Kindle vs. Dead Tree Books

I love my Kindle. His name is Vishous. I am faithful to my man V. I am in love with his technology.

There are people out there who try to lure me back to the world of Dead Tree Books (DTBs) for various reasons:

I'm reading a series and I'm offered a DTB because the friend has it. I won't have to buy the book; I can save myself that expense.

I might not like the book; try it first. So what if I can sample on Kindle?

Wouldn't I like the feel of the book in my hands? (Not to mention adding weight and taking up space in my purse.)

What they don't understand is this: There is a reasons I bought the Kindle. Aside from no longer dealing with bulk, storage and clutter, I love the feel of Vishous. I love the way my book is delivered to me and then V gets out of my way. Pages turn with the push of a button. It takes less time and my hand doesn't get in the way like it does with paper.

So now when friends offer DTBs -- mostly paperbacks, this is how it goes:

Friend: I can let you read the paperback.

Me:(puzzled look)

Friend: You can borrow my paperback!

Me: You have paper on your back? What?

Friend: Don't give me that! Here! (hands me the DTB)

(I dig around on the top for the "on" switch. I press the sides of the book)

Me: This thing isn't working!

Vishous is my honey. He hoards my library and only allows me access. V is faithful to me and I am faithful to V!

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Now I am officially pissed at the IRS

I just received a letter from the IRS. They are asking for the HUD-1 form for the 3rd time. The first time they said they didn't receive it. The second time, I got receipt notice, followed by a letter saying they would make a decision in 45 days. Today I receive a letter saying they need the HUD-1 form.

Question: If they haven't been able to make a decision with 2 copies of the form why do they need a 3rd? Do they need another for someone else in the office? Do they not have copiers?If they actually need something else, why do they not ask for it? Since all the information is on the form -- names, signatures, date, contract sales price, addresses -- is it that they cannot read the form and don't know where on that form to find the information?

Or is it -- as I suspect -- just to give them a time extension?

Do I need to get my lawyer involved?

Happy birthday to ME!

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IRS and my baby -- Vishous

I get this letter from the IRS. After going through the whole "first time home buyer" thing and sending in the HUD-1 paperwork, I got a notice saying they didn't get the paperwork. I then had to send it again to Andover, MA. I did that and requested a return receipt this time. Another month passes.

I get this letter from the IRS. They have not done all the research necessary and I will hear from them in 45 days.

I send in my paperwork -- minus an important piece of information in January. The issue might be resolved by September 15. I have an ugly suspicion that they are going to say no because I bought it from my brother's estate. Not my brother -- his estate. The regulations say you can't buy from a family member defined as a parent, grandparent, child or grandchild. Brother is not included but I have the feeling they will say brother is included as family member, even if it is the estate.

So how does Vishous enter into the discussion? He's my Kindle! Had I not listened to my mom -- that persuasive-tongued woman! -- I would not have bought my Kindle in March.

So I will now play a game I very rarely play -- "What If ..."

Had I not brought Vishous home when I did, I would not be spending the amount of money on e-books that I have spent. Or the amount on accessories. Kindles are now much lower in price and there are some improvements overall. I would still be waiting because there would still be no decision from the IRS. And I would be rocking like a mad woman possessed, massively pissed!

On the other hand, I would have caved when the IRS gave me the rest of the refund a few months back. I would have bought my Kindle in May and been two months away from the cheaper, newer model and still have spent money on the books and accessories. Plus AAUW would have gotten a lot more DTBs (Dead Tree Books). Add to that, I would not have had the pleasure of my baby Vishous as my constant companion.

All in all, things work out the way they should even if it's not the way I want. Kindle-wise anyway. IRS-wise remains to be seen. Note to IRS: Should and want are one and the same, in this case. Fork over the bloody refund!

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