sapphire12
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Post by sapphire12 on Aug 23, 2011 22:06:58 GMT -5
mizbear -- You are in a tough situation. I know you love your nieces, but you have to take of you before you can take care of anyone else. At least you were home. Some of my colleagues were in the shower at the gym at work when it hit. Whew. My left arm is spasming. Hopefully, I sleep well, though it is past the time that I should be asleep. Hmm.
moneysquirrel -- sleep tight. You really did have a long day.
red -- In addition to the web sites the ladies have referenced, you could always try Tax Act or Turbo Tax and if you aren't sure or to confirm what you did, seek out a professional for one year. Make sure you understand what the tax pro did and then you and blue should be fine for future years.
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reeneejune
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Post by reeneejune on Aug 23, 2011 23:48:19 GMT -5
East Coast peeps - It looks like you're all ok, and I'm very glad for that! Ear ache/infection - doing much better today. Still pops frequently and I still seem "flushed" to people, but it doesn't ache. spruby – re: going back to school and student budget mode, it's really up to me when I go back. I *could* go back in early January BUT that leaves me going directly from debt pay-off mode to student mode. Spring term starts April 2 (open registration begins March 19th, which just happens to be my birthday) and would give me a total of 5 full months of garnishment free income to kill the last few tiny things on my credit report, save a little bit of money, take care of some much needed expenses (new tires for my car for one), and pamper myself a bit. I'm just worried that I can't make it that long without going postal on a customer or coworker. I'm also worried that if I get used to the "higher" income I'll have for a few months, it will be harder for me to manage on my student budget. I also have to still investigate a small debt I owe to my previous college, I may need to have that paid off before registering for classes and I don't know if I'll be able to swing it in December. So the answer is, I don't know what I'm going to do yet.
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redwagon
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Post by redwagon on Aug 24, 2011 7:52:01 GMT -5
sapphire - that's what I'm thinking. Unfortunately he does use his office for school too, so now I'm not sure we meet the "exclusivity" clause and might not get to deduct anything, which doesn't seem fair. Likewise I use my computer for photo editing too, not just freelancing. Hmmm
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midjd
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Post by midjd on Aug 24, 2011 8:18:37 GMT -5
Yeah, be very careful with the home office deductions... they are one of the biggest audit triggers
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redwagon
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Post by redwagon on Aug 24, 2011 8:32:57 GMT -5
My boss deducts every book she buys (and she buys probably 20 a month) as "research" for her book designs. Meanwhile, we've been using the same two book designs for at least three years now, nothing new. She makes sure we publish at least one of her designs every year just so she can deduct her book purchases. Most of which are cookbooks and the design of which would be of no help for our academic books. So dumb. She always brags about her tax guy and all the loopholes he finds. Maybe I should use him haha.
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MittenKitten
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Home of the Circus
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Post by MittenKitten on Aug 24, 2011 9:24:56 GMT -5
Hey ladies! I was at family camp for the last week. I hope everyone here has been well and I will get caught up and see how you all are!
Camp was amazing, very Christian based which could get over the top at times at least they were genuine caring people. I have been around way too many people who call themselves religious but act anything but! Anyways this camp was for families with a disabled member. They assigned someone to DS#2, well we actually wore our first volunteer out and then got 2 assigned to us LOL. The one gal who ended up being our main one LOVED DS#2 and was a huge help.
It was so great to be in an environment where DS#2's challenges were embraced. Him stimming and being loud was totally okay and accepted. No one cared. They would stop and say hi to him not caring that he wouldn't answer. Everyone commented and loved his curly hair. The location was beautiful and peaceful. I even did the zipline into the lake with DS#1 twice. Seriously what is wrong with people (myself included) that you jump off a perfectly good 3 story structure and trust a rope, harness and wire to support you LOL.
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dakota4600
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Post by dakota4600 on Aug 24, 2011 10:09:41 GMT -5
I love my independent son, but this morning it was a little too much. I was just about to step into the shower, when he got up. So I turned off the water and started to put my PJ's back on, when I hear the back sliding door open. I start yelling to close the door and not let the dogs out and run with my PJs in my hand to the back door to find both dogs out already. Luckily the way our house is angled only 1 neighbor might be able to see our back door. So I'm calling Dakota back in because if he isn't on the lead he tends to jump the fence and I really don't want to have to chase him down. Luckily I was able to get him back in the house and on the lead. Of course mini-D is sobbing while all of this is going on because I was upset. After it was done I had to hold him for a good 5 mins to calm him down. I kept telling him it was okay and I wasn't mad at him. I knew he was just trying to help and I didn't yell at him for doing it. Once he was calm I was able to get him his breakfast and jump in the shower, luckily I'm getting up 10 mins earlier to allow for these things so I wasn't late for work. But he was still really emotional when I dropped him off at school so I gave the teacher a heads up.
