Friday, March 5, 2021

My Friday W's-Paying Our Part

      We survived tax day and the damage is about what I expected, a bit more than last year which I'm not really sure why, so will look closer when the filing papers come back from the accountant. DH did make a lot less last year, but the timing of when he had some 2019 bonus money actually paid out in  January of last year (which is 1099'd), an extra 27th paycheck for me in 2020 because of how the pay dates fell, fewer business deductions, and no education credit increased our taxable income. As I think Hawaii Plan said yesterday, we are OK paying our share of taxes, and believe they are important for continuing a a certain quality of life for society as a whole. It's the chunk at once that is a hard swallow. We do plan for this though, so no one will be doing without this spring, even if we tighten a bit to cover the overage. With that shared, I use Fridays as sort of recap of my life, my activities, and plans in the form of my Friday W's. 

What's top of mind: on a world stage, but happening locally is the upcoming trial of Derek Chauvan, who's actions that led to the death of George Floyd and resulted in a world response to  systemic racism. Jury selection starts next week. I rarely need to be in downtown Minneapolis, even when not working from home, but knowing this is setting off more pain for the community is gut wrenching. The issue of racial equity has flared up large in my work setting, catalyzed by responses to the pending trial, but really ongoing issues for decades. 

Where I've been: Banner week in my life as I both got out for movie night at my daughters, walks outside in the nice weather, my Kohl's pick-up and quick shop, and grocery shopping last night. Woo-wee, I don't know how I have ever been so run off my feet with social commitments. That's what I'm calling grocery shopping these days.

Where I'm going: Our daughter invited us for dinner on Saturday night at her house. I'm bringing cookies for desert and/or the brownie's I still have frozen in the freezer. I'm not sure what she's going to make but she's a good cook and will sure beat needing to cook again myself. 

By Zoom, I have book club tonight. I might run over to the liquor store and restock my hard seltzers before I log in. With Sunday perhaps hitting 60, maybe we will go for a rooftop or outdoor drink somewhere. I miss happy hour with friends and this would be a taste of that. 

What I'm watching: The movie we landed on Saturday was a Kristen Bell, not really rom com, but more a revisiting an awful stage of teen years, when her brother was about to marry the bully from her  high school. It was called, You Again. It was OK with a few funny moments, and some predictability. If you watch it, or have watched it, let me know if you think the future sister-in-law is still pretty awful, as we both did. I've watched a bit less TV and streaming in general with the nicer weather-I hope that continues because I have been sluggish. 

What I'm reading:  I finished, Such a Fun Age and would recommend giving it a read. I'm curious to hear what the others think about the characters, the ending, the  potential future of the story. I forgot what the next book will be, but wil be reminded tonight. I've got this book from the library, plus these retirement that I've  been looking through for my weekend reads. 



What I'm listening to:  More news streaming, but nothing stands out this week. I'm trying really hard not to get sucked into the propaganda from the weekend CPAC convention. Apparently all the republicans think they are stand up comedians and Ted Cruz making jokes now about getting found out covering up a vacation (just be honest you ass hat, you and your family wanted out of the crappy Texas weather) while people were freezing to death and without water-hilarious (not), and Trump and his sycophants perpetuating the election lies. Well, I guess I was sucked in! 

What I'm eating: Too much! Menu has already been different than planned as I try and use up what we have, and bought different things than originally intended at the store. Monday's burger was my meal highlight of the week. 


Who I'm paying attention to: .My daughter is top of mind, who has a realtor now to keep her in the loop on houses that come on the market  in several communities. I know she is so ready to find something, but she knows it needs to be right for her. My son as well-as little signs are coming that his industry might be getting more productions up so he can resume a steady income. I'm sure he will be hit with taxes due to collecting unemployment and crossing fingers it won't be more than he can handle. 

I have hope in the justice system, or at least  because of the French justice system that former presidents can be found guilty and be sentenced for fraud. I don't know much about the case, but I did pay attention to the headlines and what Treaders shared. 

What I'm planning:  I'm watching the calendars on places like Como Zoo and the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Science museum for limited slots to visit when DD2 is home from school. As masks are required, they have social distancing in place, I feel they are as safe as my grocery shopping. So far the calendars are only as far out as mid month, but I'll jeep checking. Fingers crossed that we'll have decent enough weather to get take out and eat outside

      It has and will be a pretty typical week in my stay at home life. My daughter is going to come over for lunch-nothing fancy but eating up some bruschetta and the last of the French bread, hummus, fruit, and a veggie burger. I have no illusions that winter is over here, but the higher temperatures and melting snow are good signs-plus, when I took pup out this morning, we were greeted by an interesting bird call. I do not know birds at all, but might have to figure this one out
as it seemed very directional to us. What are the highs and lows, and thoughts and actions in your life this week?

24 comments:

  1. It's quite something when grocery shopping is considered part of your social life isn't it. That's pretty much what mine is, except for occasionally walking with my neighbours. As for Sarkozy getting "prison", I doubt it will hurt him too much - his ego of course - but at least it's a step in the right direction isn't it!

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    1. And I didn't even see anyone I knew, so feel let down. Even my great niece wasn't working to say hello to. With Sarkozy, it was just nice to see the powerful are no invincible.

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  2. Sounds like a good week overall. I hope you enjoyed lunch with your daughter and have a great time at your book club meeting tonight. Cheers!

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    1. It was nice-I forced myself to move away from the computer and we ate and chatted. I've been in a bad habit of eating while working-even lunch.

