Christine

yes Comcast in the DC area sucks, they turned off our internet last weekend for no reason. We are moving next weekend and will have Cox again. So happy Verizon credited your account.

have a fun day together! Enjoy PF Changs, they have a new dessert thing, its little shots of different deserts, so yummy, you will have to try it.

I am off, but I am off all holidays except Columbus Day. Ahh the life of a teacher.

that is very true, I stimulated the economy a lot last year with wedding stuff, so I figure paying off a credit card is plenty fine.

Quote: Originally Posted by Morgan So I know the whole deal with this money is that we are supposed to spend it to stimulate the economy. My natural tendency is to put it in the bank. But, I feel a little guilty doing that because that would do no stimulating. If I put it into a mutual fund would that count as stimulation? that would be more stimulus than a savings account, the reason is that the bank will then use that money to loan to someone else who will buy a home or something which in turn will stimulate the economy, so in a round about way yes a mutual fund would be a way to stimulate. We plan to pay off a credit card with it, but I figure that with all the baby stuff we have to buy I am stimulating the economy enough.

Quote: Originally Posted by Morgan I think I heard the divorce was finalize recently too. Do you know why he stayed married so long? Who is your sororitiy sister who is on the show? Quote: Originally Posted by Nrvsbride Yeah Christine who is your sorority sister that is on the show? I totally caught that it was Sandals, I was so excited for the Sandals girls! It looks awesome! sorry girls, I didn't have a chance to reply to this thread. Alyson Waite joined my house about a year after I did. She's been on the show quite a lot. She lived in the house across the street where they always have little girly parties. As for the divorce, I believe it was a money situation (you know he didn't want his ex to get too much.

thanks for doing everything you have Tammy. I missed the forum yesterday.

Quote: Originally Posted by sohappy I don't understand, school should be a safe place. they are for the most part. I feel very safe in my school.

Gunmen Opens Fire on Illinois Campus Posted: 2008-02-14 17:33:33 Filed Under: Nation News DEKALB, Ill. (Feb. 14) - A gunman opened fire in a lecture hall at Northern Illinois University, injuring as many as 15 people, authorities said. "It has been confirmed that there has been a shooting on campus and several people have been taken away by ambulance," officials said in a message posted on the school's Web site at 3:50 p.m. "People are urged not to come to campus." Kishwaukee Community Hospital said on its Web site up to 15 victims were arriving, including three to four with head wounds. University officials said the shooting took place in Cole Hall near the King Commons, a central gathering place on the 25,000-student campus. "Take precautions until given the all clear," according to the school's Web site. Messages were left for university police and police in DeKalb, located about 65 miles west of Chicago.

no prob, I was happy to see that I could apply for the additional $300 since I will have a child in 2008.

