i am feeling better once again. i've been quite sick lately and was getting really quite annoyed by it, but it seems things are back to normal. there are a lot of things to plan for lately, including a possible move to a new flat. i really hope we get it. water, heat, central air, garbage disposal, gas, and security services are included (we'd only pay electricity), there is a dishwasher (novelty, but definitely a plus), and it's beautiful, if smaller than the one we're in now. it's got 13' cathedral ceilings, lots of light, and an open kitchen. it'll be more than we're paying now, rent-wise - $520 per month vs our current $465 - but we currently have to pay for everything ourselves aside from water, so we'll at least break even, if not save a bit. we're waiting to get the approval; if everything goes well, we'll move in round the 1st of november. (= aside from that, we're going to be planning our european trip in better detail as soon as we're able. i'm hoping we can start this week or weekend; my parents will be able to help, i'm sure, since they've been to many of the places we want to visit. we've got an entire month to spend there, though, so i'd like to have a few things set up before we arrive. news on the weight-loss end: i've lost 30 lbs so far and both a pant and shirt size. it feels pretty cool so far, and i'm confident i can keep it going. (= that's really about all for now. hope everyone is doing well!