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  3. It was an o.k. day today. I am currently waiting for the last kid's bedding to come out of the dryer. Got the oven cleaned, floors mopped, furniture polished. Made it to the store for the meat sale. On the way out, I stopped by the clearance section, and found a nice George Duboueff beujoilas for $9.99 which came home with me. So much for no spend, eh? I'm sitting here, thinking I might need a glass before too long, though it's not yet 2:30 here. Dinner is risotto. Tomorrow we are having steaks on the grill, with more of said wine. Our weather is gray and windy, but the wind has a definite undercurrent of spring. In fact, yesterday, DH and I were outside working in the yard from about 9 a.m. to noon, simply because it was so glorious outside. I'm glad, because around 2 p.m. a cold front and rain blew in. When I drove home from the store, I saw that the plum tree in my former house has buds on it, as do a neighbor's red leaft maples! Hooray! Have a great weekend.

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    1. The wine sounds so nice-I'm bringing a bottle to my daughters since DH will drive and she will be home obviously to share it with me. I keep saying I'm going to make risotto and then end up just making same old rice. I really do not like yard work, but it has to be done, but we are still at least a month or more away form being able to do much without damage.

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  4. I don't know if I had a good week or not, since all weeks seem to be pretty much the same for me now! Because I have now had both shots I did live on the edge and went to 2 grocery stores this week!

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    1. I'm so glad you have been vaccinated. I know you see your son and DIL 2 and your sister but I hope this helps you meet up with more friends.

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  5. This week has been a typical one, though Wednesday was warm-ish but very windy. It has snow flurried a couple times this week as well. On top of my mind as well as I what I’m eating tie together. I started keto. I have been super skeptical of it in the past, though I do have a co-worker who has lost over 100 lbs by doing it. She’s jumping back on the keto bandwagon this month and I decided to come along for the ride. It’s not even that far off from how I typically eat-for breakfast I had an egg, avocado, a few pieces of sausage and some strawberries. It just cuts out the junk which has always been my problem. So I’ll give it a month and see how I feel. Still no word for my dad on the vaccine front. I worry with the new variants and the lessening of restrictions. I’m going to go through some clothes tomorrow, purge some things I realistically know I won’t wear again. My oldest did his closet two weeks ago so I should have enough to warrant a drop off at Goodwill. Yet another thrilling week here. JoAnn

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    1. Purged closets seem the height of excitement in my book. Any opportunity for trying out e-bay with your clothes or are you like me, just get them out of the house? I think with teen's, especially buys, their stuff is still perfect when they outgrow it. I raise as an idea to add a little hobby-excitement on the side, less a money making venture.

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    2. I never really thought about eBay. My son has had some success selling other items in the past, maybe he could put a few things up and see what happens!

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  6. I love your social life! Ted Cruz is hopeless.

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    1. I'm not exaggerating when I say he physically makes me ill to hear him or see his face. He is despicable and what the hell Texas!

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  7. You're so busy! My life is so quiet now, compared to my usual whirlwind of activities.

    I'm finally coming out of my grey funk - life is seeming better now. Happy weekend, Sam!

    PS - definitely hard seltzers for Book Club! ;-P

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    1. I settled for a vodka cocktail of OJ, lemonade, and a shot! Then I had a second one for nightcap after the chat ended. I feel swamped at work-mentally rained, but far short of busy. I'm sorry you have felt in a funk-and glad though you took time to do whatever you may have needed.

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  8. Your life is so interesting, I just want to live vicariously through it.

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    1. Did you read a different post? While I would describe my job is interesting (I think anyway), the rest of my life is not. I'm jst so thankful for my daughter being in town-my lifeline to the outside world.

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  9. Very routine mostly. Had my second COVID vaccine. Today going to get some clear storage containers and start packing away winter clothes and looking at what to get out for spring/ summer......so over the cold weather and pushing the envelope but want to start. Need containers as I was not able to get outside to usual storage sheds last few years and need to find where to store clothes in the hose to make them accessible....and neater......just unable to do steps prior to bilateral knee replacements these past 4 years. Maybe in fall will be more confident walking and steps and some storage will get back to shed. Nephew came to area yesterday to their summer home so went out to dinner with them......first time out for dinner since 12/29 so really enjoyed it so much! Heading to Lowe’s so see what else I can find other than containers.....need outside post protectors....not even sure there is such a thing. Making sauerkraut and pork tomorrow since still pretty cold out....then next week is to get in the 60’s in New Jersey! Ready to sit on bay or ocean and catch some sun if protected from the wind!

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    1. I didn't know restaurants were open in New Jersey-I haven't eaten in a restaurant since March of 2020, and probably will still be a while before I am comfortable. DH has once or twice though as have the girls. We too are looking at nice warm weather.

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  10. Ahhh...it seems like a different world you live in with visiting shops and having your daughter over. xxx

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    1. Yes-masks required in stores and social distancing, limiting capacity, but I still make it quick in, fast browse and out. My circle is small-I go to my daughters and vie versa, and she is still working outside the home, but does as much extra efforts as possible

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  11. M & I had a relaxing evening yesterday, playing rummy while I made dinner & having a cocktail. It was so nice. There are things COVID has given us (like time to play rummy before dinner) that we will certainly keep.

    I'm in the home stretch with my work craziness, so that feels good. My parents got their second vaccine yesterday, and two good friends who are in my age group (both educators) got their first shot, so progress is being made.

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    1. Nice to hear for your parents and friends. I am not taking advantage of time we should have for those hobbies. We do chat while making dinner, so that feels a little like a slow down, but usually he is t home until after 7:00 and dinner is already made.

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  12. these remain fun reading; I look forward to them.

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