Taxes

I've just about had enough. I always heard about taxes in negative terms while growing up, but I never really understood. I mean, from my end, I didn't do a thing AND I would get a surprise check in the mail. Well, those fairy-tale thoughts of the IRS have ended. I am officially an adult, and with that comes the obligation to hate tax season. You see, I don't know a thing about taxes. And my parents don't either, which is why they've always just taken all of our W-2's to some man in the city who would fix us up all nice, tell us where to sign, and then send them out. It was pure bliss. Well, as I looked to doing taxes for the first time, I decided that, by golly, I was going to learn how to do them myself. I mean, it should be easy this early in life, right? It's not like we have a house, any property, any investments, or any of that stuff that's supposed to make it really hard, but it still has been a challenge and I'm beginning to wonder if it's been worth it.

First of all, I got married last year, so Joy and I are filing jointly. Sounds good so far, right? Well, it gets complicated when the states get involved. I was a part-time resident of Ohio and a part-time resident of Illinois. So I've been on the phone several times with each of those states, trying to figure out what to check, where to sign, what form to fill out, and really, what numbers to put on that form once I find it. Although we are federally joint, we are filing "married but separate" in Illinois, putting all of Joy's stuff on her's and all of mine on mine with an added form for part-time residency. I thought that would work for Ohio too, but alas, they are different from Illinois and if you file your federal jointly, then you have no choice but to file Ohio jointly as well. And yes, you better believe there is another form for my part-time residency stuff. I'm actually getting to the point where I think I understand what's happening and am not too afraid that the IRS is going to track me down. At least I can prove that I took the effort to do everything right. Now I have just two small hurdles left: Indiana and Local Tax. Joy got a tiny check for doing something at Taylor, so we haven't figured what to do with that W-2 yet and Ohio does local tax and no one has a clue as to what to do with that. I think I might just ignore them both and hope it doesn't catch up with me at some point.

I will be pleased when this is all over. And yes, when that check comes (or more accurately, that direct deposit comes...), I will be glad of the work, but still, it just plain aint very fun. But this is grown-up land and I don't want to go to any man in the city.

Spring Break

My spring break is officially over. After ten wonderful days without classes, I was back at school for class at 7:30 on this foggy Monday morning. Needless to say, I wasn't happy about it.

Jack & Pocahontas

This week has been Theatre Week for Joy and me. On Thursday night we went to see "Jack and the Giant," the 3rd and 4th grade musical at Joy's school. Joy helped be in charge of set design, and yes, the set was fantastic. You should have seen that beanstalk. Before the show started, we found some seats that were right behind two mothers of children in Joy's class. We chatted for a while and then settled in for the show. Well, after one particularly strugglesome number, I said, I thought quitely to Joy, "Oh gracious that was out of tune." Well, thankfully the mothers in front had a sense of humour (and their kids weren't in the show) and laughed with me, but for a second I felt like a rude and unappreciative critic. I mean, most of the people on American Idol can't sing on tune, I certainly can't have too high of expectations for 4th grade harmony.

Tonight Joy and I went to see "Pocahontas." And no, it wasn't the Disney version. No "colors of the wind" here. We went to support two of the best young performers around: Ellen and Khalia Wightman, the two girls of the family I lived with for the six months I lived in Chicago before getting married. And I am gonna brag here and I'm unashamed. These girls are THE BEST. I mean, they both have got loads and loads of talent. Ellen had some fantastic solos, and let's just say, a commanding attention and poise far beyond her years. And both Khalia and Ellen certainly know how to dance. They've got moves.If either of them go to Taylor (and it may be years away, but the interest just may be there...), they will most definitely be living it up in Airband and the Chorale.

As the show started, Joy and I realized we felt just like proud parents. I was so proud of them both, and honestly, am so thankfully for their consistent humility and down-to-earthness. Yup, they inspire me. I really think I'd like to get back to the theatre. I loved performing and these girls helped me remind me of just how fun it can be. It's a ton of work, but everyone who's been in a community show knows there's a sense of ache (and often some relief) when the final curtain goes down. Ladies, you both rocked it tonight. Enjoy your final show tomorrow and know that our love for you goes far beyond those quickly-dying flowers we stepped on during intermission.

