Oh, Those Witty Accountants!

I have started studying for my tax final and I am doing a question on the treatment of capital gains. I screwed up in regards to the treatment of the principal residence. Just to refresh my brain, I wanted to look up the info on the treatement of a principal residence, in my textbook.

Realizing I could flip through several pages looking for one topic, I started my quest in the index. Logical. I start with the topic: Capital Gain. Also, logical. Next, I look for the sub-topic of: Principal Residence. And this is what I found.

*principal residence - see also principal residence

What? Is that possible?

Wait a minute, now after, just writing this, I realize what it means. Forget everything I just said. I am going to go fall off a roof or something.

And the Winner Is....Not Who You Think

There were some nice surprises on tonights academy awards. My favourite one was Alan Arkin for "Little Miss Sunshine". That was one of the films I did see and I thought he was great in it. I figured it would be overlooked by the academy. I was wrong. Several of the pics I made, did win. But there was about as many correct winners as there was surprises.

Favourite moment: Will Farrell and Jack Black and John C. Rielly singing on stage about doing films that just don't get nominated for academy awards.

Most See-Through Moment: Jerry Seinfeld "auditioning" to do next year's academy awards. So obvious. But funny nonetheless.

Ellen Degeneres was an okay host. She was politically correct and did not offend anybody. She kept all the humor "in the house". She just talked about the films and awards. She kept it safe. She was okay, but I wouldn't ask her back to do it again anytime soon. I love Ellen and her humour, she needed to take more risks. Overall, she was fun. Get her to host again in 5 years.

Also, what is up with all those wardrobe changes? Bring one dress people. Guys? They one have one suit. Or in this case, tux. Get with it people. Wear the dress long enough for people to remember it.

Most of the dresses were nice. A lot of crappy fashion this year. Even those from "The Devil Wears Prada". From a movie about fashion, they sure wore the crappiest fashion there. Disgraceful. Except for Emily Blunt in her sparkling sapphire piece. She looked great. I liked Beyonce's dress. It was divalicious, but subtly elegant. As well, Kate Winslet wore the mint green. J Lo's dress was surprisingly lovely in pink and sparkles. Just the wrong style of gown. Helen Mirren's boobs were just too prominent in that gown. Wrong dress for an award for a such a reserved character. And what is up with Kirsten Dunst picking crappy gowns these days. I just don't like her taste. Nicole looked like a walking candy apple. Jessica Biel what is up with the hot pink? Are you trapped in the 80's? Celine Dion really worked the green piece she came in. Reese looked good her black piece, continuing her modern style. Cameron Dia looked shockingly good as well. She was not wearing the over-baked tan and white wispy dress she was wearing at the Golden Globes. This look was much more flattering. Gwenyth was just too forgetable. The dress might've worked, but the colour was just too bland for me.

Now for the highlights of the evening: Pan's Labrynth not winning for best foreign film. What's up with that? Quite a few of the smaller categories took the risks (the were needed all over) and made the show worth watching. Marie Antoinette winning it's only nomination for best costume design. But seriously who needs an award for designing corsets and flowing skirts? That shits' been done people. I admit, sewing and putting it together is tough work. But it is not anything new.

Al Gore did not use his award win as a political stepping stone to announce his candidacy for running for president. Perhaps, he understands, there and times and places for these things. Again, that man has tremendous character and and is a true man of the people.

And how about Martin Scorcesse winning for best director? Huh people? That's right keep clapping. He is, THAT great. And what a give away huh? Having Spielberg, Coppola and Lucas give away the award. Once they hit the stage, Lee pointed out, they are all Scorcesse's chums. At that point, I knew he was a winner.

And how about "The Departed" getting every Oscar it was nominated for. Except for best supporting Oscar, for Mark Walhberg? Poor Marky Mark. I mean Mark.

And thankfully, we did not see Anna Nicole Smith get a mention in the reel of "People who passed away". She did not contribute to anything. She was not anyone of note.

Ah, I never really ultimately care who wins or who dies. Who dies? What? Oh I mean who wins, cause it is all a popularity contest. It is never really about who deserves the honour. Sometimes it is. But mostly, it is about who has everybody seen. And who does everybody want to win. Once it while, they will surprise you. But mostly, the Oscars has become predictable and boring and safe. The bet has become a sure thing. And with the few surprises this evening, perhaps the academy is ready to acknowledge the lack lustre of its ways.

