**** WARNING LONG RANT ****

As some of you know, I sold all my games in the past few weeks.  That was not done out of the joy of my heart.

It's was a well thought decision process.  Basically, I had less and less time to play and was not enjoying this as much as I used to.  A year ago, I embarked in a journey to loose some weight.  So far I lost a total of 71 pounds.  This took lots of training and efforts to achieve and takes lots of time and effort to maintain.

I�m now participating in runs, triathlons, swim meets and realize I have no time left to enjoy my games.  What's the sense of having 9000$ worth of furniture in your basement if you don't care for them anymore.

So, I made a decision to sell everything I owned and move on to other things that I readily think, will be more profitable for me in the long run.

During the last 6 years, I met lots of people I considered my friends.  Some that first given chance stabbed me in the back.  But that's Ok...  You have to expect that in this hobby I guess.  Some are in here for fun some are here for profit.  As long as you understand this, all is good.  I can honestly say I was in here for FUN!~

Good luck to all in the pursuit of your passions whatever they may be.

This was my last post on this board as my account will be deactivated come Friday.  People who need to reach me know how to.

I've attached an article I wrote in the Ottawa Police internal newspaper regarding my journey to loose weight and get back in shape.  If you fell like reading it, please take the time as I'm sure it could inspire a few here.

Sound of...

I did it my way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marty

Super ton article mon homme !!!,

Prend soins de toi et ta famille, et comme tu la si bien �crit , vie le moment pr�sent c'est le meilleur !!!!!

Peut-�tre que l'on se recroisera a un moment donn� !!!

Bruno

Very inspiring story,

sorry to hear that you will not be part of this hobby (addiction) anymore, but i wish you health and happiness in your future, congratulations on the weight loss, i myself need to focus on this as well, and i hope your wife stays strong.

Good luck!

Eric

Congratulations on your accomplishment...any life style change is not easy at first but as you well know, rewarded greatly for your efforts. I quit smoking over a year ago now and that was certainly a life style change, for the better. Great letter...has a lot of good advice if your looking for change. All the best to your Wife and Family we wish them well. Enjoy life as I am sure you do, and who knows, maybe one day you will find a pin in the corner of your basement once again.

Cheers Richard and Kim

i too lost around 70 pounds, and kept it off for 3+ years. good job!

i've dropped out of this hobby for 6-8 months at a time. i always come back though. so my advice to you - never say never!

"just when i thought i was out ... they pulllll me back in!"

Very well written article.

Je te f�licite pour ton attitude et je te souhaite beaucoup de bonheur.

Sylvain

Bravo Martin, Felicitations!
Ne laches-pas.

We need to appreciate all of the life's little pleasures
(good friends, good fun hobbies, love, kids, happiness,
pinball, etc.) to counteract the curve balls life sometimes throws.

However, through efforts, courage and determination,
we often grow stronger and better at the end. Believe !

Laches-pas la patate!

Bonne chance et bonne sante a toute ta famille,

Sincerement,
- Sylvain.

a very nice read.  you stay healthy.

    

Congratulations and good luck Marty.  You will be missed around here.

Mike.

That's all I have to say about that...

Well good luck Marty. The health kick thing sounds good but all I can say is don't put your eggs all in one basket. I generally have three or four hobbies on the go at once. A sports injury can quickly change your priorities.

Hard to see me ever getting out of it, especially since we have had pinball in the house for over 30 years.

Take care Marty.

I told myself I wouldn't do this, but...

I must admit that this is truly a sad day for me... Although I understand that you no longer have any machines, nor do you intend on pursuing the hobby Marty, but I sincerely hope that you will reconsider cancelling your account here.

And on a personnal note Marty, one of the high points for me in this hobby was the meeting at your place in October 2005. That was one evening I wish could have lasted longer. We all had a great male bonding thing going on and although we don't see each other as much as I wish, I consider you a very close friend. It was why I put in so much in your control panel for your MAME... you deserved it.

Buddy, any time you are in town, please stop by and say hello... beer (or diet soda!!!) is on me! And I hope the invitation goes both ways!!!

Ian

PS: I hope you will at least consider Pittsburgh this fall... it wouldn't be the same without you!!!

Thanks for all the kind words coming from people I consider friends.

Be safe and keep flippin!~

10-4 Over and out...

Marty