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Campus Call Boy: A Reader’s Review

Title: Campus Call Boy

Author: Romeo Preminger

Publisher: Self Published

Release Date: February 1, 2020

Genre: Contemporary

Page Count: 208

Reviewed by: Will Burley

Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Blurb:
Twenty-one-year-old Noah Jeffries has a secret. He’s putting himself through college under the rent boy name Max Wilde. He doesn’t mind the sex, most of the time, and he sure doesn’t mind the money. But when he falls hard for Carlos, a hot student activist, he’s clobbered by a tough decision. Can he give up making big money on a chance for love? Will the guy even want to be with him if he knows his secret?

Meanwhile, being Max Wilde is getting complicated. A high paying client who’s the provost of Noah’s university wants Noah all for himself. There’s danger as the guy gets more obsessive, and now it could spill out and impact Carlos as well.

My Review:
Max Wilde is an exceptionally erotic rent boy with the singular focus of seducing his more affluent clientele. Noah Jeffries is a bookish college student with ambitions of making the world a fairer place by employing his intellect and theories on working capitalism from the ground up.

These sound like two different people, but they are one in the same – and the wall that has so meticulously been constructed begins to crumble – with what may be disastrous consequences…

While I genuinely love the chemistry between Noah and Carlos and even Max and “the Provost,” the pacing really threw me for a loop. It felt like the author was hurried in an attempt to get to the next part of the story at various times. It took away from developing a really great narrative around both sets of relationships.

I wanted to learn more about Carlos and felt that his character was not as developed as he could have been. My solace is that there could be more character development in follow-up books in a series.

The end of this story left me wanting to know more about what happens next. Either it was well-written or I just fell in love with these characters – or both! I don’t think you will be disappointed overall.

I recommend this book and author since I believe the series will be well worth it!

Have you read this book? Share your thoughts below.

note: I received an advanced copy of this book from the author for an honest review. This review first appeared on my Good Reads profile.

The Big Lie Meets Disabled Texans

The “Big Lie” of the 2020 general election is a gift that keeps on giving – over and over and over and over again.

Despite the overwhelming evidence that the election was one of the most secure, former President Trump and his supporters, both elected and run of the mill citizens, will not give up on perpetrating the willful lie that the election was rigged. Even after more than 60 court cases and recounts and audits, the lie won’t quit.

#45 and his attorneys filed a slew of petitions that they either weren’t able to provide the necessary evidence, downright admitted there was no fraud or even admitted the theory was a sham. I won’t go into placing the YouTube and C-Span videos in this post because it’s been covered endlessly. Besides, everyone can do their own due diligence and research for themselves.

When ALL the court cases reasonably failed to meet the basic standards of a winning case, Republican-led state houses took over the Big Lie. At the time of writing, there are 43 state legislatures that have begun ramming through the most concerted voter suppression laws since the Jim Crow era. As a matter of fact, this seems to be worse – especially in the State of Texas.

For purposes of this entry, I’ll focus on how Texas conservatives are using a trumped up argument about “voter integrity” as it relates to the disabled community.

The Texas Big Lie is called “Senate Bill 7.” Here’s a few things this bill does to strip the voting rights of this community:

New Additional Affirmation Required

SB 7 requires voters applying to vote by mail on the ground of disability to make a new affirmation on their application, “I am physically unable to enter a polling place without needing personal assistance or injuring my health.”

I believe this requirement potentially violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) because Title II of the ADA prohibits state and local government from denying persons with disabilities equal participation in, or the benefits of their services, programs, and activities. (42 U.S.C. § 12132).

So by limiting the ballot by mail option for voter’s with disabilities to voters that are “physically unable to enter a polling place without needing personal assistance or injuring health,” the state could be denying ADA required accommodations of other voters.

Proof of Disability Required for Ballot by Mail

SB 7 requires voters with disabilities who want to vote by mail and apply for an annual ballot by mail to provide proof of their disability. A voter must present either a written documentation from the United States Social Security Administration or the United States Department of Veterans Affairs evidencing that the applicant has been determined to have a disability or a certificate of a licensed physician or chiropractor or accredited Christian Science practitioner.

Requiring written documentation regarding an individual’s disability potentially violates the ADA. Title II entities cannot offer a benefit that is unequal to those of people without disabilities. People without disabilities do not have to make an affirmation such as this one in order to vote.

Additionally, Title II prohibits entities from charging a surcharge for providing an auxiliary aid or service (e.g. vote by mail). Forcing a person to provide this written doctor’s note is tantamount to a surcharge or poll tax since the visit will cost the voters with disabilities money.