Oscar Predictions

Okay, Lee and I made up last night. There. I said it. Now get outta here.

Right now, Brandon is watching "Go Diego Go". I think he likes TV way too much. I think I have conditioned him to have it on at certain times. Is this really bad? Am I retarding my son? Is he going to get ADD? But TV does calm him. He plays while he watches and likes to cuddles before a nap, while he watches. I think it is okay. As long as it is not on ALL the time.

Tonight is the Oscars! I am excited. For the first time, in like 5 years, the family will stay home and have a quiet Oscar night. I am eager to see the fashions that hit the red carpet. Am I weird? I don't think so. Everybody likes an attractive woman in a hot dress. Well...we do. But no commentary on the Oscars would be complete without some predictions of who will go home with an Oscar. (Now bare in mind, I have not seen most of these films. My pics are purely based off of hearsay, from multiple reviewers and other people.)

My pics are:

For best supporting actress: Jennifer Hudson is a given. You would be stupid to bet on anyone else. We all know, she is going to win. Even Jennifer Hudson knows.

For best supporting actor: This is the one category I don't know for sure. All the bets were on Eddie Murphy. That was until he came out with "Norbit". But maybe enough people voted before that atrocity hit the theatres. This is the one category I welcome a surprise. I would like to see Jackie Earle Haley win for "Little Children" just because he play a pedophile with a heart of gold. If anyone can pull that off....well that's almost insane.

For best actress: Helen Mirren in "The Queen" is the favourite to win. I like Helen Mirren. She can have it. I would like this category to surprise me too, but Mirren is the best bet.

For best actor: Forest Whitaker has it. Friends tell me he is "spot on" as his portrail of the Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. Then he should get it. I like Ryan Gosling too. I would love for him to win, but I don't think he will. I will barf if Dicaprio get it! I just can't buy him as an actor.

For best director: Everyone says this is Scorcesse's year. Friends say, "The Departed", is not his best piece, but he should get it because he deserves one. Well, considering the academy does that A LOT (giving an award to someone who deserves it, but not necassarily for that particular piece) *cough cough* Russell Crowe. This will be Scorcesse's year.

For best picture: This will be the one award "Babel" gets.

Some random stuff:

"Cars" will get best animated feature.

"Dreamgirls" will win best costume design.

"Pan's Labrynth" will win for best foreign language film.

And Al Gore will receive one oscar, for best documentry feature for "An Inconvienent Truth".

One of the three songs nominated from "Dreamgirls" will win for best song.

"Borat" will win best adapted screenplay. It only has one nomination and it will win.

And, last but not least, "United 93" will get best film editing. Cause it will get something, as well.

Now, lets see if I am right.

Anger Management and the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever!

Well, Lee and I just had a fight. What a surprise there. It was all about time, again. About how he is just such and inconsiderate bastard. But I don't want to elaborate. Kinda because I'm not sure how "right", I am and because I...just...don't want to.

Right now, I am updating my blog (obviously) and I just finished folding laundry. I am about to start a practice exam. Right after I finish changing the the next load.

You know, I try to be understanding, when it comes to Lee's demands and projects, but why would you take on extra stuff to do or make promises about deadlines while 1) you are a parent when time (Time? Time? What's that?) REALLY means nothing? And 2) I am taking a 4th level CGA course. I NEED time. I seriously need it. And then make ALL DAY plans, that does not involve you looking after Brandon, while I am in crunch mode for my final? I am pissed. Lee has just left, with his equipment, and Brandon is asleep upstairs. Only God knows how long that will be! I'm just fuckin' pissed right now! I really wish I could drink. I could use one.

On a lighter note, I made the best chocolate chip cookies, yesterday. Yes, they were really are the best. Ooeeey Gooeey Chewy cookies! Yum Yum! The cookies are still soft and just sweet enough. I had, maybe, a hand full of chocolate chips for cookies, but I didn't let that stop me. I used up some of my baking squares. I just chopped them up in my brand new food processor (from Christmas). It made some fine cookie crumble. The dough looked, literally, like cookie dough ice cream. It had big chunks, small chunks, some as big as your head. No! Just kidding! Lots of crumbs, which made the cookies looks like they have freckles. They are loaded with chocolate. That is all you need to know. Also, I used vanilla that was given to us by some friends of ours. They picked it up from Mexico. They claimed it was, "The best vanilla ever!" They weren't wrong. That vanilla made those cookies the best. But now, I am out of sugar and flour. But I have a cookies jar full of cookies.

