time was draining.

Then I went on vacation to Chicago and Wisconsin, That added Central Standard time to the mix.

My body now does not know what Time Zone it is in.

Yesterday, I flew back from Chicago ... after driving there from Wisconsin the day before. I went and picked up my laptop at the computer store and came right home to work. By 8:00 p.m. PST I was exhausted.

Of course, going to bed early has just gotten me off sync. Now I have to try to stay up later tonight.

The body is a STRANGE THING. It does not switch Time Zones so quickly!

Author: Kathleen

Camping in Style ...

2011-07-31T14:22:00.000-07:00

I have been camping over the years. Heck, I have lugged all my gear down a mountain into the valley, then back up the mountain after camping out. But until now, I have never camped with an RV.

So, when my husband and I visited his brother's campsite in Door County, WI, I was definitely in for a new experience.

I would compare RV camping with putting your home on wheels and then driving to a camp site.

The RV we stayed in had: air-conditioning, a refrigerator and freezer, a laundry shoot, and even a central vacuum system. It was so comfortable I could not believe it.

We would all gather with the other relatives at night around a campfire, then adjourn to our cushy abode. What a life!

Author: Kathleen

Beat the Heat !!!!!

2011-07-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

Ouch, our office in VA has been telling me how HOT it is back EAST. Today I went to my weather app on my phone. In VA it registers 100 degrees, feels like 113 degrees, and has a humidity reading of 44%. YIKES!

I hate to admit it, but our 50-68 degree weather today is pretty nice. This weekend we are finally going to have some warm weather: 57-78 degrees.

So, if you want to REALLY beat the heat ... I guess you could move WEST.

I am only kidding your know!

There are many things I might miss about my Eastern roots, but the humid summertime weather is not one of them.

My husband had to turn on the air conditioner in his rental car this week in Boston. Then he thought about it. We don't have air conditioning in our home in Edmonds, and we haven't turn on the air conditioner in either car. Wonder if they still works?

Author: Kathleen

And the Award Goes To ...

2011-07-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

So how many of our readers noticed the Award notification we posted on our BLOG site? Look at the Right Top corner.

Well we got an Award given to the top 20 Accounting Blogs for 2011.

Can you believe it?

They liked the content and its diversity ... and the fact that it wasn't just dry accounting fare.

I guess it is OK to be kinda crazy and not afraid to bear your soul to the world. Besides, the world is full of "blogger fodder". I don't have to make this stuff up!

Author: Kathleen (now a renowned author...ha,ha)

A Gift for Me ? ... !

2011-07-20T19:13:00.000-07:00

Unlike Harry Potter, I don't get my mail delivered by an owl. But when I get a box delivery, the door bell does ring ... then the UPS or FedEx guy runs back and drives off in his truck.

Today I came back from an errand to find the box pictured here waiting at the door.

I was so excited ... that is until I read the label and realized it was not a surprise gift for me, but MORE WORK.

Drat ... I so needed a package to arrive and cheer me up!

I've been working on audit schedules all week ... well this week and last. And those things can be DEADLY ... or as I call it BRAIN NUMBING.

No, I did not bust the package open. It can wait till these schedules are done.

Author: Kathleen

Getting Involved ...

2011-07-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

Well last weekend ... in the rain, my sister and I went on the 2011 Garden Tour in Edmonds. You were allowed to tramp through selected yards, touch the foliage and snoop at your leisure.

Sometimes the owners were standing by to farm our questions and tell us the names of various plants and flowers.

Additionally, there was live music provided, often of the classical type which made for a very nice backdrop to the whole affair.

At the last house I had time to chat with the owner and then with a Tour volunteer.

My sister had suggested that maybe "I" would want to volunteer our yard for the Tour in 2012. I was mulling this over in my mind ... and as accountants do ... gathering information.

The previous owner of our house sure did plant lots of different varieties of flowers, plants, and bushes throughout our big yard. And now that we have been here a full year, I've seen what comes up and when.

So, I left my name with the Volunteer. The powers that be come look at your yard and decide if you are Tour worthy. "Who knows"!

Author: Kathleen

Lights Out ...

2011-07-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

Well today is one day I am glad I am working remotely. Suddenly I lost the connection to the VA office. I tried to reconnect, but no such luck.

Then my phone rang. It was Angela from the VA office. They lost power...in fact, the whole professional complex lost power.

I was so glad I had sent off some things that clients needed earlier.

Luckily it was lunch time here in WA. So, off I toddled to lunch.