Poll Watcher Allowed to Electronically Record Assistance

SB 7 allows a partisan poll watcher to electronically record voters when the watcher “reasonably believes” the voter is unlawfully receiving assistance. Poll watchers are not required to take any training that would help them identify “unlawful” assistance. Creating new potential risks for individuals volunteering to provide assistance to voters, such as being video recorded, would have a chilling effect on the number of people willing to assist voters with disabilities and Texas voters with disabilities.

Curbside Voting

SB 7 mandates that only the curbside voter is allowed to be in a vehicle while they are voting unless someone is also qualified as an Assistor. The bill also requires the person “providing the voter with transportation to the polling place” to complete and sign a form that affirms “that the voter is physically unable to enter the polling place without personal assistance or likelihood of injuring the voter’s health”; and contains the driver’s name and address and whether the person is also serving as an assister to the voter.

Creating new requirements for individuals providing assistance to voters with disabilities, would have a chilling effect on the number of people willing to assist voters with disabilities and Texas voters with disabilities. Specifically, staff in State Supported Living Centers or ICFs and nursing homes may refuse to transport groups of residents to vote. Additionally, ride share drivers are not going to be willing to, exit their own vehicle to allow the person to vote and then sign the form on behalf of essentially a stranger.

New Form and Information Required from Assistors

SB 7 requires people who assist voters (other than election officers) to complete a new form that includes, “the manner in which the person assisted the voter,” “the reason the assistance was necessary;” and their relationship to the voter.

Aside from potentially violating the ADA and/or HIPPA, creating new requirements for individuals providing assistance to voters with disabilities, could have a chilling effect on the number of people willing to assist voters with disabilities and Texas voters with disabilities.

In my opinion, what makes this so much more worse for me is that Governor Abbott is a person with a disability himself. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe any group of people are a monolith but at what point do we stop and say, “This guy is full of crap?!”

The Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House are all on board with this lie – and they know better. What Texas Trumplicans are nakedly showing is that if you are a person of color, poor or disabled, they don’t care about you period!

When can we wake up from this nightmare?!?!

This is not the time to sit idly by though. I encourage the readers of my blog to contact the members of the Senate State Affairs Committee. This cannot wait as the hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 22, 2021 at 9 a.m.

The members of the committee are:

Sen. Bryan Hughes, Chair
Sen. Brian Birdwell, Vice Chair
Sen. Donna Campbell
Sen. Bob Hall
Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr.
Sen. Jane Nelson
Sen. Beverly Powell
Sen. Charles Schwertner
Sen. Judith Zaffirini

It doesn’t matter, to me, who is listed above as a Republican or Democrat. Please contact them all to let them know Senate Bill 7 is anti-democracy!

How to Plan the Best Vacation in the Time of COVID

As more and more Americans are being vaccinated against COVID-19, many are experiencing a strange feeling for the first time in a little over a year – it’s called hope. While I’ve not received my vaccine yet, I find myself searching my travel agent back office planning the destinations I want to travel to, even if it’s not as rigorous as I had hoped my travel schedule would be in 2020. Even with the advent of the three vaccines currently approved for use in the United States at the time of this writing, there are still protocols that responsible travelers need to adhere to. This entry will focus on tips to make your travel easier. As we’ve seen things change, sometimes rather quickly, as it relates to information on the ground with COVID, I will point you directly to the CDC’s COVID Communication Resources for Travelers. Here you’ll be able to get the latest updates and click around to get the specific information you’re looking for.

Now, let’s get to hoping and planning for some sensible vacations!

Are you wondering how you can be sure you’re planning the best vacation? Are you not sure how to go about planning for your vacation this spring or summer? Depending on your circumstances and experience, planning a vacation can seem daunting. And a poorly planned trip can be more of a headache than a relaxing vacation. Here are some common tips to help you plan and get the most out of your vacation this year.

1. Flexibility

It may seem contradictory, but part of good planning is being flexible. If you expect every detail of your plan to play out exactly as it is on paper, you’re likely to end up frustrated. Some things are just not in your control. For instance, heavy traffic, flight delays, and weather can all affect your travel time. So, it’s a good idea to allow some extra time for these unpredictable things, and to have a back-up plan (more on that below).

Flexibility also allows for sight-seeing and other diversions. Unplanned stops can make for great memories and experiences.

2. Back-up Plans

It’s not a bad idea to have a back-up plan in case of unforeseen events. For instance, even if you leave early and allow time for a traffic jam, circumstances could come together in such a way that you have to spend the night somewhere before reaching your destination. Before leaving, scope out hotels that are along your route and bring their information with you.

