Income Taxes - Not Always Appetizing

It's that time of year here in the US. The deadline for filing and paying income taxes is a week from today. Did you know that we are considered the only country that has voluntary income tax? I didn't, either. But, that's what we were told during training when I started working for the IRS in 1983.


Since I don't really know how taxation works in other countries, I can only assume that they mean that they leave the ultimate declaration of income received to us, the taxpayers. Yet, if we don't make that declaration, two years down the road they will run reports showing who received income compared to who reported income. At that point, it will no longer be voluntary. So, even though I enjoyed my years with that organization, I'm still at a loss how mandatory taxation is voluntary.


But, I'm actually working with a tax preparation company this year. I'm enjoying it, although some aspects of the more complicated returns can be extremely confusing. It's a challenge. The simple returns are fun to do because they're quick, but those long form returns - wow! There's so many twists and turns that are just so easy to miss. I can definitely understand the appeal of a flat tax.


So, this post is a food-free post, I'm afraid. Besides, isn't the mere idea of doing your taxes enough to lose your appetite??

February already? Where's my box of candy??

Yeah, it's almost Valentine's Day. Can you believe it? I've already bought a couple of boxes of Dunkin Donuts Valentine's donuts to share at work and one box for home. I love their donut dough. At least, the raised donut dough. I'm iffy on cake donuts, unless they're moist. Like, most pumpkin and apple cider spice donuts are cake donuts and are pretty moist - not dry and crumby. I never used to like plain donuts - the kind with no coating at all. My dad loved them. But, I've come to appreciate them and really enjoy dunking them in my coffee. As far as having a box of chocolates goes, I can live with out it. If someone gave me a gift card to Dunkin Donuts, I'd be thrilled! I don't need much to know I'm appreciated. Usually my guy friend and I go out to dinner. Nothing romantic - just an acknowledgement that all is well. This year, though, he'll be in Arizona and isn't coming home until Valentine's Day. Oh well. He's leaving his car with me while he's gone, so I won't need to be asking for rides. That's as thoughtful as any dinner out.

Now, as far as Holidays go, St. Patrick's Day is next on the list and McDonald's Shamrock Shakes are already available! I got my very first one today, courtesy of my daughter. It's funny, though. For years I avoided them because I thought mint milkshakes were just a strange combination. Yet, in the past year, I've had Chocolate Chip Mint Milkshakes several times and they're WONDERFUL! So, I decided, "Why not?" They're OK, but I like my CCM shakes better. I'm spoiled.

I ought to also tell you that I started working again last month. My first job in four years! I am an official tax preparer, authorized by the IRS, even, to prepare and sign off on returns. It's a seasonal job, but it feels pretty darned good to be working, I have to admit. And, I like the work, so that's another plus. It has made it difficult for me to hang with my guy friend like I used to, though. With me working and him taking night classes, we just don't see each other as much as we used to.


That's about it for this installment. Sorry it's been so long. I'm getting used to being back in work and not online nearly as often as I used to be. But, I promise that I haven't given up on my blogging. And, I'll have a wonderful turkey salad recipe here soon to share. A coworker made the most amazing salad to share at work and no one was eating it. Needless to say, it came home with me and it was fantastic! I've already begged her for the recipe that she promised to bring in. Can't wait to share it.