Dealing with Uncle Sam

I'm sure almost everyone has received their necessary tax forms over the last month. That includes W-2s, 1099-DIVs, 1099-INTs and 1098 something-or-others for mortgages. Not to mention student loan forms for debt, or forms if you contribute to your HSA, 401k and IRAs after Jan. 1.

Now you have until April 15 to gather all those forms, fill out the information, and file your taxes. Ugh.

I already filed my taxes; which was motivated by the fact that I knew I was getting a return for both state and federal. This year, I only had two forms: one W-2 and one 1099-DIV. That's IT. Total time I'll never get back: 45 minutes. But I'm DONE!

I have three reasons why I can appreciate my situation as an adult come tax season:

#1.) My mom taught me how to file my taxes.
Since I started getting W-2s, she's been there to help me figure out how to fill out the proper paperwork for state and federal taxes. Up until about three years ago, she filed everything by hand. (It's a bitch, don't do it.) I opted to file my taxes online. She insisted I read every page and all the directions, to make sure I didn't skip anything.

#2.) I've been filing my own taxes since I was 18 years old.
I've been employed since the age of 14, but because I didn't work that much for most of middle school and high school, the government kept their hands off most of my money. You're only required to file a tax return if you make more than a certain amount. Even if you don't meet that requirement, you can still opt to file if you think you'll get money back. Or, if you want to pay because they didn't take out enough. But that'd be damn foolish.

#3.) I worked at a bank for more than two years.
A call center to be more exact, and it was bitch come tax season. From mid-January until the end of April, people would call about forms they received, how much interest they earned, and how to file taxes. We couldn't help with the last one -- you're supposed to talk to a tax advisor. But, we had hours of training on what forms go with what accounts, and when people receive certain tax forms for savings accounts, HSAs, 401Ks, IRAs and CDs, or some loans.

Still have to file? Here are a few tips:

-Make sure you have ALL of the proper forms and information before getting started. That means W-2s, even from PT jobs (Did you work for a lawn service for two months last summer? Get paid for some after-school program with kids?); interest earned on stock dividends and savings accounts (But only if it's more than 10.00); and student loan forms. You'll need your SSN, and bank account and routing number too, if you opt for direct deposit.

-If you're getting a refund, go with direct deposit. You'll get your money in about 7-10 days, instead of 4-6 weeks.

-Most people don't have to worry about itemizing deductions on your return. That'll usually happen if you've collected a lot of unemployment over the year, own a house or make a shit-ton of money. But either way, many filing programs can help you with both.

-You have to file your federal taxes before your state.

-The most important: File online -- FOR FREE.
No matter what they say, most people don't have to pay to have your taxes done. If you made less than $56,000 in 2007, even better.
Go to irs.gov and answer some questions about your financial status. The site then automatically redirects you to one of many free tax filing service sites most suitable for you. I've been using H&R Block for the last three years.

-Do NOT pay an additional charge on the federal site you use, to file your state taxes. You can pay $30 for convenience, or spend another 20 minutes filing on a separate site. Just google your state and "free file" or "e-z file". Wisconsinites can go to www.revenue.wi.gov.

Black tongue

Last night I splurged while grocery shopping and bought some new coffee. (And I STILL stuck to my food budget for the week.) Well, really it was Roundy's brand. And it wasn't any special flavor or anything. It's "Venetian" or something like that, described as spicy with dark chocolate undertones. Whatever, it's coffee. But that's besides the point.

Anyway, since I haven't made my own coffee in well over two weeks, I was really excited to brew my own pot.

Measured by sight, I dumped some ground coffee into a filter, filled up the pot and pushed "start." MMMM, I don't even have to drink the stuff... just the smell is enough to wake me up.

Carrying on with my morning routine, I chop up veggies, started my omelet and cut my grapefruit. But oh, the anticipation. The overwhelming aroma! The ultimate complement to any breakfast.

I couldn't take it anymore. Once done brewing, I poured a steaming hot cup into my favorite chipped-handle mug, added some creamer, and took a huge gulp.

