1985

When is quality better than quantity? Let's cite a few examples. A really good piece of cheesecake is better than an entire box of cookies. One gorgeous red rose on my birthday is better than a whole bunch of chrysanthemums. And a very short column written about a few select classmates with exciting stories to tell is better than...well, no column at all. Mea culpa that I let time slip away and missed the original deadline for this column. But in keeping with the 1985 commitment to never miss a column in DAM, I am submitting a very brief synopsis of what I know to be going on.

Tomorrow I am getting on a plane and heading to Hanover for Leadership Weekend. Since this summer has been the hottest and driest in recent memory, it is an understatement to say that I am excited about getting to cooler weather. The big news from my life is that I took the plunge and quit my job to become a consultant and spend more time with my two precious girls, Leah (3) and Samantha (2 by the time this is printed). After almost five years at an engineering society doing public affairs, membership, and technical activities (I have the record for most business card changes!), it was time to do something new. As I finish my second week as my own boss (if you don't count my kids, who obviously run the show!), I am completely convinced that I am doing the right thing. Just being able to bring my kids to story hour at the library this morning is reason enough.

I'll stop in Boston on my way to Hanover and will visit with several fellow classmates. First I'll see Margaret (Warram) and David Marder, who live in Sharon, Mass. I know that Margaret stays at home with their three kids and David works for the Securities and Exchange Commission in Boston. More updates after my visit. On my way back from the Big Green I will visit with Karen (Garbe) and Ippolit Matjucha, who live in Sudbury. When last I reported on Karen, she was racing down the partner track at Deloitte Touche. Well, I know that changes are coming to Karen and Ippolit, but it will have to wait until my next column (I'm such a tease!).

Last month my family and I visited Terri (Sergesketter) and Brice Heath in Chicago, along with Katherine (2) and Alyssa (five months as of this printing). Terri and Brice have expanded their consulting business along with their family and have taken the big step of leasing office space and moving business out of their house. They are doing well, and we had a great time with them. The four girls are definitely friends for life!

By the time you read this, Lisa Eisenberg Merrill and husband John will be almost ready to celebrate son Bryce's one year birthday! Sorry, Lisa, for the delay in reporting your exciting news. Let me know how the summer camping went!

That's it. I'll try to represent the '85s well this weekend and in the year to come. Please send me e-mail updates so I don't get in this trouble again! Take care.

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