What a bummer of a summer re: the accident. Glad you are back and it does sound like you are getting better. What you missed? The biggest thing is folks getting active in their new lives, doing things, so they check in and post, but not as often as they used to. Maybe with winter coming there will be more computer time for some of them. Tim is looking for a new job and continues working on his house. Peter has a different job, working with computers in the schools. Nan is starting a new business venture with podcasting. Both Mo and Malibu are getting into their busy seasons for party planning (Mo) and decorating (Malibu). Jennifer is back teaching. And everybody, Nickie, Lisa, Andrea, Marlize, Sharon, Amy, Tammy, Shannan, Allecia, Ashley, Kim, and all the rest are looking oh so hot and sexy . Many have slowed down on their loss and several are at goal. Glad you are back and hope to hear more from you. -Pam

I am working toward refining eating habits that don't allow me to gain weight. Unlike many of the guys, I stabilized at the 210-215 lb. level. I remain officially overweight at 29 BMI. My body type carries this well and I feel 20 years younger. I'll work toward losing another 10-12 lbs. but I really am at peace with my remarkable and sustained loss. I will retire from the Commonwealth after 33 years in December. I will then work with a published author friend to write a true crime book concerning our daughter's murder and how we solved the case and realized a measure of justice for her. I've also been approached by our financial planner to partner with her part time. I will probably accept that offer as I really enjoy helping others. I'll be involved with some house projects put aside for some years: ceiling and wall repairs, painting, retiling, updating the kitchen, and contacting hardwood floor refinishing. Marge and I may take ballroom cha cha this year! It will hapen. Dave

Kim My condolences. I have been MIA all summer. Had a pneumothorax collapsed lung in my car accident in July. I have been out of commission. Your pics look awesome. Cannot wait to share my new ones. My how we have changed. You look great. Missed ya Pattiann

Glad it went well. Happy it was worth it. Now, enjoy yourself. -Pam

Coming year... It is a big one for me. My existing job will be over and I'll be moving in a new direction. Presently, unless the "perfect" job is available, it means tightening my belt (fiscal belt, that is) and going back to school starting next spring or summer - depends which school I go to when the program starts. I should walk out some 15 to 18 months later with a Masters degree and a teaching certificate. I weigh myself every morning to make sure I'm not starting a path to weight gain. Right now I'm swinging between 187 and 190, though the trend is still downward. At a pound or two a month, in another year or two I'll be at goal. That will give me more than 7 days to learn that habit (I thought the rule of thumb was 21 days to learn a new habit - either way, the 2 years should cover it). I continue to need to excercise more and drink more water. The water drinking is going up since I gave up diet pepsi (geez, that is a habit I really miss). For excercise, my bike is in the shop getting a tune-up. I'll get it back later today. Then I'll actually have to ride it . I'm thinking I should get in the habit of riding it to the bus and back home at night. As I get better at biking, I can pick the bus up further down the route. This may just be another fantasy though. I'd love to be in shape to do the "Seattle to Portland" bike ride, or one of the other easier community rides in another year or so. I have no advice for the chocolate monster. I give in to it. But only for really great chocolate. Rarely crap cheap stuff, it isn't worth the calories. However, if I keep the stuff at home, I eat it. So, I only get it when I go out. Andrea, Goddess Andrea, you are doing great. Thanks for starting this thread. -Pam