November 22, 2020 Forsage & Crypto Currencies

 So I got myself into something. This past 2 weeks I have been really pursuing online marketing and getting into all kinds of Facebook pages that teaches marketing, or even an opportunity to win marketing lessons, I have attended multiple BNI meetings (Business Network International). It takes a lot of work. I am not very tech savvy so it takes me even longer. As much as I don't want to be in social media, that's the way the world is going and because I have a business, that's the best way to reach out to people. I have also been connecting with clients to provide me with great reviews online. I am trying to do as much marketing as I can, I have been praying that the Lord will help me double my income/clientele. My main focus is to fund my retirement so that Scott and I can be financially prepared to go on a couple mission sooner rather than later as soon as we are empty nesters.

So this week, I got involved into crypto currency. As I have been busy networking online and inviting people to join a particular group so that I can win the marketing price. I randomly invited someone and I got invited to join The Crypto Journey FB group. I saw the people's testimonies and I got convinced that I would probably join this group. I prayed about it, perhaps, I sort of when into it rashly, but it's been a few days, I am now in it, I have to make it work. It is multi level marketing, I bring people into forsage and I earn Ethereum (crypto currency like Bitcoin which was the first and leading, ETH is 2nd).  I joined in level 6, not fully comprehending how it works to begin with, but now that I signed up I cannot get that $1200 back which I used to buy the smart contracts, now I have to market and do the work in inviting others to join to earn commission. I then decided yesterday, to buy 2 coins of Etherium outside of forsage and intend to just hold it. Nov 17, the price of ETH was $460 when I bought the smart contracts, today ETH is $547. It was forecasted to go to $1 000 by December, so hopefully I am making a good decision investing in crypto currencies. 

I believe that even my financials and investing strategies can be spiritual. I shall not seek for reaches but only after I have sought the Lord first. I know that all these things are material possession and are only meant to help others. I pray fervently that the Lord direct my actions and decisions as I seek him to guide me with my investments so that Scott and I can be prepared to go on a mission. That is my goal. I have contributed about 12k in my retirement savings funds alone this year. I am playing catch up. I don't need material things, I just need to build wealth and use it for the Lord's purpose. I pray I can be worthy of this goal. 

I am thankful for my family and the gospel in my life. I pray I never waiver nor lose sight of what matters most. I pray that I can make the Lord the center of my life and my home. 

October 22, 2020: The Lord's tender mercy

 This past week, I was feeling a bit down. I sometimes felt isolated. I have had this feelings before when I felt like, I don't want to open up because it is not reciprocated nor do I attempt to initiate friendship because I know it will not happen?

I was stepping back from my calling in YW a bit. I just struggle reaching out to YW via parents that don't reply. I struggle with being ignored specially when I know it's so easy to communicate and reply at the tap of your finger tips. I started to put that guard up of not to care so much or get too involve because frankly, it's just hard, I get drained and then I struggle even more.

I have been trying to get through my 8 hour course of professional development course and I find that my memory is not so great. I am unable to focus as before. I have been on my knees asking the Lord to help me understand and retain what I am reading. Everyday, I pray to just have enough strength to make it through the day, to have inspiration and motivation. 

After I had fed the kids breakfast and got them logged on to their classes, I went down to my office and I got a text message from someone I did not expect from. Shayla Strickland is my advisor in YW for the younger girls, I felt that I could never reach her. She never attends the zoom meeting with YW nor attempts to reply with any emails or text. But this time, she was inviting my family to the ranch (133 acres) to try out some games and groom the mini horses, and have some play time in order for them to get photos of us that they can use for their website, they are planning to start a Family Retreat business.  I jumped at the opportunity, and  I had to check back on my phone to see whether that was actually happening. She would be the last person I expected to get a text from and cheer me up today. 

As soon as I replied to her text, I said a prayer in my heart for gratitude for this tender mercy of the Lord. He heard my prayer and I felt his love. I also had to repent, as I did have different expectations from Shayla, but the Lord always knows each one of us, and I needed his help to see things His way.

