Let’s Make A Deal. Or Not.

April 28, 2013 ~ JodiLea

Paperwork Mountian

It’s been an exciting week around here. And yes, I’m being facetious.

I’m cleaning out files and shredding our personal documents. The second 52-gallon trash bag is 1/3 full of shredding’s, and I’ve only cleaned out the top drawer of our old 4-drawer filing cabinet.

And now, Monty, let’s tell our audience what was inside drawer #1!

Court documents – AND their copies in triplicate. It took me two days to sort through 2 sets of divorce papers and the (seemingly mandatory) annual custody/child support hearings. Can you believe we had 16-years of that crap and nobody died?

But wait! That’s not all that was hiding in the humongous drawer #1… Door_1

Tax files and canceled checks dated back to 1989. Multiple copies of Birth and Death Certificates of family members and their personal papers. Hubby’s report cards from grade school through college. Military records. Parts list for a 1986 Jeep. Go figure.

I was so excited to get the ~~crap~~ papers shredded up this afternoon, and be able to see the carpet in my office, until I realized that Monty had drawer #2 waiting for me in the garage.

Great.

So, tune in next week to find out what’s behind drawer #2!
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Earworms And Earwigs

April 23, 2013 ~ JodiLea

Today’s Daily Prompt: “Earworm” suggests writing about what song is stuck in your head (or on permanent rotation in your CD or MP3 player) these days. Why does it speak to you?

It sounded like a fun assignment, once I could get past the visual that popped into my head of slimy worms crawling into my ear. I won’t gross you out with the story my dad told me involving earwigs. He probably made it up anyway. But I digress…

“When I’m Back on my Feet Again” (Michael Bolton)

I heard this song on my iPod yesterday. It surprised me – because I forgot I had it. Then, the next thing I knew I was humming the song. Not out-loud, but inside my head. With a ridiculous smile on my face. Why?

When that song was first on the radio it made me cry. I wanted to be the one who was back on their feet again. I was fighting a losing battle with depression, anxiety, and mental stress. That was 24 years ago.

I wish I could say I was cured now, but the truth is I will always be prone to depression and anxiety. But guess what…?

Hearing that song made me realize something – I am back on my feet (again) 🙂

It’s GOOD to be back.

Death and Taxes

April 15, 2013 ~ JodiLea ~ 3 Comments

Do you know that the IRS keeps demanding your money – even after you’re dead?

This sure puts a new spin on Benjamin Franklin’s quote:

“‘In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.

Who knew he meant at the same time?

I am dealing with the nightmare that is my sister’s taxes. Personal, as well as her estate’s taxes. First of all, the word estate conjures up visions of mansions and filthy-rich old people. Sis was not wealthy or old when she passed away. She was unemployed, with a modest retirement account. Can’t the IRS just let it slide? I mean, she’s DEAD. How can they send her a refund? Duh.

As next of kin, I am responsible for filing her 2012 taxes. AND her “Estate’s” taxes, that need reporting on a totally different form. How the Hell can I fill out forms when I have no clue about what to put in them? I only have some of her files. I can guess about what her “estate” is worth. Do you think the IRS will be OK with that?

I do know that I am not going to be stuck with paying the IRS interest and penalties because of my sister’s taxes. I have paid enough already. The probate attorney doesn’t contact me about what is going on. I didn’t hire him, so I have no “rights” – apparently. Sister’s fiancé hired him as a favor to help me out. They live in a different state of course, BECAUSE NOTHING IN THIS FREAKING LIFE IS EVER EASY – IS IT?

I am my sister’s “Personal Representative”. I believe that this title only authorizes me to sign court documents. After 11 months, we still don’t have a probate hearing scheduled. How much research does the attorney have to do? My sister didn’t have anything to research. When they tell you “probate takes years”, believe it.

When things get overwhelming and I reach Threat Level 5, I get pissed that my sister is still making my life miserable.

She always was a little brat. Sorry Sis, but we both know it’s true 😉

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