A slightly more difficult location but possibly doable for Celia would be
Aug 26 Ft. Wayne, IN Embassy Center Box Office: 260-424-1811; www.ticketmaster.com
My personal preference would be Rockford. Anyone coming from places farther away would be welcome to crash at my place in Rolling Meadows if you don't mind bringing a sleeping bag and sleeping on the floor. It would be aproximately an hour drive from Rolling Meadows to the concert location in Rockford. I have a 7 passenger mini van that we could carpool in.
Input anyone?
AJ
[ August 25, 2003, 09:57 AM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Rockford also makes me very happy.
Although this may well be the only time you'll hear me utter that sentence. Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
Being that our friends in Ft. Wayne have all moved (or are moving in the next few weeks), I think you can take that off the list of "convenient" as we'll have no place to stay and the drive is about as far as Chicago.
I'm up for the Rockford one; I just need to talk Bill into it.
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
Ok, I have talked him into going to the Rockford one, meeting you people, and spending the weekend in Chicago. We'll probably be needlessly staying in a hotel, though, because he's just not keen on this whole staying with people we don't know thing.
Sheesh, it's not like we're staying with Jon Boy or something!
I think I'll just mark that as progress and be happy about it.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Lol Tom... Rockford is also considerably cheaper
Do we want to order tickets in a block? If so I could do so after Friday(I get paid then) We would need a nose count by then (Vana and Lime?) xnera? CT? Glynn? (who am I missing?) Also would need a consensus as to whether we want the nice seats or the cheap seats. Since the event is far enough away we could hold off for a bit longer on the ordering too.
AJ
Posted by Jeni (Member # 1454) on :
I could probably do the Rockford one. The 23rd is the day I'm moving back to Beloit, but I could always leave all my stuff in a jumble and take off right away. It's nice and close, at least.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Hey Celia, I'll look around for inexpensive hotels near my place. I think there is an Amerisuites nearby that has decent rates. It is just off of I-90 too which is what we have to take to get to Rockford.
(And after this your hubby will know us so he can't use that excuse anymore!)
AJ
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I guess I should inform Steve that he is coming too. I don't think he will throw much of a fit if it is my treat considering he likes wierd al!
AJ
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
I already have something on August 23rd, but I can try to reschedule. How soon do you need to know to order tickets? (Friday might be pushing it, so if you can wait a bit longer it would help.)
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I can wait :-) I don't know how difficult it will be to block order though so if worse comes to worse we can do two separate blocks of seats.
AJ
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
I might be interested, it depends on my wife, and she's out of town now. I will let you all know shortly.
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
We are in. Though, when I told Bill that we would be meeting several people (and not just AJ and her husband) his eyes filled with horror. He's such an introvert.
Posted by Rakeesh (Member # 2001) on :
Nonsense, Celia. I'm sure it was just your own special brand of Evil. Posted by Christy (Member # 4397) on :
We're in, too. Sounds like a lot of fun!
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Incidentally Celia, we aren't married, we are living in sin, just so there isn't any confusion. AJ
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
oh, right. i remember those days. Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
"In" list: Tom Christy Celia Bill AJ Steve
Possibles: Jeni dkw Dan_raven (& wife?)
So right now Celia there are only 6 people definite and both Steve and Tom are computer nerds so they will get along with Bill just fine, if that will ease Bill's fears any.
We also know a couple Erik and Erica (yes they got married) from college that lives in Stockton, IL (poor things). I may invite them as well, with the group's consent, though I don't know if they like Weird Al. Erik is a mech E and both he and Erica are also sufficiently literate and nerdy that they should blend into the group pretty well. I can see Steve, Tom, Erik and Bill trading lots of computer war stories!
AJ
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Bill does realize in general there are lots of PEOPLE at concerts right? If he doesn't like us he can pretend we just belong to the rest of the crowd. AJ
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
haha, AJ, the thing about introverts is that you put them at ease by not paying any attention to them at all. so, like, a crowded concert is fine, but a crowded concert where 5 people he doesn't know who are all eager to get to know him is difficult.
hmm...i think i'm managing to paint him as a lot more socially inept than he actually is. don't worry about him. he'll be just fine as long as you don't surround him and cut him off from me and ask him all kinds of personal questions. Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
In that case Steve and Tom (and maybe Erik) will probably be sufficiently loud in exchanging their own stories that Bill will be able to quietly blend right in by listening. Steve, Tom and Erik all have personalities bordering on the bombastic at times.
