PREGNANT SWIMMER

Today while swimming I noticed another swimmer standing on her head.  But she didn’t just stand on her head once or twice, she accomplishment this feat over and over for probably five minutes.  I thought it a little weird, but then again, I walk back and forth and side-to-side, so who am I to judge another?

Later in the locker room, the same lady unlocked the locker right next to mine.  We got to talking and when I asked how often she swam, she told me she started just recently.  Her due date was in only two months and because the baby was breech she was hoping that exercising could reverse the baby’s position. She read on the Internet that swimming and various exercises might help.  Since the baby is upside, I said, “What about standing on your head?”  And she replied, “Yes, I do that in the swimming pool.”  Hmmmm…Not so weird after all!

By Hannah

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LENDING MY SISTER MONEY

Ever since we were little girls, I always saved my money and spent it sparingly, while my sister spent all of hers and often very foolishly.  And now that we are retired, I have enough money to take care of myself, whereas my sister, who quit working 30 years ago and lived with my parents until they passed away, has very little and expects me to give her money whenever she needs some.

Over the past three years, we have been estranged and I have heard from her only a few times. Four of the times were emails asking for money totaling $30,000.  Each time I have said,  “No,” as it would do no good.  She wants someone to pay her bills and unfortunately I do not have enough money to support both of us.

At the same time, I feel bad for her and guilty that I’m not sending her something, perhaps $50 or $100 a month.  But today when I shared my feelings with a friend, she made an interesting comment.  She said, “Not to be unkind, but think of it this way.  Imagine your sister were drowning.  You as a good sister would throw a rope to her to save her life.  But the only thing that would happen is that she would pull you into the water with her and you both would drown.”  It may be a disturbing analogy, but certainly hits the nail on the hand.

By Hannah

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MY 2011 TAX RETURN

It’s May 2^nd and I finally met with my tax account to complete my tax return and receive my refund.  The good news for me is that my refund totals about $1400.  The bad news for my accountant, Kathy, is that I may not hire her again next year.

When she completed the return, she showed me the comparison of my tax returns for the last few years that she has done my taxes.  As I looked at the different  numbers, I noticed, with surprise, that the year before I had only received a refund of $999.  I asked Kathy what made such a big difference when my basic finances were practically the same for both years.  She took a few minutes to look at it and found that the federal government had not deducted any taxes in 2009 …. and then, “Oops,” she said, I didn’t see the deduction from the state which entitled me to an extra $600. “Wow” I thought and immediately asked if we could file an amendment.  Of course she did and my $1400 grew to $2000.  Good thing I spotted the difference.  But next year I’ll have to think twice about whom I will hire to file my taxes.

By Hannah

www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.

JARED’S NEW JOB

Two years ago when my oldest grandson, Jacob, turned 14 he began working at the local baseball park.  The manager assigned him to making funnel cakes and as he did a good job, they hired him to come back the following summer too.  Well this year, his brother Jared, my other grandson, turned 14 and two weeks ago, he went to the ballpark for a job interview with hopes of also working there with Jacob.

Several days past and Jared heard nothing from the employer, though he learned that a couple girls in his class, who also interviewed at the ballpark, did get hired.   I didn’t say anything, but I felt so bad for Jared that he too did not receive a job offer.  He’s a bit overweight and I wondered if perhaps that might have played a part in the employer’s decision.

But last night the phone rang and to my delight Jared called me and said, “Guess what?  I got an email offering me a job at the ballpark.”  When my children were young, whenever they were happy, it made me happy too.  And now that I have grandchildren, I feel the same happiness, whenever they are happy. It was a great day.

By Hannah
www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.