Lenten Thoughts

First of all, Happy March.

Now, I find the subject of Lent an interesting one. I did not grow up in the Catholic tradition and never practiced lent while growing up. Well, upon going to college, I began to become fascinated with certain aspects of the Catholic faith and Lent (although not solely Catholic) was at the top of the list. I think there is something beautiful about setting time apart before the Last Supper, before the Crucifixion, before the Resurrection. Forty days is a traditional number of discipline, devotion, and preparation in the Bible and I think the crucifixion and resurection is worth preparing for.

"Moses stayed on the Mountain of God forty days (Exodus 24:18 and 34:28), the spies were in the land for forty days (Numbers 13:25), Elijah traveled forty days before he reached the cave where he had his vision (1 Kings 19:8), Nineveh was given forty days to repent (Jonah 3:4), and most importantly, prior to undertaking his ministry, Jesus spent forty days in wilderness praying and fasting (Matthew 4:2). Since Lent if a period of prayer and fasting, it is fitting for Christians to imitate their Lord with a forty day period. Christ used a forty day period of prayer and fasting to prepare for his ministry, which culminated in his death and resurrection, and thus it is fitting for Christians to imitate him with a forty day period of prayer and fasting to prepare for the celebration of his ministry's climax, Good Friday (the day of the crucifixion) and Easter Sunday (the day of the resurrection)." (See Source.)

I wonder if the Protestant faith has really lost some of the beauty surrounding the weeks of Easter. In thinking about Lent over the last few years, I find myself wondering about what to "give up." I understand the dilemna of wanting to give up something simply to give something up, not to really come and prepare for the death and raising of Jesus Christ. I can see how it becomes something we do more for us and not something we do for more of Him.

Today, I decided that I'm not going to give something up this year. Instead of committing to give something up, I think I will commit to doing. I hope to meet with God consistently for 40 days. I certainly think was one aspect of Christ's time in the wilderness.

I find this very interesting. As I was talking about Lent with Mr. Taylor Horner earlier today, I realized that starting tonight, I am on Spring Break (YES!). But then I realized that over my break, I have to write my paper for my Biblical Theology class. For the paper, we had to pick a theme found in the Old and New Testaments and dive in. Well, months ago, during the first week of classes, I chose to do my paper on "wilderness." I plan to research the Israelites and Christ. I certainly didn't put it together when I chose the topic that I would begin the paper on the first day of Lent.

I want to prepare for the meaning and beauty found in the weeks surrounding Easter. I want to strengthen the disciplines in my life. I want to devote myself to Christ and prepare anew for what it means to be His follower.

New Job

It appears that my barista days are over. Tomorrow I will work three hours making lattes and capuccinos before ending my career as barista. Who knows, perhaps I'll be back someday, but for now, I'm done. Why you ask? Because, I have a new job. Starting tomorrow, I will be working for a private, not-for-profit agency called Youth Services Glenview/Northbrook. And yes, I am extremely excited about this new job.

About two weeks ago I went to a meeting discussing the upcoming practicum and internship required as part of the program. They mentioned that we need to get our resume on file, and I immediately entered into semi-panic mode thinking, "What on earth will I possibly put on a resume?" Well, God answered that prayer before the afternoon was over. One of the gents in my program, Bryan, went to Taylor with me but I didn't actually know him when I was there. Now we have classes together and he's been working for this place for the last year and a half. Well, I went to check my e-mail and Bryan had e-mailed me saying that the place he was working was looking for some part-time workers and he thought I'd be good and interested in what they do.

Basically, the agency does all sorts of services for kids and adolescents. I'll be primarily doing one-on-one counseling with kids dealing with a variety of stuff, using counseling often intertwined with elements of play, art, and group therapy. Basically, I'm really excited for the job and the education and experience it will bring, and am so thankful to have a job that's actually related to my degree program. Of course, there is a part of me that is positively terrified. I'll be meeting for each client in two hour blocks and I can't imagine that I'm skilled enough to know what to do and what to say for two straight hours week after week. They say you learn by doing, so I'm trusting that's true.

I was at the office today doing some paperwork and tomorrow will be at the staff supervision meeting to jump in and meet the rest of the staff. Here we go!