Baby Play

I was playing with my son this afternoon today. I stopped for moment, cause I was getting tired and just watched Brandon play. I really enjoyed watching him play. I enjoyed watching him finger and touch things and learn how they worked. It is simple stuff but it was the highlight of my day.

A Nice Surprise

Not much to say at the moment. I had another dream I was back working as a bartender. Why do I keep having this dream? I really do not want to do that anymore. The only reason I would be because I owned a bar and ran it. I thought about it. I wouldn't mind. I enjoy the social aspect of it and the accounting for a small business. It just needs startup capital. Ah shoot! There's always something.

You know, I really enjoy talking to my friends....on the phone. In person, too. Whenever we chat, I usually feel pretty good about things. Even my financial situation. When really, my phonecalls have no baring on that what-so-ever. It's funny. Not in a ha-ha way. But you know what I mean.

I kinda sudo-did my taxes the other day and I found I will not get as a high as return as I originally expected. That sucks! I thought with the way the less money I made, I would get a slightly better return. Fat Fucking Chance! Oh well, more money in the pile, I guess.

Something interesting happened today. I received an email. What? That's it? No. The email was from an old high school aquaintance. Nevermind the fact that the email was from November, it was someone reaching out to chat and stuff. So I replied. I checked for my high schol alumni on line and found two more. I inturn, reached out to them. Now, lets hope I get some emails back.

Things are looking up. Look. Look waaaaaaaaaaaaaay up!

Forgetting Someone?

I had a dream last night (and this is where my brother closes the internet window.) Yes, another dream. It was the first day back to work for me. I had just come home for lunch. I don't know why. Someone I was paying was coming over to watch my kids for the afternoon. So, she comes by, via bus, and brings her whole family. I think it was my friend R. Anyways, Lee is still home and some of my random friends start showing up like K & K & A. I am grabbing a few things to eat, cause I am supposed to be going back to work. Then, it hits me. I forgot to pick up Brandon. The dayhome lady and her hudband drive by to drop off my son, cause I wasn't there to pick him up at 12pm. Then my phone rings. It's work wondering if I am returning to work. I say of course. I am on my way. I go back to preparing my lunch when I wake up. Weird! What kind of sign is that? Am I going to be able to juggle work and homelife? I don't know if I can do it. I might go crazy and....forget to pick up my son? Yeah, sure. Tell me working moms, how do you do it? How do you keep it straight? Your head, that is. How can fit in so much to do and remember and stay on track?

Anniversary Date

Last night Lee and I went on another date for our 4 year anniversary. We went to dinner at Red lobster. All I can say is: Yum! Afterward it was around 8:30pm and we didn't want to the night to end so we went to a late show. We saw Blood and Chocolate. I knew nothing about this film going into it. It was a modern werewolf romance tale. The only actor in the film I knew, was the sexy Hugh Dancy. After researching the movie this morning, it was nothing like the book it was based off of. Even the ending was different than the novel. But since I knew nothing about the story or the original novel, I enjoyed it. I liked it enough I would pick it up on DVD. The gore wasn't too much, the sex was non-existent and the story being unpredictable at about half-way turning point. I found that anyways. And Brandon was asleep at the end of the night when we came home. It was nice to be able to have a date with my husband. *sigh* I love my husband. I love and adore you. I am thankful for you everyday.

Universal Happiness

I was talking with my sister-in-law this evening about achedeuling a dinner with her family. Whe finally agreed on a date and then it came down to food. After mulling over a few foods, we decided on something that we knew our children would definitly eat. If Brandon and Mackenzie would enjoy something, we would enjoy it as well. All moms out there, you know it's true. When everyone in your family is happpy, you are happy.

Haunting Melodies - Chantel Concert Review

Lee and I just got home from the Chantel Kreviazuk concert. The theme was melodic and heavy. Lots of beats were left out this time around. Fast songs were slowed down and slow songs were even slower. Despite the darker tone, she tried to the keep the mood light with her witty banter. She even invited some kids, down in front, to sit on stage, who could not see that well. They have fron t row tickets. How bad can those seats be? Well, for little kids...maybe they can just peer over the edge. Who knows? I wasn't down there. I don't know how bad the view was.

