When I first moved to Louisville – before Bourke Accounting had the pleasure of meeting me – I watched a National Geographic documentary. It was called “Know Your State” or something like that. When the commentator discussed Kentucky, he extolled the virtues of bluegrass, rich traditions, etc. Almost as an aside, he mentioned that Kentucky’s biggest cash crop happened to be marijuana.
Coronavirus is the new disease sensation that’s sweeping the nation.
Unemployment in Kentucky is rampant because of said new disease. Do you see where I’m going with this?
In 2018, “state and local excise tax collections on retail cannabis sales surpassed $1 billion” (ITEP.org) in the states that had legalized it. In Colorado and Nevada, cannabis excise taxes raised “more revenue than alcohol excise taxes” (ITEP.org). According to the Colorado Sun, 31% percent of these taxes were spent on Human Services and 16.4% of taxes were spent on education. That isn’t even mentioning how much money went towards roads and other vital organizations. According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, the taxation of recreational weed “could generate approximately $11.9 billion” in state, local excise and sales tax revenue each year. That’s a lot of money that would come in handy right about now.
I know that there are some of you who espouse that pot is inherently dangerous. Of course, we know that deliberately inhaling smoke is never good for you. However, the CDC reports that, on average, six people die from alcohol poisoning every day. In addition, tobacco products are responsible for “more than 480,000 deaths annually” (CDC.gov). These are legal products offered over every counter on every street corner. Last year, the CDC reported that the “rate of absolutely zero (0) deaths from” (Huffpost.com) pot overdoses has yet to increase.
Besides providing much needed income and besides causing less liver cirrhosis and heart disease than the legal stuff, there is another reason that Kentucky (and the country) should go green: drug cartels. Who doesn’t hate a drug cartel? All that murdering and kidnapping and torturing, extortion and human trafficking – who needs it? Since 2014, when some US states began to legalize, the amount of marijuana being smuggled into the country has vastly decreased. Between 2013 and 2018, Border Patrol agents “confiscated 78% less marijuana” (Cato.org) and believe it was due to limited legalization. In addition, American weed is projected to cost the cartels over $3 billion in revenue a year, and that’s just because of Colorado and Washington (Washingtonpost.com).
We are facing a very tough road ahead of us. Legalizing Wacky Tabacky can provide jobs, infuse our country with much needed cash and, let’s face it, chill us all out a bit. The Late, Great Hunter S. Thompson, Louisville’s favorite son, is even going to have his own strain of the weird little plant. How can Kentucky not be legal when one our most famous denizens is slinging dope from beyond the grave?
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers are pretty sober most of the time. But they don’t judge. If you decide to open a cute little Marijuana Mart (after legalization, of course), your Bourke Accounting expert isn’t going to give you static. In fact, because your success means success for Bourke Accounting, too, maybe we’ll even give you a hand behind the counter.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Now, I am angry. I stopped at my local gas station this morning on my way to Bourke Accounting. I was filling up and the lady next to me was cleaning out her car. She emptied her ashtray onto the concrete and then, although there was a garbage can two feet to her left, she threw her collection of fast food bags to the ground. And finally, this wonderful person decided to dump at least ten plastic gloves next to her McDonald’s bags. She noticed my quizzical expression, snapped “What?” and then got into her car and drove away.
It was bad enough that she left cigarette butts and greasy bags right next to a garbage can, but the fact that she also left used gloves really made me wonder about her.
Woodsy Owl encouraged us to “Give a hoot – don’t pollute.” I’m not going to say that I’ve never littered, but I try my hardest not to make it a common occurrence. So, when I see someone flagrantly disregarding our environmental and social norms, it gets the old blood simmering.
Litter is ugly. It’s distasteful to walk through a lovely forest only to see tumbleweeds of plastic bags gently rolling in the breeze. Besides being ugly, littering can also be hazardous right now. Within the last couple of weeks, communities have noticed that, with the rise in the usage of protective gloves, there is a huge increase in the improper disposal of them. Look at any parking lot and you’ll see, flapping like lazy ghosts, piles of used gloves. Look guys, someone has to clean these up. The employee at Kroeger is already putting her/himself at risk simply by coming to work every day; now this person (while being paid minimum wage) is forced to double as a biohazard technician? Bad form – bad, bad form.