3. Food

It can cost valuable time if you must hunt down a restaurant for every meal on travel day. Like the hotels, look ahead to find out where restaurants are located en route. Plan your travel time so that restaurant stops will hit close to mealtimes.

Also, on the topic of food – it’s a good idea to bring snacks, drinks, and non-perishables (like granola bars and tuna packets). This gives you an option if you run out of time and can’t stop for a meal, or it prevents having to find a place to pull off and buy a snack.

4. Pack Light, but be Prepared

It can be a little tricky to be prepared while keeping your packing light. The key is knowing what to be prepared for. For instance, you can’t be prepared for absolutely everything (or else you’ll end up taking the entire contents of your home along with you!); but you can prepare for some basic things. For instance, prepare for various weather events by packing outfits that can be layered (you can add or remove layers according to the weather). This saves space by not packing different outfits for each possible weather scenario, but it keeps you covered.

A basic first-aid kit is also a good use of your packing space. It doesn’t have to be big, but it can make all the difference.

Are you dreaming of travel, whether it’s to see family you haven’t seen in a year or to responsibly venture out of self-quarantine? I would love to hear your tips on how you make vacation plans. Share your thoughts in the comments…I may have some questions for you, too!

P.S. Please continue to wear your mask, remain physically distant and have hand sanitizer to keep yourself and others safe.

P.S.S. You can utilize travel agents like me of course but if you want to make your plans on your own and make HUGE savings, be sure to check into my Elevation Travel program where you can save up to 70% on your travel!

The Looming Lome star Debacle

Dear Librans,

I’m honestly more than a bit perplexed at the Texas governor’s decision this week to do away with the mask mandate AND allowing businesses to open at 100% capacity beginning on March 10. 😟

Allegedly, this decision was a pure political one and not based on medical advice — most likely due to the hands-off approach bye the Texas state republican Legislature that left mini Texans with out power and/or water After what was lovingly referred to as “snowmageddon.” You see, 2022 is our “general election” cycle here in Texas and the governor is up for reelection.

Health experts are still urging Texans to keep wearing masks as new and more contagious variants of the virus emerge. Hospitalizations continue to decrease after January record highs, but the state is also still averaging more than 200 deaths a day.

The Texas Tribune spoke to some small business owners — “…At least one business owner, Macy Moore of HopFusion Ale Works in Fort Worth, said Wednesday on CNN that he had not slept since Abbott’s announcement because he’s so worried about the health and safety of his staff. Others, like Anne Ng of Bakery Lorraine in San Antonio, have decided to keep mask requirements in place for staff and customers regardless of what Abbott and the state government say.”

Yes, it’s up to individual Texans to keep themselves safe but that prospect will become exponentially more difficult to do with no mandates in place. My personal mask wearing will protect those who choose not to wear a mask from me but I won’t be protected at all from non-mask wearers.

I’m still going to self-quarantine, Wear my mask when I do have to go out, keep 6 feet distance and wash my hands/use hand sanitizer. I’m not eligible just yet to receive the vaccine. I Will continue to support local business by ordering products to be delivered and requesting contactless delivery.

I can only Hope that many more Texans will be like me so we can get back more to a semblance of normal soon…

Love and Light!

Healing Herbal Teas

When you are searching for a good tea to drink, why not choose one that is not only flavorful, but also good for you? This is where herbal teas come in.

Herbal tea is made from different herbs, which may be the flowers or leaves of that particular plant. While there are many teas to choose from, some of them tend to have more healing properties than others.

This list includes some of the best herbal teas when you want them for their many health benefits.

1. Ginseng

The first type of healing tea you should consider drinking for health benefits is ginseng tea. Ginseng is a type of herb that grows as a perennial plant. While it is often found as a supplement you can take as needed, you can also get it in the herb form. In this form, you are able to make a tea from it, or you can purchase ginseng tea bags.

Health Benefits of Ginseng Tea

There are many ways ginseng can help to heal your body, from menstrual issues to helping with cancer and low blood pressure. Here are some different ways ginseng is an excellent healing herb:

Lower Your Blood Pressure – If you struggle with high blood pressure, diet and exercise is often recommended. However, another good option is to drink ginseng every day. It not only naturally lowers your blood pressure, but increases your energy so you can get that much needed exercise.

Help Fight Obesity – Obesity is something many people struggle with and have difficulty managing it. If you want to lose some weight, you can get a jump on shedding the pounds with a little ginseng tea every day. It provides a natural appetite suppressant, reducing how much you eat overall and battling those cravings.

Reduce Menstrual Issues – Ginseng has also been known to provide a cooling effect in the body. Among the different aches and pains it can help with, ginseng is an excellent herbal tea to turn to when you deal with a lot of painful menstrual cramps. It can also handle other side effects, like lessen your menstrual headaches.