An hour later I am back at work and guess what? Still no power in VA.

This is when I love those clients who went web-based. I can still log into their accounting from here and work.

At least I am not totally idyll!

Author: Kathleen

Ancient History ...

2011-07-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

A client today just mentioned to me that they spent the day making hand entries to a log they are sending me, and then erasing it ... again and again.

I had to sit back and think about this for a minute ... seriously!

When was the last time I even used a pencil ... or for that matter an eraser?

Everything I do is on the computer. If I need to add things up, I normally create something I can reuse in Excel. Once in a while I use my calculator. But I don't use a pencil or eraser.

In fact, I only have pens on my desk. And those are for signing documents.

Wow, I just realized how ancient the pencil seems to me now. Almost as ancient as a cassette tape is to a young person who grew up with CDs, MP3s and ITunes.

Yes, pencils were once the tool of an accountant. But times are a changing!

Author: Kathleen

Looking to Duplicate ...

2011-07-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

When you move, you can't help but miss SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS.

Last summer we really missed our nights out at Wolf Trap in VA. We would go see all kinds of live performances.

So this year we looked around to see how we could try to duplicate the experience in our new neck of the woods ... Washington State.

What we found was a nice outdoor venue at Chateau Ste Michelle. You might recognize the name. They make some darn good wine ... And yes, you can have wine at the event, as long as you buy it at their shop.

The major difference with this experience is you DO have to bring your own chairs. It is mostly lawn seating.

The other difference is the whole subject of rain dates, since as you can see in the picture ... the audience is totally out in the elements. There is NO SUCH thing as a rain date. You buy your ticket and takes your chances!

Well, our first performance is coming up next weekend. We hopefully will see the Steve Miller Band.

I think I better bring my slicker ... just in case!

Author: Kathleen

Truth or Consequences ...

2011-07-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year where many business clients are preparing for their annual audit. They need to prove that they are abiding by the law ... and are reporting their income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and equity accurately.

This is where we often step in for our clients. We prepare all their audit schedules, submit them to the client and their third party auditors, then answer all any questions the auditors might have.

It is tedious work, but a necessary evil.

The auditors just want to be sure everything ties together, is in the right place, and matches its backup documentation. Example, if you said you made 10,000 in gross income in January, the auditors want to see 10,000 of receipts on your bank statement.

As we tell our clients ... it is not rocket science!

Author: Kathleen

Living on the Edge ...

2011-07-05T17:44:00.000-07:00

We are now living on the "edge of downtown". According to our neighbors where we live is the edge of the bowl ... the bowl being the dip into town and the fountain and waterfront.

Well we have decided we REALLY like living on the edge.

Next door to us is the Driftwood Players Theater where my husband has gotten VERY involved. He is on the board already, designing his first set, works with the city maintenance people, and has somehow become "the face of Driftwood". All of this in less than a year!

Of course, the face of Driftwood had to be "front and center" for the 4th of July Edmonds parade. Since he is in a boot (fractured heel), I had to drive my BMW Z3 for the parade. He volunteered the car ... thus his driver (me). So, I pulled out my tierra ... again and added a boa. The theater folk helped decorate the car (photo above).

We had 20 people or so walking around the car giving out fliers. Eleven of these walkers were students who stopped every block or so to do a short performance to music from High School Musical ... a Driftwood production for mid July. Our speakers are really loud when cranked up ... trust me! My ears are still ringing.

We were #65 of 72 participants in the parade. The route was 1 mile. And there were packed crowds along every inch of the route. This is a big thing in Edmonds.

After the parade the theater hosted an informal barbecue. The basics were provided, and everyone brought side dishes and desserts.

Then everyone went home to recover and wait for the fireworks to start ... 10:15pm Pacific time.

Come to find out the fireworks location is only a few short block from us. We contemplated walking over, but why bother. We found we could sit out chairs at the end of our new driveway and watch the event ... no problem! Additionally, we avoided the stream of cars and traffic which started 2-3 hours before the fireworks. Cars just kept coming down Main Street. I really thought they were just driving into the Puget Sound!

I just love this "Living on the Edge"...

Author: Kathleen

The Art of Conversion ....

2011-07-04T15:16:00.000-07:00

My head is a spinning....round and round!

I have been working for 2 days with a client ... trying to get their desktop files converted to a web-based version of the software.

Alas, I thought this would be quick and easy. NO SUCH THING! Who cares that I have done this previously a million times....

Anyway, after 2 days of struggling, I finally found the solution at a community help site. Of course, the software company could have been nice enough to list this solution, but then again, they are a software company.