I feel like Elias is also struggling with isolation due to covid-19. As a mother, I pray that he is able to manage through these tough times. I sometimes feel guilty as I can only do so much to entertain them, but I hope and pray for further inspiration. In fact, i have been praying that the newly constructed family across the street has someone his age to be able to related to. Somehow, even as an adult I find it hard to have people respond to try to connect and I try to do the same for him and reach out to Sally's or Will's mom but I just can't get the replies for them to attempt to get together for our youth's sake. I speak with Audrey and Adam sometimes to remind them to be Elias' best friend. 

I pray for him and I pray the Lord will provide a way for him to find friendship, good friendship. 

Sept 27- Oct 2nd: Outer Banks

We were so blessed to be invited for the second time and have spent a full week at Brother and Sister Park's parents' beach house at 922 Lighthouse Dr, Corolla, NC. Bridger and Katie Park and their 2 boys, Michael and Sarah Orme and their 3 kids. We had a blast. Lucy and Audrey got to know each other a bit more.

Scott and I ran almost every day in the morning for exercise. We had a great weather. The kids are on virtual school, so they were able to connect online to their classes and spend the afternoon playing at the beach, pool, biking, and other fun activities with friends.

We were not able to try the famous Duck donuts, as the  chance we intentionally drove to Duck town, the shop was close. Other times we passed by it was closed also. 

One of my walks at the beach, those little holes on the sand, reminded me of my childhood having grown up near the beach as well, but under different circumstances. So much have changed, and I am humbled how the Lord has guided my life. I have struggled the past few months, and sometimes it was hard to see the beauty of it all while in the midst, but I know that the Lord is always there. 

August 21, 2020 Run in with the Dentist!

 I have not felt myself the last 2 months. Ever since I went to the dentist and I was put under nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, I have not been the same and still trying to recover. 

I went in June 23rd, that day as I usually react, I did get a head ache. Happy to finally get my fake tooth after 2 years of mishaps. But then for 2 days the head ache persisted, then I was light headed for days, by Sunday morning I was frantic and anxious and I have no idea why. I finally stood in the middle of the living room and told Scott, something is wrong with me. I had felt of shallow breathing and just anxious and by night time, I was dizzy. Went to bed early, the next day, Monday, I went to the bathroom and the whole room was spinning. Went to lie down and the whole room was spinning even with my eyes closed. Got Scott to give me a pill and I fell back asleep and did not wake up til 1 pm.

I felt better but I was light headed for most of the time. Thursday of that same week, I had beach day with some sisters in the ward including Sister Simpson, Dr. Simpson's wife, the dentist. As we are church friends, apart from Wendy who is not a member, I related to them what I was going through. I was winded trying to pump inflatable tubes. I jokingly told the group that since the only activity I did was to go to the dentist due to quarantine, I would have to blame Dr. Simpson if I get Covid-19.

By the weekend, it dawned on me that it was possible I had an overdose of the nitrous oxide. This week has been ridiculous with light headedness, major forgetfulness, anxiety, shallow breathing. I mean I have burned food almost daily because I either would forget or that I am unable to focus. It was such a stark change of behavior that it scared me. I had no idea what was happening with me. When I researched nitrous oxide overdose, I pretty much checked off every single symptom. Including blurred vision, I mean I went and bought me reading glasses that week, because I thought that was part of the problem. I also went and got Centrum vitamin higher on B12 vitamins. I said to Scott one night, I was scared to go to sleep because I might forget who I am the next day. That's how I scared I was. He was confident I will be ok.

I told the Dentist about it, and he acknowledged that I was under the gas for longer. I told him that's why he found me hyper ventilating when he came back into the room. He said he had put me on oxygen intake for the duration of the time, but researching about over dose on 100% oxygen also has the same symptom as the first over dose I mentioned. I felt at a loss. I just don't like the feeling that I am light headed all the time, I am unable to focus and concentrate and always feeling anxious for no reason.

On a good note, I finished tax season on July 15th. I am glad it worked out working for Intuit and finishing my own tax season. A tax Client of mine, Mrs. Debbie Barbour offered me her house at Harker Island. 188 Sheldon Rd, Harker Island. It was a beautiful home. We went  for 3 days at a time on July 17-19 and on July 30 to Aug 2nd. I pay some electric contribution for letting us stay there. The last trip Scott had to work Thursday and Friday, he came to join us on Friday night. We spent a lot of our time at Atlantic beach body surfing. We went to Radio Island beach, Audrey's preference as it was calmer in the sound barrier. On the first trip we went to Cape Look out via ferry and saw the Light house. It was a beautiful place. We also got to see the Shackleford Banks wild horses. Over all, we had a great time and a wonderful experience for such a low cost, in the summer. Needless to say, Wendy said she has never seen me so dark and I quite agree, not since mexico 20 years ago. 