Why do people litter anyway? According to Alleghenyfront.org, studies have shown (I’m not making this up, there are studies focused on trash disposal habits) that “the distance to a trash receptacle was the strongest predictor of littering.” Easily accessible trash cans mean less litter. Of course, this doesn’t apply to my new friend this morning, as she was standing almost atop a proper receptacle.
My new friend is more aligned with another reason for littering: “it’s not my responsibility” (Keeptnbeautiful.org). Some people will wantonly discard trash because they “feel no sense of ownership” (Keeptnbeautiful.org) concerning public spaces. In addition, they have the belief that someone will be around to clean up after them. These gems of humanity don’t spare a thought for the underpaid workers who are forced to play nursemaid to our poorly behaved apples.
Finally, “litter begets litter” (Keeptnbeautiful.org). Generally, if people see a trashed space, they’ve no qualms about making it sadder. Instead of thinking, “I don’t want to make this area worse,” they think, “it’s already messed up, so who cares?” People are less likely to leave their leavings if a place is pristine to start with, so maybe it’s time for us to pick up ten items of (non-glove) litter a day. Make it fun, keep a journal!
I know we have a lot to worry about right now, but let’s try to keep each other healthy through the proper disposal of our gloves!
At Bourke Accounting, we police ourselves hard – no dishes in the sink, no haphazardly discarded gloves. Whether you’re coming to pick up or drop off, you’ll find that our Bourke Accounting office is like a little clean spot on a dirty window. Besides offering the best in bookkeeping and tax preparation services, your safety is a real priority to Bourke Accounting (Bookkeeper Mary relentlessly wipes down all doorknobs and sundry surfaces with her disinfectant wipes. Seriously, if she’s not at her desk, she’s hosing something down).
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
When I interviewed for my position at Bourke Accounting, Bill noticed that I had earned a degree in Literature. He asked, “What have you been doing with your degree?” I replied, “Well, this, I guess.” Yes, a degree in Literature is rather pointless if one does not wish to teach (and this one doesn’t), but I stand behind Literature as an important feature of human society.
I know that some of you are at home right now. At this point, you’ve probably done your Spring Cleaning, maybe you’ve fixed a lot of things that you’ve been putting off. Perhaps you have now discovered a previously unknown love for Sudoku. But have you every thought about reading poetry?
While poetry is often thought of as a dead art, I must humbly disagree. It should be noted that the following is, most likely, self-indulgent, but here are three poems that I honestly believe might take your mind off of the current trials and tribulations that we’re facing:
1) Robert Frost – “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” This is a golden oldie that was featured in a lot of grammar school curricula. As I kid, I took this poem at face value: here’s a traveling man and, boy, he’s tired, but he’s gonna keep on keepin’ on. As I got older, I understood that it’s a poem about inevitable death. However, I find it very optimistic that it’s also about perseverance and the strength of the human spirit. Sure, we’re going to die at some point, but let’s use our last bit of time to take care of business first.
2) Sylvia Plath – “Lady Lazarus.” Plath was a confessional poet. As such, she wrote a lot about highly personal and distressing topics. In “Lady Lazarus,” she speaks quite openly about past suicide attempts and familial discord. Plath always accused her father of being a Nazi sympathizer (FBI files released decades later sort of confirm this) and this poem is rife with disturbing imagery and stark emotion. While it is dark, the ending, much like Frost’s, celebrates strength and human resilience.
3) Allen Ginsberg – “Howl.” Ginsberg was another confessional poet, but he was a lot more of a street poet than either Frost or Plath. “Howl” was certainly inspired by the long lines of Walt Whitman (never my favorite, and that’s why they make chocolate, strawberry and vanilla), but that’s where any similarity ends. “Howl” was so controversial during its day that there was an obscenity trial held to have the poem banned. In the end, the judge decided that the poem “was of redeeming social importance” (Wikipedia.org). This poem takes the reader through insanity, drug use, sex and the seedy underbelly of urban living. However, there are sparks of beauty throughout that lead the reader to understand that, for every terrible thing, there are pockets of purity to help us through this weird life.
