"Oh, we have one of those?"

As Brian and I were on our way home from work last Friday, traffic came to a quick stop on I-10, just before Benson. It was a really rainy day, and quite cold out, so we had suspected some sort of accident. It was dark and hard to see, but I rolled down my window and realized that it was snowing pretty good and the sides of the roads were covered in snow! Something you don't see everyday in southern AZ. As traffic continued to move slowly, I noticed some flashing yellow lights ahead, signaling the work of ADOT. Low and behold, it was one of those machines that they use to de-ice the roads. (Forgive me for not knowing the correct snow-machine lingo...I'm a desert rat!) I turned to Brian and said, "Where do you think they had to borrow that from?!?!" I've never seen one of those in southern AZ before! But, I was thankful they were there because it was pretty bad and I am sure those ADOT workers were having a blast! We took these pics the next morning on our way back up to Tucson. The Sun had already melted some of the snow, but you can still get the idea!

Now I took this at 75mph, but you can see how the snow machine pushed to snow to the side of the road.

This picture is great of the snow-capped mountains! Check out those clouds. It reminds of me a card that one of my primary girls gave me this last week. It said, "Sister Skinner, through clouds of rain, you will always be my best friend." We've got a young Shakespeare on our hands! Ha ha! It was cute though!

And here is a close-up of the land beside the road!

P.S. I'm sure those from "snow-areas" think this post is rather unecessary, but for us desert rats...it's quite exhilarating. Oh, and you may want to click on the pics for a larger view.

How Much Ya Bench?

Anyone ever seen that skit from SNL called "How Much Ya Bench?" Lately, I feel like my life is a re-run of that skit. For some reason, several people (mostly from work) have randomly inquired about how much I can bench press. This is kind of an awkward question to ask someone...especially a female, but it got me thinking...."just how much can I bench?" I guess growing up with boys puts that little competitive spark in a girl! Anyway, my answer was pretty lame, "I don't know. Last time I tried I was 17 and I put up 135." WOW! That was 8 years ago! So, I got to thinking..."I've been lifting a lot lately, why not give it a shot?" Tonight was the night!
Brian and I got home from work, relaxed and bit and headed down to the basement to try it out. I warmed up with a light set of 10 reps. Then I did some more reps with heavier weights and once I felt warmed up, we were off to setting new records! I was able to bench 155 lbs tonight! A new personal best! I can see how people can get a little too addicted to this...it was fun! However, no worries! I don't plan on becoming a body builder or anything....but I may try to get 160 again! I just barely missed it and I think my muscles were just too fatigued at the time.

Tax Rebate

Many people are asking about the stimulus package, the tax rebate, and how it affects them. Here is the letter my firm is sending out to explain it.
-Brian

You may have heard news reports of a Congressional planned rebate for 2008. Today, February 13, 2008, President Bush signed the “stimulus package” into law.
What do you need to do?
This advanced rebate for 2008 will be based upon your 2007 tax return filing and you otherwise need to do nothing other than file your 2007 tax return.
How much of the rebate will you receive?
In most cases, the payment will equal the amount of tax liability on your 2007 tax return with a maximum amount of $600 for individuals and $1,200 for taxpayers who file joint tax returns. Even taxpayers who have little or no tax liability may qualify for a minimum payment of $300 or if filing a joint return, $600. Rebate rules concerning taxpayers who have no taxable income but are recipients of social security, veterans’ benefits and Railroad retirement are complex and will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
It is important to note that even if there is no requirement to file a tax return because of insufficient income, in order to receive the rebate you must file. Perhaps you know someone, a relative or friend, who might be in this situation. Please let them know of the rebate and the potential to receive it. I am always happy to assist anyone referred by you.
Is there an income limitation?
Yes. Eligibility for the advance payment is subject to maximum income limits. The rebate will be reduced by 5 percent of the amount of income in excess of $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for those who file jointly.
Individuals who pay no tax and have less than $3,000 of Social Security, veterans’ benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits will not qualify for the rebate.
Does the rebate include anything for the children I report on my return?
Yes, Parents and anyone else eligible will receive an additional $300 for each qualifying child but this will be subject to the income limitations of the rebate.
I understand the rebate is really an advance on 2008. How will this affect my 2008 tax return?
When we file your 2008 tax return, you will have received a statement from the IRS saying what advanced rebate you have already received. If your dependents or income have changed when we file your 2008 tax return you may actually be entitled to a larger rebate. If you received more of a rebate in 2008 than the amount to which you were entitled you will not be penalized and will not have to pay it back.
What if I get an extension and do not file my return on April 15, 2008?
Extended 2007 tax returns will continue to be used to calculate the advanced rebate and you will receive the rebate in 2008. If you do not file a 2007 tax return during 2008, no advanced rebate will be issued after December 31, 2008. The rebate will then be calculated on your 2008 tax return.
The IRS will be mailing taxpayers informational notices advising them of the stimulus payments. The first general notice from the IRS will explain the stimulus payment program. The second notice will confirm your eligibility, the payment amount and the approximate time table for the payment. You will need to save this notice to assist us when we prepare your 2008 tax return.
The IRS has issued a warning that taxpayers should be alert for tax rebate scams such as telephone calls or emails claiming to be from the IRS and asking for sensitive financial information. The IRS will not call or email taxpayers about these payments nor will it ask for financial information.

Here's to all you "Mittens" out there!

So Mitt conceded today...as most of you probably already know. If you haven't had a chance to read or see his speech, I have it HERE for you. What a classy, classy guy. Here's to a future run!
I received this from my sister, Louise, today and I thought it would go a long way to bring some cheer to us Mittens. It's a little shout out to my man Mitt...rappin' Romney-style!

UN-STINKING-BELIEVABLE!!!

So, after last night, I've been moping around all day--feeling like I just want to take my ball and go home. And then, more devastating news crosses my path...

THE SUNS RECRUIT SHAQ!!!

Just when you think it can't get any worse....

(Honestly, who would break up this dream team?!?! We'll miss you Marion!)

Super Tuesday + Fat Tuesday = One Late Night!

Couldn't pass this one up! Pretty much speaks for itself...not much else to say folks!

UPDATE: I'M SO BUMMED. SUPER TUESDAY HAS NOW BECOME A SUPER DISAPPOINTMENT! HURRAH JUAN McCAIN...(Normally I don't condone drinking alcohol, but............okay, only kidding! But some ice cream would sure make me feel a lot better right now!)

Running for a Cause

	Run right along the US/Mexico border at the 2nd annual Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon and Half Marathon. Experience the fabulous flavors and culture of our unique community. Run with the barefoot Tarahumara Indians in the hometown of famous Spira wavespring shoes. Beer and burritos at the finish!

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I frequently receive emails about upcoming races from active.com. This is one that I received today. The advertising, combined with the location of the race, raised a little concern. Call me suspicious, but...hmmmm...a gentleman of ethnicity sprinting along the border...not your typical marathon apparel...big smile on face...FREEDOM!!!

Are you sure you're really in this race buddy? Could you be running for another cause? And where are your pants? Did they get hung up on the barbwire fence?
Could this possibly be an "outreach" effort by McCain?
And who really wants beer and burritos right after a marathon? YUCK!

(In no way, shape, or form was this post to convey racism. I just couldn't stop chuckling when I saw it, so I thought I'd pass it along. I am definitely pro LEGAL immigration!!)