Stimulate Your Brain – Another health benefit to drinking ginseng tea is the fact that it actually stimulates your brain cells. This allows you to improve your cognitive abilities, including having better concentration and focus, and improving your memory as well.

Provide Anti-Cancer Properties – Ginseng surprisingly has anti-cancer properties, so the more you drink it, the less your risk for developing cancer. Many other herbal teas can provide anti-cancer benefits as well.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the hottest trends right now in the natural health and general health niches. So many people are looking for ways to be healthier, and turmeric is a great option. This is a type of spice, commonly used in curry recipes, that can help with disease and overall health. Take a look at how it can benefit you.

Health Benefits of Turmeric tea

The Tea Fights Inflammation – Inflammation is something many people struggle with, especially those who have conditions like arthritis. With arthritis, you likely have inflamed joints that swell and cause quite a bit of pain. Turmeric tea has natural anti-inflammatory properties, so it can help reduce inflammation and help with arthritis and other conditions like muscle pain and gout.

It Helps With Digestive Issues – Your digestive system and gastrointestinal system can also benefit from drinking more turmeric tea. This herb is amazing for your stomach, so just about everything along your digestive tract is going to be improved. Try to aim for 2-3 cups of this tea a day if you suffer from stomach pain, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, or diarrhea.

It can also help with other gastrointestinal problems like ulcers or Crohn’s disease. Plus there is fiber in turmeric tea, so that helps with your digestive system as well.

You Can Improve Your Cardiovascular Health – Who doesn’t want to improve their cardiovascular health. One of the top health benefits for turmeric tea and why it is often considered a healing tea is that it can help to improve your cardiovascular health. This means heart health, as it can lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. By doing this, you are able to naturally reduce your risk of heart disease and cardiovascular disease.

Turmeric Helps With Detoxing the Body – Also consider the fact that turmeric tea can help to detox your body by cleansing your system. This is excellent for your liver and kidneys by reducing the levels of toxicity. A few cups of turmeric tea each day is all you need to use it for detoxing purposes.

3. Ginger

If you have ever had a tummy ache, you have probably had Ginger Ale to help soothe it. In fact, nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues are often the reason people will turn to ginger. However, in addition to drinking Ginger Ale, you can also make some healthy ginger tea.

Ginger originally comes from China as a flowering plant, though this herb is often grown in other countries around the world. You can grow it in your backyard or find ginger root at the store if you want to make the tea that way. An easier option is to get ground ginger and add it to your own tea bag or tea ball for the freshest taste. Here are some health benefits of drinking ginger tea:

Health Benefits of Ginger Tea

You Can Treat Nausea – Ginger is one of the most natural remedies for nausea. It is safe to have when you are pregnant, which means you can drink ginger tea while you are pregnant. This is great news since many Western medicines are not allowed during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It can also ease a sore stomach from an illness like the cold or flu, or after eating something that bothered your stomach.

It Helps With Digestion – Not only does ginger tea help with nausea, but also with other sources of indigestion. Perhaps you have chronic indigestion from the foods you eat, have heartburn and acid reflux, or have bowel movement issues. All of this can be helped with some ginger tea.

Ginger Can Treat Your Arthritis – Ginger tea naturally has anti-inflammatory properties, similar to many other herbal teas on this list. With this health benefit, you get a lot of help for your arthritis. Try to drink a couple cups a day of ginger tea, and follow your doctor’s other recommendations to help with your arthritis pain and swelling.

The Tea Eases Muscle Pain – If you have muscle pain, you can relieve it naturally with ginger tea. This allows you to avoid those harsh over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, many of which are highly addictive. You can drink some ginger tea to reduce muscle pain thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties in this herb.

You Can Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease – Heart disease is a risk for many older adults, but especially those with high blood pressure. This puts you at a much higher risk, but can be helped with some ginger tea. Ginger tea has also shown to be effective at reducing cholesterol and reducing your risk for developing diabetes.

4. Chamomile

Chamomile tea is probably one of the most recognizable herbal teas. It tastes delicious, is easy to flavor with honey and other additives, and is easy to come by. The reason people like chamomile tea is not just convenience though, but because of all its health benefits. It comes from an herb called chamomile, which is a type of flowering plant.

The great thing about chamomile tea is that it is so versatile. You can enjoy it as hot or cold tea, with spices like cinnamon or turmeric, flavored with lemon, or with milk and sugar. Take a look at the many health benefits of drinking chamomile herbal tea.

