Tax Time!

I have a love hate relationship with filing taxes. I love the end result, which is usually a pretty sizable return, but the process is bound to give me a few grey hairs.

I have used Turbo Tax for the past three years and it has been fabulous. I love being able to punch in the numbers and have the program do all the math for me. Anyone who knows me knows I will do anything to avoid math :) I also love the e-file option and the fact they deposit your return directly into your bank account. Its like magic! You open your online banking one day and all this money is in there! BEST.FEELING.EVER. I know this money is mine, always has been mine and I am just having what was mine rightfully returned to me, but it still seems like free money. I like that feeling, no matter how irrational.

The problem I am having this year is that to e-file you need to have last years adjusted gross income. That would be fine and dandy if our computer hard drive hadn't been wiped clean last year, along with all tax return records. That will teach me to keep a printed copy from now on! So after trying multiple suggestions from Turbo Tax to retrieve this figure, I have had to resort to calling the IRS. Which has to be the worst place ever to call. I am currently on hold while blogging, and have been for over 16 minutes so far. Oh the joy! I'm considering hurling the phone out the window. I have to keep repeating to myself "This will get you your money faster". Sigh.

In any case, once we get our refund we are going hog wild! We are really letting lose this year. We are buying :wait for it: TIRES! and BRAKES! I know I know, you're jealous. It's understandable. The rest will go into savings.

What are you doing with your tax return (if you get one)?

A Weekend of Movies and Family

The husband and I had a great, full weekend. My Aunt, Uncle and cousins were in town from Reno, NV. and we were able to spend some great quality time with them. We had a great family game night at my parents house on Friday night with pizza, Wii and Scategories. My family always has a blast when we get together, and Friday night was no exception. We are all officially addicted to Raving Rabbids TV Party on the Wii, that game is a BLAST. I highly recommend it.Saturday was rainy and gloomy, so we decided to see a movie with my family. The kids wanted to see Paul Blart: Mall Cop so we tagged along. The movie was actually better than I had expected. I think I was still twitching from the awfulness that was I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry and wasn't ready to see Kevin James in another movie. I wouldn't actually recommend you go and spend money to see this movie, but it might be fun for a brainless rental. The kids all loved it. (By kids I mean 14 and 16 LOL)

We then went to a fabulous dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. Its one of my favorite restaurants and I scarfed down a cheese quesidilla and a side salad. YUM.

Sunday was a day of laundry, grocery shopping and cleaning. We did manage to find a few hours to go and see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I will be honest, I wasn't very excited by this movie. I wanted to see it because it was nominated, but I wasn't enthusiastic about it. I was pleasantly surprised. This movie was actually fabulous! I didn't like it more than Slumdog Millionaire, but I really really liked it. The acting was good but the real stars were the special effects. I cannot believe how realistic the aging process was. Both Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett looked amazing as they grew younger and older, respectively. It did remind me quite a bit of Forrest Gump and I could tell that the two movies shared a screenwriter, but it didn't bother me as the story itself was so original. I think this is one worth seeing on the big screen because of the special effects, sets and overall feel.

The only snag in the perfect weekend was a flat tire on the husband's car. Sigh. Not sure if it was just something he ran over or if it was intentional. We have Obama stickers on our cars, so I can never quite get it out of my mind that someone was pissed off about it and slashed his tire. At least it was a tire that needed to be replaced anyway!

LOST is back!

The LOST addicts of this world have been waiting for almost 8 months for a new episode. EIGHT MONTHS! I think that is a new form of torture.

Wednesday night we finally got 2 new episodes, "Because You Left" and "The Lie". They were awesome! I am not going to post any spoilers, but lets just say that this could be the best season of LOST yet. We might actually get some answers to our questions and tie up some loose ends. Watching Sawyer walk around with no shirt on for most of both episodes certainly didn't hurt the episodes, either :)

If you have never had the pleasure of watching this show, I would highly recommend picking up Season 1 and starting up. But be warned...you may end up addicted. With that addiction comes the chance you will watch the entire first season in one week, meaning little sleep and crazy looks from anyone that you share this information with.