Poetry isn’t dead, it’s only sleeping. While we struggle through these hard times, we ought to look to art to bring solace and sense of permanence. In poetry, we have proof that humanity is lasting and that the written word is a powerful force.
Bourke Accounting pros fall more along the Ginsberg line. Sure, Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers are talented and knowledgeable, but they’re not above a dirty joke to make you laugh (from six feet away). In these troubled times, know that your Bourke Accounting expert is just as permanent as a poem from 97 years ago and always here to lift you up.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Phil is the receptionist over here at Bourke Accounting. But I think that’s too small of a word to encompass all that he does. While Administrative Professional could work, secretary is too banal. Considering the way Phil gets things done, I don’t think Administrative Efficiency Officer is out of the question. Maybe even the short, sweet and archaic title of “Acolyte” would be pretty good.
When Phil needs a day off, I fill in as a sort of Phil, Jr. I don’t know half of his job, so I am responsible for phone answering, smiling in a vague way and generally calling a co-worker to help when my vague smile isn’t enough. As much of a team player as I am, I refuse to order food for weekly staff meetings (I did it once and the result was less than successful).
I am not the only one who is a bit reluctant to take on huge amounts of responsibility (mess up someone’s lunch and you mess up their entire day). Some might say that reticence regarding responsibility is a generational affliction. Some might argue that not wanting responsibility is an indication of immaturity or laziness. I humbly disagree. As in everything else, there are a lot of reasons for not wanting to be top dog.
Some people don’t want a big important role in life or business because they lack confidence or they fear failure. They could be the sort who doesn’t even want to try because, whatever is attempted, will end in disaster. I think this is sad and, for the most part, an unwarranted phobia. However, I don’t think there is anything wrong in recognizing one’s limitations; I wouldn’t attempt an emergency appendectomy, for example. But, give me the time and education to learn the craft of an emergency appendectomy and I’d probably give it a swing.
Another reason people sometimes avoid taking the reigns in a given situation is known as the diffusion of responsibility or the bystander effect. This is a “sociopsychological phenomenon whereby a person is less likely to take responsibility for action or inaction when others are present” (Wikipedia.org). This concept made headlines in 1964 when Kitty Genovese was stabbed to death outside of her apartment building. While many people in the neighborhood heard Ms. Genovese’s cries for help, some figured they were simply hearing a drunk person on the town. Those who thought they were hearing something really bad happening, concluded someone else must have already called the authorities and no action was required on their part. They shut their windows and went back to bed.
It must be asked, though, who says responsibility is such a great thing? I can never understand why someone would want to be president; no matter how smart and dedicated you may be, things can go sideways in an instant. Like Evita sang: When you act, the things you do affect us all. No, thank you. Also, I don’t think that much responsibility is good for anyone: have you ever seen before and after pictures of presidents after their terms have been completed?
Bourke Accounting tax preparers and bookkeepers have no problem shouldering towering mountains of responsibility for you. They don’t fear failure and they have the education and experience to back up their work. Also, our Bourke Accounting pros communicate and work with each other, so you will never fall through the cracks because someone thought someone else was handling an issue.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
I don’t mean to annoyingly repeat myself, but I really do like my Bourke Accounting co-workers. In fact, I would go so far to say that they’re the most civilized crew I’ve ever worked with. For example, Bookkeeper Christina was in the middle of a big project the other day. For some reason, I decided it was the perfect time to share my theory regarding why the ‘90s saw such a popularity in belly shirts. She was very polite about my premise, but her eyes kept sliding back to her monitor. She didn’t tell me to shut my pie hole (Bill might have…), but I understood that I was distracting her and my crackpot theory could wait.
