July 22, 2009
During the last bunch of weeks, I’ve been too busy and preoccupied to perform certain tasks…or do certain things properly. For example, I couldn’t seem to make certain financial calculations. I was unable to figure out how to adjust my federal tax withholding to compensate for this year’s across the board decrease in withholding. I was also unable to balance my checkbook, in a big way. In fact, the checkbook became a total disaster and stayed that way for the past three weeks. I looked at it and looked at it, redid the math, double-checked entries, etc., and I still couldn’t sort it out.
Then, suddenly, today, the money and math part of my brain finally started working again. Looking at the withholding information, the solution to the 2009 changes was instantly clear to me. One hour of careful study of the check register and associated materials, and presto! I sorted out the mess.
What a relief! The check register, in particular, was hanging heavily over me. I knew I had to sort it out soon, but my every attempt was for naught, till today. It was as if a cloud finally lifted, and clarity returned to corners of my mind I’d switched off for a while. It happens sometimes: I become so focused on a writing project or related task or trip, I pour all my energy and attention into completing it, drawing processing power away from other parts of my brain. And my life.
But just to show you I didn’t completely restore all clarity on the money front…when I stopped at the comic book store after work today, I accidentally left my credit card on the counter! See, there was a snafu with the credit card machine, and the guys working at the store needed to see the card more than once, and I got distracted and in a hurry, and…ah, there’s no freaking excuse for that one. Luckily, the honest and forthright store proprietor found the card first and offered to return it.
Hopefully, more clarity is on the way. Meanwhile, soon see you. I mean, see you soon!