The Roe V Wade Decision

Yesterday was the 36th Anniversary of the Roe V. Wade decision. I am not going to get too much into the abortion debate on this blog because it is one of those things that never seems to end pretty. I just wanted to make a post to mark this anniversary. The anniversary of the day that women finally became fully free.

Sometimes we take things for granted living in a country like the United States, we don't always think about or thank the people that had to fight so hard for what we have. That includes the military, but also the men and women on the front lines of the Women's Rights movements and other Civil Rights movements in this country. Take a moment today to be thankful for living in a country that treats women as equals and not as second class citizens.

We always have to keep fighting for what we believe in and we always have to continue to make progress.

"As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals."

What a day. What a marvelous, historic, emotional day. 

The husband got up about 6:30 this morning to start watching the coverage, I followed about an hour later. (Hey, I was still going to sleep in on my day off!). Looking over the crowd that had gathered at The Mall, most of the waiving American flags was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

As the former presidents walked out, I think it finally hit me. The man I had supported since long before he even announced he was running for President of the United States was going to be sworn into that very office on this very day. WOW.

Watching him take the oath of office caused me to tear up. His d

aughters and Michelle were looking so proud. What their husband and father had accomplished was extraordinary. He was POTUS.

The people in the crowd were crying, laughing, yelling, screaming and waving their flags. Everyone was excited and hopeful and inspired. 

"What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply."

I think that sometimes people underestimate hope and inspiration. Many right wing pundits have made fun of his "celebrity" status. Said that people thought Obama was the Messiah. That he could do no wrong. No on I know believes that, says that, or expects miracles from Obama. What we are is inspired. Inspired to serve, to dream, to believe. We are inspired to get involved in politics and take charge of our democracy once again. They can make fun of that all they want, but it is a powerful thing. 

"And so to all other peoples and governments who are watch

ing today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father way born; know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more."

The above quote was my favorite line from the speech. I am ready for America to be a moral guiding light once more. Not because of our religion, but because of our desire to always do right, to abide by our founding documents and others agreed upon thereafter, and because of our desire to help humanity as a whole. Not just Americans, but all people. In the end, we are all just people, no matter where we are born, and we all deserve the same basic rights. 

Combining Politics and History = Love

Tonight the husband and I were off to see Frost/Nixon, a movie I have been dying to see since I first heard it was coming out.  Anything with politics and history is right up my alley!

I have to say, the movie was fantastic. The plot wove in and out of the historic interviews and mixed it with the behind the scenes information that made the event so pivotal.  The Acting was perfect, especially that of Frank Langella who played President Nixon. He had those facial expressions down pat.

This is a definite must-see this Oscar season, and it is firmly in second place for best movie of the year for me. Only Slumdog Millionaire exceeded this film in my eyes.

Border's Shopping Spree

Going to borders is a sure fire way to empty the bank account for both my husband and I, and today was no different.

After a great lunch at the Irish pub The Auld Dubliner ( www.aulddubliner.com, has great great food and atmosphere) we headed over to Borders. I picked up Freakonomics, A Thousand Splendid Suns and we both decided on Yes we Can, a great coffee table book about the Obama campaign with some amazing photos.

I really didn't need any new books, but how is it possible to enter a Borders (or any bookstore for that matter) without bringing a new book home? I think I have an addiction. If only you could see our apartment. I think we need a second apartment just for our amassed reading material. 

The book Yes We Can by Scout Tufankjian is a masterpiece of photos from Obama's campaign. The images she was able to collect are nothing short of extraordinary. I even teared up looking at the photos, esp. of the older people with tears streaming down their faces and of the children with looks of awe. I don't cry easy, so that should really say something about the emotional depths of this book. Not only did it have these amazing photos, but included quotes from his speeches and first hand accounts from this photographer that followed the campaign from before Obama was even officially a presidential candidate. This is really a must have for anyone that was inspired by this tremendous campaign.