The Skinny on the Stimulus Plan By Tom Herman 13 February 2008 The Wall Street Journal What's in it for me? That's the question millions of taxpayers are asking after Congress approved an economic-stimulus package last week that includes one-time payments to more than 131 million households. President Bush is planning to sign the package into law today, and a Treasury Department spokesman says the payments are expected to begin flowing in May. Under the legislation, most people who pay federal income taxes will get up to $600 for individuals, or as much as $1,200 for married couples, with an additional $300 per child. But many upper-income Americans will get nothing because of income limits. The amounts begin to phase out for incomes above $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for married couples who file jointly. Many low-income Americans who pay little or no federal income tax will get something, too. To get a payment this year, you have to file a tax return for 2007. Congress also approved business-tax breaks, including one especially designed for small businesses. Elements of the plan can be tricky, such as the mechanics of the phase-outs. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions affecting individuals, based on interviews with government officials, accountants and tax lawyers. Q: How much will I get? A: As with so many tax questions, the answer is: It depends. Here are a few examples: A married couple with no kids and adjusted gross income for 2007 of $140,000 typically would get $1,200. A married couple with the same income, with two kids under 17, would get $1,800. A married couple with the same income, with 10 kids, would get $4,200. There are other rules that apply to many low-income people, such as Social Security recipients and military veterans receiving disability benefits. For example, someone who is single with no kids and $3,000 in Social Security benefits would be eligible for a $300 payment, according to CCH, a Wolters Kluwer unit that publishes tax and other business information. The Treasury estimates payments to individuals will total about $112 billion. Q: How is the income phase-out supposed to work? A: The Senate Finance Committee says the amount of the credit "is phased out at a rate of 5% of adjusted gross income beginning at $75,000 ($150,000 in the case of joint returns)." Rough translation: You lose 5% of the dollar amount above the applicable cap -- such as $50 for each $1,000 above the cap. For example, suppose you're married and file jointly, have no kids, and your adjusted gross income for 2007 was $174,000. In that case, you made too much to qualify for the payment. Why? Your income was $24,000 over the cap. Multiply $50 times 24. That's $1,200, the amount you would otherwise have received. If you're single (and have no kids) and your 2007 income was $87,000, you wouldn't get anything, either. That's because your income was $12,000 over the cap. Some people will get reduced amounts because of the phase-outs. Suppose you're married, file jointly, have $175,000 in wages and two qualifying kids. In that case, you typically would be eligible for a $550 payment. (Without the phase-out provision, you would have gotten $1,800. Because of the phase-out, it's reduced by $1,250, leaving $550.) Q: Why did Congress impose income limits? A: Lawmakers wanted to get the money into the hands of people most likely to spend it quickly and help reinvigorate the economy. "The rebates will go to middle-income Americans and those aspiring to it," says a statement from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat. "The wealthiest taxpayers are not eligible for this relief." Q: Do I have to file a federal income-tax return for 2007 in order to get something this year? A: Yes. "You have to file a return for the 2007 tax year in order to receive a rebate check" during 2008, says an aide to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus. The IRS "will calculate the rebate from that return, estimating the reduction in tax liability for 2008 that results in the rebate check," the aide says. Q: Suppose I have Social Security income and no tax liability for 2007. Do I still have to file a return to get a payment from the government this year? A: Yes. Those with Social Security income but no tax liability "should take special note of the need to file a return this year," replies the Baucus aide. "Nothing will change about the taxability of their Social Security income, but they do need simply to report the SS [social Security] income on a return to receive the rebate." Q: Do I have to figure out how much I'm supposed to get this year? A: No. You don't have to apply. The Internal Revenue Service is supposed to handle it for you. As one congressional staffer put it, "all you have to know how to do is open an envelope" -- or tell the government how to zap your money electronically into your account. Q: Will Uncle Sam tax these payments? A: No, say representatives of the U.S. Treasury Department and congressional tax-writing committees. Q: But what about all these rumors that the payments will cut into what I get as my refund next year? A: They're wrong, congressional staffers say. "Please be aware that there have been erroneous reports that stimulus rebate checks are an advance on next year's tax refund, so that any refund a taxpayer might normally receive would be reduced by the amount of the 2007 stimulus check," says the Baucus aide. "This is not correct." Amy McAnarney, executive director for H&R Block's Tax Institute, says, "The actual credit will be calculated on your 2008 return. If you're due a higher credit, you'll get the remainder next year when you file. If you received a higher credit than you should have, you do not have to pay anything back." "What might happen next year," a House staffer says, "is that somebody who didn't get their full amount this year could get more, based on their return for 2008. For example, if you had a child born in 2008 and you were within the income caps, you'll get another benefit of $300 next year when you file your return for 2008." Q: How much of a stimulus will all these checks provide to the economy? A: Nobody knows, but about half of the analysts in a recent survey by WSJ.com said they thought the stimulus package would give the economy a "modest but welcome" lift. A further 24% thought it would have a "significant effect" on consumer spending. The package also includes new breaks for businesses. For example, the plan doubles the amount that many small businesses can write off immediately for capital investments made this year to $250,000 from $125,000. Q: Where can I get more details? A: The IRS (irs.gov) plans to post additional information soon, a spokesman says. Meanwhile, try the Web sites of the Senate Finance Committee (finance.senate.gov), House Ways and Means Committee (waysandmeans.house.gov) and the Joint Committee on Taxation ( Joint Committee on Taxation ). Also check out the CCH Web site (cchgroup.com). Click on the "Tax Legislation Update" banner to get to the special "CCH Tax Briefing."

yes Tammy you do seem like a wild one! this is me-if he gets me flowers it's always daisy's-and by the way I still have all our ticket stubs from almost every movie we've seen together- Daisy: Sentimental They saved the ticket stub from the first movie you saw together and they know without question the song that played the moment you first kissed. Your Daisy Valentine is as sentimental as they come, but that's what you love about them the most. Their sweet, caring nature makes everyone around them smile. Generally shy except for when it comes to showing how much they care for you, this sentimental Valentine always knows just what to say.

