My pockets aren't that deep.

Earlier this week, our esteemed leaders sprung a new tax on us. Oh, sure, they said it will rejuvenate the economy but really it's just a poke in the eye for most British Columbians and virtually all tourists. What they are doing is "harmonizing" the provincial sales tax (PST, 7%) with the federal goods and services tax (GST, 5%). This harmonized sales tax (HST) will take effect next July 1st, post the glorious Olympic Games of course. While it makes some sense for those who have to collect the tax, it is problematic to blend two different systems. Here's just a few things that will be more expensive under the new tax (currently exempt from PST, they will be subject to the full 12% HST):

GOODS

• Residential fuels (electricity, natural gas) and heating.
• Basic cable TV and residential phones.
• All food products (only basic groceries will remain exempt under new tax).
• Non-prescription medication.
• Vitamins and dietary supplements.
• Bicycles.
• School supplies (books will continue to be exempt).
• Magazines and newspapers.
• Work-related safety equipment.
• Safety helmets, life jackets, first-aid kits.
• Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
• Energy conservation equipment (e.g., insulation, solar power equipment).

SERVICES

• Personal services such as hair care.
• Dry cleaning.
• Repair services for household appliances.
• Household maintenance such as renovations and painting.
• Real estate fees.
• Membership fees for health clubs.
• Movie and theatre tickets.
• Funeral services.
• Professional services such as accounting and home care.
• Airline fares within Canada.

All household energy prices have increased significantly in the past five years anyway; an added 7% on that item alone will be a huge burden for the average family but that is only one item on the list. Add up just the ones you can't avoid and it's going to get ugly uglier around here.

Thanks a lot Gordo.

Chores and Chore Avoidance

Some days, my To Do list seems impossibly huge. Last night, before I tackled some of the tasks, I took the time to sit down and paint a few more ACEO/ATCs but I also set up a space for Kiddo to work across from me thus amusing the child while getting fun stuff done:

(I guess, technically, the ACEOs were on my To Do list, just no where near the top end.) This batch I had drawn while on the ferry last week and I am most pleased with this piece featuring Mister Bones on a swing:

After that was multi-tasking as Kiddo got bathed, I put away laundry, tidied up the bedrooms, and vacuumed. After she was in bed, I started to tackle the mountain of paperwork in the dining area but I ran out of steam pretty quick. Happily, Hubby returned from his workout with a decaf latte for me. :) Alas, the paperwork is still threatening to avalanche, so I have more work to do tonight.

Once the paperwork is filed and/or shredded, I get to do my taxes! Oh joy.