August 15th, Scott was at work and I was bed ridden for the day with a migraine. I have never had migraine before but with talking with 2 others who deals with migraine, it wounded like that's what I had. It felt like my forehead was going to crack open, such a pressure that It brought me to tears. I took medicine but it did not seem to help. I forced myself to hang out with the kids, even just sitting down and watching a show enduring the head ache. By the evening it calmed down, but by the next morning I still felt just a hint of hangover from the headache.

Before the summer, I had plans to look at insurance and real estate licensing, but now that's all down the drain. I feel too tired all the time. I even joined pre menopause group and all kinds of things, but I can confidently Isolate the dental visit as the singular event that started all this head issues and I am still trying to recover. Dr Simpson is my tax and bookkeeping client, but I think I am moving on from his service. I had nothing but trauma from his service. I was bitter to have lost my tooth that otherwise in good condition, then this. I have to move on.

The kids are on their first week of virtual school. So far so good. Lots of information and new routine to process. It's nice that we all don't have to wake up early. I still think their schedule is long, they are online from 8 to 2:30 for Elias and the other 2 at 8:30 to 2:30 as well. 

This week they got to join a church soccer league, Calvary Cross baptist church by Hwy 98. I am glad there are some sports organization the kids can join, they missed the soccer activity for sure. Audrey, not so much, I had to bribe her with mario maker time in order to commit after the first practice even though she was one of the best in her team. I hope she keeps it up. Her and Adam are on the same team.

May 2, 2020 Covid at Home! Running around Lake Royale for the first time.

It's been about 50 days since the call to quarantine due to the Coronoa Virus. My life has been more busier than ever before with the height of tax season, kids at home, managing their home school, and running my business. The tax deadline has been extended to July 15, 2020. It got so busy in the tax world as there were many changes occurring even on a daily basis. The CARES Act was established (Coronavirus Aid, Relieve and Economic Security Act) where every qualified individual can receive a $1200 relief fund from government and every dependent, $500. Our family received a total of $3900 that showed up on our bank account, which account we used with our tax return. There were much confusion and anticipation at the time the decisions were being made and I got a lot of questions and calls about their "stimulus check" even the ones in the neighborhood that were not actually my client.

I did my final off boarding with Intuit and I am happy to say that I did a great job being my first season. I was on category 3, as per my manager that means that I will likely to comeback or be asked to come back and I am hoping so. I opt in on the 401k matching contribution that will only vest on the 2nd year of service. I have received about $1000 of spotlight incentive in Intuit, which was not cash but rather can be spent on gift cards. Mind were mostly spent on Lowes, since we have been doing a lot of renovation.

My goal has been to fund my retirement fund so that I can better prepared and hopefully Scott and I and go on our couples mission sooner rather than later. Hopefully in about 15 years, that would make me 57 years old and makes Adam 22 years old. I hope and pray my kids do well, more importantly, for them to ever have a strong anchor on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Quarantine has been good for us. More family time, albeit there is more screen time for the kids, but I love the fact that I have more time with my family. Scott works from home, although his salary was cut by 20%, that's like $800 loss a month, but he saves about $200 in gas. This experience has really made me reflect about the blessings of listening to the counsel of the living prophet. I am so glad we have no mortgage, even with the expansion we are building, we have managed to do so without getting a loan. We are basically debt free, except for the mortgage in the Burnaby home, but thankfully we have renters that pays on time and I pray they continue to be great tenants. We are so blessed despite Scott's salary being reduce, the Lord has blessed me so much with growth on my business. Although I have not seen about 35 clients of mine, I have already exceeded what I made last year since I also got the Intuit job. The Intuit experience has been great and I really enjoyed it and I really hope that I can be hired in the fall if not next tax season.

