Vortex, I don't think the suggestion of lunch/coffee is pushy. I would be inclined to phrase it as a question instead ("Would it be possible for us to meet for coffee or lunch sometime, at your convenience?"), but I think it's probably fine either way.

Stephanie, I really like the Ghana photo.

I love that Ghana photo, Stephanie. So colorful and exactly the subject matter you want.

My god, why do I still want Nutella?

Because it’s way better than childbirth or menopause?

Actually, menopause is pretty damn good now that I'm out the other side of it. Plus, Nutella! That's what I call having my cake-in-a-mug and eating it, too.

The one recommendation I would make, Vortex, is to make the message more special to the recipient.

"I'm reaching out to all my contacts" isn't as, for lack of a better word, flattering to someone who made an effort to reach out to you when he had something for you.

I'd say something like 'I deeply appreciated you reaching out to me about [job/when] and am hoping to share more about my recent experience in the hopes that you will think of me when something else comes up. You are a valued member of my network and I would be happy to take you to lunch to catch up."

.02.

Man I hate subject lines too. I usually go with "Hello" or whatever I've used to start the body of the email. Is "Catching up" too folksy? Is "Networking" too direct?

I just got back from Planned Parenthood. Did not expect to walk out on BC. I can't stop thinking, Laga uses Depo-Provera. It's super effective. They also gave me two doses of the morning after pill, "just in case". I thought that was weird. Is it because I spilled a cup of water in the exam room? Do they just figure I must be careless?

I agree with bonny.

Also, for the subject line, how about "Networking lunch request"?

You hear that sound? That is the sound of a relieved mother exhaling for the first time in eight hours.

They've arrived and are safe with grandparents. Presumably, they remembered to get their backpacks from the plane-- my job here is done.

NOW, to have a margarita... or three.

yay! Margaritas for everyone!

Yay, Barb! I'm glad that they are there safely. Did everything go well with the escort?

Also, for the subject line, how about "Networking lunch request"?

I vote no. If I saw that my assumption would be some sort of paid networking thing, not meeting a liked past colleague for lunch.

for the subject line

"Dude, 'sup?"

"Nigerian Penile Enhancement Very Good Penis"

"Remember me? I have photos!"

Okay, pardon my drug-addled brain, but seriously, I wouldn't say the word networking anywhere; then people know you're just using them to get a job. (Maybe everyone doesn't have the knee-jerk negative reaction to the word that I do, though.) Is there some personal thing that you can refer to that he'll remember you by? How long has it been since you talked to him? If not too long, try something friendly like, "Want to do lunch at [Place] again?"