Healing Benefits of Chamomile Tea

It Provides Migraine Relief – One of the lesser known health benefits of chamomile tea is that it can help with headache and migraine pain. This is especially useful when you get chronic migraines, as it often requires prescription medications. By drinking chamomile tea to ease the pain, you have an effective remedy that is good for you, and prevents you from being addicted to pain killers. Plus you will definitely save money by drinking the tea. Try to drink the tea when you first notice your migraine symptoms as opposed to when you already have a full blown migraine.

You Can Get Better Sleep – If you have trouble sleeping, one of the best things you can do is drink a cup of chamomile tea shortly before you go to bed. Chamomile naturally has properties that can relax you and soothe your mind and body. Suddenly you have less stress and anxiety, which also helps you to sleep better. Try having a chamomile tea after a hot bath and you will be out in minutes. If you don’t like the taste of straight chamomile, try having it with some honey or sugar.

You Will Have Treatment For Stomach Cramps – Stomach cramps happen for a variety of reasons, from indigestion problems and eating the wrong thing, to having menstrual cramps. If you struggle with chronic stomach cramps, then chamomile herbal tea is a great herbal tea to drink. It will settle your stomach and help to ease the pain, especially with cramps related to your menstrual period.

The Tea Helps With Allergies – Finally, you can drink more chamomile tea and get help with your allergies. It has many healing properties that are very effective at reducing allergies and side effects from seasonal allergies. Drinking 2-3 cups of chamomile tea a day is the best way to get allergy or asthma help from this type of herbal tea.

5. Lemon Balm

You might also want to try drinking a cup of lemon balm tea. Lemon is not only refreshing, but lemon balm tea can help in a wide range of other ways. This herbal tea is made from the lemon balm plant, using the flowers for the tea leaves. If you are a gardener, you can grow the plant in your backyard and make it directly from the flowers, or you can get lemon balm leaves or tea bags already prepared for you.

Lemon balm tea is a really good tea to have early in the morning when you need a little pick-me-up, or as something to simply detox and refresh your body. Here are some other health benefits of drinking lemon balm tea.

Health Benefits of Lemon Balm Tea

It Helps With Insomnia – Like many herbal teas, lemon balm tea can be really helpful if you have trouble sleeping. This is for a variety of reasons, but often because of how well it can calm your mind and body (more on this below). Lemon balm tea also helps with some muscle cramps and emotional stress, which can also contribute to your sleeping problems.

You Can Relax Your Mind – As mentioned in the previous section, lemon balm also helps to relax and calm down your mind. Perhaps you have a lot of work or financial stress, are overwhelmed by all your responsibilities at home, or are dealing with a major decision and having difficulty with it. You can drink some lemon balm tea and feel more at peace, which helps you to de-stress and sleep a little better.

The Tea Makes You More Alert – Not only does lemon balm tea help with insomnia, but it can also work the other way and make you more alert. When you drink it in the morning, it can boost your energy and make it easier to concentrate.

You Can Get Skin Benefits – Believe it or not, lemon balm tea is also great for your skin! It has often been used for skin purposes, from anti-aging, to having youthful and glowing looking skin. If you are struggling with early signs of aging, try drinking more lemon balm tea to smooth out those wrinkles and prevent more from forming prematurely. The lemon balm can also help to soften yours kin and work to reduce blemishes.

Some other herbal teas to try for healing purposes include peppermint, oolong, black, green, and dandelion tea.

Conclusion

Do you use herbal teas for their healing properties? Share your stories in the comments – did I leave out one that you use? What has your experience been with any of the above?

Love and Light!

P.S. I’m not a doctor, of course, so please talk to your physician in relation to your health. This is what has worked for me and I love sharing my stories on my path to healing!

It’s Tax Time

WHY DO I NEED TO KNOW THIS?

Every year many disabled and senior citizens go to a commercial tax preparation service and pay a fee to have their taxes prepared and/or get an advance on their return. Getting an advance on a tax return is not advisable for those receiving Social Security Administration disability benefits. Paying for tax preparation may not be necessary for many customers.

Customers earning below $57,000 gross annually may qualify for free tax preparation assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA is an IRS funded grant program that assists qualified individuals in preparing and electronically filing their own tax returns at no cost. Due to COVID-19 some VITA sites may not be operating this year. See below for link to VITA sites.

AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program assists those 50 and older who are low to moderate income with assistance in preparing, or doing the preparation of tax returns . Go to the AARP website for more information: https://taxaide.aarpfoundation.org/?cmp=RDRCT-30faaa25-20210218.

Customers with adjusted gross income of $36,000 or those who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit can file their taxes online for free through Turbo Tax: https://accounts-tax.intuit.com/turbotaxonline (no assistance provided).