Our family has had more time to read scriptures, play tennis, bake, build, renovate, and play. Audrey just got her Aerial silk fabric so her and I have been working out and trying it out. Lots of upper body work out and stretches.

Donna on Aerial Silk April 2020

April 22nd, I woke up and said my prayers, then I went for a run. I just kept on running and by the time I knew it I was at Pavilion and although I set out to ran just that far and turn around, I realized why not just keep going since I am half way there. And I made it around the Lake in 1.43 hr. I was so impressed. I had feared setting that goal before since I didn't think I could do it, but it was awesome. It felt good to do so. I know it was Sunday and I came back home before everyone else woke up. I enjoyed running because it was my time to reflect and ponder.

Elias has been learning how to do programming with Raspberry Pi. Adam has been reading the book of Mormon diligently on his own. We have been playing a lot of tennis lately and Elias is now able to beat me if he puts his mind to it. Audrey is also learning to do some programming and she has been doing amazing on piano. Their recital is postponed, but they are doing well on piano and learning hymns, which I am very excited about.

I feel like I still have much to do. I am currently working on Quick Book Pro Advisor certification and hope to get this done before the end of May. I need to spend some time and focus on obtaining some new bookkeeping clients because the income is year round and they provide potential tax clients. I like setting goals and praying about them. The Lord has always blessed me when I set goals and plead with the Lord's help.

March 22, 2020 Sacrament at Home

Last Sunday, my home turned into church, just as well the spirit was so strong I could hardly sing the sacrament song and I choked bearing witness of the tender mercies of the Lord. We actually went 10min over 2 hours. We learned that the sacrament bread at home were bigger.😁 I was humbled when my husband, Scott gave a talk on how the church was first organized, it started with 6 people. Similar to how we gathered in our small living room, just the 5 of us in our family. Last Summer we actually got to visit Peter Whitmer's log house in NY where the church was first organized. It also reminded me of how my family was the very first member of our branch in small town of Damortis, Philippines. I remember being young and we had a small house as our meeting house. Now there is over 16 M members world wide. Much like the virus that is spreading, the gospel of Christ is too. Last Sunday was our first to have church at home and first time for Scott to bless the sacrament at home. Very historic. I am so thankful to have the priesthood in my home and my very own deacon, Elias to pass the sacrament. My daughter, Audrey prayed and was thankful to be at church. My little guy, Adam, who is 7, was our chorister. Our primary was a blast, we learned about blind spots and how the Jews missed the Savior because they were looking beyond the mark. My kids actually asked if we can have church at home again next Sunday, and we are so blessed that we can.

In D&c 1:17 The Lord knew the calamity that is to come to his people so he called Joseph Smith, replaced that with Pres. Nelson. Thankful for direct revelation. This whole come follow me program and home centered church or church centered home, really prepared us for this event. The Lord knows it, the prophet knows it, and I know it!

March 15, 2020 Member client relationship went sour and POA nuisance letter for my business at the lake. The Lord was might to save!

It's now mid March. I have another month of tax work. The corona virus has been spreading, and now NC is in state of emergency like most states. School is closed for 2 weeks.

I have had a challenging tax season. I did not anticipate the growth I was going to received this season while working for Intuit. Intuit always asked for employees to put more hours, but I have only added hours during peak times for the $400 bonus. If I have at least 35 hours during peak one and peak 2 (April 8-15) I can get that extra $400 each peak. We are also being measured on surveys and performance where bonus is depended on. At this point, I am only working my set hours with the exception of peak times.

We had made plans to go to the Smokey Mountain for the spring break but we might have to postpone that if the corona virus continues to spread and pose a threat.

One challenge I have with my business. While I know my fees are so low compared to what others are charging, I still struggle with raising my prices. I had a particular case with a member who was not happy with the fee I was charging, even though I retracted it to same price as last year. I switched them from Partnership to S Corp for $295, I added $35 and they were not happy. They were not happy with all the services apparently, I guess their expectation were not in line with mine. Although I was giving them free advice for the year in switching their business, they had expected me to provide more despite the fact that i was doing it for free and that we actually did not have contract. I ended up firing myself as their accountant because they were never seemed to be happy. And although the deadline is on the 15th of March for the S Corp and letting them go on 6th, was a bit late, I didn't really had much left of pride other than the fact that I did not want to put  continue with the service since they were so unhappy about it. I told them they were not stuck with me. This sister was scheduled to teach my Young Women class about indexing and she said she won't do it that Wednesday if I showed up. So I backed out so she can do her job. She told me never to speak with her again. I never had anyone hate me this much, except for Rhea, but that's another story in my old journals.