Dinner Date

Joy and I have been set up on a double-blind-date of sorts. Here's the deal: Joy's parents met this newly married young couple last semester when they starting coming to their Sunday School class. Well, the husband of this couple attends Trinity and apparently was a music major (trombone performance if I remember correctly) as an undergrad. I forget what the wife does, but I'm sure I'll find out tonight. You see, last semester Joy's mom began to think that Joy and I should be friends with these two newlyweds. Last semester Joy and I complained about not having any nearby friends, so she thought this would be perfect. Well, fast forward a few months and here we are. We met this couple once after church in November, but tonight the Bellitos have arranged for the six of us to all have dinner together.

Now I want to say up front that I don't question my mother-in-laws intentions. I know she just wants us to have some good friends around here, and I suppose if they're married that can be an added benefit. But the thing is that this whole thing seems so completely awkward. I can't believe that we're having dinner tonight with these two strangers. I mean, it honestly feels like we're going on a date. Not only that, but our parents are gonna be there too. I mean, really, when the dinner is over, do they just walk out the door and wonder why they wasted a night with us? Will they give us their phone number and wonder all night and day if we're really gonna call? Or will they make the move and awkwardly ask us over for a game of cards one Sunday after church? I'm just not sure about it all. I feel like I need to get some cologne on, brush my teeth, and wonder if I'm being funny enough, intelligent enough, or am showing too much cleavage for crying out loud. Okay, that might be a stretch, but really, I thought I was done with this dating stuff, and now, just after I've gotten married, it seems I'm right back in the game, this time dragging Joy with me.

I've thought about standing this date up, but I see no help in that, cause Joy would certainly be mad and the mother-in-law wouldn't be too happy either. Who knows--perhaps we'll all hit it off and become the best of friends. But if not, I do have to run into this guy every once in a while on campus, and if I have to, I'll bring out my cell phone and act like I'm talking to someone. I'll even laugh or ask the imaginary phone person to hold on while I give a quick "hello." Come on...don't act like you've never done that yourself.

Urinals...

Okay, so sometimes I write serious things, but recently I've been a little more relaxed. This post will serve as my example. I am at school where on Mondays I have class from 7:30-9:15 and then nothing until 1:00. Well, it's a little after noon, and I can honestly say that I have been sitting in the library for the last three hours doing absolutely nothing. Nothing related to school work that is. I've caught up on some correspondence, looked at some pics online, researched skiing in Oregon during the summer months, chatted on the phone a few times, etc. Needless to say, wireless Internet can be a great distraction.

A few minutes ago I was in the restroom. Now, isn't the mind a crazy thing? For a second, I realized that I didn't remember if I was in the guys or girls restroom. But then I saw the urinals and remembered that I must be in the right one, because, as we all know, women don't have urinals. And then I wondered how the urinal came to be. There are so many things we use every day and I think it can be worth our time to investigate their origins. This is where the Internet comes in. If I was a student wondering this even a decade ago, I wouldn't know what to do. Not anymore. We in fact live in a different world. Anyway, this is what I found and think you might also find it to be useful information:

• I couldn't actually find the information regarding the orignal inventor, but it seems urinals have really been around for a long long time are are used by men all around the world.
• There have been some attempts at a urinal for women, but those just haven't caught on it seems. I can't say I'm too surprised, but ya never know.
• One Italian word for urinal is "pappagallo," which has a striking similarity to the character from Mozart's opera "Die Zauberflote," Papageno. And for the record, I have played that character twice to great acclaim. Interesting. Some musicologist or linguist needs to research any possible relationship.
• There is in fact an American Restroom Association. Yes, you can make tax-free donations and there is still time to sign up for the World Toilet Summit 2006 which will be held in Moscow during September of this year.
• Vespasiennes (street urinals) were extremely popular in Paris, but most were taken out during the 90's. There is only one left in the city, and yes, it is still in use. Apparently these were named after Roman Emporor Vespasian (AD 9-79), who, according to my source, "imposed a tax on urine." Unfortunately, I couldn't find any other information regarding this tax. Some street urinals are still found in other countries, notably the Netherlands, which is where the above picture is from. I mean, I thought porta-pottys weren't private enough. This takes it to a whole new level.

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed this post. I know I learned a lot, and I hope you did too.