Customers with adjusted gross income between $14,000 and $69,000 can file for free via OnLine Taxes: https://www.olt.com/main/home/default.asp (no assistance provided).

Active duty members of the military with adjusted gross Incomes of $69,000 or less can file for free using Turbo Tax or OnLine Taxes (no assistance provided).

The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax assistance to those age 60 or older: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-counseling-for-the-elderly. Check the individual organization’s site for income restrictions.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY VITA PROGRAMS

The VITA programs are operated by IRS-certified volunteers.

Sites will prepare:

· Wages, salaries, etc. (Form W-2)
· Interest Income (Form 1099-INT)
· Dividends Received (Form 1099-DIV)
· State Tax Refunds (Form 1099-G)
· Unemployment Benefits (Form 1099-G)
· IRA Distributions (Form 1099-R)
· Pension Income (Forms 1099-R, RRB-1099, CSA-1099)
· Social Security Benefits (Form SSA-1099)
· Simple Capital Gain/Loss (Form 1099-B)
· Sale of Home (Form 1099-S) limited
· Self-employed Income (Form 1099-MISC) limited
· Gambling Winnings (Form W-2G)
· Cancellation of Debt (Form 1099-C) limited
· Health Savings Accounts (Form 1099-SA) limited
· Itemized Deductions limited
· Education Credits (Form 1098-T)
· Child Tax Credit
· Earned Income Credit
· ACA Statements (Forms 1095-A, B or C)
· Prior Year and Amended Returns limited

WHAT SHOULD THEY BRING TO A VITA?

For married filing joint, both spouses must be present.
· All Forms W-2 and 1099;
· Information for other income;
· Information for all deductions/credits;
· A copy of last year’s tax return;
· Proof of account for direct deposit of refund;
· Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification notices/cards for the customer and/or spouse, and/or dependents;
· Proof of identification for the customer and/or spouse;
· Total paid to day care provider and provider’s tax ID number;
· Birth dates for customer, spouse and/or dependents on the return;
· Proof of foreign status if applying for ITIN;
· Forms 1095-A, B or C (ACA Statements); and
· For prior year returns, copies of income transcripts from IRS (and state, if applicable).

WHERE TO FIND A VITA

Use the VITA/TCE Locator Tool at: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-you-by-volunteers

Please share this information with your networks and join the conversation if I left off any resources.

Love and Light!

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Write a Detailed Life Goals List

Have you ever tried to make a plan for major life goals? Successful people have been using plans for hundreds of years to achieve the goals that will help them in the future, but if you’re new at it., you might feel sort of apprehensive. The positive thing here, is that this entry has been written to help you get started on a path towards achieving goals, and to get you in the right mindset, you’ll find a detailed list of life goals here to try out.

Get Healthier

Health should be considered a top priority in your life, no matter what your goals are, even when you are focusing more on self-love and self-care. Taking better care of your health can become a way to practice more self-love on a daily basis. If you’re not doing great with being healthy, it can help you passively to spend some time getting that figured out.

Being healthy means that you’ll be able to have greater focus in life, as well as a sharper ability to solve problems. When you’re starting to create your list of goals, keep in mind that they should be things that are easy for you to track. That means that you should be able to figure out what you’ll need to do to get to those goals.

Be sure to write out the list with each of the details, so for example, part of getting healthier will be making sure that you’re getting the proper nutrition, so you might put down that you will learn about nutrition, buy the right foods, and make sure to do some kind of meal preparation. As you complete the list, you’ll have a much clearer picture of what your next few months will be like.

Learn to Balance Your Moods

There are some days when it just seems like people aren’t on your side, but how do you deal with your anger? If you’ve been wanting to learn how to control your temper in a way that helps you to improve your relationships with others and cultivates a milder spirit, the first step is to realize that you’re the one who is in control of how people make you feel. When people fall short of your expectations, it’s important to remember that not every trespass is a personal attack against you. Most people are relatively concerned with their own issues and daily business then who else is around them, and there could easily be details that have escaped you.

Another thing to think about somewhat seriously, is how anger and stress can exact a hefty toll in the body over a sustained period of time. Intense emotional stress can bring about and aggravate some illnesses in people. Having that much negativity can also harm vital organs like your heart, so learning to take it easy can also extend your life in some ways.

Get a Grip on Your Finances

IN a time of uncertainty, it can be really difficult to make the needed changes that will allow you to save money. If you don’t feel as though you can make it in the amount of money that you currently make, then it will be important to find out how you can make more money, and the steps that you need to take to get there. Once you see a clear path, it’ll remove a lot of the stress of having to think about your finances.