Many will tell you my tolerance for hot drinks is impeccable, but MY GOD. Instead of java bliss, my entire mouth experienced a scalding sensation. This wasn't coffee, it was boiling lava blistering my tongue and gums.

After swishing ice-cold water, I waited another five minutes before eating breakfast and drinking the rest of my coffee. Except I didn't enjoy it, because I couldn't taste anything. I still can't taste anything.

Sushi Ota

I first had sushi maybe three years ago. I was pretty apprehensive about eating raw fish. Plus, I refused to eat any kind of seafood until well into college, because I thought fish, crab, or any other thing that came out of water was disgusting. It's downright not true. Plus, there are tons of cooked options at sushi joints, and servers are more than happy to answer any questions.

Since moving to Fort, my neighbor/co-worker/friend Lisa, reintroduced me by obsessing over it's deliciousness. On top of that, I travel to the west coast more often, and they have fresh shit everywhere. And, it's absolutely tasty.

Because I'm hanging out in San Diego for the week, I figured I'd take advantage of #1.) Free food, and #2.) west coast fresh seafood. But the potential downside? Eating by yourself.

Now, you might be thinking, "Duh Erica, just eat some McDonalds. Go to In-N-Out Burger. Order room service."

I say to you: "NO!.. Don't be ridiculous. I can eat whatever I want. I have waitstaff come to my beckon call. I can order whatever suites my fancy. I can drink wine. FO' FREE." And so on, so forth.

Besides, I've learned to deal with myself, while eating... with myself. My companion? A good book.

So, on this warm, breezy evening in San Diego, I ventured to the place I had scoped out and anticipated for the entire trip: Sushi Ota.


I read reviews on my favorite restaurant site, tripadvisor.com. (Tangent: I love love love writing about food and voicing my opinion on what I think people should try out in a particular city. This site is the perfect outlet to shamelessly advertise the places I deem worthy of your dime.) That's where I found out Sushi Ota was rated number one on a list of thousands of restaurants in the San Diego area.

Before venturing to Sushi Ota, I went through their specialities, and found an awesome site to decipher that crazy Japanese terminology. I took a look at the menu, knowing that I wanted to try something with hamachi (yellowtail), hirami (flatfish, like flounder) or maguro (tuna!)... but I also like getting specialty rolls, because the sushi chefs usually make some pretty rockin' combinations.

With some research (on this site, and subsequently, others...) I found out that this is the place that Japanese-Americans go for authentic Japanese cuisine. I also learned not to be put out by the fact that the business itself was in a strip mall, or that it was small with minimal decor. That doesn't affect how amazing the food is.

I also found out it's best to make a reservation. So I did. For one.

A two-block stroll from my hotel, I ventured over about 6 PM (PST time -- a little late for my usual din).

My server, Saori, took my order for some water and a glass of Pino Grigio.

When you order sushi, the hostess gives you a menu, a sheet of paper and a pencil, so you can mark down which sushi rolls you want.

I started with a bowl of miso soup. I usually get miso, because it's a great starter that puts me in the mood for sushi. I think it's a vegatable base. Add some tofu, scallions and seaweed, and voila!

Not five minutes into my soup, and my sushi came prepared and plated -- on what looked like a raised wooden cutting board.

I ordered a tempura roll and maguro sushi. Tempura means deep-fried. Which means, tempura means delicious. This roll had tempura shrimp, with crab, avocado and cucumber. The maguro sushi came as two pieces of raw lean tuna on top of balls of rice. (In Japan, "sushi" actually refers to the rice part of what you're eating. Sashimi is the raw fish by itself.)

When plated, the chef always makes sure to put a dollup of wasabi and a pile of fresh ginger on the sushi plate. I love eating ginger inbetween each piece of sushi. Supposedly, it cleans your palate.

After enjoying this wide range of delicious foods, I decided to venture out and try something new. I decided on dessert, and chose green tea ice cream.

Saori took the order, but then asked if I wanted mochi. "What's that?"

She explained that the green tea ice cream would just have rice cake wrapped around it.