We are all annoyed by something or someone during any given day. With me, it’s people who chew too loud, my brother hates people who litter and I’m sure you have your own, very personal, pet peeves. So, the world annoys us.
But did you ever think how we might annoy the world, too?
Did you ever think that you might be the annoying person in the room? Sometimes, we know we’re doing something irritating. Give a negative dissertation about your significant other’s family during a cocktail party and you’re not really surprised when the response is less than positive. However, there are some things that we do that we don’t even think about.
How many times have you had a really loud phone conversation, on speaker, in a grocery store? How many times have you sniffed snot back into your head instead of getting a tissue? These little, almost automatic things could be making the person next to you want to pull their hair out, but we float on, oblivious.
The first thing, as in many arenas, is to be self-aware. I’m not suggesting that we second guess or dissect our every action, but we should be able to give ourselves a fair assessment. If someone makes you completely mental, you should analyze their behavior and see how many of the same attributes you share with that someone. Chances are, you’ll see a lot of what annoys you in your very own conduct.
Reading articles about annoyance, I was surprised by how many writers mentioned smell as an irritant. Wikihow.com suggested that you should question yourself about your hygiene: how often do you shower, do you change your clothes every day, do you eat stinky foods without brushing? And, let’s not forget, “do your pets have an opportunity to soil your clothes before you wear them” (Wikihow.com)? I can be annoying, but I know for a fact that, if one of my puppies pooped on my pants, I wouldn’t brush off the poop and still consider the pants okay to wear right then.
Naturally, we have encountered people that there is just no pleasing. Someone told me that I talk too much, but as soon as I was quiet, that same person asked me numerous times if was all right. At certain times, you have to realize that, although someone is telling you that you’re annoying them, they could be the problem. Since we have to share this little planet, why don’t we just do our best not to be the eyelash on the contact lens?
You are not always going to love your Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax preparer – especially if s/he is sharing a hard truth. However, your Bourke Accounting expert will do their best not to vex you unnecessarily. And if you annoy them? They are civilized and professional. Your Bourke Accounting pro has tough skin and won’t hold it against you if you’ve forgotten to shower – while eating nothing but garlic – for a week straight. I might, but they won’t.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Unpopular Opinion Time: I don’t believe The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act is a good idea. Just in case you aren’t aware, this stimulus package is the “biggest fiscal stimulus in American history” (NewYorker.com) at $2 trillion. This has been introduced as relief for the millions of Americans out of work as a result of the coronavirus. And I don’t think it’s going to do us any favors. However, before you get out the torches and pitchforks, hear me out first.
Bill and I were talking over here at Bourke Accounting the other day. I reiterated that I thought it was a bad idea for the government to include pretty much all taxpayers in the new stimulus package. Bill looked at me as if I had declared that Bambi’s mother had it coming. I’m liberal, but Bill is LIBERAL. Like I said, though, I have a few reasons for this belief.
First and foremost is the fact that those Americans lucky enough to still be working could be eligible, depending on their income, for this payment. While the standard check amount for a single person with no children is about $1,200, this amount could be higher or lower – Kiplinger.com offers a quick calculator here, if you’re curious. Since we have no idea how long our current situation will last, I believe that we ought to conserve resources while we can. To launch a scattershot relief act that benefits the needy, as well as the okay-for-now citizens, equally, seems wasteful. Don’t get me wrong, I would enjoy receiving a check, but when I need it, not when I’m still floating (somewhat) peacefully along.
Of course, it would be extremely difficult for the IRS to be able to differentiate who really needs relief; as we’ve discussed before, the Internal Revenue Service is dangerously understaffed. So right now, not only do we have a virus going around, but, as we were also in the middle of tax season, this skeleton crew agency must figure out who gets checks – both refund and relief? I hear great and thunderous hiccups in the distance.
Another issue is that the IRS will be using 2018 and 2019 tax returns to calculate the taxpayer’s relief amount. This is fine if one has been religiously filing every year, but what about those who haven’t filed. For example, groups like “low-income taxpayers, senior citizens [and] Social Security recipients” (NBCnews.com) generally aren’t obligated to file. So, now those who haven’t filed in years, are scrambling to find a tax preparer amid a very truncated workforce in order to be eligible for their relief check.