AJ
[ July 08, 2003, 11:23 AM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
What time is the concert.
More importantly, what time do we want to get together?
It is a 6 hour trip from my house to the concert. That means I may have to get up early on Saturday, which my wife loathes to do. If its an evening thing--6, 7, or so, that is fine. If its an afternoon event, I need to bribe her.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Haven't yet heard from Vana and Lime but possibly they or TomD could reccommend a restraunt where we could get together beforehand. You are welcome to free lodging at our place either before or after the concert, though as mentioned previously it might be on the floor and it is also a bit of a drive away. I also have dogs, so if you are highly allergic I wouldn't reccommend our place either, though I would plan on vaccuuming beforehand with our Kirby anyway which is generally enough for my friends with only mild allergies.
AJ
Posted by Christy (Member # 4397) on :
Anyone is welcome at our house as well. We have an air mattress and a pull out foam sofabed. We're about an hour from Rockford. Sadly, we know nothing about restaurants in Rockford, so unless you want to meet in Madison that afternoon or evening, we'll have to defer to Vana and Lime Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
Hey, I'm in Illinois right now! ^-^ Visiting my grandma. She lives in Rockton, and is giving me her car.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Where are Vana and Lime... I know Lime was extremely interested. Btw I'm leaving town in a a couple of hours on a business trip and won't be back til Friday so feel free to bump this thread as needed.
AJ
Posted by Vána (Member # 3262) on :
Hi, hi, sorry! I've not been at work since Monday (power outages), and I just didn't see this thread.
I'll talk to Lime (I actually didn't know he was so interested!), and if we can't do the concert we will at very least have dinner with you all. What level of restraunt are we looking for? Sit-down I assume, but do you want nice-nice, sorta-nice, or cheapo? I'd recommend Thunder Bay, Chili's or Cheddars or something, and Maid-Rite, respectively, or there's always Beef-A-Roo, which is technically fast food but is wonderful. Maid-Rite and Beef-A-Roo are both fairly local, and my uncle owns two of the Maid-Rites in town, so if you're ever here and need to eat cheap, call me. Seriously. I will take personal time off work, if needs be, for Beef-A-Roo or Maid-Rite (or, well, anything else, really) with a Hatracker or two or lots. Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
I have to admit that I am somewhat unnerved by the prospect of visiting a Beef-A-Roo or Maid-Rite, if only because they both exceed my "hyphenated eatery" quota. But for Vana, anything.
Posted by xnera (Member # 187) on :
Count me in for the concert as I now HAVE A JOB and can afford a ticket. Yay!
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
Gratz Xnera!
[ July 09, 2003, 09:38 PM: Message edited by: Dan_raven ]
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
*applauds wildly* Congratulations, X! What're you doing?
Posted by Vána (Member # 3262) on :
If it helps, the hyphens in Beef-A-Roo are actually dots. Posted by Vána (Member # 3262) on :
As far as seating goes, I haven't been in the Coronado since it's been renovated, but I don't think they made it any bigger. So, all of the seats are fantastic, even the cheap ones. But, the "expensive" seats really aren't very much more expensive than the cheap ones, so it doesn't matter much to us.
I think we're pretty sure we'll be going. Not set in stone yet, but looking good. Posted by Christy (Member # 4397) on :
So, Anna, you had talked about buying a block of tickets. How should we work that? We should probably buy the tickets soon.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
*bump*
Posted by Vána (Member # 3262) on :
*bump again*
AJ'll be back sometime today, right? She seems to have taken over leadership (we love you, AJ!), so once she's back, we'll see what we can figure out about getting those tickets bought (and in the meantime, I'll try to remember to mention this to Dan again and see if we can make a decision about the concert part).
Oh, and think about what kind of restraunt we want to eat at. Posted by Christy (Member # 4397) on :
Hey, another thought.
If some of us get there early, would anyone be interested in playing mini-golf at that awesome volcano that's off the highway? Tom and I have been wanting to go ever since we first drove up to Madison in late November *grin*
oh, and *bump* Posted by T_Smith (Member # 3734) on :
I just wanted to say that I am extremely jealous of you people, seeing as how Weird Al won't be joining us in Utah (apparenlty, he's not a fan of Jello).
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Ok I'm back, sort of. Sorry I didn't bump this on Friday, but life has a way of getting in the way.