So I was able to satisfy my book habit today. I just have to steer clear of any and all bookstores for the next month, as my budget for books was far exceeded.

I'll admit it, I love trashy reality TV.

Like, really really love it. I can't justify this love in any way shape or form, but it is there. I was looking through my DVR last night and realized that I watch way too much TV, and most of it is crap.

I was addicted to the Hills, and now I have moved on to The City. Yes, I am eating up Whitney's new adventures in New York. Will she stay with Jay even though he is a bit of a douche? Will she do well at Dianne Von Furstenburg? Oh the DRAMA!

Then there is Wife Swap. Really, how can you NOT watch this train wreck? Parents who make their kids be pirates paired with a women who refuses to let her daughters look at or speak to a person of the opposite sex. More DRAMA!

I have to watch the staple, American Idol. Right now we get to sit and laugh at people that think they can sing but are really horrendous. It makes us sit and wonder "How has NO ONE told these people they are really really bad?" Then you find that one person with a sob story that you just have to root for. Will it be blind guy or the widower that we pull for as a nation (just to more than likely crush a few weeks into the live shows)? DRAMA!

I have also started watching the Real World again. How much of a teenage girl does this make me? The last couple season were good, but there were way too many blond bimbos and meat heads. This season we have more educated people, at least it seems like it so far. We have a gay guy dolphin trainer, a transgendered woman, a black beauty queen, and Iraq War vet, a body builder, a (very very very closeted gay) Mormon fashion designer and a dancer. I have a feeling this is going to be a GREAT season. A great season for DRAMA!

Of course, The Girls Next Door have to be set up to record on my DVR. 3 blondes vying for the affection of a really really old rich guy? Whats not to love?! I admit, I was a little sad when they all broke up. (DRAMA!)The world just wont be the same without this trashily awesome show. Although maybe they will incorporate the new blonde twins and keep it going! A girl can wish.

We also have the wonderfully mindboggling 17 Kids & Counting. Ah yes, the Duggar family. We have seen them make soap, go to the Creationism Museum, watched their older son Josh NOT date his fiance (or really even touch her for that matter) and even saw them pick out their 18th (good lord almighty) child's name. I just watch this show in wonderment, these people most be on a LOT of Prozac. Like, truckloads.

Think I am done? Think again! I also love The Amazing Race, 30 Days, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Project Runway, Tori & Dean, all those crazy specials on TLC (like Toddlers & Tiaras), Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters International.

It really is a miracle my DVR doesn't grow arms, bitch slap me and tell me to get a life. I swear, I do occasionally watch intelligent programming. Maybe that is my saving grace.

Hitting the Ground Running

During the transition two very important announcements have come out of our President-Elects office. The first being the proposed closing of Guantanamo Bay and the return of Habeus Corpus and then yesterday, the announcement that Don't Ask Don't Tell will be repealed and that gays and lesbians will be able to openly serve in our armed forces.

"Thadeus of Lansing, Mich., asks, 'Is the new administration going to get rid of
the "don't ask, don't tell policy?'" said Gibbs, looking into the camera.
"Thadeus, you don't hear a politician give a one-word answer much. But it's,
'Yes.'"

I can't explain properly in words how excited, happy and proud this makes me. We are finally going to listen to the supreme court ruling and uphold the constitution again while at the same time making strides toward more progressive civil rights and equality. I believed in Obama during the campaign and was a proud supporter of his, but even I didn't expect him to hit the ground running, especially on two such controversial but important issues.

Now our military will join the ranks of countries like Israel, the United Kingdom, Canada and Italy (plus many more) in allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly. We can really be proud. It took us awhile, and we may fall behind other countries in regards to equality for all, but we will get there.

Guantanamo will be a much longer process, and I certainly do not expect miracles. I will be happy if it completely closed within 2 or 3 years. As long as we work on getting trials for the detainees and do not sanction torture during the process, I think the world along with our own citizens will begin to see America in a better light. Our country always has been and always will be better than that.

5 days until Obama officially takes office. It still seems surreal.

