Every Year This Time I Feel a Little Bit Like I Won the Lottery

because my tax return arrives. Since I have been bad at saving money, I realized a long time ago that if I gave more money to the government, I would feel rich for at least one week in February. While I realize it would be a lot smarter if I just put it in an interest bearing savings account and I'm certain the government is using the interest they make off my money to finance the war in Iraq (The meal ready to eat it purchased was probably a good one versus a crummy one), I like to get a big chunk of change that I can spend like I had more than $4. This savings plan has evolved from being something only dedicated to fun, to paying the yearly vet bills, donations to local nonprofits, get new glasses, etc. But, I still use some of the money for a fun trip or new toy. This year it will help pay for the extra time I'm staying in Vancouver at the end of March. The weather should be nicer than it is here, there are great hiking trails and an endless supply of salmon which I will sample daily. I'm certain the money will go quickly and then I will be back to my uber budget conscious ways, but for now I'm enjoying the chunk of change in my checking account.