First of all xnera, I'm thrilled you have a job and am very happy for you! YOU GO GIRL!
Second of all, I need a final tally of everyone going so that I can order the tickets.
Thirdly I need to do my bills to double check that I can inded buy the tickets in a block. (It should be cool but I need to double check. Always better to be safe than sorry!)
Fourthly, I just found out on Friday after I got back from the business seminar that I have tonsilitis and mono, possibly caught when I was in the hospital with the GB surgery. So, I'm going to be a little bit slower doing the other three than I would like. Hopefully by the end of the week I'll have everything done. Also hopefully I should be over the mono by the time the concert rolls around!
AJ
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
If we want to try to get the tickets in a block, I'm sure we've got to hurry on that. If Banna can't swing it, and if they're available through TicketMaster, I'll be glad to spring for 'em.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Tom if you would do it I would be exceedingly grateful. Right now it all seems kind of overwhelming, though I know it is just the mono.
Okay, how many of us are there? Like Anna, I need solid numbers....
Posted by Vána (Member # 3262) on :
I'll let you know this evening, after Lime and I get a chance to talk again.
And as for Volcano Falls - it's a blast, we should totally go for it. Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
don't worry about my friends Erik and Erica or is it Eric and Erika I never get it right. If they come they can get their own tickets and just hang out with us before or after.
Dan Raven hasn't given us a definite yes though it appears like he is coming with wife in tow add Xnera we need to know about dkw and Jeni and double check on Vana and Lime though they sound like they are yes
IN for sure
Tom Christy Celia Bill AJ Steve xnera
Possibles: Jeni dkw Dan_raven (& wife?) Vana Lime
My brain is fried, I really want to leave work and go home but I have so much I need to do.
AJ
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
((AJ))
and yes, Bill and I are still in.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
*bumpity*
Okay, I'm ordering tickets tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday). If you haven't put your name as a certainty on this list by then, you'll have to buy your own.
Posted by Jeni (Member # 1454) on :
Though Rockford is within a half hour driving time and I love Weird Al, I'm going to have to pass. With moving and registration and other important stuff going on that weekend I just can't be certain I'd be able to go. I have seen Weird Al before though, and he puts on a great show. You'll have fun Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
We will miss you Jeni, but I'm sure there will be more get-togethers.
Btw Tom, were you able to get the tickets in a block?
AJ
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
I talked my wife into it.
We may leave Friday night so we can get their early enough to play mini-golf.
Try to get us in on the ticket block and I can be trusted to pay whoever.
Honest I can.
Well, if not me, my wife can.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
I got nine tickets for section OR7, Row EE; that's the front-middle of the back floor, so at least we're not in the balcony. It was $298. And in case I get clubbed in the head and consequently can't get to the show for some reason, they can be picked up in my name at the door under confirmation number #597288.
Great wrath will be visited upon people who do not show up, as the tickets are non-refundable. Greater wrath will be visited upon people who take advantage of that confirmation number and a fake ID to put their own group of friends in those seats. Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
*suddenly has an idea*
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Offline for 24 hours and I miss the deadline?!?
Oh well, I couldn't have had an answer until tomorrow night anyway. Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
I'm sorry, Dana! I just checked, though, and there are still adjacent seats available. If you follow the link Anna provided earlier, you should be able to grab yourself a ticket.
Posted by Lime (Member # 1707) on :
I counted only 7 people on the for certain list...is it possible that Vána got ahold of you before the deadline, Tom?
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Nope. Dan_Raven and his wife confirmed just below.
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Lime (or Vana), I'm going to call when the box office opens (9am). If you haven't already, would you like me to order for you also?
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Thank you Tom. I slept for 15 hours last night, and just got a lecture from the nurse at the doctor's office on how I'm supposed to be taking it easy. Mono sucks. I'd better be well by the end of this month though, because I have friends visiting me in succession from the 8th through the 20th and then this on the 23rd. I wish there was something more I could do to kick my immune system into high gear.
AJ
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
AJ, do try to take care of yourself.
On a side not, I can't wait to tell Bill that we've gone from possibly 6 to possibly 10. He's going to faint!
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Got the adjacent seat.
I'm still not absolutely sure I can make it, but I figure the chance to meet more Hatrackers is worth the risk. Plus, of course, the opportunity to see those of you I've already met again.
