This morning, I woke up angry. Not grateful for anything. Stressed to the hilt, after meeting a deadline yesterday. And really wanting to tackle some assignments still on my desk.The cause of my angst? Taxes. That's right. The annual exercise in frustation that writers, and everybody else, must go through in order to stay in good standing with the Government of Canada.
Over a month ago, before a flood of assignments came my way, my husband booked our annual appointment with our Chartered Accountant. And he insisted it couldn't be changed.
But in the flurry of the last couple of weeks, I hadn't even started my Statement of Business Activities.
This morning, two file folders filled with receipts and invoices stared at me on the table. At least I knew where they were this year.
So, in my pajamas, without my hair combed or make-up on, I ploughed through the piles, drinking instant coffee, and barely finishing 20 minutes before the appointment. (It's a ten minute drive to the accountants, by the way.)
After throwing on some professional clothes and combing the knots out of my hair, I looked presentable -- except for the scowl on my face. And the fact that I kept repeating, "I'm SOOO angry," when my husband tried to hug me.
My mood hadn't improved much when our accountant put out her hand and attempted to smile at me. But she persisted in being nice.
Looking at our financial statements, I started to wonder. Why I was angry? I make money at work I love. So does my husband. And he still loves me when I scowl.
Gradually my mood lifted. I left with a $25.00 gift certificate on an accounting program, several tips on how to save time and money on my bookkeeping, and, I think, a better perspective.
As I sit here this afternoon, I'm grateful to be where I am. And, I hope, I'm a little nicer to those around me.
Best of all, that pile of invoices that greeted me this morning is back in my filing cabinet. I'm at my desk, doing the work I love. And our ever cheerful accountant has more of the work SHE loves.
Now that's something to be grateful for. Happy Taxes Everyone!
P.S. Taxes are a sign of spring in Canada. Like the first buds on trees and the robins. Okay, maybe that IS going too far.
Jane Harris
3 comments:
Jane, I hate bookkeeping too. And I have had way more years to hate it than you. Welcome back to the work you love, Denyse
Having my accountant do my monthly bookkeeping is the best investment I've ever made...this year I don't even dread tax time but boy do I remember last year! Having said that, isn't it great we can actually make a living as a writer (and I was told it couldn't be done!)
Having my accountant do my monthly bookkeeping is the best investment I've ever made...this year I don't even dread tax time but boy do I remember last year! Having said that, isn't it great we can actually make a living as a writer (and I was told it couldn't be done!)
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