Mitten- Sounds like the camp was great for all of you.
East Coasters- That must have been really scary.
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Aug 24, 2011 10:39:08 GMT -5
dakota - Eek. Sounds like a crazy morning....I'm just visuallizing Ben doing that in the not too distant future. Scary.
Mitten - SOunds like a blast.
East coasters- Glad you are all safe.
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MittenKitten
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Post by MittenKitten on Aug 24, 2011 15:30:58 GMT -5
I will agree with the rest so glad our East Coasters are doing well.
I added spruby's travel blog to the blog list on our controlled-nospend.blogspot.com
Don't know about ear infections but if you have swimmers ear you can use a solution of half rubbing alcohol and half vinegar and it will prevent and get rid of it. I was a swimmer through high school and was able to deal with swimmers ear all the time this way.
mizbear: take care of yourself. moving in with your brother and your mother is NOT going to help you and your health. I know you feel for your nieces but you will be no good to them if you end up ill yourself.
I got DD enrolled in preschool. Summer is wrapping up here and I am both sad and happy.
sapphire: Hope you are feeling better with the arm. I would be freaking out being 8 stories up also!
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Aug 25, 2011 9:29:15 GMT -5
Tuesday night was a spend. Last night was a CS. On Tuesday, we ran down to the fabric store for DH to get some chalk board fabric for a project he's working on. Since the fabric store is right be the pet store, we also went in there and bought a new leash - the oldest one we had was not quite the same length as the newer one and it was driving DH crazy. Now we have two leashes that are exactly the same length.
Also on Tuesday we realized that DH's driver's license had expired back in June. (We're lucky they let him on the plane at the begining of August.) So yesterday we went to deal with that. He paid for it out of his cash. Then, since we were out and about, we decided to do our CostCo shopping and have that out of the way.
Tonight, DH's BFF will come over for a while. I've got to get both guest rooms cleaned (one is easy, the other is a mess) between tonight and tomorrow. I have an orthodontist appt tomorrow morning. DH's BFF will be back over this weekend to help us move stuff around in the basement so that the electrical outlets can be reached. I have all of next week off. On Monday, my mom flies in, we'll have a new dog sitter coming over, and I have a fantasy football draft. Tuesday we'll head out to the coast, stay in a "castle" Tuesday night, and head home on Wednesday (hence the dog sitter - DH's BFF, who normally sits for us, will be out of town visiting his family). I believe my mom's plans for Thursday and Friday include buying us a new love seat (we managed to talk her out of buying us a couch) and cleaning the house so that it's clean for my father when he comes to visit on Sept 13. As always, my vacation seems busier than my work weeks.
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Aug 25, 2011 11:56:23 GMT -5
Woohooo...it is finally cool enough to start walking at lunch again! At least for a day. I have MOANed like crazy this month. Haven't lost any weight but an definately feeling stronger. I brought my lunch today and will for tomorrow too. I'm hoping to not eat out at work the rest of the month. Other spending has been a bit out of control, but most of that was related to Grandma's passing.
I have a couple goals for myself. For my 30th birthday, I'm going to run in the Turkey Trot. I actually hope to run a 5k in September before we go to DH's cousin's wedding. I'm still probably a month out before I'm able to run a full 5k, but I'm closer than I have been in 7 years.
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MittenKitten
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Post by MittenKitten on Aug 25, 2011 13:04:25 GMT -5
muttley: Oh that must feel great to get out and walk. I am going to start another weight loss challenge right after the kids go back to school. Of course I gained back all I had lost last winter.
I am hoping I can get more done with the kids back in school. The rental is giving me fits. I hate that thing. With a passion.
I really need to work on a budget. With DFs current earnings we will not be making ends meet, although if he can get some side work we will be okay. I am really sick of making lemonade with the lemons life keeps throwing at me....
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reeneejune
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Post by reeneejune on Aug 25, 2011 13:06:59 GMT -5
mk - I often remind myself that when life is throwing me lemons, at least it's not throwing rotten tomatoes at me. ;D
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azmom
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Post by azmom on Aug 25, 2011 13:20:16 GMT -5
Just wanted to say Hello. I have a couple of post get eaten and that has been frustrating.