Sign me up.

Three minutes later, out came a square plate, with a rounded ball of what looked like uncooked sugar cookie dough with a hint of green, served with a tiny, three-fingered fork.

In retrospect, I'd let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to warm up... it brings out the flavor.

But my god, it was fantastic. The inside ice cream tasted like cold, frozen, sweetened green tea -- Hansen's specialty flavor of ice cream? -- wrapped in a sweet, doughy layer of sugar.

I sat and read for another 20 minutes, finishing up my glass of wine. I'd say this place definitely stands up to the hype. So, here's my shameless promotion of a great restaurant, with exceptional service and fantastic food. Bon Apetite.

Growing up -- #1: Keys

If my keys were thrown into a pile of other keys -- it wouldn't be a needle in a haystack; I could find them with my eyes closed.

Last week, I found a new keychain for my keys. I picked it up at a trade show a few months back, I'm sure... but I realized it'd be nice to have a hook to keep my keys safe when I'm flying, or hang them up when I get home. As I twisted the ring around the set of keys, I realized how much they keep changing...

I've had the same keychain of Constipated Bob since I was 14 years old. (It's actually one of those McDonald's Tamagatchi Happy Meal toys I stole when I worked there, in middle school.)

He suited my house key well. I felt like an adult, with the responsibility of not losing something that unlocked my house door. Plus, I could tell which keys were mine. That little guy's gone everywhere with me since then.

Over the years, I've placed and replaced different emblems, vacation souvenirs and band paraphernalia on my keychain, as a definition of myself. As I got older, I realized it's not necessary to have bright, bulky, noisemakers to lug everywhere. Now I have necessities.

CB stuck for nostalgia... but now I've got grown up things. The keycards to my office, gym and the library. My electronic car key remote. The Leinie's bottle opener I won when I took a tour of their brewery.

Over the years, even the keys have changed. I've had employer's service doors, shitty cars, dorm rooms, keycards and countless apartment keys attached.

I've always had the door to my mom's house. But, now I also have Michelle's shamrock spare, the Camry, and three apartment keys (WHY?!#).

Maybe soon I'll have keys to my brand new 2009 CTS-V. Or a Fiat 500.

Music week: Favorites

You’ve made it! As a reward for getting through all the lists, I’m giving you a Friday treat: I’ve supplied some “best of the best,” IMHO. What better way to end out the week than with the songs I like the most – all around. Here’s a fine collection of music I can listen to anytime, anywhere – cleaning the apartment, reading, writing, drawing, sitting at work. They suit any occasion.

Once you listen to the songs on this list (and the others lists, too), you’ll probably realize that I’m drawn to vocals. It’s not the lyrics – although those can be catchy and fun to sing in some instances – but the talented voice. I see singers as not only the a frontman for a band, but another instrument that completes the group.

Most of these are more contemporary – as opposed to the hodge podge from yesterday’s list. And after finding the videos, I realized they’re half the fun. Enjoy!



1. Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games - of Montreal
Of Montreal is fucking weird. I mean, look at this video. :D They add a bunch of different instruments, and sometimes can't maintain a consistent tempo throughout one song. But don't let that scare you with this one. Some of the other songs on The Sunlandic Twins take some getting used to, but this one's catchy from the get-go.

2. Milk - Kings of Leon
Now, bear with me. This is my favorite band, but there is no other song that showcases Caleb Followill’s vocals quite as much as this... because about 25 percent of the song has no other instrument, besides his voice. If you want to hear awesome guitars to accompany Caleb, try "McFearless" or, ooh, “Charmer” too, on KOLs Because of the Times.

3. Last Night - The Strokes
My favorite college band, I kind of played them out by listening to their albums incessantly. I picked a single, so you could all appreciate them. I can still tolerate this song and listen through the whole thing because I know all the lyrics, without hearing the song. Plus, good guitar solo in the middle.

4. I'll Believe In Anything - Wolf Parade
Like Clap Your Hands, Spencer Krug’s voice takes a little getting used to. But what can I say, I'm a sucker for vocalists (with good music to back them up).

