Holy Cannoli!

This post actually refers to last night, but I've been busy!  I went to H&R Block today to work on filing all of my back taxes.  For those of you who know me well, you know that I don't always (or even ever) keep on top of my financial matters. I'm trying to change all of that and the first step is filing my taxes!  I got nervous one year when my brother did my taxes and said that I was going to owe around $1000.  I did not know how I could afford that and I stupidly became too "busy" to take care of things.

Anyway, I decided that I really needed to "bite the bullet" and take care of it, even if I owed money.  I figured I could get on a payment plan if needed.  So, I got all my W-2's together from the previous years since 2009 (No, that is not a typo).  I know I shouldn't be putting this in written format but maybe this will help make me more accountable for my actions.  I tell you, I truly have good intentions and I "mean" to get these things done, but sometimes I get so overwhelmed! This is my way of taking one step at a time.  Anyway, the good news is that I am able to use my mom as a dependent (sort of).  I get a tax credit for having her here and I then become "head of household."  And the other good news is that we mapped out the 2009 taxes and I will be getting a pretty sizeable refund for that year.  The bad news is that it's going to be pretty pricy to get my taxes done for all of the years.  $173 for 2009 and somewhere around $300 for all of the subsequent years because of my Pampered Chef business. Yikes!  But... hopefully the refund from 2009 will cover the expenses of having my taxes done.  And, I will feel a huge weight lifted off my shoulders when its all done, so in the end it will be worth it!  :)

Then I can deal with the property tax issue. Ugh! Again, I am making progress so I will take it!

Now, on to the fun stuff!  After I dealt with the initial tax appointment, I went to the Pfaffenbach's for pizza before going to Gio Culinary Studio where we made....... Wait for it! Can you guess? Cannoli! And boy were they delicious!  We also made almond cookies that were also fabulous with a chewy center.  Not only did we eat there but we also brought some home.  I brought two cannolli and two almond cookies so I could share with my mom.  Did I share?  Why, yes I actually did!  I'm not sure they would have lasted, however if my mom had been in bed already, but as it turns out she was still awake.  Lucky for her! Anyway, it was a fabulous way to spend my evening with awesome friends who are such an awesome family! :)