Thanks to everyone who responded. PLEASE, PLEASE send me an email too even if you have posted here so I can make sure that I get your message. If I don't respond, it means I haven't gotten the message. For those who emailed yesterday I'll get back to you later with what's still available. Thanks, Ann

"So both attempts were at the same facility? Ok, I get it now." I think you misunderstood me. There were two attempts, but they were both in the 90s. I think the original idea was discussed in the 70s, but it wasn't attempted until the 90s. There was no Biosphere 1 project. Biosphere 2 was an attempt to make sort of a miniature of "Biosphere 1" where Biosphere 1 is the earth.

Yeah, I see what you mean. I feel like I am fighting a losing battle, but if I gave up my plants would be gone. I just hate going out to find my poor plants ravaged. We live in such a dry climate that I have really never had a slug problem, not once:) I guess this year is a great learning experience right?? Thanks, I guess I will just consider it one more challenge that will make my garden prettier!! I appreciate the reality check!! g

Couple of things - but a long read... Getting a dog can be a big responsibility, but I recently got a dog and I can't tell you the number of people I have met. It was early Fall so it was daylight later at night - more people were out, and everyone spoke. I missed my regular time for a few weeks because of work schedule, but one day as I was walking, one of the guys with a BIG dog that my tiny one loved to play with, actually called out to speak to me! I was so surprised. The other thing about that - I began to shed a few pounds with the walking. I actually enjoy it too. The other thing - I was married for 26 years to an overweight guy. The divorce had nothing to do with his weight. Actually we are still great friends now. It was trying because he, like you, was concerned about his weight. That always seemed to drive his emotions (although he never said anything about it, until now). All things considered, he is the most solid person in my life, and everyone loves him. He has those days when his emotions get in the way, but the one thing he does have, that everyone loves, is his smile. He laughs A LOT, which has been contagious. I say this to emphasize the fact that if you laugh, the whole world laughs with you. If you frown, you do that alone. It will happen for you. Keep an open mind. It isn't always the weight problem. I haven't really found anyone - I have "friends", but I'm not really dating. I'm a few pounds over the limit myself, and that is probably the reason. But, the other thing, life these days is just so fast paced and no one seems to take the time to court and spend time to cultivate that special relationship. One thing - don't over accentuate that you are looking (desparate to meet someone); don't try too hard. Also, as they have told women so often over the years, don't look for Ms. Right. Don't talk about yourself a lot - at least at first. A woman will eventually ask what she wants to know if you just give her some hints to help beg the questions. One thing - women will go after something that she can't have (like that pair of shoes instead of paying that bill). Be helpful, but don't be needy. And, one thing, DON'T be a great listener, like a shoulder to cry on, because that's what you'll end up being to her; much like a big brother. If a woman talks about her problems a lot, be polite, but don't sit on the phone for hours listening to that stuff. That sounds harsh, especially coming from a women. But you need to be tough sometimes too - that "bad boy" image does help sometimes. It goes back to that, "wanting something you shouldn't have" theory. If you are good at something, find places to do that, especially if women are around. Then, do it, and leave. If you do it enough times, you'll be noticed, and that can sometimes spark a conversation. Make a few changes to boost your image, as someone here has said. Whether you need to or not, just the change may apark a change in your stride - like when a woman buys a new pair of shoes. Try wearing a different style shirt or jacket, or shoes. Take a different route to work. Things like that may boost your spirits. Have you ever thought about moving back? If you say nothing has happened, maybe it wasn't that great an idea to move. That being said, don't move back just to find someone, either. I'm just throwing out ideas. BUT, if you do move or get another job, or take a new way to work/church, etc., do it for yourself. Confidence brings security to someone else. If you can exhibit a comfortable confidence, you will be attractive to someone else. My best to you. The new year is coming and who knows... BUT, don't expect that on Jan 1, you will start a new life, with a goal to meet someone. Your goal should be to enjoy life, and enjoy yourself. When you are happy, she will notice!! If you can, try having a small get-together at your place, with some close friends that you trust. New Year's Eve might be a good time. An impromptu small party may breed another small party. Who knows, someone you know might tell someone that is also looking, and bring her. Fun is the word!! Just make sure your place looks like you are in control - clean, neat, and a few selective conversation pieces. They don't have to be expensive. Check out "Queer Guy" on TV (they have some great ideas sometimes), or those other "home" shows, for a few ideas if you can't think of any. You don't need to go too far outside your comfort zone - just fake it till you make it. Be honest though. If you find someone, you don't want her to find out that you are a fake when you can't always live up to that fake image. You want to have just a little bit of an edge to get you noticed. Happy Holidays and good luck!! gneegirl