Fanfic Writers' Virtual Water Cooler

[Sparky She-Demon]

I'm also overhauling my Covert Affairs story. I've also got class work, and shoveling to do.

WW, be sure to invest in a snow shovel when you move!

[Whytewytch]

I'm also overhauling my Covert Affairs story. I've also got class work, and shoveling to do.

WW, be sure to invest in a snow shovel when you move!

Sounds like you're keeping busy, Sparky.

I'm sure my hubby already has one.

[Sparky She-Demon]

Sounds like you're keeping busy, Sparky.

I'm sure my hubby already has one.

Yeah, I'm keeping busy. I hate snow!

[Falcon Horus]

Happy Imbolc, everyone!

Up until 2 hours ago I would have had to say, "Happy what now?", but due to some research earlier why the 2nd of February is pancake day (or why we have pancakes on Lichtmis (in dutch) or Candlemass (in English) day) I now know the Catholic church once again stole a pagan holiday for their own agenda.

[Whytewytch]

Up until 2 hours ago I would have had to say, "Happy what now?", but due to some research earlier why the 2nd of February is pancake day (or why we have pancakes on Lichtmis (in dutch) or Candlemass (in English) day) I now know the Catholic church once again stole a pagan holiday for their own agenda.

They sure did. Even stole the name, in a way. It used to be the day that candles were made for the coming year from the animal fat that was left (I'm assuming from the winter celebrations). Hence, "Candlemass".

[SaraBahama]

I finally got an answer and it was "it can't be done". Employers cannot contribute to health insurance polices bought directly through healthcare.gov. They CAN, however, reimburse employees (or give an allowance) to help defray premium costs. Either way, employees will pay the entire cost of their policy (less the subsidy amount, if available) out of pocket and insurance does, of course, bill in advance monthly.

Hmmm...would that mean the reimbursement is still taxable income?

Happy Imbolc, everyone! I got up this morning, made some coffee, and wrote 533 words--the only ones I've written in months. Propitious start, I think on the holiday that marks beginnings.

I've done a lot of cleaning today, too, and am about to head back to research and some more writing.

*confetti* mazel tov!!!

My Muze has finally returned from her road trip, but sits in the corner, playing with her Sherlock dolls, steadfastly ignoring my pleas for her to help me with either my RL story or my SG-1 fic. *rollseyes*

[Falcon Horus]

Muses can be cruel that way... I'm sorry, nothing to be done about it.

[Amara D'Angeli]

Hmmm...would that mean the reimbursement is still taxable income?

All employer contributions to health care (outside of the still available and traditionally handled group policies) are now post-tax. That means whether the employer gives an allowance for Exchange purchased health care or reimburses and employee for Exchange purchased health care, the employee is paying all those costs out of pocket with income they've already paid taxes on. The good news is, for folks that itemize their deductions rather than taking the standard deduction, monies spent on health care (including premiums for insurance) can be deducted as a line item.

[Princess Awinita]

I live ey I'd seen the light!!!

But it was the Disney Dream coming *incert really loud ships horn here*

The Cruise, it was awesome!

[Starfist]

Ok I have a serious question to ask. I'd appreciate some help with picking some birthday presents for two of my neices.

The reason I ask is... The youngest will be 10 and the eldest will be 13.
I usually give them Cash or vouchers. But as they are both hitting milestone birthdays I'd like some suggestions on what to get them.

[Gatefan1976]

Ok I have a serious question to ask. I'd appreciate some help with picking some birthday presents for two of my neices.

The reason I ask is... The youngest will be 10 and the eldest will be 13.
I usually give them Cash or vouchers. But as they are both hitting milestone birthdays I'd like some suggestions on what to get them.

What are they interested in?

[Whytewytch]

Ok I have a serious question to ask. I'd appreciate some help with picking some birthday presents for two of my neices.

The reason I ask is... The youngest will be 10 and the eldest will be 13.
I usually give them Cash or vouchers. But as they are both hitting milestone birthdays I'd like some suggestions on what to get them.

As Gatefan says, lets start with their interests. Are they girlie-girls or tomboys? Do they like video games or horses or pretty dresses or what?

[Starfist]

To answer all your questions.
They all have a wide range of interests. They can be 'girlie girls'. They do have a little tom-boy streak. They also like dolls and horses.

They also like Doctor Who...
If I got them video games they would be 'For Everyone'. That is a rule my sister has.

I have thought about it. And I am going to ask my sister if they have 'Charm' bracelets. And I'll get them a charm each. Or a peice of jewellery just for them.

[Whytewytch]

To answer all your questions.
They all have a wide range of interests. They can be 'girlie girls'. They do have a little tom-boy streak. They also like dolls and horses.

They also like Doctor Who...
If I got them video games they would be 'For Everyone'. That is a rule my sister has.

I have thought about it. And I am going to ask my sister if they have 'Charm' bracelets. And I'll get them a charm each. Or a peice of jewellery just for them.

If they don't have horses, but like/would like to ride, maybe a trail ride and lunch somewhere special with Uncle Starfist? The jewelry sounds like a great idea, too--something they can keep and treasure all of their lives.

[fems]

It depends on your budget too... As for liking horses, could it be possible to get them riding lessons? I know when I was about that age my grandmother bought us (my sister and I) ten lessons each at our local riding school; we were ecstatic! Of course, by the time the lessons were over we didn't want to stop and lots of pocket money went into funding our own lessons... only for the bug to bite me again in my later teens and I paid for another two years or so by using part of my wages from my parttime job