At about half way through the concert someone yelled out, "Grace". Chantel was already a few notes into the next song, but stopped and started to play the request. She even choked up durring the number and quickly ran off stage after the song was finished. She came back and appologized. She told the audience that someone was here, at the concert, that shouldn't be there. She told them to leave. The tone was very serious after that.

The show never really came back to the lighter side after that emotional moment. She came back once for a few encores. She sat on the edge of the stage with no mic, just her guitar and sang "Far Away" Not a noise was made. All ears were on her. As she was leaving to say goodnite, her baby boy came to the edge of the stage, with his arms stretched and gave his mom a great big hug. It was sweet. All in all, a nice night.

Veronica Mars - She's a Marshmellow

I have a new obsession. Her name...is Veronica Mars. What a fantastic show! She is very liekable. Yet, how does she find time to play detective for her father and friends and still manage to have the highest grade point average of her graduating class? Tell me that? Huh? Yeah, that is why it is TV land and not real life. But, I saw the first few episodes last Saturday and now I am finished up to the end of season 2. Yeah, I know. What didn't I do to make it that far into Veronica Mars? I did do some studying, if that is what you are thinking. I read a little. Tried listening to some audio lectures and couldn't bare it about half way. I think the lecturer is starting to get nauseating. I did pay attention to Brandon too....although I think that is where I skimped the most. Bad mommmy!

(WARNING: Spoilers Ahead. Stop reading if you have not watched the show and are planning to. Which you should. It is a very interesting and well written show. Continue on, if have watched the show or nothing surprises you anymore. )

Anyways, my favourite character I would love to have a cup of coffee with: Keith Mars. I like him. I like him alot. Best TV dad. I wish Keith's and Veronica's relationship was more open than they thought it was. But the secret comes out evenually, which is okay. Just learn people. Full disclosure is best. Like our girls says, "The good one is the one who stays. " In this case, she would be right.

And Logan. M, you are right. I both love and loathe him. In a bad girl way. He's a wild one, but oh so with the heart of gold, when it counts. Did I see the attraction brewing? Did I see the kiss coming? Yeah, I think I did. I was starting to like Logan more and I think Veronica was too.

And what about our special guest stars? Hmmm? Mr. Kevin Smith as the conviences store clerk. Yeah, no connection there. *cough cough* Clerks. He kinda stole the scene there. No kidding! Lee tells me, he likes to improvise his roles. He likes to rant. It sure seems like he did. And what about our very own Joss Whedon? Very yuppie. And again, he tried to steal the scene. Kinda...didn't. It only worked cause the geeky audience knew who these guys were. But still, it is obvious. They are fanboys.

The big story arch mysterys are good and very well thought out. And, better than those on 24. Last year, it seemed like halfway through the season they came up with the president being the bad guy. I didn't seem like it was thought out completely. Veronica Mars connects all over the span of 2 seasons. Very clever. And talk about, NOT toning it down with the teen sex. Am I just such a yuppie cause I didn't have sex till I was 20? In fact, I don't think I dated until I was 19. Did I miss something?

Now, I must seriously put my nose to the grindstone and study. I was looking back over my old tax notes. Sadly, the only ones I could find belong to corporate tax. Holy Shit, there are a lot of fucking steps. There is a reason they split up personal and corporate tax. It's fucking hard. With both at stake at the same time....oh dear God! And I only have an advantage cause I have taken the material before. Well, I better start cracking.

The System Prevails

I got a response from the marker co-ordinator on the questionable grading on my last assignemtn. My assignment question 1 got re-evaluted by another marker. I gained a whole 10 marks. Yuppie!!!! I know the marks don't really matter. I can't take them into the exam, but I thought the assignment was graded unfairly. And I was right. Hopefully, I don't have to go through this again. Ah, no such luck.

And the Winner For Crappier ISP Provider Goes To...

And telus is....down again. Shock of all shocks! I can already be online and then the pages just don't seem to load. "Page Cannot Be Displayed" is well, displayed. Fuckin' Telus! They are sending out a crappy-ass tech tomorrow afternoon. I really don't want to be dealing with this. I would rather just switch providers. I have talked to people and they all seem to think that Shaw is an acceptable alernative. Do you agree? If I do not like what happens yesterday, I am yanking the plug (metaphorically).

