I am sorry about your piano teachers daughter! I have lost a number of people in my life in the past couple of years - it's really made me realize that you never know how long someone will be here. I don't dwell on it, but I am acutely aware of it.

As far as weight - it was weird, the scale went up 4 pounds over just a few days at Christmas. It has gone down a couple since then, but slower than I expected. I am never panicky about this stuff anymore - I am back on my 1800 or so calories, and life is good and I keep myself as healthy as I can. Today I had my biopsy, so I have to take it easy (though while I'm uncomfortable, I'm itching to take a walk anyway!)

Oh - I tried on a bunch of shorts that I had in the closet, I'd not worn them since the summer I guess. I can't wear most of them anymore, too loose. I am going to wait as long as I can to buy any more bottom clothing, until I'm closer to where I expect to be.