I just thank my stars there are other frustrated end users and programmers out there on the Internet that are willing to help others avoid the same PAIN they themselves have felt.

THANK you Social Networks of the WORLD!

Author: Kathleen

Happy 4th of July 2011 ************!

2011-07-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY ......

From all of us on the WEST coast ... from Seattle to Edmonds ... We wish you and yours a Happy 4th of July.

We will be riding the BMW Z3 in the Edmonds parade on Monday and supporting the 501c3 organization "The Driftwood Players of Edmonds". We'll be blasting songs on our speakers while young people walking beside us DO THEIR THING and hand out literature about the organization.

Then we will sit back and enjoy a barbecue with the same organization.

Last, but not least, we will enjoy the FIREWORKS display that the town of Edmonds has in store for us.

This is our VERY FIRST Edmonds 4th of July, so we are going to soak up all the local color we can get.

ENJOY your celebrations too....!!!!!!!!

Author: Kathleen

Adult Truths ...

2011-07-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
7. MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
10. Bad decisions make good stories.
11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
12. Can we all just unify and agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.
13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my 10-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.
14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
16. I disagree with the Kay Jewelers ad. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.
17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.
18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?
20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent someone who's been driving like a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever...?(not!)
22. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.
24. People who forward e-mails without deleting the tons of previous recipients should be first shot and then tarred and feathered.
25. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important. Ladies, quit laughing!

Heal the past, live the present, dream the future.

Enjoy life!!!

Sent to me by a reader with a REALLY GOOD sense of GETTING OLDER...

I am such an Accounting Geek ...

2011-06-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

Most people get excited about winning the lottery or something. I get excited about solving a problem for a new client and hearing the joy in their voice ... they are as excited as I am!

Yes, I am one big ACCOUNTING GEEK. I will admit it now.

There is nothing finer in the world than helping a business make heads or tails out of their accounting. That means designing reports a client can understand, being available to talk to the client about the reports, and tweeking the reports them to make them "easy to understand".

This is something that has always been a selling point for our services. Clients like the fact that we ask them what they would like to see and help them design a system which can show them their financial status while simultaneously abiding by accounting standards.

The analysis involved gets my blood pumping and I guess my enthusiasm is infectious. Clients always tell me they never thought they could get so excited about accounting. What a compliment!

So now you know the reason I don't need any medical assistance to get high ... I get high just by doing my job ... something I just LOVE to do!

Author: Kathleen

It Goes on and ON ...

2011-06-29T15:40:00.000-07:00

Today I sat for hours. I was tackling one of those mind numbing tasks ... cleaning up a new client's Chart of Accounts.

A Chart of Accounts is a list of accounts to designate asset type, liability type, equity type, income type and expense type. It should be simple and useful to management. Oh, and it should be not be redundant (you know, calling the same thing by multiple names).

Their Chart of Accounts contained lots of accounts they did not even use, or hadn't use for many years. In fact, the lengthy Chart of Accounts contained accounts way back when. I could tell that the client chose one of those default account lists available in Quickbooks ... you know the ones identified by type of industry.

We never use the default lists. They are cluttered with accounts the client will never use. And with too many choices, the client gets confused.

There is a NO ACCOUNTS choice when setting up Quickbooks, and if one is smart, one should start from scratch. We do!

Yes, all those clients that clutter up their Chart of Accounts realize that scanning through that list becomes cumbersome. Then the question arises: "can we get rid of a lot of this junk". Well the answer is yes, but you have to do it one account at a time.

I managed today to condense the Chart of Accounts from 8 pages down to 2. I would say that is a JOB WELL DONE...

Author: Kathleen

Is Your Accountant an Accountant/Researcher?

2011-06-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

Every year I have to ask tax clients to find "the cost basis" of securities they have sold during the year.

Of course, that is when a lot of head scratching occurs. Then I hear a lot of "guesses" like ... I bought it more than 5 years ago and I "think" I paid $4,400.

That is when my work begins. I first go out to the Internet and do a search to see if there have been any mergers, buyouts, stock dividends, etc. that might effect the price over time. Then I take a look at the historical price back 5 years or so.

I advise clients to go back to their records and look at any documentation they might have on the purchase: investment statement, receipts. If none exist, then we have to get a possible buy date and go back to my historical list to get a purchase amount.

Many clients are surprised when they see an investment statement that shows the shares owned with a "not available" note where the cost basis should be. This normally indicates that the shares were transferred from another investment institution into the current one ... meaning they were bought through another investment institution.

