Dear Family,

Monday is a holiday for IRS and other Federal and school employees and students. 11 years ago, Martin Luther King Day also fell on a Monday. I remember my buddy, Marvin taking that as a personal day off from work. And my husband was gloating because he was going to get to sleep late that Monday, while I was going to have to get to the office for a 7:30 am appointment.

Well, the universe got even with both of them. That morning, before 5:00 a.m., the earth moved. The Northridge quake woke up everyone in the Los Angeles area - and really ruined a perfectly good day off.

This year, let's hope things stay a little more quiet. So. Cal. already had our trauma - with the major land- slides and floods all over Southern and Central California. (Hey, who in the UN is offering to step in and help us with our dead and injured people? And our property destruction? Anyone hear the United Nation's Jan Egeland speaking up for us lately?)

For those of you who want to enjoy the respite from work courtesy of the great MLK - you might want to visit some towns holding parades and celebrations in honor of his life. Here are some last-minute getaways for you.

As ever in January, this is traditionally, the big diet month. So, of course, here's the link to the lazy person's diet - the patches. Do they work? Let me know.  

And for those of you brave enough to do your own taxes, TurboTax is ready and waiting for your input.

OK, we're gone - you have a lovely, introspective weekend.

Best wishes,

Eva Rosenberg, EA Your TaxMama is watching...out for you.