Dear Family,

Still a couple of days left to finish preparing your 1099s, payroll and sales tax returns. Get on with it. And if you're feeling frustrating trying to get the ID numbers from people and need to punch something, here... punch this - or hug it when you're feeling grand! [use coupon code CPNEWPRODS to get $4 off until 02/04/05]

And since there are so many natural disasters happening all over the country these days, please consider backing up your precious computer data. It may be wise to have it off-site (away from your home or office). Consider putting your back-ups into a bank safe-deposit box - they are relatively safe from magnetic interference and weather. Or using a professional back-up service. Here are some to consider.

Speaking of disasters.For the last couple of days, the top story on Google News was the train crash in Glendale (Los Angeles County).

My assistant's brother-in-law travels that route, so she called to see if he was all right. That day, he had taken a later train. But he had a story to tell. His friend always takes that particular train. Wednesday, his friend was really stressed because he just couldn't find a parking spot in the Park & Ride lot until the very last minute. He missed the train by mere seconds. Talk about luck! My sympathies to the families of all who didn't make it or got badly hurt. But on the other hand...May all your inconveniences and misfortunes turn out to have silver linings, too.

Best wishes,

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