My advice to ALL CLIENTS: be sure your investment statements or institution always has your correct cost basis for each security you own. If you change investment institutions, give these people a list of cost basis of any securities transferred over, and LOOK at the first statement to verify they noted these. Then you are GOOD. You can always call your current people to get a cost basis on anything sold.

Remember, the purpose of buying stocks is to sell them for retirement funds. And when you sell YOU WILL need to know the purchase price and cost basis.

Author: Kathleen

Guinea Pig ...

2011-06-23T16:59:00.000-07:00

Now I know what a human guinea pig feels like. I volunteered for a clinical trial related to my arthritis medicine. Lots of paperwork to sign, a physical to pass, EKG for the heart, chest x-rays, blood tests, and even a TB test ... and that is just to see if you are eligible.

All looked good. So if my arm does not swell up from the TB test and my blood looks normal, I am good to go.

Next visit I would start taking the new medicine.

Since I already take medicine for my arthritis, and it is no longer working well, I was ready for a change. If you know anything about arthritis, you will know there are 1,000s of medications out there. They are always working at improving them ... thus my clinical trial. Additionally, you need to find the right medicine for you. This one is supposedly the "latest and greatest".

Ah, to wake up without those aches and pains. I am SO READY...

Author: Kathleen

Giving me the Boot ...

2011-06-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

Well everyone will be glad to know that my husband is off the knee scooter and onto crutches again. He just started physical therapy this week and is now allowed to put some weight on the boot that protects his fractured heel.

I am still driving him to and fro sometimes in his truck. Like today, I drove him to lunch, then to the FedEx copier shop.

Now my question to all my readers is: "how many of you have an electronic GPS device for your car?"

Well we have one, but I find that if I have Roger sitting in the front passenger side of the truck ... I don't need Jill (that is what we call our Garmin GPS device).

Roger will tell me where to turn, what lane to be in, and how fast I should be driving. His running commentary I know is meant to be helpful. So, Nurse Ratchet will just keep smiling till the boot finally comes off.

Author: Kathleen

A Trip on the Wild Side ...

2011-06-21T17:46:00.000-07:00

Henna (Lawsonia inermis, also called mignonette tree^[1]) is a flowering plant used since antiquity to dye skin, hair, fingernails, leather and wool. The name is also used for dye preparations derived from the plant, and for the art of temporary tattooing based on those dyes.

It is also the very latest thing to add to a party as an activity. So, of course, we added it to the Bridal Shower we had on Saturday.

The bride-to-be was in her 40s and definitely not a candidate for a stripper or such other entertainment. We were brainstorming what to do for the event when my sister happened to attend another even where they had a face painter. Come to find out, the face painter also did Henna drawings for other events ... even for Microsoft.

Well, let me tell you, the Henna activity was a total success. Everyone did it, from the mother-of-the-bride down to the youngest guest. The artist had just been working at the Edmonds Art Festival during the day. So she only had to go one block to reach our destination.

According to our artist, in India, they hide little clues in the drawings for a bride. The groom then has to master the puzzle.

And best of all, for those of us who work, the dye fades after about 5 days. It is only temporary, but let's you ride on the "wild and crazy" side for a little while!

Can you guess what is painted on my upper arm?

Author: Kathleen

Etched is Stone ....

2011-06-20T16:19:00.000-07:00

Friday, Saturday and Sunday the city of Edmonds hosted a fabulous Arts Festival. Of course, we went. How could we not when it was only one block from our house.

They bring vendors from all over Washington to the site, and they attract quite a crowd of people. The street was packed with parked cars which stretched all the way from town well past our house (a one mile strip). Drivers were eyeing our big driveway ... and were envious when our friends turned in to park.

There were so many vendor booths you really could not do the festival justice in just one day. We went down on Friday and returned again on Sunday.

There were artists of all different types: painters, pottery, jewelry, spices, furniture, lawn ornaments, waterfalls ... you name it, we saw it.

Above was one vendor selling beautiful stone and metal furniture. The table set I photographed even had a gas fire pit in the center. The furniture was comfy too.

In addition to arts vendors, the festival had food and beverage vendor offering sustenance for shoppers. They also had musicians playing at different locations throughout the grounds and a playground for kids.

I have been to many arts festivals over the years, but I can tell you this ... the Edmonds Arts Festival was better organized and run. These people knew what they were doing. They even had street signs up for each alley so you could go back to a vendor after you had done your comparison shopping. And the grounds were clean ... at all times.

