by Claire
I know that I have so many unfinished topics and stories on the blog. You all know from my first 5 months as the blogger that I don’t usually leave a story untold. I write today to express my frustration about not being able to be a completely open book. It is really a terrible feeling for me to experience. I know none of my readers are angry because of the many unfinished stories but it is really tough for me. My nature is to just be an open book so to hold back is very stressful for me.
All of that said, I am also smart enough to know that no one is going to protect me but me and I cannot disclose everything at this time. Although it is a silent battle, I cannot forget that I am indeed in the middle of a battle with a man who I do not recognize and I cannot predict.
The tax issue was addressed this weekend and it isn’t pretty. I got a single line, typed letter from Steve saying he will pay the IRS directly. That’s it. That is all he said. I have no idea what that means but will not concern myself with trying to decipher his code. I called in a favor to a dear friend who is a CPA (and one I’ve helped several times through the years with free legal advice–and isn’t that another great life lesson? Pay it forward people b/c it will come back to you tenfold. I could have been charged thousands for what my friend had to dig through this weekend and I was not charged) and while I certainly don’t like what I learned, knowledge is power. I know now what I am dealing with and will act accordingly. Forgive me for not being able to share details but I will eventually.
Even with this heaviness, it was a great weekend. Church was all about the fear we all have of “letting go.” Sometimes from basic material things and also the big stuff that holds us back. I was there in my marriage. I was so afraid of losing what I thought I had, what I had created as my reality that I actually ignored reality! The message is that letting go always leads to bigger and better blessings.
Happy Monday!
Born and raised in Texas. I’ve at least driven through every state in the US courtesy of a roadtrip loving Dad.
I’m single with two children and a good parenting relationship with their father.
I am a “life is just half full of funny” kinda gal. Humor is my saving grace and I am thankful for it every single day. I have a strong Catholic faith and am thankful for that foundation.
I read a lot for a living but still enjoy a good book. I love biographies but in recent years have found the need for fun fictional books–sadly, for a long time I just didn’t enjoy fiction!
I love live theatre of any kind–from local productions to Broadway.
I love to scrapbook and pride myself in my kids’ albums.
I love being a mom but also love my career. I’m blessed to have found a balance allowing me to be at everything my kids need and want me to be at–while also having a career.
Favorite Quotes: Well behaved women rarely make history.
Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out. -James Bryant Conant
Maybe I am confused and of course, i don’t know the whole story, like you said. But isn’t that what you wanted and what should happen…? That Your ex husband is paying for his taxes directly to IRS.
That’s a million times better and responsible response than no reply or “I’m not gonna pay”.
Thia-it is lacking information and certainly open to a lot of possible interpretations. Is he saying we are filing jointly? Is he saying he is filing separately? Is he sending in just his half and I am to send in my half? How are we going about signing the return? This one line note doesn’t really say much. It’s all moot at this point because the proposed joint return is not something I will sign.
Maybe it’s our name, but I, too, am an open book, and would find it torturous to not share the details. I know that in the situation you are facing with your ex, you have to be especially discreet. I hope your readers will understand.
I hope you’re filing separately at this point so you can move on. My mother got bitten hard during divorce. Her only income was a 401k withdrawal and she thought he was filing separately. Her withdrawal was under the filing limit and she was lazy and didn’t follow up. He filed jointly and had someone forge her signature on the return and the refund. The IRS later found that there was undeclared income from the 401k withdrawal and came after both of them. He filed an Innocent Spouse Statement and even though he forged documents and a check, they decided to threaten to lien her house with her new husband a couple years down the road. They go after who they think will pay; they don’t care which party is ethical. This is a different situation but rid yourself of the uncertainty now.
I’m guessing he’s reading your blog, no? Do you think he’s just getting a kick out of your frustration and that this is his chance to get back at you for pushing financial responsibility?
Exactly why I filed separately! And yes, I think he is attempting for punish me for daring to set limits of ANY kind.
Hey Claire, long time lurker here. I really enjoy this blog. Hang in there! You are giving encouragement to a lot of people, I am sure.
Ditto, Bruce. Claire, you are amazing!
I stand in awe, as a working mom, when you tell us you’re making homemade tortillas. I don’t know how you do it, but I sure enjoy reading about it:-) Keep fightin’ the good fight. This will all be behind you before you know it.