6 more sleeps

Although I generally consider myself to be fairly well organized, with 6 sleeps to go, I’m starting to wonder. Every day I thank my lucky stars that I wasn’t planning to head straight to the ferry after my last day of work.

It will come as no surprise to many that the biggest screw-ups have come compliments of those to whom the BC government has entrusted the Deferred Salary Leave Program money (MY money) and benefits (MY benefits.)

At one point the money-holder-who-shall-go-nameless said I had saved post-tax dollars so no tax will be payable. Although ideal, that info was of course too good to be true and they next gave the scary advice that no tax had been paid, they wouldn’t do a hold-back and I was on my own to deal with Revenue Canada. Having heard nothing from them in recent months, I followed up to make sure they had received my void cheque to facilitate direct deposits. Consistent with the scary theme, I suspected I might be speaking to someone off-shore when my inquiry “did you receive my void cheque?” was met with “how much was the void cheque for?” Two phone calls later, I learned a “small error” had resulted in payments starting in October instead of November. I found the deposit on my bank statement, did some quick math (payment X 12), and concluded that if the advice I had received was even close to accurate, I’m out by close to $20,000. More phone calls to finally learn income tax had indeed been withheld – and plenty of it! Needless to say I made an immediate appointment with a tax professional who will manage this in my absence.

As for the benefits screw-up…..I learned through my local pharmacist that while the benefits managers were quick to terminate my regular benefits they had forgotten to flip the switch on the continued benefits for which they had already cashed my cheque. I won’t bore anyone with the details of my conversation with them and, with that, will end this rant!

MineRVa is still at the mechanical shop, getting new rear brakes and a few other do-dads, but otherwise in tip-top shape. I’ve been tearing around every day, crossing things off my do list and have even started packing up my stuff. By sundown on Saturday, I’ll be ready to roll and will spend the evening sipping cosmos and feasting at the Heron Rock Bistro.

The rez for Sunday’s 11 a.m. ferry is posted on the fridge next to the countdown calendar on which the days are excitedly being X’d off. Sunday’s journey will be short, ending at the Peace Arch RV Park where my fab children (Robyn & her guy Fabian, Jodi and her sweetheart Kevin, and Jamison) will join me for a traditional Murphy family celebration dinner, i.e., Kentucky fried chicken.

For those who don’t know, Patti is coming on the first part of the trip – from Victoria to Casa Grande, Arizona. She is completely caught up in my excitement!

I have just seen the most magnificent double rainbow which, I swear, moved across James Bay and touched my balcony. Such beauty! Such inspiration! Such an omen of all good things coming my way!

Gotta dash…..