I am, right now, at the library. I should be studying. But, I am taking a break. Yeah, a break. *sigh*

Today has been pretty crazy. We installed the carseat lent to us by the wonderful T & H. Unfortuantly it was a pain to install. The straps were not even and Brandon was crying and I was getting angry, Lee wasn't explaining crap well and I snapped at both Lee and Brandon. Not a fun time.

2 hours later, the carseat was successfully installed with a proper way to loosen and tighten. I took Brandon over to visit his grandma and we chatted about...stuff. Don't ask me what. I don't even remember.

I will be missing 24 tonight. *Shedding a tear* But Lee is recording it for me. Jack Bauer and I will be re-united soon. *sniff sniff*

Last Night

The party last night was great. I had lots of fun. I was glad to see everybody who came. And you know what? I could've stayed up till 3 am talking with Lee, S, S, and A about Harry Potter and crappy George Lucas. Yes, seriously.

The only thing I did not think was best was the fact that I did not get to talk to everybody. I don't like that. I feel like I neglect somebody. If I didn't get to talk to any of you, I am sorry.

Now, I must get myself back into study mode. Hmmm...that might be more harder than I think. Despite having passed FA4, I still don't feel motivated. That has to change somehow.

Here are some cool new My Space's for everybody to check out.

http://myspace.com/primepete

The above link is for my awesome brother's personal site. Check it out. He is witty.

http://myspace.com/leeconrad

The next link is for my husband's site. He is currently trying to post his Diego's and Lee's strip on it. Stay tuned for the next installment.

I think I need to keep up with my friends. I think I am going to get back into reading blogs again. I know it is not good to admit you aren't up to date on other people lives' but I have not had much of a chance to check out other blogs since Telus turned into a crappy internet provider. Also, my course is demanding. And I have a baby. Like these are excuses. Okay, maybe the first one is. Anyways, you get the point. (Forgive me My Space users. I do not have a My Space ID so I will not be able to comment on your bogs.)

I was given a copy of Veronica Mars for my brithday from my other awesome brother. I checked out the first 2 episodes and I like it. I'm not at the place where it is like crack, but I am intruiged by the mystery and Veronica is very likeable. She is bitter and sarcastic. And there is a tragic element to her isolation which I find an underlying bittersweetness to, yet full-filling. Strange? Hmmm. She is someone I would really like to be friends with.

New Battlestar tonight. Ooooo...can't wait!

Inspiration

I want to talk about someone who inspires me.

Almost 8 years ago, there was a man who lived in Edmonton. He had a dream to be a journalist and live in New York. He had just obtained his journalism degree from university. He put just about everything he owned into storage and tied up all of his loose ends here in Edmonton. So with a dream in one hand and a suitcase in the other, he set out for New York.

He didn't know what was in store or what to expect. He just knew what he wanted. A career as a writer in New York.

He left late summer and stayed with the few friends he knew just to get by until he landed on his feet. He had a few job interviews. Even one at the place he did his internship which included a glowing recommendation of: "This is the best intern we had ever had!" durring the interview. Yet, he did not land that job. You think he would've.

Anyways, you think with the rejections this guy was getting, he was going back to his friends' apartment, crying and curling up on his inflatable matress into the fetal position. Well, this guy has amazing confidence. Okay, think of the most confident person you know. Yeah? You know someone really confident? Well, multiply that by 100 and you have the person I am talking about. And there you go.

Back to our story, it wasn't until 3 months later that he landed a job being an assistant editor. He did it. He made it. He held onto it for over 7 years. Well, maybe not the same work place, but he is still there. In New York. Writing. He worked hard for it. And he works hard now, to hold on to it. He is a success. And I love him. I am proud of knowing him. And being related to him. I am proud of you, brother. And I love you. You inspire me.

Treats

My morning started with a lovely pancake breakfast and a gift from Lee. I now have a plug-in charger for my ipod. Then Lee made us lunch and I got a gift from Brandon. He gave me a golden snitch. Cute.

For the afternoon, the whole family went to the movies. We saw "Stranger Than Fiction". Awesome! Will Farrell is an incredible actor. He really carries that film. Go see it!

Now, we wait till about 5:30pm to go over to my mothers for a fabulous birthday dinner and birthday cake. Yum!