Some people might even feel like it’s important to hire or see a professional that can help them to gain better control over their financial health. It takes a serious and honest look at your habits and lifestyle to see what you may need to do. Something as simple as an old unpaid bill can create some issues.

Become a Better Communicator

The majority of problems that people face in any kind of relationship are usually caused by poor communication techniques. People who haven’t developed a clear and honest communication technique can cause a lot of frustration to the people around them at work, school and home. If you find yourself prone to disagreements, then it might mean that there is something that you’re not conveying in a way that people can understand.

It can be easy to forget that other people don’t have the ability to know the nuances of how you receive information. Sometimes it can be as simple as asking what someone means and reserving your judgement until you can see the situation from a better vantage point.

Make Learning a Part of Your Life

It’s pretty clear that increasing your knowledge can always be a good thing. The more that you know about the world around you, the more equipped you will be when you come across an obstacle that you can’t immediately cross. Challenge yourself and take on new hobbies that can be useful to you. If you can spend a few months doing something to sharpen yourself, you’ll probably notice that your attitude and confidence has increased over time.

Well, what do you think about my list? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s help each other learn.

Love and light!

Winter Storm 2021 Thoughts

Dear Librans,

I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing today, without a self-improvement angle, but with an, “I need to release this negative energy” approach.

I’m sure you’ve already heard about the challenges here in Texas and across the country related to the winter storm that I’m calling the Big Cold of 2021.

My family is doing well – folks have power and water – and I’m slowly trying to make contact with friends/colleagues to see how they’re doing.

I didn’t experience the level of hardship that many throughout the State faced but as an empath, I was more affected by the happenings than even I wanted to concede.

Well, this morning I could no longer ignore how I was feeling. I had to have a cry to release this built up energy. I also participated in a virtual wellness room on one of my apps for community-building.

I’m feeling a bit better now that I’ve had some positive light shown into my world.

The ice is gone, at least where I am, and I don’t have to take baby steps with my little pocket dog now. I heard some awesome affirmations and I actually spoke up to let folks know that I wasn’t feeling perfect in the moment.

There is still some hurt out there so please share some positive love energy with not only folks here in Texas but throughout the world. Someone will appreciate you for it!

Love and Light!

P.S. I will post an entry, hopefully later today, with links if you want and are able to provide assistance for those that have been harmed by this winter storm.

Treat Your Body with Kindness

Today, a lot of people feel a hefty amount of stress because of the way body image has dominated media. Some have even gotten to the point that they develop eating disorders because of how they feel. What a lot of people really need, is to focus on being kinder to themselves and their bodies. Most feel that they’re already being kind, but are they really? The next few paragraphs will give you a few tips on how to treat your body with kindness.

Get Lots of Rest

The first and easier way to treat yourself better would be to make sure that you get as much rest as you need each day. Proper sleep and rest are important for your body because your body needs those periods to conserve energy, and make some repairs to your cells. If you don’t get all of the rest you need, then your body will begin to fail in small ways, and you will begin to feel tired all of the time. As you become weaker, you will see a breakdown in the quality of your work, and relationships around you will begin to suffer.

Much of this is due to the fact that it’s hard for a person to feel completely connected to others when their mind hasn’t been allowed to rest properly. Studies have connected lack of sleep to a rise in apathy in some people. As the apathy increases, the subject will begin to connect less and less to those around them until they are completely isolated. So it’s extremely important to take proper sleep into consideration.

Let Yourself Have Fun

Do you ever feel guilty when you take days off or try to do fun things with friends and family? A lot of people are in fields of work that force them to produce more and more work for their company. This culture of overworking yourself isn’t healthy and can lead to extreme forms of burnout. The apathy that comes from being sleep deprived can also play a heavy role in diminishing your ability to enjoy things, so this is a place where arresting and allowing yourself to have fun meet. When you are properly rested, you’ll be in a better state to have fun, and if you allow yourself that time, then you can get rid of a lot of the extra stress that you’ve been holding onto each day.

Make Sure You’re Hydrated

How much water do you drink in a day? Hydration is something that a lot of people overlook because living in a modern world tells you that everything you need is just a phone all or a store trip away, but people have to make the right choices when it comes to health. A lot of people have fallen into the habit where they’ve replaced water with different types of soft drinks. These of drinks are made of mostly sugars and chemicals that were created in a lab, and they don’t provide enough pure water to help you sustain many of your basic functions, so it can be very easy to suddenly find that you are dehydrated to a level that can make you feel ill.

Get Away from Technology for a Minute

Technology these days has been very good at absorbing nearly all of the free time that people have. Everyone is constantly being bombarded by adverts for games and new apps that boast
A user-friendly environment and a new lease of life, but is this really true? Studies have shown that constant engagement with apps can actually cause a lot of stress in some people.