Obviously, I love that our country is trying to alleviate some of the suffering with this new legislation – these relief checks could represent the difference between food on the table and empty refrigerators. Not only that, but I believe it will act as a morale booster for a scared and confused populace. While no one is going to be able to survive indefinitely on $1,200, at least an effort is being made to try and stop the financial bloodletting (and fear) to a certain degree.
Your Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers have left the light on for you; we’re trying to make this frightening time a little easier to get through. A Bourke Accounting professional, while not being able solve every problem, can offer you the best in service and advice. At the end of the day, we must remember: We will get through this, we will help each other and we will show the world that, as a country, we care.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
“I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, did you?”
― Stephen King, The Body
Friendships are weird because there are just so many different variations when you get right down to it. For example, I like seeing my Bourke Accounting co-workers; I’m curious about what they did over the weekend and they make me laugh. Since I’ve only worked at Bourke Accounting for 6 months, I don’t necessarily consider them my besties (I really hate that word), but the potential is there.
Another weird thing about friendships is the different ways in which they can evaporate. I know, I know – depressing. But think about it: do you remember your best friend in 8th grade? I do. My best friend and I became blood sisters one summer (a practice kids don’t engage in today, I don’t think) and we fought each other’s battles. Right before high school, my aunt, cynically, said that we wouldn’t know each other in two years’ time. I didn’t believe her.
After starting at different schools, we still hung out. Gradually, though, we didn’t call as often and there were no weekend plans anymore. Eventually, we stopped talking altogether. The last time I saw her, we were 25. She was on Kid 2, a stay-at-home mom and living in a house in the ‘burbs. I was in NYC, playing in a rock n’ roll band. To this day, I couldn’t tell you which one of us succeeded.
The sad thing was that there was no big fight; there was no real explanation for our decimated friendship. We just started walking in different directions and forgot to look back, I guess. Honestly, it took me about 6 months to even notice her absence – life has a way of showing us shiny things to distract us.
Personally, I prefer my friendships to end heated and bloody. I’d rather a quick amputation to a sad sort of lingering. I had one friendship that ended like this and I still laugh at her very creative and very interestingly obscene insults.
If you’re losing a friend to circumstances, rather than interestingly obscene insults, it’s hard to figure out why. Of course, one of the biggest reasons is separation. All of a sudden, you can’t complain about the same bully teacher or moon over the same cutie in the 3rd row. Your viewpoint is no longer a shared viewpoint; there are no common experiences anymore.
Another explanation for the loss of friendship is completely different lives. My friend talked about Kid 1’s first steps, I talked about playing a show in a dive bar until 3 AM. It was cordial, but, sitting in her bright kitchen, there were some pretty uncomfortable silences. There were hugs and promises to call soon. That was almost 20 years ago and I don’t have her number.
Friendships take hard work and a lot of time. If you have a single friend who would – after receiving a call from you about an unexpected body – show up with a shovel and a bag of lime, count yourself very lucky. In our technical world, it’s easy to forget that, just sitting with a friend, talking about dumb things on the back porch can do a world of good. We have to remember that, sometimes, we have to fight to preserve a pure connection.
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers don’t drift away. And I promise you, you’d notice their absence if they did. Our Bourke Accounting experts understand the importance of good communication and complete availability to their clients. Much like a friend who’ll help you with a rather distasteful task, your Bourke Accounting expert can be counted on to take up the cause for you and be in your corner if there’s a battle to be fought.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers want to keep their customers happy. They will work overtime to ensure that deadlines are met. They will skip lunch to make sure that payroll is completed. They will come in early to finish a return. All in all, they are dedicated professionals to the core.
However, our Bourke Accounting specialists are not people pleasers. Just try to ask one of them to do something stupid or illegal and you will be met with a blank stare and perhaps an invitation to the door.