I was sick to my stomach all week, and this has caused me a lot of stress. What I am finding out is the unfortunate fact that my clients outside of the church are far more grateful and appreciative than clients that are in the church. I guess it's not about the church, but rather personality. From this experience, I have decided to change my business model and not take new clients from the church, somehow I am expected to provide really cheap if not free service.

This and the looming meeting about my Business Nuisance fine at the POA got me really stressed. I have spend a lot of time on my knees pleading for the Lord to spare me from my enemies. I have made a trip to the Temple last Saturday to plead for the Lord's protection. My scripture study this week fell on Jacob 3. My favorite verses, 1-2, and I will never forget how this verse jumped out and had penetrated my heart and soul. And I felt at the time I read it, that the Lord was speaking to me.

1 But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.

2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.

I knew the Lord would spare me. I had to put my Faith in the Lord that no matter the case, He knows what is best for me. I lot of prayer and fasting. At the temple, the endowment sessions were full so I was able to do the initiatory sessions. This was the first initiatory session in my life  I have had to step out for to get a tissue to wipe my tears. When the sister pronounced the blessings about the Holy Garment of the Priesthood, that as long as I honor and keep the commandments of the Lord with a true and honest heart, that it will serve a protection to me against the devour-er until I have finished my work upon the earth. I have felt this power more strongly at this time in my life. 

On March 5th, I attended the Adjustment Committee meeting where my case was being presented. I had walked into the meeting, and noticed that 2 of my tax clients were in the committee. I thought at the time, it's was out of my hands and that I am at the Lord's mercy. How do you win a case against you when 2 solid witness against my business transactions at home were in the committee. None the less, the power of the Lord was manifested and I was clear with out issues. Although I got a letter if there is such re-ocurring activity that a new fine of $50/day will be issued. I prayed the Lord has spared me. And I knew through the power of my covenants and as I honor them that no matter the case the Lord has my back and I am ever so grateful for this knowledge and the comfort it brings. 

This week the general authorities had given a declaration to cancel all church meetings and activities.Conference will be held telecast instead of live. So thankful for living prophet, and the last year we had to prepare for a church centered home for such a time as this. The Lord is merciful.

February 8, 2020 Storm, power outage, appliances breaking out, and Citizenship oat taking.

It has been a challenging week. Our Monday started out with our laundry washer leaking and creating a flood by the hall way. Scott looked at underneath the washer and figured we can sign up on Amazon prime and order the part and get it in 2 days. So I resolved to doing my much needed laundry including all the wet towels used to dry the water leak when the washer is fixed, likely by Wednesday late night or Thursday.

Tuesday came, as I was getting kids ready for school, i noticed my sink drain was plugged. Water would not drain. I thought, oh no. I went to Wake Forest Community group and asked for plumbing advice. I was directed to buy a liquid plumber, a commercial kind which was what the guy at the Do It Center store suggested. On my way home from the store in Bunn, I was contemplating on why these things were happening. Although I had intentions to fast last Sunday being the first Sunday of the month, I even started my fasting with a prayer the night before, I woke up Sunday and decided to spend quality time with Audrey. She is always the first one up. We decided to hang out and make breakfast and ate together, and by the time Scott reminded me, it was too late.

So I decided to fast on Tuesday. I also realized that I have not paid my tithing. Since I had started as a Tax Expert at Intuit back in January, I had been paid auto deposit, I had been busy that I did not realized I got paid and had not paid tithing on. I got home and I went to my computer and paid my tithing online. I went on to my pressing errand of reading the instruction on this commercial liquid plumber.  Watched some you tube video of how a lady used this same product and it destroy and ate her aluminum sink. Well if that's not enough to freak me out, the product also described a possibility of explosion. I mean, seriously? who would buy this stuff? So I called Scott and told him I got the liquid plumber but that I don't feel confident  using it myself. He was okay to do it when he got home. In the meantime, I kept on my research and found out about pouring in hot water, and a cup of baking soda, and another cup of hot water, which I did.  But I think in the end, that just made everything worse because in the end I think that added to the congestion in the pipe so that now the liquid plumber in ineffective. Scott used a plunger, even though I think i told him not to use one because I read that online, but he did, so now my sink looks like it is never clean because it has stains of splatter everywhere. Not happy about it. And I still don't have a functional sink.

