Chilly today, Hot tamale

This past weekend was spent west in Blowing Rock with my family. It was my parents anniversary but they wanted to get everyone out there together. Winterfest was running so the town was bustling with events and tourist filled sidewalks. Over at the Chetola resort I took part in the "Polar Plunge", what the video below doesn't show is the 75 year old couple going in after me.

I didn't have time to stick around for costume awards as I rushed over to the chili cook-off. With over 50 chili's and many cook-off veterans in the hunt for a $500 first prize, it was my "Chapel Chilli" that was off to an early lead. It wasn't meant to be however, the unexpected 900 hungry attendees cleaned out my big pot just an hour in. With two hours left and no more chili to serve, I saw my lead fade quickly. Trying to round up votes with charm and an empty pot proved a waste of time, these folks were hungry for some spice.

Back in the Triangle I am trying to get all the loose ends tied for a client closing this Friday. This owner will be left dealing with a tax value problem seen across the country as of late. Many devalued homes are now stuck with very high tax values. During the boom many homes across the country were overvalued and the tax assessments are a reflection. Properties with tax values of $250k are selling for $200k. Who wants to pay taxes on an extra $50k in imaginary value?

One solution is having a new appraisal completed to reflect the homes current value. Get this down to the tax assessors office and state your case, there are ways of appealing. In some states folks are lobbying their state legislature, in some law makers are calling for property tax reform. During a time many towns will have budget shortfalls, less property tax is an issue that may cause problems for both sides in the future.

Once you've saved yourself thousands in taxes, go spoil yourself with one of these. We took an hour long Segway tour recently in downtown Raleigh. They are amazingly simple to ride and got a high entertainment rating from me. The guide puts on a good history lesson without putting you to sleep, but is also quick to call you out for riding too recklessly.

I'm ready for the Superbowl but don't' have much vested interest in either team this year. Since Arizona is the underdog I'll be cheering them on I suppose. I'm more excited to hold my Annual Paper Rock Scissors tournament this year. After a first round elimination last year, I'm determined more than ever to win. Time to practice.