of sloth and taxes

I just filed my taxes. It occurred to me as I launch into this next great adventure of my life, that this may be one of the last years when my income and expenses are that basic. And yet, of course, as that little refund thing went up I got excited because that meant money in my bank account … to probably pay my excise tax (which is not going to be fun thanks to the dissolution of the liquor tax, folks)… and hopefully have some left over for investment in that great adventure.

But here’s the thing, as I was watching that number go up… I was thinking… man, this is money I’m taking away from the government.  I know a lot of people will say it’s my money and my right… but when I look at the weather prediction for more snow, I wonder about how they are going to pay for the sand and salt and labor for another round of Demeter’s wailing.

It’s kind of like yesterday when I indulged a lethargic day of sloth. I figured I had a long day of shoveling and socializing on Friday… so I earned it. Right? Sure. It was my right to watch television in which I had very little interest. It was my choice within the range of my freedom to eat all those Hershey kisses that I don’t really like and put in a bowl on the coffee table hoping other people will eat them. It’s my blabbity blah blah blah. I can make that decision… but is it a good decision?

I do have every intention of spending this money the government gives back to me – on taxes and taxable items. But I still feel like I’m not solving anything or making anything better. Just like resting on the couch yesterday didn’t really make my tired body feel better. If anything, it made me less inclined to do anything. And infinitely more bored. Never mind useless.