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moneysquirrel
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Post by moneysquirrel on Aug 25, 2011 19:16:53 GMT -5
Update: 16 NS days and 3 CS days = 19 NS/CS daysHope all are doing well. Ladies on the East Coast: Please be safe with the coming of Irene. Some tips: - 1. Get some cash. ATMs do not work when there is no electricity. Also some stores will be open on a cash only basis if they are open at all.
- 2. Fill up with gas now. Lines will get long and supplies will become low.
- 3. Stock up on water, ice and items that do not have to be on ice.
- 4. Pack in advance all important documents. Protect pictures especially those that cannot be replaced.
- 5. Have canned goods and a manual can opener.
- 6. While you have power -- cook a few basics --- boil eggs, bake snacks, etc.
- 7. If you have a few days before landfall use them to consume items in your fridge.
- 8. Pack a variety of clothes. (The usual recommandation is 3 days. I would pack a little more.)
- 9. If you have pets don't forget their food and other items.
- 10. Also phones will usually not work. Text messages usually do better during times like this.
- 11. Let someone on the thread know that you are safe once everything is over. We worry about our friends.
- 12. This is the most important. Leave town if you are in the direct path as soon as you can. Those traffic jams are stressful and you do not want to be on the road as this thing comes in.
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moneysquirrel
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Post by moneysquirrel on Aug 25, 2011 19:19:23 GMT -5
Muttley -- I think I will not be able to walk outside until the middle of October if then. Sapphire -- Hello from the swamp!
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Aug 25, 2011 19:33:51 GMT -5
mk - Definately nice to go for a walk.
money - It was still mid 80s out and I did sweat, but it was nice. You can have the nasty heat and humidity.
Well a week of not being able to fall asleep at night has me wanting to go to bed right now at 7:30.....I guess I won't be working or working out tonight. Sigh. I am just done for. I'm sure spending 2 weekends on the road has nothing to do with my current exhaustion either.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Aug 25, 2011 19:35:19 GMT -5
*headdesk*
so much is falling into place while so much else is falling apart. I'm tired and worried and ready for the beach and exhausted.
I might go out with some change from the piggy bank and go get a frosty because I need a little chocolate and dairy and break.
Tomorrow Wilson gets his stitches out, I see the chiropractor, I may not have my main client as a client and... at least it's happy hour
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redwagon
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Post by redwagon on Aug 25, 2011 21:31:13 GMT -5
money - thanks for the tips. We're actually going to be driving from MA into the storm overnight Sat/Sun, from a family wedding in MA. Tying stuff down in our backyard tomorrow though before we leave. It should only be a cat 1 by the time it hits long island, but it was pretty much projected to go right over us. Should be fun. I feel bad for North Carolina though - they seem like they're going to get it pretty strong. I probably will take your advice and get some cash and extra water just in case. I haven't been in a hurricane since Hurricane Bob when I was little, and it started to blow me down the street. I don't anticipate this will be much worse than that by the time it hits us. Will keep an eye on it of course!
muttley - I haven't been sleeping well this week either. I'm blaming the sudafed I'm doped up on. I read on the box it can do that. I'm not going to take it tonight and see what happens, and probably heading to bed soon.
I got a few leads on potential new freelancing clients, so I'm pretty psyched about that. And I'll finally be starting for my big publisher end of next week, yay! And I finally got a new project from the one I've been working for all year. Hadn't gotten anything in over a month and was getting worried, but all seems well. This is why I will make sure to have several months of expenses saved before quitting my job, in case it dries up like that with ALL clients at the same time.
I think I've gotten 3 NS days this week. I did big shopping Sunday so I haven't needed anything. I've spent my fun money but I don't count that anymore unless I break out a CC. Luckily tomorrow's payday so I can restock the coffers.
start - sorry things are a little wonky at the moment. Glad Wilson is doing well!
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mizbear
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Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
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Post by mizbear on Aug 25, 2011 21:34:42 GMT -5
I've lived in hurricane country my whole life- I am just biding my time. If you don't hear from me for a few days- don't worry.... I will get in touch with you as soon as I have power.
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mrslynch
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Post by mrslynch on Aug 26, 2011 8:54:05 GMT -5
moneysquirrel--thanks for those extra tips. i didn't even think to use what's in the fridge or bake/cook extra stuff now or to protect pictures. we have a day or so and i will be taking your advice. going to the bank and getting gas today!
