(OFF-TOPIC): Business is very slow

[Black Bart]

here. Unusually so. What about your section of the country?

I don't know if it's just me or what, but there's been an absolute minimum of traffic both here in the office and on the highway for two weeks now. Lots of small businesses have zero cars out front except for one or two employees. No auto traffic on the weekends either--streets are deserted and kids used to run up and down the road all day and night on Saturday and Sunday. Of course they've got the Internet to chat on and also it is and has been terribly hot. People here tend not to get out too much if temperatures are really baking--temp's pushing 100 here.

My wife took some kids to Branson, Missouri (a Southern tourist mecca) this past week--she said tourist traffic was 1/3 of normal. Could be the gas price, I guess.

Also, there's nobody to speak of either here or at QF.

[Bees Knees]

Everyone is on vacation. The wife and I are headed for Alaska next Saturday. We'll be gone until the 12th of July. Maybe I might check in from time to time. They say there is an Internet lounge on deck 5.

[S T]

Quiet

Hi Bart and Bees,

Bees, We took the Alaska cruise last September, and it was a wonderful experience, however, we did have a little problem with the internet on board due to Storms, etc. Bees, you will have a terrfic time, eat too much and gain about 10-20 lbs. However, they do have an exercise room, pool, and spa.

Bart, Yes I noticed the TB Board was quiet as of Friday nite. I guess Gas prices, probably are playing a role in some activity, graduations the last week or two, start of summer and the summer vacations and the unusual weather in so many parts of the country.

We are "hot" here in Southern Calif and Arizona and other Western States as well, while we notice that there is lots of rain on the Eastern Side. We have property in No Carolina, so watch the weather to see what is going on!

Me, I am just at home, working around the yard and the home, and then am on the computer either emailing, working, researching something, or playing solitare. (that is on the weekends). During the week still the normal days work on accounting, answering notices, tax planning, and finishing up all of my extensions. So plenty to do here and keep my staff of 2 busy. The phones have been quiet this last week, however!

Vacation probably not until Sept or Oct and then maybe a trip to the Blue Ridge Mtns, North Carolina Side.


Sandy

[geekgirldany]

Business has slowed down for me some too. As you guys say alot of people are going on vacation. I've been a little aggravated the pass two weeks trying to get people to pick up tax returns or come in for meetings to discuss taxes. I either get a call an hour before that they can't come or they just don't come at all. Very frustrating when you are trying to finish extensions.

I am taking time to look at my education a little further right now while it is slow. I found out this week that a few of the classes for the finance diploma I was wanting are only available on campus. Advisor talked like they may offer them online later. Been looking at other online certificates in accounting/finance. Found one at Middle Georgia Tech in Auditing and Assuance. I may sign up for it. They offer individual taxation, business taxation, cost accounting, and auditing. I think the taxation classes will be good reviews and the others will help me in the knowledge area.

I am also thinking of taking the EA exam this year. Trying to decide weather to take it this year or wait until next year to let the study material catch up with the new exam format. Not sure on this one.

Well that is where I am at Don't have plans for a vacation. Would like to take one though.