Guess what I get to do this weekend?

I have two major events going on this weekend: the nephew's fifth birthday (yay!) and taxes (boo). I got him a pair of Lego walkie-talkies. Those should be fun to play with. We also splurged on a Batman cake for him because that's the only thing he really want for his special day.

And those pesky taxes? Yeah. Well. I already started by gathering up the various receipts I need to work it all out. I made more than last year, which is going to hurt once I find out how much I owe the federal government. I don't both with estimated taxes at this point because I'm still making a pretty low wage in terms of the national average.

And for other freelancers out there, I've put together a short list of freelance tax resources that have helped me in the past. Hope these can help you on your journey through 1099s, Schedule C, and other fun forms.

LovetoKnow: Freelance Writers and Estimated Taxes
The Anti-9-to-5 Guide: Freelance Tax FAQ
InkThinker: 25 Tax Resources for Freelance Writers

And of course I have to include a little article of my own: How to File Taxes with No 1099s

Watch out Pocketbook!

I started Christmas shopping tonight. Normally I shop in the stores before I head online to get what I was really looking for, but this year I just had to buy some exclusive Lego seasonal items. Some were for me, some were for my mom, but all of them are really cool and I can't wait to put them together!

Friday is the scheduled Christmas shopping day at the mall, Toys R Us, etc. My family prides itself by getting the majority of Christmas shopping done before November. Although we don't get all of the great sale prices, we are not getting elbowed and kicked in the shins with baby strollers. It's well worth it, trust me. And it also lets us justify the little purchases from now until Christmas Eve.

I might not have a six figure salary, but I think that Christmas is going to be really nice this year. The family isn't feuding, no one is complaining (yet), and we're finally getting a new tree. Oh, how I love the holidays...

A new week, a new start

This has been an interesting weekend. I finally did the normal people thing. I shopped, visited friends and family, watched family photo slideshows... but very little work was done. Too bad, because this was the one weekend I was counting on to catch up. Looks like I'll have to do that today.

Here's the one thing I accomplished this weekend: an awesome little Lego town for the nephew.



What I really wanted to have time for was my business plan. Yes, I'm making Terri Deno, Freelance Writer an official business. I want to do it right and not waste my time and money on something that won't work. I prefer to work for myself on projects I choose. That's why I'm making this move. I'm halfway to save up for a year of web hosting, I'm in the planning stages of the business cards, and looking into whatever else I need to succeed. I'm excited!

End of the week

I'm wondering: is anyone else like me? By posing this question I mean does anyone feel the need to work super-hard on Mondays and Fridays while seriously lagging in the middle? That's what I do and even though it's a super-productive Friday, I feel like I have sucked all week when it comes to writing, working, and doing something other than sitting on my butt. The worst part is I spent an hour and a half yesterday putting Legos together for my nephew... who won't even see the set until next weekend.



Technically, this was productive. Just not in the way I had hoped. I did have the urge to actually play with the set. After all, I used to use Legos and Barbies to get my first story ideas.

If you haven't used toys to play out storylines, I highly recommend it.

She's no Ginger

I actually spent Sunday away from work. Not necessarily away from the computer, but I did manage to not write anything for about 24 hours. I actually went shopping and had a good time. I bought an awesome Lego set for my nephew. Okay... I'll admit it was more for me than him, but he'll get to play with it next time he comes over to my apartment.



I also watched TCM last night for a Fred Astaire/Rita Hayworth double feature. And like my subject head says... she's no Ginger. The lead in and exit from the movie always provides a little background on the movie or actors, and I was surprised to hear that Fred Astaire thought Rita Hayworth was one of his best dancing partners. I just didn't find their dancing chemistry appealing to me. Then again, I definitely love Ginger Rogers more than Fred Astaire any day. It's not that Rita and Fred didn't have chemistry, I just found Rita's dancing a little... I don't know. Is stilted the right word? Maybe reserved? I'm no dance expert. I just know that the dancing scenes in You'll Never Get Rich and You Were Never Lovelier did not impress me. But the rest of the movies were great: good plot, funny humor, etc.

Watch the trailers, if you're interested:





But for now, it's back to work (happily, I might add).