My Time

When I grow up........

When I grow up ....... I want to be a tax accountant.   

This video is too hilarious not to watch.  And also disturbingly accurate........      I guarantee you will laugh.

 

This was the promo video from Thomson Reuters for Onesource Corporate tax prep.

Free Agents

Are you looking for a smart, grown-up comedy ?  Free Agents, Wednesday at 8:30pm on NBC.

Go ahead.......give it a try.......

 

Operation Re-Boot

We've all had to re-boot our computer from time to time.  Programs start spinning, making no sense, or things running in the background you can't get out of.  The computer just isn't working right so we re-boot and then all is well again.

I am feeling a lot like that computer, my operating system is overloaded and doesn't have the resources to run anything properly.  Many of you know I've had an especially difficult few months at work while covering for another manager who has been on maternity leave.  I've been pulled so thin that I can't focus on any one thing so everything has been neglected. 

I am finding that that kind of stress makes even the smallest thing seem like a big deal.  Laundry has seemed insurmountable, and everyday things like grocery shopping have become rare.   I've been having a lot of stress systems that I've never had - ocular migraines, breaking out in hives, high blood pressure.  Stress is definitely not good for the system !

Well this week I am on vacation and purposely staying at home, working on re-booting my system.  I am disconnecting as much as possible and just working on getting home life back on track and then will power back up and get ready to return to work.

Sometimes you just have to stop what you're doing and re-boot.  

Sons of Tucson

The new family comedy Sons of Tucson premiers this Sunday on Fox.  This should be a fun one - check it out !

A BitterSweet April 15

I've been working in public accounting firms for a very long time.  I just finished my 22nd April 15 deadline, but I've never seen anything like this. 

Like most businesses, our firm has been hit hard by the downturn in the economy.  The glory days of excess have ended, and we all knew that tough decisions would be needed after April 15.  

Today was the day, and we were shocked and not prepared for how many would be let go.  There was much hugging and crying in the halls as we said goodbye to those who were leaving.  Friends and co-workers and mentees who I have worked with for years.  People who I have a great deal of respect for and who will be total assets wherever they land.  Through no fault of their own, our firm just could not support the same staff with fewer clients. 

Seems I am one of the survivors.  One poor manager stopped me in the hall "I have another form to file but I don't know who works here anymore".  OK - gotta find some humor where you can I guess.  But the poor guy was serious.  And yes, it was just that bad.     15% of us - gone.

Masquerade Ball

  Last night was the annual Gumbiner Savett party, and this time we were transported back to a Medieval Renaissance with a Masquerade ball.  Val was excited for an excuse to carry a sword, and insisted on being called "Sir Valentine".

 

 

 

We had a great time as usual. Here's some more photos --

     

Quoted -

I love it when things just work out right.   I had been asking for years for our tax software company to make a recorded training available for our new staff.  Well, not quite a year ago I started giving feedback and testing a new recorded training program for them.   It was released today, called CCH University.  They even quoted me on their "success stories" page, and on their product brochure (bottom right of page 1).  Great recognition for my firm.

Love it !

Sad Day

Today we attended the funeral of Lou Savett, one of the founders of the firm I work for, Gumbiner Savett Inc.  He and Charles Gumbiner, who passed away a couple years ago, started the firm in the 1950's. 

Lou Savett was a brilliant and very down-to-earth man.  He was a great example and I am so priviledged to have known him and worked with him.    He will be greatly missed.

Not me.....

Even though it looks as though somebody followed me around the office recording me today -- this link is NOT based on me.    Really.

http://www.hallmark.com/ECardWeb/ECV.jsp?a=EG5139962813029M257217751Y&product_id=

It will, however, give you a good idea of life at the office for me lately.

The last push.....

Those of you who know me know that I've been working way more than any human should the past couple of months.  April 15 is almost here, and there is still just too much to do.  But I do have to give my firm credit for finding creative ways to squeeze every last bit of energy from us this week.

Saturday they left big cases of FRS Energy Drinks in the kitchen, with a sign that said  "this will give you increased energy and improved focus".  Hey - was I not focused before ?   

Today they had a Flavia Coffee Station set up.  (for my croppin buddies - same one as at Remember When)    This will create pretty much any kind of espresso, cappucino, tea, or hot chocolate one could think of.   I think the key here is caffeine.

So - I've got new energy drinks and all the cappucino I could ask for -- hopefully the next few days won't be so bad.   Looking forward to having the 16th off !   Nap time !