Messages from January 2008
posted 1.31.08
1009 FORMS update
I decided not to take any chances with my order not showing up today so I went by the IRS office in Amarillo yesterday. I was told
that they were carbon forms but at that point I was just glad to have some. I would figure out what to do with them even if I had to spend all day hand-writing them.
Luckily it didn't come to that. I don't have the skills to press hard enough when I write to copy through to 4 sets of forms. So after studying them for bit I got out my trusty ruler and started measuring. To make a long story short, I created a merge file, tore out the form that I needed, placed them in my printer and printed directly to the forms. It worked and not a single form jammed in the printer!
This ended up being easier and faster than using the software I've come to be so dependent on. So with that task complete, it is time to start packing. I will be leaving tomorrow and will be gone all of next week. I will be too far from civilization for a few days to get e-mail or check phone messages so please be patient if you don't hear back from me very quickly.
The ineligible lists will be updated tonight. Tomorrow begins a new month and an increase in late fines. I am surprised how many members will be paying late fines for report cards but I can't knock on everyone's door and ask for them. It is each member's responsibility to get them in on time. And that goes for the program ads, too. Okay, I'm getting off my soapbox now.
Congratulations to Codi Myers and Lacey Harris for being voted team captains for the Wrangler All-Star Team.
Have a wonderful week. When I get back we will be one month away from rodeos. I will mail you entry envelopes to get you started for the spring. Be thinking about what rotation you would like to be in.
1009 FORMS
Apparently there is a shortage of tax forms this year because I've not been able to find them in stores and my catalog order keeps getting cancelled. I've waited (im)patiently all day for their scheduled delivery only to find out they are now scheduled to be here on Thursday. I will do everything in my power to get them out before I leave on Friday. If you just want to know the totals for your 1099s for now, please feel free to give me a call. My apologies.
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I've added some new pages today that I will be adding information to soon. It is getting a little crowded at the top of the page but this is the easiest way I know to help you find the information you need as quickly as possible. I'll see how it goes this semester and maybe make some format changes this summer.
HIGH PRIORITY: all I am adding today is the motel information for the Tri-State Finals in Vernon, June 6-8, 2008. There always seems to be a lot going on in Vernon the weekend of our Finals and this year is no different. Go to the new Tri-State Finals page for more information.
posted 1.24.08
I am finally in my new office today. It is not completely finished but it is close enough for me have all of the equipment moved in and set up. I am also happy to say that I made the leap from dial-up internet to DSL yesterday. You may not notice any changes from your end but from my end it is already a vast improvement. It will allow me to update the website from the Tri-State computer instead of transferring all of the information to my personal computer - which isn't necessarily faster but it is wireless so I could work on the internet without tying up the phone line.
With the spring schedule on the horizon, I am going to take advantage of the weekends that are available starting tomorrow. My grandpa turns 85 on Monday so Mom and I are going to Dallas for his birthday party and plan to take in a performance at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. I will also be out of the office February 1st - 10th for a pro rodeo. After that I am all yours until the end of March.
I will be updating the schedule page with entry deadlines like it had last semester. And don't worry about envelopes. I will be sending some out to you in plenty of time to get entered for the first rodeo. FYI: If you are on the ineligible list, I am not going to spend the postage to send you envelopes. If you plan to rodeo in March, now is the time to get your late items taken care of.
Have a great weekend. I hear warmer weather is headed our way!
posted 1.21.08
The Board of Directors had their winter meeting yesterday. The Schedule page has been updated with the approved rodeos for the spring semester. I will be posting more details throughout the week but since everyone's first priority is the schedule, I decided to post it on its own today. Thanks to everyone for waiting so patiently.
posted 1.16.08
I have updated the ineligible lists with the fundraising items that came in while I was out of town. Once I organize the report cards that have been turned in I will update the list again to reflect the ones that are missing. Please keep in mind that I forward report cards on to the State Office for members of Region 1 and Wrangler Division. So while I appreciate that some of you are faxing or e-mailing your grades to meet the deadline, I can't guarantee that they will be accepted by the State Secretary. Put a copy in the mail to me and there won't be anything to worry about.
Thanks to all of you who did such a great job of meeting your deadlines so far this year. I really appreciate you paying attention and taking care of your business. It makes my job easier.
For those of you having trouble meeting the deadlines, I understand how easy it is to get sidetracked. There is a lot going on in December and due dates get overlooked and some days you may just lack the motivation to do what needs to be done. (That happens to me way too often.) Excuses aside, you need to understand that late fines are not per member - they apply to each item that is late. So Tri-State ads will cost an additional $25 and Region 1 ads will cost an additional $25 and Dodge truck tickets will cost an additional $25 and Wrangler Division ads will cost an additional $25. These fines increase for each month that you are late so I encourage you to get everything turned in ASAP.
posted 1.14.08
I am back in the office today. Once I get all of the mail sorted I will update the ineligible lists.
I saw several former Tri-State members at the Odessa PRCA rodeo last week. Congratulations to Stormy Wing for splitting 5th place in the bull riding!