And count me in for mini-golf as well. Posted by Vána (Member # 3262) on :
Crap! What the heck? How did I miss all this?
Oh yeah. Because we're moving offices here, and I wasn't at my desk much.
Crap!
*runs off to call husband*
I'll let you guys know if we can get tickets or not. How do you reqest particular seats? Should I call?
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Call. Tell them you have friends in section OR7, row EE, seats 1-10. They were very helpful when I did it.
Posted by Vána (Member # 3262) on :
Lime's calling right now. Yay! I'll let you know what happens.
Posted by Vána (Member # 3262) on :
Alright, we're in row DD, right in front of you, seats 8 and 9. Not bad, huh?
Yay!
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
Great, now how am I supposed to see a thing with Vana right in front of me jumping up and down and getting in the way.
(We be a dirty dozen now. Cool.)
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
We can't be TOO dirty. Dana's ordained.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Oooh...I'm so jealous of you all...I just bought Poodle Hat last week, I've been laughing myself silly ever since. Running with Scissors is my favorite though (as well as random selections from his great earlier stuff.) Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Hmmm this brings up the question, should I get the CD before the show to be more familiar with the lyrics and catch all the nuances, or just let it all go sweeping over me in one exposure at the show.
Knowing me, I should probably get the CD so I won't be scratching my head trying to figure out which funny line I missed.
(I've listened to Wierd Al's stuff in the past and like him in general I just haven't listened to his most recent stuff)
AJ
Posted by Lime (Member # 1707) on :
Crud!
I'm sorry Dana, I got the tickets immediately when Vána called me and she didn't tell me about you needing tickets, too.
Blast.
Good luck!!
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Read back, Lime. I got mine before you did.
Edit: and I'm glad you got yours, because I almost called Vana's cell phone before I got mine (still have the # from the first Madison gathering) but I wasn't sure if that was too intrusive for someone I've only met twice. I would have felt really bad if you ended up off in the balcony because I'm neurotic about the telephone.
[ July 17, 2003, 04:47 PM: Message edited by: dkw ]
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Bump... we are now 24 days away and counting. We should have a spare bedroom available in Rolling Meadows if anyone needs it. It is scheduled to be painted this weekend.
AJ
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
I was going to bump this.
We need to decide where we are going to meet, get maps, and of course, figure who goes first on the mini-golf course.
I also have an opportunity to offer.
I am on the brink of going professional with my magic. I don't mean Sigfried and Roy/Vegas professional. I mean Birthday Party professional. However, I need to time my act to make sure it fills 1/2 hour, or figure out how much more of that 1/2 hour I need to fill. To do that I need a real audience to perform in front of.
Do you think we could round up a few people to sit through a small show, maybe 30 minutes, maybe 10? Don't expect disappearing tigers or catching bullets in my teeth. Just simple little tricks that will leave you more giggling than amazed.
Posted by Christy (Member # 4397) on :
We'd have to have someplace to meet, then, but that sounds fun to me!
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
If he can't catch bullets in his teeth, what good is he?
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
ok, my weekend is getting a bit more complicated, as a good friend i haven't seen in a long, long time is going to be in Chicago that weekend. at the moment, we might be meeting you at the door.
for the detailed planning, i'm going to suggest we exchange some email.
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
Great, I've got some email I need to exchange, 5 different offers to help some poor African diplomats launder money using my bank account. I just need to send my bank account number to total strangers over the internet. What an opportunity.
What can I get in trade for them?
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
if you send me your banking info, i'll take care of that. Posted by Vána (Member # 3262) on :
I love you all so much.
And Dana, I totally understand about being neurotic about the phone - I'm very much the same way (too bad a big part of my current job is calling people on the phone!).
Dan_raven, how much room do you need for the magic show? We could probably all squeeze into my living room - I have a big couch and some chairs, and the floor's pretty comfy. I've never had twelve people in there before, but I've had nine (well, one was a baby, but still) and we weren't cramped. I think we could pull it off.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
And the closer we are to Dan, the easier he is to heckle. Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Will Vána be upset if we throw tomatoes in her living room?
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
That will be enough space. Just need to remember to time myself.
And no pestering me on how I do the tricks. Its MAGIC.
Posted by Vána (Member # 3262) on :
As long as you help me clean up afterwards, tomatoes are fine.
