I'm trying to create a jQuery plugin that will create something like an autoCompleteBox but with custom features. How do I store member variables for each matching jQuery element?

For example I'll need to store a timerID for each. I'd also like to store references to some of the DOM elements that make up the control.

I'd like to be able to make a public method that works something like:

$("#myCtrl").autoCompleteEx.addItem("1");

But in the implementation of addItem() how can I access the member variables for that particular object like its timerID or whatever?

Below is what I have so far...

Thanks for any help or suggestions!

(function($)
{     
    //Attach this new method to jQuery   
    $.fn.autoCompleteEx = function(options)
    {    
        //Merge Given Options W/ Defaults, But Don't Alter Either
        var opts = $.extend({}, $.fn.autoCompleteEx.defaults, options);


        //Iterate over the current set of matched elements   
        return this.each(function() 
        {
            var acx = $(this); //Get JQuery Version Of Element (Should Be Div)

            //Give Div Correct Class & Add <ul> w/ input item to it
            acx.addClass("autoCompleteEx"); 
            acx.html("<ul><li class=\"input\"><input type=\"text\"/></li></ul>");

            //Grab Input As JQ Object
            var input = $("input", acx);

            //Wireup Div
            acx.click(function()
            {
                input.focus().val( input.val() );
            });


            //Wireup Input
            input.keydown(function(e)
            {
                var kc = e.keyCode;
                if(kc == 13)   //Enter
                {

                }
                else if(kc == 27)  //Esc
                {

                }
                else
                {
                    //Resize TextArea To Input
                    var width = 50 + (_txtArea.val().length*10);
                    _txtArea.css("width", width+"px");    
                }
            });

        });   //End Each JQ Element

    }; //End autoCompleteEx()

    //Private Functions
    function junk()
    {

    };

    //Public Functions
    $.fn.autoCompleteEx.addItem = function(id,txt)
    {
        var x = this;
        var y = 0;
    };

    //Default Settings
    $.fn.autoCompleteEx.defaults =
    {
        minChars:  2,
        delay:     300,
        maxItems:  1
    };

    //End Of Closure
})(jQuery);