Monday, May 24, 2010

Fast he runs- and the budget...

On Saturday my little darling Jasper decided once again to climb over the big high fence. When I went looking I could see him trotting behind the neighbour across the roads house. I called him to return, but without avail. However several minutes later Jasper came running as fast as his little legs could carry him- with the big dog who lives across the road at his heels. In his fear, he missed fitting under the gate on the first try, but made it on the second, just as the dog was upon him. Across the road he ran, and up a tree and my next door neighbours. I hope it has scared him off jumping over the fence. The funny bit is, he knew that dog lived there as it sits and barks at him when he suns himself from on top of the fence.

I didn't talk at all about last weeks budget. Some of the big changes to come are: an increase in the GST to 15% (currently 12.5%), a drop in the bottom personal tax rate (15 to 12.5) , the top rate from 38% to 33%, a drop in corporate tax rate (30 to 28%?), etc. Other interesting changes- restrictions on when depreciation can be claimed for buildings, tightening of LAQC rules, etc.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

A few things...

I've been silent again. It's been very busy at work at late.

In other news, my car was playing up late last week. I called Monday morning and took it in to the shop on Tuesday. They called to say it would take them 5 hours to pull it apart and be able to diagnose - after which they gave me as $2200 quote. Uggg... Not pleased, but what do you do... Hopefuly some time next week I will have it back. In the mean time, I've been doing the 40 minute walk to work in the morning, but catching a ride in the evening as its dark. Yesterday it was lovely- with a stunning sunrise. Today it was annoying- I ended up having a person about 5 steps behind me for about half the walk. It interupted the enjoyment of my morning walk. Hopefully the weather will stay fine.

The kitties keep on growing. Mr. Jasper has managed to catch up to Allie within 100 grams. She's now 4kgs- he is at 3.9.

Friday, May 07, 2010

Hurray!

It is Friday. Yes, I am one of those people who long for the weekend! After a week of work, I'm exhausted. I delight in the idea there is only one more work day before a bit of a rest. :) I am thankful that I no longer work every weekend- I do not miss that at all about my public accounting days.

Some people say your work should energise you, but I've taken a survey of a number of accountants I know. We're not in that camp. Nor did we enter the world of accounting because it is our passion. A few of my co workers spoke to some high school students about why those chose accounting the other week back. I didn't speak to the students. I would have, if accounting was my passion rather than just a practical way to make a living.

I'm on a journey to discover my passion. I'm afraid it is a frightfully slow one... so wish me luck.

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Mmmmm...

Is there anything that smells better than fresh towels out of the dryer? It is indeed quite a treat for me. In NZ dryers (or is it driers?) are not particularly popular. I did shell out on a used one some time back but have only used it a handful of times. With winter setting in and therefore the outside drying time not at optimum, I decided to take advantage tonight. Mmmmm, fresh towels. :)

Another mmmmm.... with the dropping temperature- I've now put the electric blanket on the bed. What a treat- to be toasty warm before falling asleep. What did I do before I discovered the electric blanket??

Today's random discovery: my kitten Allie sitting in my magazine rack. How cute she looked!

Today's inspirational quote is from Ayn Rand: "Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps, down new roads, armed with nothing but their own vision."