While my tax world is busy, I am very excited that I am learning more as I work at Intuit. I like that part and being able to help callers answer their questions. Of course, I sometimes get one that is unhappy for the product and giving me a bad review on the survey which was not truly a reflection of my service, but rather their dissatisfaction with the product. None the less it negatively impact my performance review.

Thursday came and I got a call from the school of 3 hour early release due to the pending severe weather.I was on call center shift with Intuit til 3 pm. The kids got home around 1sh and although it rained in the morning, the weather seems rather nice outside. I thought, gee, why did they let the kids out, it so nice out. However, not long after that, the Tornado touched down and we lost power around 2sh. Of course, I immediately unable to take calls. I looked out the window and visibility was low. Ran upstairs to tell the kids to look out the window and see the wind blow, but they were not as enthusiastic to participate in my excitement since I had let them play super  Mario. The wind didn't last long but there sure were a lot of rain. The school bus that had dropped off my kids 45 minutes ago and had gone around the lake on it's way out was stuck almost across the street from my driveway where all the power lines where spread on the street. Major traffic, and police cars were around. I noticed the power pole was leaning with lines down on the ground, and trees across the street from us were down. I quickly surveyed our property and there were some big branches down on the ground around the size of my bicep but no direct damage to the house.

The whole excitement about no power lasted from Thursday to Saturday afternoon. Scott has rigged up a wiring from a car battery so that we can have a router and some access to light. We were able to watch some kids shows, Voltron was what the kids were into.

Friday morning came a long, and although we think the washer was fixed, there was no way of knowing for sure since there was no power so we couldn't use it anyway. Still no sink, can't cook inside but grill, I was feeling at home with now resourcing to somewhat primitive living. I surveyed the damage by the gate and at the POA office building, as it turns out they had about maybe 12-15 trees down. I was in awe upon realizing how blessed we were. As i pondered more of the event, I realized the Lord has spared us in a miraculous way. There were a lot of damages all around me and none on my property. I was deeply humbled and felt blessed by the Lord. I truly felt the blessings of keeping my covenants.

Well, Friday was not over without the climax of attending my Citizenship Ceremony. I had originally planned on going solo, since I heard sometimes it could take hours depending on how many were being sworn in. Since it was already an hour away from home, plus the ceremony, i did not feel like dragging the kids there. In fact, to me it seemed like not a big deal. I am a Canadian Citizen, and although I was not able to vote in US, it made no big difference. But today, there was no school and Scott's work was also cancelled. We ended up going together as a family, which I was so glad because it made it even more memorable. I contemplated on the blessings of being guided by the Lord from Philippines to Canada and now to the United States. I pondered on the blessing of being a citizen of the country from which the Restored gospel was born. My heart was overwhelmed with gratitude and I have had to hide my tears that wants to flow down my cheeks. We went to Chick Fil A afterwards to celebrate, and also we still did not have power.

On our way home, we bought some plumbing parts. Scott ended up cutting the pipe underneath in the crawl space to relieve the congestion and add a adjoining pip afterwards. That fixed it. Sink was fixed, still no power and Elias seemed to be running out of clothes to wear.

On top of all these, I got a letter from our POA office here at the lake about a Commercial Property violation or a business nuisance and the fine would be $100 per day. Basically saying I was not allowed to run a business off my property. This has added to my stress and although I had emailed them that I will be in compliance. I had removed my Facebook post about my brand new office and that I was ready to take appointments. I believe that was caused them to issue me with this violation and that I had put it in public that I was taking appointment. My major regret was that I posted this photo of my office and just a little clip saying that it will be a busy tax season and that they better make the appointments, yup I posted this on a Sunday morning, thinking it was not a big deal.
I had sorely repented of it. I had took it for granted that it it only took few seconds to place the add, and no big deal, but I should have known better. I  was doing it first thing on Sunday. I got excited about my new office and that I have made a business engagement on Sunday by placing an Ad. This was a great reminder for me that nothing good came of it. I was reprimanded with $100 fine instead. I need to really set my own boundaries and not be carried away with the easiness of using technology at the touch of my finger trip and be mindful of keeping my covenants and the Sabbath Day.