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Aug 26, 2011 10:03:49 GMT -5
Laid, I thought you would enjoy this from my friend Mel today, especially reenee as she dates mr, potential
A study has revealed that the kind of face a woman finds attractive on a man can differ depending on where she is in her menstrual cycle. For example: if she is ovulating, she is attracted to men with rugged and masculine features. However, if she is menstruating or menopausal, she tends to be more attracted to a man with duct tape over his mouth and a spear lodged in his chest while he is on fire. No further studies are expected on this subject..
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dakota4600
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Post by dakota4600 on Aug 26, 2011 10:40:27 GMT -5
Update- 15 NS, 3 CS, 16NEO
Looks like I should be able to meet my goals this month! Not the NEO ones, but the rest. Tonight I'm going to a consignment sale after work. I have a groupon for $20, so I may be able to make it out with out spending anything.
Stay safe all of you on the East Coast, sure has been an eventful week for you.
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Aug 26, 2011 12:05:23 GMT -5
Startsmart - LOL. Too funny. Well, so much for not eating out the rest of the month. Last night, DH called me at 5pm and said he and DS were at the nature center and they wanted me to meet them at the park. So, I go over there and we play for a while and then DH is like lets go out for Fazollis. So we we went out to Fazollis. DS loved it and it was good. So good times. DS was a mess by the time we finished supper.
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Aug 26, 2011 12:42:55 GMT -5
Last night was another spend. DH decided to make curry before checking to see if we had any coconut milk. Now, I can't complain too much, we make curry on a pretty regular basis and coconut milk is a staple in our house. But apparently, last time we made curry, no one bothered to mention that they'd used the last can (or checked to see if it was the last can). So last night, as the timer is beeping that DH needs to add coconut milk, I'm headed out to the store to buy some.
I will be on vacation all next week, so its not likely I'll be on here again until Tuesday, Sept 5. Hope every one has a great last week of August and relaxing Memorial Day. May the coming storms bring needed rain and no damage.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Aug 26, 2011 13:21:24 GMT -5
Last night was a spend for me as well, the always wonderful sbcalimom and I met for dessert and complaining Mostly me venting about the challenges in business right now. In many ways I'm in a very similar situation as when my boss told me they loved me and were cutting my hours. Thankfully I'm a much different person in my confidence, business and relationships so I'm not sulking or pouting as much lol. I bought some good things last night too, a swimsuit I really like for my snorkeling trip in Florida (not to mention the hotel pools and Miami beach!), some school supplies because I'm a nerd, more paint trays, and spray paint for my next project. I am so so so looking forward to this one and I figure the $7 spray paint is going to save me $90 or more. Yay. My indoor fridge is dying. The seal broke somehow and was preventing the door from closing so I had to throw out some food and do a temporary fix. I think it's time to retire it to the garage. The "new" fridge that I've been cleaning is looking a lot better. Still need to finish scrubbing down the shelves and drawers but it no longer smells or has visible mold. I'll plug it in this weekend and if it runs well and nothing grows back then I'll move it inside in September. Since the future with this client is rather shaky at the moment and she doesn't have clarity on our contract I'm taking the day off. Washing all my linens (still), vacuuming, cleaning in the kitchen, dusting bookshelves and watching a lot of movies. This afternoon Wilson gets his stitches out and I get adjusted at the chiropractor. Maybe if I have energy we'll also drop off a donation at Goodwill, used light bulbs at the recycling center and plastic bags at the consignment shop. Woah, just got super dizzy. Guess it's time to eat today.
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mizbear
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Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
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Post by mizbear on Aug 26, 2011 20:47:16 GMT -5
Am hunkered down for the weekend. Everyone stay safe! Have written out a to do list. May buy a bottle of wine just in case...
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Aug 26, 2011 21:15:44 GMT -5
Okay I love spray painting! I grabbed an oil rubbed bronze spray at Home Depot and did two coats on the door handles that are really in good shape but have an ugly finish.
I have 5 sets of handles to paint and install and then I can work on the hinges. I just love finding cheap ways to spruce up things around the house.
While my dad is out of work I'm hoping to het the rest of my baseboards installed and texture the bedroom ceilings. Maybe, just maybe, install a new light fixture in my living room.
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Aug 26, 2011 21:19:13 GMT -5
Good Luck East coasters. Stay safe. We will be thinking of you.
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moneysquirrel
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Post by moneysquirrel on Aug 26, 2011 21:56:03 GMT -5
Update: 17 NS days and 3 CS days = 20 NS/CS days
East Coast Ladies --stay safe.
Red -- Be careful on the roads. Sometimes it is better to stay where you are than to try to drive into the storm. I think this may be one of those times.
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