Archive for February 2nd, 2008
February is the month that we are supposed to be getting Heart Healthy. Coincidentally, it is also the month that my whole family is training to run a 6k. I had actually given up the cause until yesterday. But I woke up this morning with a whole new fire in my belly.
Being stubborn has always been a part of my personality, although the last several years have toned it down tremendously (but not enough if you ask my husband). Still, I hate to be told that I CAN’T do something. It’s like waving a red cape in front of a bull.
Yesterday, I mentioned to my dad that I might not be in the condition to run the 6k. I don’t think he meant to look, but he did and then said, “You can’t run it with that much extra.” Maybe those weren’t his exact words. I pretty much quit listening when the words “you can’t” came out of his mouth.
I thought about it all night and during my quiet time this morning. According to the Positive Mental Attitude that I am studying right now, I have what I say. So I determined this morning to start saying that I COULD run the 6k and that I WILL release the extra weight that is hindering my life.
It’s not just words, but action following the words. I’ve already been working out regularly and started running with the family today. My husband is 100% on board and is all about encouragement.
I’m not mentioning it to anyone else (except all of you in the World Wide Web, but don’t tell any one else 
). This is my goal, my positive statements, and my actions to put the statements in motion.
I will run the 6K.
February 2nd, 2008
It’s that season. It’s time for you to hate and love numbers all at the same time. Tax Season has descended upon you. You gather receipts, statements, and any other scraps of paper that can help you hold on to YOUR money. But have you thought of everything?
1. Claim your home expenses. If you have a business in your home, you can deduct home expenses (like mortgage payments, utilities, even garbage or household repairs). The catch is that it can only be what ever percentage your office space is compared to your home. So if your home is 1700 sq ft and your office space is an 8 x 8 space (64 sq ft) then you can deduct 3.7% if your household expenses.
2. Keep up with mileage accumulated for work related errands or meetings. The government has upped the allowance to 48.5¢ per mile which can quickly add up.
3. Membership fees are deductible as long as they are work related. That means signing up for online market research and job announcements can be deducted from your income.
4. Subscriptions can also be written off. Anything that is worked related (like domain name subscriptions) is another deduction you need to include on your return.
If you are using an accountant remember to take any expenses that you use for your home business (including cable if you do research through television programs) and ask if you can use a portion of them on your return. When it comes to filing taxes, a penny saved really can end up being a penny earned.
February 2nd, 2008
Every day I write multiple articles that I receive compensation for doing. They cover travel, politics, finances, and so much more. I’m learning a lot AND making a decent income.
This morning, as I was fixing my coffee, I began to wonder about what I’m doing. Is my writing gift just a way to make money? Or am I suppose to do more with what I have?
I know the answer, but I don’t want to face it. It’s easier to settle into the status quo of getting and depositing a paycheck. The idea of moving past the comfortable is just, well . . . uncomfortable.
Most writers want to make money from what they are writing. I am there. Granted, I’m not making thousands of dollars for each article I spit out. Much of what I write doesn’t even have my name on it (which does hurt my feelings on many days). But I’m a paid writer which is a dream I have had since I remember dreaming.
Still, I’m committing to do more. I will do what I know to do DESPITE what I need to do. That means blogging here at least twice a day – about life or writing or money. That means sending out queries for articles. That means having my novel printed up (about 5 to 10 copies) to let others critique so that it can be made ready for market. That means working on the other novel ideas that are swimming around my head – before they (or I) drown.
It is possible to get there. It just means making a few adjustments to the “me” schedule.
1. Cut out the after lunch break. Despite my excuses, no one needs three hours to “get their mind refocused.”
2. Start earlier. If I actually get up when my alarm goes off then I have plenty of time to get most of my work done BEFORE the family day gets started.
3. Make writing a habit not a hobby. Even though I write for pay every day, I don’t write the stories that are part of my heart. There needs to be a time where that is the only thing that I’m focused on doing.
These are three things that I will focus my energy on doing every day for the next 27 days. By the end of February, I will be more than a paid writer. I will be a paid writer who is a good steward over all my talents.
February 2nd, 2008