The meeting for which I was supposed to attend on the adjustment committee for the violation was re scheduled in March due to tornado.

But this week has been a challenge. A lot was happening, but I have learned a lot and I am grateful for the Lord's tender mercies and gentle reminder.

January 26, 2020 Early tax season

I am so excited this tax season. Back in October I believe, I applied for Intuit Turbo Tax Expert position and I was able to get the job. I finally got my laptop and equipment like headset, web cam, etc On January 10th. I spent about 35 hours on training and took my first shift on the 18th. It's still slow and on first day, i encountered a lot of tech issues. Now, a week later, I am getting a bit more comfortable helping callers about their tax season. I am already getting busy with my own business as well. I life the fact that Intuit let's me keep my business. Since it's slow on call center, I sometimes get a chance to work on my own business, like responding to email or advertising on social media.

I am so thankful that I got this job. I actually really enjoy it. And although they have assigned me with about 240 hours for this tax season, I am able to pick up more hours if and when I want to. The best part is that as an employee I get to contribute to 401k, well the company matching I believe does not take effect until 4 years. The software Proseries professional also I got for only $325.00, regular price of $2600. I normally just buy the basic version since I can't afford the Professional version, this alone was a great blessing as well. With all the cost of expansion which we are now up to about $85 000.00 spent, including the garage conversion to an office. We are trying to do it on cash basis, so it's not finished on the inside. The conversion is going pretty good, there  are little finishing touches that needs to be done, but Scott said I can move in today. I am very excited, once I move my office, the 3 kids can now have their own room, as currently they are all sleeping in one room and I am using the other as an office.

Scott has been super awesome trying to complete this office for tax season as early as possible. He is working tirelessly into the late night or should I say early morning the next day. I have learned how to put dry wall, mud dry wall, sand it (the worse part, super dusty) and painting. All because we wanted to save as much penny as we can and do it ourselves instead of paying someone to do it. The big expansion, we were quoted $12 000 to have that done, now we are thinking, we can do it ourselves, and hopefully we can take the experience we had and do get better at putting up and finishing up a dry wall just to save the cost. It's going to be a lot of work, but we are not in a hurry, saving $ as much possible, and as safely as possible would be great. I think about it this way, would I like a job that will pay me $12 000 in a month to finish, I would say sure. So, here is the opportunity, only I am not technically getting paid, but i am saving at least $10 000 instead (less cost of materials) I say a constant prayer that we can do all this renovation without any injury and accident. I did pull my lower back 2 days before Christmas and hurt my shoulder 2 days after Christmas, but I was thankful it was not worse and with priesthood blessing and careful exercise, I was able to heal quickly. The Lord has really blessed us.

I got a lot of new clients coming in. I am very excited. I really hope to grow my business to make it to 6 digit gross sales if possible. I also signed up 2 more bookkeeping clients this month, which is going to be my regular and monthly cash stream even through slow tax season.

I am ever so thankful .I was thinking that volunteering at the church to be on call for the Hurricane Crises clean up hotline has prepared me for this call center kind of job. Considering I applied a year ago and I did not get the job with Intuit, then I got into volunteering with the church group on the hotline and I think, no I know for sure the Lord is rewarding me and I am grateful.
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This month I got called as 2nd counselor in Young Women, with Sister Sarah Orme as president and Michelle Martin as 1st counselor. I accepted with much pondering as to how I will be able to add and contribute to the YW program and be a beacon for the youth.

I am thankful for my kids, who are patient with me and are patiently working and improving their piano skills.My goal this year is 365 days some exercise and 365 day scripture read/study. So far so good. I am hoping to create a habit for myself. We have been doing much better at reading scripture together as a family. My kids really do enjoy reading the Book of Mormon, especially Adam. I sometimes have to reprimand him to close the book as it's getting late for his bed time. Wait, what? I know, you think this never happened, but it did. I love my kids.