So, if you are every looking for something to do over Father's Day weekend ... come check it out! Rain or shine ... the festival goes on. In fact, on Saturday we had a little drizzle rain throughout the day, and the festival still had a good turnout. Nothing can deter those serious buyers who come back every year!

Author: Kathleen

Coffee, Tea, Juice, Cookies?

2011-06-17T17:01:00.000-07:00

OK, my husband finally roped me into volunteering to work concessions at the community theater next door. Last night was to be his first night as "house manager". So, not only was I there to help out, but I was there to support "the big cheese".

My job was not really hard. It entailed providing refreshments (coffee, tea, juice, cookies) to the theater goers before the show and at intermission. After intermission you are then required to clean up. "Piece of cake".

The staff included: the house manager, concessions, ushers, and the ticket office person. All of us were there by 6:45pm, except the ticket office person. The doors open at 7:00pm and the show starts at 8:00pm.

By 7:00pm the house manager was on the stick frantically calling the Board president and other Board members. "Where was the ticket office person?" The crowd quickly started to snake around the outer room and eventually head outdoors. Most of the patrons had will call tickets.

An emergency call finally brought Board members to the theater to open the safe and hand out the will call tickets. It was already 7:45pm. With extra help from one of the ushers, the officers managed to get everyone into the theater by 8:02pm ... a feat in itself.

Could things get any worse?

Things were quiet till intermission. Then I got to work providing my second round of refreshments to all the patrons.

Within minutes a man frantically approached my station to tell me a women had passed out in the ladies room. "Could I come and help".

So, I left an usher in charge of concessions and raced off to the bathroom. There on the floor is a women "out cold" with a crowd standing looking at her and one young women holding her head. Some of the women were on their cell phones calling 911. The women on the floor did come to, but was instructed to stay still till medical help arrived. Once things were under control ... I went back to my concession station.

Patrons were milling around outside and inside, paramedics where going to and fro, and finally lights were blinking to announce "show time".

By the time all was said and done and the show was over, my husband and I were really wondering if this was our first and last time as house manager and concession lady. What a night!

Author: Kathleen

Sweets for the Sweet ...

2011-06-14T13:33:00.000-07:00

One of the vendors at our Saturday market is Cupcake Luv. She has on display all kinds of fancy cupcakes filled and decorated to the max. She even has mini bite-size cupcakes.

http://cupcakeluv.com/

I have tried all the non-chocolate ones already. My husband has tried all the chocolate ones and even some of the non-chocolate ones.

We have been "taste testing" each week since the beginning of June when the market opened.

My sister is hosting a bridal shower this Saturday. Guess what is for dessert?

Anyway, it is interesting to stand and chat while ordering and find out just how these vendors started their business, where they want to take it, and just how dedicated they are to the business.

I know, I know ... it is the entrepreneur in me! I just love to bask in someone's "business glow".

Author: Kathleen

Just Chillin' ....

2011-06-12T15:01:00.000-07:00

The news from back East in Alexandria, VA is HOT. The temperature Thursday reached 102 degrees.

Word from Minnesota is that their temperature reached 103 degrees.

Everyone is sending me messages about the weather.

I do feel a tad guilty ... but only a tad. Just to be sure I had it right, I went over to the hall closet and tapped on our trusty thermometer, which is registering the weather electronically from our outside meter.

Yep, it read 56.4 degrees. It is cool with a smattering of misty rain.

Last weekend it reached a scorching 72 degrees. People were out at the open market in shorts, flip flops, etc. Seattle lites bring out the summer gear the minute the thermometer hits 60 degrees.

I am truly Chillin' and enjoying every moment of it! Eat your heart out!

Author: Kathleen

Tax Time ...

2011-06-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

Yes indeed it is that time again ... or as our clients so fondly call it ... TAX TIME!

If you don't have enough withheld from your paycheck to cover your taxes due at year end, or if you are self-employed, then you are probably paying estimated income taxes.

Four times a year you get a chance to send money to the IRS and/or State to cover any shortfall. April 15th, June 15th, September 15th, and January 15th are all days you dread every year.

But as I remind clients ... it is more palatable to "pay as you go" than face a big debt in April. Besides paying penalties and interest on underpayment is just adding insult to injury!

And, yes I practice what I preach. Heck, my husband is a CONSULTANT who receives a 1099 Misc form in the mail each January. So, each quarter he passes his papers on profit and loss to me and says "go at it". This is my cue to run figures to ascertain his tax liability, then go online and set up his debit payment.