Find Your Valentine's Floral Personality! Is your true love filled with passion like the rose or do they flirt constantly like the tulip? Discover your Valentine's floral personality and then surprise them with a gorgeous bouquet or arrangement of that bloom from 1800flowers.com. Now that's the way to capture their heart! Rose: Romantic Slipping little love notes into your lunch and never missing a chance to say 'I love you' makes this ultimate romantic Valentine a true Rose personality! These classic cuddlers love to hold hands and surprise you with candlelight dinners or walks on the beach! Roses represent a rainbow of emotions, from true friendship to deep passionate romance, and your Valentine expresses each of these emotions beautifully. A Rose personality can be trusted to use their vivid imagination and affectionate nature to create a Valentine's celebration you'll never forget. Tulip: Glamorous Simply irresistible and totally spontaneous, that's a Tulip personality! They love the limelight and often cause a stir wherever they go! It s not unlike a Tulip personality to whisk you away for a romantic weekend in the mountains or suddenly show up at your office with a limo and champagne. Always the trendsetter, just like the flower itself, this fun and flirty Valentine keeps you on your toes, but will make it an action-packed celebration from start to finish! Lily: Sincere Charming, witty and always easy to talk to, the Lily personality is someone who is always sincere. There's never a question about where you stand with this Valentine one look and you know. An old-fashioned romantic at heart, expect your Lily Valentine to do those little things that mean so much, like carving your initials in an oak tree, inviting friends over for a night of laughter and board games, or creating a Valentine s dinner filled with music and romance. Orchid: Wild Exotic, adventurous and oh so mysterious, expect your Orchid personality Valentine to have you wondering what they're thinking one minute and caught in their passionate embrace the next. Everything about them is unique and unexpected, which is why the Orchid is often a risk-taker and a daredevil. Whether skydiving out of planes or bungee jumping at the Grand Canyon, a romantic relationship with an Orchid is anything but boring! Daisy: Sentimental They saved the ticket stub from the first movie you saw together and they know without question the song that played the moment you first kissed. Your Daisy Valentine is as sentimental as they come, but that's what you love about them the most. Their sweet, caring nature makes everyone around them smile. Generally shy except for when it comes to showing how much they care for you, this sentimental Valentine always knows just what to say. Carnation: Devoted This Valentine is not only the love of your life, but they're also your best friend! A Carnation personality is true blue, lovable, reliable and loyal. There's nothing phony about this sweetheart what you see is what you get! You can share your deepest secret and know it's safe with them. A Carnation personality listens not only with their ears, but with their heart. Let this great communicator teach you the language of love this Valentine's!

Stephanie that looks awesome. He is going to just love it.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone.

Drea that is so cute. Our dogs love to burrow under the covers too.

looks like you really scored in the presents area. What a nice day, I always love hanging out with family.

oh I love my absolute animal, its worth the buy. You can also get them at macy's and use their coupons they always have.

Anny those are adorable, you are really getting so creative with your invites. I bet your business is going to take off!

what a perfectly beautiful day Paula. You two look great together and look so in love. I love all the colors and the pictures turned out so fantastic. Congrats again!

our dogs love to lick our feet. They really love Will's feet. Our little girl could sit there for ever I swear, she is crazy. I guess the sweat taste is yummy to them. Great post Sarah and Morgan that cat was so cute.

Abbie you are right but I think the divorce was recently finalized. He had stayed married until their child was old enough. Sorry I know too much about playboy, quite a few of my sorority sisters used to go all the time and one is on the show regularly.

JoAnns is the biggest chain you will probably find at least one in your area. Also Hancock Fabrics is another one. I am sure you could find a great pattern, but I warn you that sometimes the fabric and supplies makes it more expensive. If your friend is good and doesn't mind taking that much time to do it its a great alternative. I love sewing when I have time, my mom and grandmothers are great sewers and taught me the basics. My mom actually made my prom dress in high school, it was beautiful. I used to tell her I wanted her to make my wedding dress but when the time came it was just easier to buy one.

oh what a fun contest, I didn't vote because I couldn't choose, but thanks for thinking I would actually go through pregnancy multiple times, my DH would like for me too.

so they were in Negril at Sandals, not sure if you all caught that, but they did say it really quickly. I think Holly is really hoping he marries her. I think he likes having all three right now.