divingaggie,
Good financial planning means never getting a (US Fed'l income tax) refund:
simply ensure you have 100% of last year's tax or 90% of this year's tax w/h and you don't give the feds an interest free loan.
M

Rave: My Apple ipod Nano (4gb) that I won for contributing/editing reviews for another travel forum! It' so cool and we're having fun programming it. I can even watch slideshows of photos on it! :)

Rave: Our son's wedding was a joyous occasion, back in October. They are doing very well and are sooooo happy! :)

Rave: My daughter's water polo team took a VALLEY CHAMPIONSHIP in November. It is the first time the school has ever won this title. It's cool to make history! :)

Rave: We had a great time in Carmel for our anniversary in December. Spent four days in the area. :)

Rave: We're on the Oregon Coast right now. Had an excellent dinner at Chateaulin in Ashland, stayed at the Plaza, then spent the afternoon in Portland yesterday. (Rainy but still fun.) Lunch at Carlyle was great, shopping in Nob Hill and then Gower St. Bistro in Cannon Beach for dinner! :)

Rave: I finally get to go see our exhibit at the Columbia River Maritime Museum. I'll also check out the new Cannery Pier Hotel. More great meals planned! :)

Happy weekend! It's great being by the ocean again for a bit. ***kim*** ((l))

da,
110% if 2004 AGI is more than $150,000, lol.
M

Rave: Heading to Manhattan to visit my brother this week... excited to see the "new" MoMa.

Rant: All these news reports of things that "offend people's religion" -- no matter what religion. Christians whining about Britney's appearance on Will & Grace and some art exhibit in NY, the protests about the Mohammed cartoons... people, get over it, grow a thicker skin. Is your faith so fragile that you can't stand to be offended? I'm not talking about actual discrimination or displays of hatred, I'm talking about overreaction to things like sitcoms. If you don't like it, don't watch/patronize/buy it.

CarolM,
Amen. I think the press should "respect" all, but nailing the RC clergy was great.
I really think the west should totally ignore Islam - too bad the US needs their oil.
M (from MX and Pemex)

Rave: Two upcoming weekends in NYC!!!

Rant: Nothing comes immediately to mind.

Rave: Having no rants!

New Rave: That someone like me (a left-wing liberal) and mikemo (obviously NOT a liberal) can agree on some things :)

Even though I'm a member of a couple of minorites myself, I'm just tired of how touchy and whiny people have become, especially in the name of religion.

One More Rave: All the great snow we've been having up in the mountains. Lots and lots of snowboarding at Sierra Summit. My husband is really enjoying his new "board!"

Rant: My daughter's friend broke his arm a few weeks ago. He's out for the season and is on the Ski Team at the Summit. :( We hope he recovers quickly! ***kim*** ((l))

CarolM, et.al.
Someone not a liberal in his 20's has NO Heart, and someone not a conservative in his 40's has NO Head.
I was never a liberal thanks to my military and professional training, the USN and the Viet Nam thing.
M

frankie, "Frankie Goes To Hollywood". I am old enough to remember that song when I went to the discoteques in Germany when I was in the army. LOL

Carol, I agree with you.

jorr, don't tell mikemo you were listening to "Relax, Don't Do It" when you were in the Army... relax, Don't Ask Don't Tell :)

Carol, pretty sure everybody did it but it has nothing to do with Don't Ask Don't Tell and since you asked I'm really sure I don't want to be mikemo's gardener, maid, or house sitter :D

Does Ground Hog Day end today?

Carol, pretty sure everybody did it but it has nothing to do with Don't Ask Don't Tell and I'm really sure I don't want to be mikemo's gardener, maid, or house sitter :D

Does Ground Hog Day end today?

ha, jorr!
mikemo, guess I'm running around with no head, because I'm over 40 ;)!
But at least the heart's ok, lol!
and, Carol, I agree with you, too.

Not my house to sit, but a unique opportunity.
M

Rave--Had a great trip to the spa in Utah with a girlfriend last week. Lots of hiking and other fun stuff, and of course enjoying the spa.

Rant/Rave--Came home to a jury summons. I do not mind serving at all...just sort of wish I could pick the dates, lol!

Rave--DH earned a promotion at work:)

Rave--We will enjoy watching the Superbowl with friends, and cheer on the Seahawks!

Kim--Guess you will be needing to hit those gyms after eating all that food:)

swalter, hope you don't have much longer to wait! I really feel for you. Mine were both early and I still found the waiting difficult!

wagonwheel2, I hope things work out for your father this time. Talk about unbearable waiting!

Congratulations to AHaugeto!

Rave: Barack Obama who was interviewed (I think by NBC) after the State of the Union. An extremely intelligent, compassionate and ethical man who is truly worthy to follow in the footsteps of Paul Simon.

Rant: Still in limbo. My husband's first test isn't scheduled until the 14th.

Rave: Kids, mine and the ones at school. They're a wonderful distraction!

Rave: Fodor's and trip planning. Also wonderful distractions!

Wishing a wonderful weekend to all Fodorites!

What's up with this weather!?! It was 61 degrees today. Unbelievable!

Rave: It's Friday!! :D I made it through my first full week in my new position! :D

Rant: <b> I am tired.</b>

Rave: My team members are very nice.

Rant: I thought I had pretty much seen eveything, until yesterday. I began working with one of the most challenging students I have ever come across, EVER. That is why I am tired, lol! :)

Rave: I love a challenge! C:)

Rave: Our sons are coming home to visit us this weekend. Maybe we can finally finish the Risk game that we started in August, lol. I plan on winning ;)

Rave: Stealing a little time away with my DH next weekend -- NYC and Il Divo ((l)) -- can't wait!

Rave: I got to the gym this week, but I haven't weighed myself yet. I don't think there is any change. The &quot;Challenging student&quot; caused me to have a double scoop of chocolate ice cream two days in a row! Definitely a job hazard. b(

<b>swalter:</b> I have a sure fire way to help you go into labor, but I don't think I'd want to share it here. But it worked for me when I was 10 days late with my second son. :-d

For those of you who are dealing with difficult health situations (either you or a loved one) may you find peace.

Have a great weekend everyone!

mikemo, That's what I'm planning on for this next year. I'm actually talking to our new financial guy about it. :-) Thanks!

mikemo, oh, and I'm a teacher in Texas, so I can only wish that it were over $150K. In fact, I can only wish that it were over $50K!

BIG Rave: The <b>Pittsburgh Steelers</b> are in Super Bowl Xtra Large. That's right, don'ch younz know, the Piksburg Stillers are the AFC Champs.

Rave: My new #7 Steelers jersey at only $75 looks about as good as the <b>$229</b> jerseys that somebody is buying.

Rave: <b>jorr is happy</b> about Ground Hog Day.

Rant: GHD was yesterday and I don't think there is any grace period like on Freaky Friday because all it is is just Phil comes out and does/n't see his shadow and that is pretty much it, isn't it? Game over. Six more weeks of winter!