Author: Kathleen

OMG 2 ...

2011-06-10T15:59:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it. I stand SO CORRECTED!

While I was preparing a couple of blog entries I noticed to the right an option to look at the OLDEST blog entry. So I did.

My eyes popped when I saw the date stamp of 7/20/06. That means I have been blogging for 1,785 days on this new site, or as us math geeks love to calculate ... for 4.89 years. And this is my second blog site. I was blogging on one site, then changed over to the current carrier.

OMG! I've been blogging FOREVER! I've even accumulated 765 posts on this site.

So, more math for you: at 765 posts, I have averaged 156 posts a year ... which equates to 42.73% of the time, I am blogging.

Whew, I was glad to find out that I didn't blog every day. If I did, clients would be calling me a MAJOR slacker!

Author: Kathleen

A Home Office ...

2011-06-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, telecommuting from my home office has its perks. It also has its draw backs.

The doorbell rings ... so I have to get up and answer it. Normally it is the USP or FedEx guy ...who waves at me as they RUN away from our house.

The dryer or washer Bing's and I have to run unload and reload. My husband is out of commission right now with his fractured heel.

I do have a choice of bathrooms though ... master or guest.

I can have lunch on the patio and not have to incur a bill from a restaurant or a tip for a waitress.

And the best perk ... I can be at the office by 8am even if I get up at 7:55am.

Author: Kathleen

A Milestone ...

2011-06-07T17:55:00.000-07:00

I was reading an article from a site I subscribe to today and that proverbial rock hit me right on the head.

The article was talking about milestones.

I had to stop and think ... did I have any milestone's in my life recently.

Duh! I realized that one milestone was the fact that I have been blogging non-stop since the beginning of 2008. Wow, that makes 3.5 years now that I have been posting these articles for others to read. That is a lot of blogging for sure.

Of course, life gives me all kinds of things to notice and write about. I especially love those things that make me laugh. I just cannot help "sharing" those "ah ha moments" as Oprah calls them!

When I got started, I never figured I would be able to keep up with this.

Now, it is just in my routine, like sleeping and eating.

So, don't expect me to stop ... at least not till my next milestone is reached ... whenever that will be

Author: Kathleen

Chick Magnet ...

2011-06-05T19:40:00.000-07:00

OK, some guys use dogs to attract women. Some guys borrow babies and little kids to attract women.

I have discovered a new Chick Magnet. In fact, it is a universal People Magnet.

Put a guy in a medical boot. Buy him a knee scooter. Then take him out for a spin around town.

People cannot help themselves. Everyone has to start up a conversation about the scooter. Old people want to get themselves one of these things. Women stop to tell us their medical woes and commiserate. Other people in casts want to compare notes. Even guys in business suits stop to offer you assistance in lugging the scooter in and out of the car.

I am telling you, it is the ultimate ATTENTION GETTER!

And of course, be well versed on how the injury happened, since you will be repeating the story adnausium.

Author: Kathleen

Taking a Lunch Break ...

2011-06-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

I have been in tax mode for so many months, I just had to break the pattern today.

I had been eating breakfast and lunch most days at my desk ... while I worked away. I was maximizing my hours.

Today, the sun was shinging so bright that I had to STOP and actually force myself to take a lunch break. I decided to heat up my quiche slice and cell phone and adjourn to the patio. The temperature guage said 65 degrees!

So, while my counterparts sweat in VA, I will enjoy a little sunshine here in WA.

I am OUT TO LUNCH! ... even if it is in my own backyard.

Author: Kathleen

Pay It Forward ...

2011-06-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

Meet our summer intern Frehiwot. This summer we will Pay it Forward again and give a future graduate an advantage over her competition.

Why do we employ interns over the summer? Isn't it time consuming to get them up-to-speed?

Well, I think back to when I first got our of school with a Math degree in hand. I was so sure that the business community would welcome me with open arms ... and with a job suited to my education.

I would go off to my interviews in a nice fitting business suit ready to impress the heck out of any employer. Unfortunately, I heard the same phrase repeated again and again "you have lots of education, but we need related experience too". My prior jobs at the Farrells, the Variety Store, the fabric store, and setting up a database for the the Florida school system just did not fit the bill.

I only landed a job in an accounting department for a law firm because someone was willing to take a chance on someone so green.

We want our interns to learn some real life lessons, see how businesses really work behind the scenes, and take away with them skills that every employer is looking for. Our interns do real accounting work ... they learn by doing.

Author: Kathleen