What do Snakes, Staph and Turbo Tax Have in Common?

They have caused Mommy to panic. Bigtime. The snake inflicted fear in my three-year old (Josie tinkled on herself as we came face to face with it...in our hallway!) She stood paralyzed, literally shaking with fear. This fight or flight syndrome and crippling fear of anything that depicts a reptile, insect amongst other things, has been passed down from many generations on my mother's side. Not to mention the girls and I have NEVER seen a snake in our lives, aside from those that seem relatively complacent behind the glass wall at the zoo. Staph has caused misery for my babies...and me. Dispensing meds to a screaming, back-arching kick-inducing three year old hasn't been a picnic. The sweet little pumkin head finally had to have the doctors "lance" (cut it open). I won't go into the gory details, but let me put it this way. Even our seasoned pediatrician was taken aback when he saw what was hiding under that red, hard skin...It was a blood bath that I wouldn't wish on anyone. But it had to be done... And then there is the $59.95 I paid to Turbo Tax (like I have time to calculate my deductions and everything else financially above my head). Turbo Tax assured me I would receive close to $6200 back...finally, good news! I merrily planned how I could use this "bonus" from the government; school registration fees ($1300!!!), new tires on my minivan and the rest towards medical bills. A blessing indeed... Cut to April 23, date of alledged direct deposit. $1569. WTH? Are you kidding me? Apparently IRS call centers are not the most jovial folks to deal with (before, during and after tax season). In the end, it was faulted by Turbo Tax, and I would receive the $1300. At least day care registration will be paid for. Whoo-Hoo! Living the dream baby!