5. Finally - The Frames
See the movie Once. That's all I have to say.

6. Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
This is the first song I've ever heard Karen O. sing. It makes me think she's not all tooth and nail -- and her singing doesn't just come from being pissed off, it's because she's got some aching too. Plus, listen to that guitar. And those fucking drums.

7. Golden Slumbers - The Beatles
Only one song from the Beatles you say? I tried to limit them on the list. I could probably make a Top Five of just Beatles songs for every category this week -- but I'll spare you. The Fab Four's known for merging songs together, so if you're listening to Abbey Road, you'll start with this, but make sure to listen to the two following tracks “Carry That Weight” and “The End.”

8. My Mathematical Mind - Spoon
I fell in love with Spoon about five years ago, after buying their album Gimme Fiction. This appreciation was only reinforced by the fact that the movie Stranger than Fiction offers an (almost?) exclusive Spoon soundtrack. This was the first song I would go back to and repeat two or three times before I even listened to the entire album.

9. Exit Music (From a Film) - Radiohead
Radiohead makes my top five all-time favorite bands. I like them particularly when I'm trying to do something creative, like write or draw. I chose this song mainly because of the crescendo at the end, so you have to listen to the whole thing. If the movie Children of Men ended at the extended long shot scene when he's carrying out the baby, this song would be playing.

10. Mansford Roof - Vampire Weekend
Their instruments sound like they should be playing from the 50s, but they somehow incorporate a modern sound too. I don't know how to define this band -- but I'll relate them closest to "The Strokes." Entire album is worth a listen.



Runner’s Up: 3rd Planet – Modest Mouse; Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes – Paul Simon; Savior – Red Hot Chili Peppers; Get Myself Arrested – Gomez

Music week: Songs to escape with

My extras. And, maybe some runner’s up from tomorrow’s favorites. Here’s an eclectic mix of music from all over. I’ve got some Cuban, some jazz, blues – even some country. Most of these songs remind me of something, or someone. Or they're just really amazing.

This mix itself could be listened to for most anything – I’d say the best would be a long drive, or extended road trip.


1. Let's Boogaloo - Willie Rosario
This reminds me of Dexter, mostly because it's got some Cuban drum beats and crisp horns. Ami ami a Miami. It also makes me really, really (REALLY) excited to go on vacation to Florida next month.

2. Equinox - John Coltrane
I like listening to him when I'm cooking, especially with wine. Love when the horn kicks in.

3. Kaya – Bob Marley
When I was younger and first moved to Green Bay with my mom, she bought this album. I was in fourth grade. We listened to it to and from school for at least three months straight (along with REO Speedwagon and Michael Bolton – but I won’t hold that against her.)

4. Seven Bridges Road - The Eagles
This song reminds me of my dad. He loved the Eagles, and he kicked ass at playing the guitar. The entire album Hell Freezes Over has got to be considered one of the top five live albums ever. Great harmonization and acoustic guitars in this song.

5. El Scorcho – Weezer
I might've put "Say It Ain't So," except for the simple fact that I've heard that song at least 455,755 times in my life. Don't get me wrong, it's a great song... but this one takes the cake. Off their best album, "Pinkerton" (less pop, more rock), this is a modern-day love song about a dude that just can't seem to tell the chick he likes, that he likes her. Aw.

6. The Lighthouse's Tale - Nickel Creek
Although I'm pretty impartial to country, and this family trio might be categorized as such -- I can still appreciate their folksy sound, harmonizing voices and crisp strings, including the ukulele they play in this song. Plus, based on MrB's response to country songs, this band's great at telling a story.

7. My My Hey Hey - Neil Young
I had to put something by Neil Young on this list, namely because any album of his defines autumn, especially Harvest. It has to be the melancholy vocals, and the flat notes he plays. Otherwise, try Live Rust too.

8. Walkin' After Midnight - Patsy Cline
Yeah, more country. But this is classic. Patsy Cline has an awesome, bluesy voice, with basic instrumentation to back her up. Nothing fancy.

