Barry Manilow and The Heartbreak of Psoriasis

While the rest of America is preparing to watch the Super Bowl, I'm writing an update on my blog. I've never watched a Super Bowl. I've attended some Super Bowl parties for the socialization and food but never actually watched a game and today will be no exception. When it gets a bit closer to game time, I'll wander outdoors to run a couple of errands as I am sure that will be a great time to go to the dreaded grocery store and pick up a couple of items at Lowe's.

I played some cards with a couple of dear ex-coworkers yesterday. The host was actually an old boss and it was great to see them and catch up. I so miss working with the both of them. They are great people and a lot of fun. We used to play cards during our lunch hour - a great way to break up the day. We played a round of cribbage, a game of hearts and an interesting game I'd never played called "Up and Down the River". I was so out of practice I didn't win a single game but had a great time.

I am attending a Barry Manilow concert this week. Aren't you just green with envy? Sixth row seats no less. I never would have purchased tickets to see BM but someone I went through orientation with in my current job has four tickets and invited three of us who went through orientation together to go with. Thought it would be a fun night out so accepted. I heard his show is great so I'm going with an open mind.

My middle sister's birthday was last week and so several members of the family met for dinner at a local Mexican restaurant. The Margarita's were good not to mention huge - and after we were all sufficiently high we sat around for two hours engaged in a loud Irish 'discussion' over the democratic primaries and God. In the end we were all thankful to God we are not Republicans with the sorry field they have to choose from and the ridiculous positions they take.

I went to a dermatologist this past Monday for treatment for what I believed was a case of chronic athlete's foot that I have been battling since early last summer. I've never had it but had come to accept my new status as an athlete. Summer is fast approaching and wanted to get it cleared up in time for pedicures and sandals. Imagine my shock and surprise to learn that I wasn't an athlete after all but suffer from the heartbreak of psoriasis.....also which I never knew that I had. A few days of treatment with a steroid cream and some urea ointment and my feet are once again baby butt soft and smooth. I am so thankful to have insurance as the doctor and two prescriptions only cost me $35. I guess that's $135 when I consider the cost of my monthly premium which is about $50 per pay check.

Am going to start my taxes this evening. Yes, that happy time of year when I am reminded that George Bush's tax cuts did not apply to me. I always use Turbo Tax and am hopeful it will guide me through the "home office" stuff. I get to deduct a portion of my mortgage from my taxes since I work from home. I use one bedroom exclusively for the home office and understand that makes it less complicated. Hope it's easy as I don't want to pay someone to do them for me. I paid once and that was enough for me. My goal is to do a little bit at a time and file them by next weekend. Wish me luck.

Hope all is well in your worlds!

Tax Update: Well I've gotten through the personal data and added all my income sources and my retirement fund rollovers and then was forced to stop at the mortgage interest reporting. I have the interest reporting documents for one mortgage company but not for the other. We're off to a great start!