So. Many. Taxes.

I'm writing this from a hotel room in Van Wert, Ohio. This follows overnight trips in Montpelier and Oberlin. I am collecting an impressive array of tea and conditioner.

Since it's been so long since we've last talked, I thought I'd turn this into a grab bag of van fun.

1. So far my favorite travel story happened in the aforementioned Montpelier in Williams County. The county borders both Indiana and Michigan so it's quite the haul. I stayed there once last year. The hotel is haunted. It's basically The Overlook. Dimly lit, lots of corners, patterned carpet, and a weird empty conference area in the middle. I've been telling everyone about how much it's like The Overlook. I was weirdly excited about it. So when we check in, guess what room I get? HINT. If I ran into a set of twins I would have gone into shock.

2. Erin and I are proud to report that every single event we've been to has been successful. No duds here. I mean, if there were duds I probably wouldn't write about them, but you can take my word on this. Every event has been a hit.

3. I'll admit I'm personally disappointed that I haven't had any gigantic tax returns this tax season. The best part of taxes is telling someone in your best game show host voice that they're getting a return of $8,000. I can't pretend I'm Bob Barker if the return is less than a thousand bucks.

4. Erin and I also want to thank Emily Forsee. Ms. Forsee is an Americorps volunteer who works out of our home base in Columbus. Emily has organized over a dozen clinics across Columbus to help people file their taxes. That on it's own deserves kudos. But an added benefit for the Mobile Team is that going to these events keeps us in Columbus. I can't imagine how roadworn and weary we'd be if it weren't for the occasional clinic in our home county. Staying in Columbus every now and again keeps fresh for these trips to Van Wert.

So that tackles the past two weeks or so. The calendar is still chock full all the way into late-March. Anyone have any good vacation destinations for April 16th?

Northwest Ohio

Like, way Northwest Ohio. The television commercials were advertising Detroit furniture companies. The radio stations were all centered in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Thankfully, Ohio is Ohio is Ohio and as long as you have that Oh-Aitch in your address, we can do your taxes. Enrollment Specialist Jerry Lee and I made the trip to Paulding and Williams Counties and helped over two dozen families complete their taxes completely free of charge.

And, as usual, we couldn't have done it without the help of the VISTAs from the area who took appointments, made scheduling arrangements, and even brought us pizza before our four hour drive back to Columbus. (Thankfully, the ride home did include a stop on my hometown drag: The Grand Army of the Republic Highway...Exit 8, represent!).

In other good news, the van is back in a big way. Mobile Enrollment Specialist and co-author of this site) Erin Sprouse traveled to Mount Gilead with our Central Regional Coordinator, Zach Reat. It took some digging to get it out of the snow, but the event was another success.

As I write this now, the weather is looking awfully intimidating, so the Mobile Express may need to stay in park for a few more days, but with another trip to Northwest Ohio on our docket, we anticipate another successful event this weekend.