9. Psycho Killer - Talking Heads
Start off with the bass, and bring in the drums. Strum the guitar and bring -- this guy? He sounds fucking crazy. Yeah, it's the name of the song. I try to sing along, and the chorus is catchy -- but it's the French that holds me up. No matter.

9.5. Fearless – Pink Floyd
(I cheated with the numbering system; what of it.)
Pretty mellow – but it fits Floyd’s standards. I’d say the hypnotic, repetitive guitar between the singing is really the chorus – if that makes sense. It’s not all dreary; there’s some subtle motivation in there too – if you listen to the lyrics.

10. Little Red Rooster – Howlin’ Wolf
Just listen to his voice. He’s straining to get it out of him. Howlin’ Wolf (a.k.a. Chester Arthur Burnett) also plays a mean (and I mean MEAN) guitar. Greats like Zeppelin, The Doors, Stevie Ray Vaughn, George Thorogood, Clutch and Soundgarden have all covered his music.


Runner’s up: Tangerine - Led Zeppelin; Sweet Jane – The Velvet Underground; Everybody Wants to Rule the World – Tears for Fears; She’s a Rainbow – Rolling Stones

Music week: Songs to drive by

I can be an aggressive driver; which you might determine based on some of the selections in this list. But hear me out; the majority of these songs are based on a few criteria:
A. How excellent they sound when you roll the windows down.
B. Singability behind the wheel.
C. Loudness

And, yeah this too:
D. Aggressiveness if someone pisses me off.

At least I take it out by turning up my music, instead of getting out of my car and starting a fight.


1. Goin’ Up The Country - Canned Heat
Okay… Number one in the category. I’d say the flute really brings this one home. You need to listen to this song in late spring on a sunny day, with your windows rolled down and your arms out the window.

2. Red Morning Light - Kings of Leon
I FUCKING LOVE THIS BAND. I'm pretty sure this song was featured in a car commercial, but I don’t remember which one. One where the car flies around curves without discretion and throws up dust as it leaves you there. But if you listen to this when you're driving, you are that car.

3. The District Sleeps Alone Tonight - Postal Service
Add a little techno beat to some catchy lyrics and you've defined Postal Service. Deathcab's frontman displays his musical versatility with the entire album "Give Up." It's also pretty funny that UPS samples some of this band's songs, considering their name.

4. A Certain Romance - Arctic Monkeys
Another phenomenal Brit band, these guys are probably vulgar douchebags in real life, but they also kick ass. This is the first song I’ve ever heard from the band. I love singing it in a British accent – but it may take at least 10 times before you understand what in the hell he’s actually saying.

5. The Set Up (You Need This) - Reel Big Fish
I saw them my junior year of high school. Energy! Talent! So loud! It's my favorite song from "Why Do They Rock So Hard?" I like singing this song as loud as fucking possible, in hopes that the people around me won't necessarily think I'm weird, but absolutely crazy.

6. Waterfalls - TLC
Just for Michelle -- because nothing quite says driving 15 hours through California and Oregon like “Waterfalls,” with dancing and singing to boot. Especially when it's recorded via shitty camera video.

7. Thickfreakness - The Black Keys
A two-man band from Akron, this is the first song I'd ever heard from these guys. This album (same as the song title) is more raw (rawer?) than the ones that follow, and listening to the thing in its entirety helps when you're passing assholes on the road.

8. Excuse Me Mr. - No Doubt
Good for the highway. It's got a fast beat and catchy chorus. Plus, I like the 1850s-burlesque bridge with the piano and jazz horn.

9. Crosstown Traffic - Jimi Hendrix
Check the title. Plus, it's Hendrix. No question, there's great guitar -- but even though he still jams it's more controlled, and stays with the faster tempo. Great for cruising on a highway.

10. Longview - Green Day
From my favorite band in high school, you can't really do what this song's about while you're driving.

Runner’s Up: Let The Cool Goddess Rust Away - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah; Blinded By The Light – Manford Mann’s Earth Band; Drive My Car - The Beatles; Bad Habit - The Offspring