Oscar Buzz: Movie Reviews

The husband and I were lucky enough to get quite a few gift cards to different movie theaters for Christmas and have made it our mission to see most of the movies with Oscar buzz this year. These are the movies on our list: Milk, Frost/Nixon, The Wrestler, Revolutionary Road, Doubt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Reader, Slumdog Millionaire & Gran Torino.

We have officially crossed the last 3 off our list, so only 6 more to go! Here are the reviews of the 3 we have seen so far.

First up, The Reader. Synopsis from imbd.com:

Post-WWII Germany: Nearly a decade after his affair with an older woman came to a mysterious end, law student Michael Burk re-encounters his former lover as she defends herself in a war-crime trial.

I really liked this movie. The story was extremely interesting and the acting top notch. My only complaint was that the middle was very slow, I wish that they had spent more time delving into what happened at the end of the movie or even spiced up the middle with flashbacks. Overall, absolutely worth seeing.

Now for Slumdog Millionaire. Synopsis from IMBD.com:

The story of the life of an impoverished Indian teen Jamal Malik, who becomes a
contestant on the Hindi version of "Who Wants to be A Millionaire?", wins, and
is then suspected of cheating.

This was my favorite movie of the year. The way the story was told was very original, the acting was first rate and it was heartwarming, gut wrenching and funny at different times throughout the movie. When a movie can successfully do all of those things it always goes to the top of my list. I really believe it deserved its win at the Golden Globes and as of right now, I hope it does the same at the Oscar's. I reserve the right to change my mind after I see the other nominated movie ;)

And last but not least, Gran Turino. Synopsis from IMBD.com:

Disgruntled Korean War vet Walt Kowalski sets out to reform his neighbor, a
young Hmong teenager, who tried to steal Kowalski's prized possession: his 1972
Gran Torino.

This movie was also fantastic. Clint Eastwood is a genuine bad ass, even at his old age. The acting from the other characters (namely the Hmong neighbors) was a little spotty though. Apparently none of them had acted before, so I can understand why they are certainly overshadowed by a veteran like Eastwood. I don't think that this movie should win best picture, or even be nominated. I just don't think it was up to par with some of the other films, but most certainly worth seeing. It was hilarious and dramatic, and since this is supposedly Eastwood's last acting role, see it just for that.

New Dogs up for adoption (and PUPPIES!)

I am going to try and incorporate any new dogs we get into the rescue group where I volunteer into this blog. We get some amazing dogs but since we are such a small group we dont always get tons of activity. Here's to hoping this helps!

This is Banjo, a 5 year old Pomeranian Mix. Isnt he stinkin' cute?

This cutie is Kazoo, an 8 year old Pomeranian mix. He would be very happy just hanging out on a couch with you! *UPDATE* Kazoo has been adopted. YAY for Kazoo!

Last, but certainly not least, we have puppies! Cute pit mixes with wonderful dispositions. I am not going to post every picture on the blog, but you can see all of the puppies plus more in depth descriptions of all the dogs at http://www.greatpets.org/

I will try to update the blog as the dogs are adopted.

I have succumbed.

So here we go, I officially have a blog. I really didn't think that blogging was for me, as I am not much of a writer. I am very opinionated, but many times have a hard time putting those opinions into words that actually make the point I am trying to convey. I guess now is the time to learn to do that effectively!

I am going to start out this blog with a list of my goals for this year. I refuse to call these New Years Resolutions becuase I never ever keep my resolutions. This year, we will just have goals :)

1. Lose 30 pounds by July
2. Work out 5 days a week for a min. of 30 minutes
3. Incorporate more current event and history books into my reading. Less fluff, more substance.
4. Declutter the house and actually keep it that way
5. Give more to my marriage and take less
6. Volunteer more of my time
7. Make more time for friends
8. Cook at least 2 nights a week (Maybe I should add learn to cook here as well? LOL)
9. Learn at least one new hobby/skill
10. Amend spending habits to focus on saving and paying off debt and less on "things"

So I have my work cut out for me, but I have a feeling this will be a great year. I am motivated and not willing to give up on any of my goals.