Finances

Unfortunately, the word (and Project 2008) that I have chosen for the month of February is Finances. There is just nothing beautiful or artistic about it. Nothing homey or calming. Not a bit soul-affirming or invigorating. Nope. Just money and paperwork.

As a child, the months of January and February were torture. There wasn't anything but rain, mud, and school. As an adult, my first impulse is to go weak in the knees with thrill at the thought of quiet, simple days of cookie baking and reading. I even start to get ambitious planning all of the organizing and cleaning projects I might be able to complete. Then it hits me like a ton of bricks. End of the year book-keeping. Taxes. Paperwork. Ugh. My dream is shattered.

I have a bit of envy when I see those who meticulously keep records and receipts all year long. There are people not the least bit daunted by a tax form. Why couldn't I have that gift?

Even though January and February would creep along at a snail's pace as a child, they no longer do. I blink and my winter is gone. Gone are the dreams of snuggling on the couch with the blustery wind outside, fire crackling in the fireplace. (Not that my gas fireplace crackles.) Suddenly it is the middle of March and panic sets in. What happened to the projects I was going to tackle? The to-do list with satisfying check-marks?

At the very last minute, I force myself (under extreme duress) to add up numbers and gather any information that might be needed by our tax-preparers. Things were so much easier before Russ and I both had our own mini-businesses. How I miss the days of turning in one or two W-2 forms. Now, I stuff everything in an envelope and cringe as I hand it to my mother-in-law. That's right. She's an angel. Who else could deal with the mess I hand her with a smile on her face?

You would think I might buckle down and get it over with in January so that I could enjoy the rest of my peaceful winter, but, no. I'm an avoider. So this winter, my goal is to have all my paperwork finished and turned in by the end of the month. It might not be January, but it will do.

If I manage to get my paperwork done before the end of the month (gasp!), it is quite possible that I could even move on to making a household budget. Wouldn't that be amazing? And just because I like a challenge, how about I add reading Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover just for kicks? Okay, that might be going a bit to far. We'll see. Do you think I can live up to my Potential?

Have you chosen a project for this month?