People pleasers are a strange breed. These are the folks who spread themselves too thin in order to do way too much for others. They say “yes” to everything, even if it means putting themselves, their health or their financial security on the line. We civilians look at this sort and say, “Wow, she’s so selfless! There’s a place in heaven for her!” But is that really the case?
For example, I used to do volunteer work for an infectious disease outreach program. I was helping the world a little and it felt good. However, the woman who ran the place regularly worked 12-hour days, lent people money out of her own pocket (and never got paid back) and was stolen from all the time (and never phoned the police). At one point, when I asked why she did so much, she responded: Because I’m all they have.
On the surface, this seemed like a very altruistic answer. However, when I started thinking about it, it seemed like she had, inadvertently, put herself in a sort of god-like position. If she wasn’t there to hand out canned goods, Kroger cards and listen to extremely brutal problems, her clients would all just fall apart, right? This lady, while having her heart in the right place, was desperate to feel needed.
As Psychology Today reports, “the intense need to please and care for others is deeply rooted in…a fear of rejection.” So, while the people pleaser might be helping you, they are also protecting their own psyches. These guys fear that, if they don’t bend over backwards, everyone important in their lives will leave.
Besides a fear of prospective abandonment, people pleasers need to be told that they’re worthy. Linda Tillman, Ph.D suggests that “their feeling of security and self-confidence is based on…the approval of others” (Psychcentral.com). Your gratitude is like a shot of adrenaline to them because they can’t find confidence within themselves.
Perhaps the scariest aspect regarding people pleasers is the amount of unscrupulous people willing to take advantage of them. If someone is considered an “easy touch,” you can depend that there are those willing to take them for all that they have. As a people pleaser in recovery, I’ve seen this firsthand. A sob story can make us give our last $10 to someone we barely know. In short, we hurt ourselves to help.
Helping each other out is a very good thing. However, we need to look after ourselves first if we’re going to be of any use to others. If you spend everything to help everyone, at some point, you’ll have to find your very own people pleaser to bail you out.
Your Great and Terrible Bourke Accounting pros don’t know all. But. They know a lot. So, if you try to pressure a Bourke Accounting expert to agree with your Pet Rock farm franchise idea, know that you’re in for a battle. Your Bourke Accounting specialist will gently, yet firmly, guide you in a more feasible direction. Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers don’t have any desire to blow smoke up your parts just to make you happy – they want you safe, too.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
I’m going to stop writing about the coronavirus for a while, but I just had to tell you one last thing. I can honestly say that the adaptability of the human animal is absolutely astounding and never fails to stun me.
Since social distancing was introduced, I asked Bill what was going to happen to the people who make their living by…um…being really physically close to other people. Again, he gave me his “seriously, I don’t even remember hiring you” look and walked away. All right, I decided that I’d find this out for myself.
Problematically, as I have discovered, America’s adult entertainers are generally considered independent contractors, “meaning they don’t have paid sick leave or other benefits” – this includes unemployment benefits – if they suddenly find themselves out of work (Rollingstone.com – I won’t be including links to these specific articles, as some of these pictures are a little risqué). According to the IRS, one is not an independent contractor if the services performed can be controlled by an employer. Basically, an exotic dancer is considered the same as a hairdresser or a tattoo artist (NYPost.com), because, like those professions, an adult entertainer is not working with a scripted work day.
So, Shon Boulden, owner of Oregon’s adult entertainment club, the Lucky Devil Lounge, came up with an idea to help his uncomfortable panty wearing workers: Bo*ber Eats (I’m not sure if I can use that word). The Lucky Devil Lounge, besides showcasing dancing ladies, also serves food. Like Uber Eats, Boulden decided to start a delivery service for his bar food, with a little bit of a twist. Say you want some chicken strips. You call and, for an additional delivery fee of $30, two ladies show up at your house, dance around your lawn for a little bit and everyone’s happy (NYPost). Besides allowing dancers to keep working, Boulden also has his bouncers go along for the ride to make sure no one tries to make themselves too happy.