Social media has made it difficult or a larger number of people to feel content with their daily existence. This doesn’t mean that social media is a bad thing, but it could mean that a lot of people should use social media a lot less. To help yourself feel better, it would be a good idea to take a step away from social media so that you can focus on more pursuits that involve your well-being.

Pay Attention to Your Body

Self-awareness isn’t always something that comes naturally to people. Sometimes it can take a well-crafted effort for you to learn what is needed and when. This is partially because the world at large expects people to live for their desires more than their needs. Once you have made the choice to get more well acquainted with yourself, you can begin to practice mindfulness so you can learn about the signals that your body puts out to let you know what you really want.

When you’re eating a particularly delicious meal, you might already know that you’re full, but you keep eating anyway. Suddenly you feel so full that you begin to belch, and your stomach makes loud noises. This could be a sign that your body has chosen to let you know that you’ve eaten too much. Learning these signals can help you to stay more comfortable and treat your body with greater care.

How do you treat your body with kindness? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment area.

Love and Light!

Building a Relationship with Yourself

Dear Librans,

When you think about how you feel about yourself, and how well you know yourself, how do you score on a scale of 1 – 10? If you feel that you know yourself very well, but you are on the lower side of how much you like yourself, then it might be time to start thinking about how you can build a better relationship with YOU, and the next paragraphs will be exploring how to accomplish this.

Stop Focusing on the Dealings of Others

There are tons of distractions that can be found out in the world, but some of the worst distractions to get involved with are those that come from spending too much time focusing on and critiquing the lives of others. It can be extremely easy to fall into the habit of spending your time concerning yourself with the movements of others, and you may even spend time discussing these things with others, but it’s important to note that while you’re focusing on others, you’re avoiding work that you can be doing on yourself.

Another side of this, is that it might be a manifestation of insecurities that you feel towards yourself due to constant comparing. The person who is aware of the nuances of how you feel would be you because people can’t read the minds of others. If you feel as though you are constantly scrutinized by others, it’s important to remember that they might not even be aware that you feel any discomfort at all. Most of the time, people are primarily focused on how they are seen by others.

Learn to Forgive People

It’s hard to make a better relationship with yourself when you carry a lot of baggage from past dealings with people. Things sometimes happen that can make you feel a little bit sour about having relationships with others but it’s important to remember that you don’t need to hold onto these things. Let them just be things that happened and move on. It’s been said that forgiving people is more about being healthier for yourself than the person you’re forgiving. This is because holding onto anger and pain will only cause you to feel negatively about a lot of other things in your life.

Once you have forgiven someone completely, the part of your mind that has been holding onto those toxic thoughts and feeling will be free to focus on better things. You can use that brain power to think of ways to put good things into the world around you. There are a lot of ways to spread positivity, and the best ways involve doing something for others.

Take Time to Help Someone in Need

There are few joys that can compare to the feeling you get when you help someone who really needs help. When you’ve been spending a lot of time focusing on yourself in unhealthy ways, a really good way to break out of that is also to help someone else. This puts them in the forefront of your mind for a time, and this can help you to appreciate the situation that you have as well.

There are a lot of programs that involve helping the homeless and elderly, and both are in constant need of volunteers that can help dilute the strain placed on other people who are already busy in the community. You might be surprised by the outpouring of gratitude that comes from people who haven’t been used to getting the help that you’re helping to provide. This can create connections and inspire the future success of people who might not have had the opportunity otherwise.

Write a Journal or a Letter to Yourself

Part of getting to the deeper parts of yourself is taking time out of your day to put your thoughts on paper so that you can read them back to yourself. Sometimes it takes this kind of exercise to be able to get a sense of what is truly on your mind. You might have doubts about recent decisions, or you might need to see your thoughts out in front of you to make those final choices. Whatever the case may be, this will help you to begin to prioritize your feelings and thoughts about things. Once you’ve drawn some conclusions it’ll be easier to make real changes based on the information you have about yourself.

Practice Positive Self-Talk

After you’ve taken some time to think about the things you wrote down to yourself, make some effort to replace anything negative that you said to yourself with something that is positive. Talk about your abilities. Tell yourself that you can accomplish your goals. The more that you repeat these things to yourself, the more possible they will become.

Look, I realize that all of what I wrote above is easier said than done. Trust me, I know that for sure. It takes practice and sometimes “falling on your face,” but if you keep trying and taking those baby steps, you will eventually get to where you want to go.

What do you think about my list? I would love for you to join in the conversation in the comments below.

As always, “Love and Light!”