THE BIG 5.0:

On September 12, 2002, I received an email from David Bancroft, owner of Award Sites! The contents of that email left me totally speechless. The congratulatory mail started coming my way. Even at the forums I visit, posts were congratulating me on the upgrade.

Here is what I posted at the AS! forum:

"This year, the numbers 50/5.0 have meant a lot to me. Perhaps it's destiny; perhaps it's a coincidence but I must say the number 50 is my lucky number for 2002. In April of this year, I celebrated the Big 50, and tonight I shall celebrate the Big 5.0 (not sure how.......maybe break open that bottle of Boone's Farm I've had for over 6 months). On 2nd thought, I'd better pass on the Boone's Farm cause I have to work tomorrow. Coincidental or not? It's been exactly 1 year to the day since receiving my last upgrade. Ya'll been great!!! Thanks to everyone from the bottom of my heart. Special thanks to Nikki of 42nd..........I don't know what I would have done without your help these past 3 years. PS. WILL HARBESON..........notice the 1st paragraph has the word IT'S written twice. Remember what I taught ya...........hehehe."

To which Jef Peace replied:

"50/5.0 . . . what a cool coincidence . . . or did you wait a year to apply hoping to be able to say that? lol" "I've congratulated a lot of people for reaching the peak, but this is the first one that actually made me glow as though I were the one getting the rating . . . It may sound trite, overused or insincere, but I really can't think of a more deserving person."

"I've watched your program grow from a cute award program to a truly professional and insprational award institution. You are to be heartily congratulated for your well-earned arrival to the top of the peak, but you are also worthy of a huge and collective "thank you" from the entire community for your dedication and perseverance, so thanks, Jan, for all you've done to show it is possible."

Thank you Jef, that meant more to me than you'll ever know...............jan