Of course, I don’t believe for a second that Boulden is a completely altruistic guy who only cares about his financially unprotected workers’ needs. However, the more people who can stay employed at this point is for the best. Naturally, these people aren’t making their normal amount of cash nightly, but I think every bit helps.
What if you own an adult entertainment venue, but aren’t really into food delivery? Ryan Carlson of Las Vegas’ Little Darlings has decided to “offer drive-up window strip shows” (RGJ.com). That’s right, for one hundred dollars, you can sit in your car and watch people do things for ten minutes. This establishment is also going to introduce sanitizer wrestling (I don’t believe the combatants will be dressed). Again, it’s a good thing to keep people working. More importantly, it’s a good thing to try to hold onto a sense of humor during rough times.
As I said, we are very adaptable creatures. I’m not saying that the lemons we’ve been handed are apt to make the best lemonade, but with innovative ideas, at least we have a chance at being sustained.
Bourke Accounting tax preparers and bookkeepers won’t wrestle each other in hand sanitizer, clothed or otherwise. However, we’re still open and, from a distance, we’re still providing the best in financial guidance. Hopefully soon, we’ll be able to get back to normal and you’ll be able to actually shake hands with your Bourke Accounting specialist again. For some reason, though, I think dancing ladies delivering food might be a thing from now on.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Things fall apart; the center cannot hold. – W.B. Yeats, “The Second Coming”
I used to cough to hide a fart. Now I fart to hide a cough. – Internet Meme, 2020
Last night was one of the first times that my neighbors didn’t throw a party that ended with shattered glass and people fighting in the street at 3 AM. The guy asking for change outside my local gas station is wearing latex gloves and a mask. The kids, who roam my neighborhood as soon as the weather is nice, are peeking apprehensively through tattered blinds. Most of my server friends are unemployed and scared.
It only took me ten minutes to get to work this morning because there was barely anyone on the streets.
Everything is different. Everything is in flux and we’re all sort of wandering in the dark right now.
The one thing I thought we could always count on was a concrete tax return filing deadline. After all, there are only two certainties in life, and one of them is taxes. But now our deadline isn’t until July 15th. I think the extended tax deadline is wrong for two reasons:
1) We need money. Last year, “the IRS collected nearly $3.5 trillion” (IRS.gov) as a result of tax season. During good years, this money goes towards all manner of social services, roadwork, police, we all know the drill. However, during a really bad time like our current situation, this money could be used to help the newly laid off, small businesses and hungry school kids. It seems that, since the factions of our government can’t come to an agreement regarding a stimulus bill, all that tax return money would really come in handy. And, while I have a liberal arts degree, I still believe that 3.5 trillion is more than the 1 trillion the stimulus package had asked for (NBCnews.com).
2) We need to hold on to some semblance of normalcy. For example, Bill over here at Bourke Accounting gave his employees the option, with no fear of job loss, to go home if any of us were fearful. We all sort of looked at each other and shrugged. No, we’re not cowboys or feeling invincible; we’re simply used to working. In uncertain times, maybe we’re also stacking up cash while we can. The beauty of working for accountants is that it’s a low-impact sort of job: clients can send tax material in and we can send completed tax returns out. Obviously, this industry isn’t the same as nail salons (or my newly closed tanning bed). I think we all just decided to keep as normal as possible.
What is more normal than an April 15th tax deadline? Besides the money being delayed, I also think this sends a bad message of impermanence that we really can’t afford right now. Perhaps I’m being melodramatic, but if taxes aren’t an important aspect of American life, what can we depend on and what else might be changed or lost?
Well, your friendly Bourke Accounting tax preparers and bookkeepers are still working and (fairly normal). Like I mentioned, if you don’t want to meet in an enclosed space with your Bourke Accounting expert, you are more than welcome to mail your information to us. And if you do want to have a good, old fashioned face to face encounter, we practice social distancing, hand washing and practical hygiene. Your Bourke Accounting pro considers your comfort of the upmost importance. Stay safe out there, guys. Remember: this too shall pass!
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.