Taxes, Like Whoa

So. Here's the deal. Cliff does really well at work and that, thank the Lord, translates into a pretty decent salary and commission checks. And this is money that we have, to no credit of just our own, been very careful with from the start - we paid off debt, starting saving and investing, and have truly learned the value in giving. We have realized, with his particuar situation, that taxes can get really cumbersome, though. Month to month, we've seen a larger and larger portion taken from his checks. It gets a little frustrating. We've balked and moaned, not understanding why someone who works so hard sees upwards of 25% going out of his paycheck every month to... well... I won't even go there.

And now? With me working... here's where the gut-check comes in. I got my first direct deposit statement today and almost threw a mini-fit at the amount of money that was taken out. And it's not as though I've never gotten taxed before... just never this much. I have quickly joined the ranks of Cliff and now we're in this boat together, wondering whether we like it very much at all.

Now don't worry, I get taxes. What I don't get is this amount of taxes and for what justifcations. Because it takes no account for the individuals. It's all the numbers. And maybe that's a little too idealistic, but come on.

I guess getting my first "big-girl" paycheck has me thinking even more significantly about these sorts of things. And I'm just wondering... why?

Doing Our Civic Duty

And not having to wait in (that long of a) line to do it. Early voting is great, especially with all of these satellite locations Williamson County has all over the place. Cliff "made freedom count" yesterday at Prarie Life Fitness in Cool Springs, and I did so today at the Factory, in our friend's old site for her salon, none the less.

I have to admit, there's something kind of euphoric about voting. I think probably because in that seemingly small act you're making one voice join with many to make things happen or at least tell it like we think it should be.

No matter what the outcome, our votes count.

And that is something we will not take for granted.