Posted by Christy (Member # 4397) on :
Oh good, and mine are just coming ripe in the garden! (Hey, maybe that's a good use for the ones I've discovered with blossom end rot! *laugh*) Woo!
Posted by Vána (Member # 3262) on :
Why Dan_raven! I see you've been e-mailing The Barrow-Downs with a question about your magic!
I am an experienced magican, I do lots of card and up close magic. I really enjoy doing magic, but whenever I mess up somehow, there is always that one person who takes advantage of it and makes me look even worse. Do you have any advice on how to handle these people?
Dan
Luckily, Gandalf was able to help you out.
quote:Dan,
The magical profession can be one of the most satisfying yet most frustrating careers a young man can choose, so it is most important that you learn to deal with your critics early on. I, too, have had my share of detractors, many of whom were openly bent on my ruination. Hopefully your heckler is not quite so extreme in his disparagement, but just in case, here are a few techniques that have worked for me.
Overwhelm them : When an audience member becomes threatening, try stepping back, eyes flashing as you grow taller, and surrounding yourself in menacing shadow. The little blighter will cower back into his seat with a whimper. Works almost every time.
Make them figure it out : If the interruptions cause you to forget the words to your spell, dupe the audience into remembering them for you. Mumble a few tries and then sit in exasperation until one of them blurts out the correct password. Claim that you knew it all along, and it was so obvious that you thought you would let the crowd give it a try. They will be grateful and amazed.
Revoke their power : Occasionally, there arises in your audience a pest who thinks he has more skills than you. He'll work in the background doing his best to foil your efforts. You must march up to his ivory tower, call him forward, and break his staff. If he doesn't have one, simply bash him on the head. Let him put that in his pipe and smoke it.
Sneak Attack: Organize a force of, say, nine people to attack your adversary from different directions. Send in the short guys from behind for the final blow. 13 dwarves and a hobbit is also a succesful formula.
Hope these have been of assistance.
Sincerely
Gandalf
Rather impressive, really. Dan, I expect to see quite a show from you after this!
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
bump... do we need a more organized itinerary?
AJ
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
Yes, we need a well formulated, organized itinerary.
But I'd settle for address and directions where we will meet e-mailed to me.
At minimum we need someone familiar with the area to organize it.
Hmmm, since the fact that many of us owe someone money, and her only chance of seeing it is if we actually meet, maybe....
Good news: My insurance company is sending me new camera to replace ones lost in India. I'll be able to photograph all of you.
Well I think that's good news.
Posted by Vána (Member # 3262) on :
If someone else will figure out a good time for us all to meet (we want to play minigolf and eat before the concert, right?), I'd be willing to find directions and stuff (well, okay - get Lime to do it). But I'm just not sure when we should try to meet up.
Did we ever pick a type of restraunt to eat at?
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
let the email deluge begin!
(or at least check yours, i think i got everyone)
Posted by Christy (Member # 4397) on :
I didn't get one! Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
i decided tom was more important, so i just sent it to him. Vána will also discover that she is more important than lime.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
You realize, of course, that you have now practically guaranteed that I'll be doing chores upon returning home, Celia.
Posted by Vána (Member # 3262) on :
quote:Vána will also discover that she is more important than Lime.
Finally! Some recognition! Some affirmation! It's about darn time, too!
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
all i can say is, mua ha ha hahahahaha!
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
celia would you mind fwding the e-mail to my work addy? aisbell@johncrane.com
unfortunately I can't check yahoo mail from work, the servers are uber virus paranoid.
AJ
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Have you guys done any e-mailing today and have you gotten a couple of messages I sent from work yesterday? Sometimes my server acts up and I never know if things have gotten through.
Haven't gotten any e-mails today about the picnic.
AJ
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
Did not recieve anything today.
Posted by Vána (Member # 3262) on :
I have neither given nor received...uh, I mean...
Darn that University Honor Code!
I have neither sent no received any e-mails about the concert, etc. today.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
*relieved* ok just making sure!
aJ
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
The last email I got was from Dan_Raven yesterday. There are a few email addresses on it that I don't recognize and I am left to wonder who he's sent my phone number to!
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
the only e-mails I got at my work account were from you celia
I'll go home and check yahoo.
AJ
Posted by Maccabeus (Member # 3051) on :
What's this? Weird Al is on tour??? Where is Rockford in Illinois, and where are you guys? Maybe I could link up with you!
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Rockford is on the extreme northern edge of Illinois, and the date and location of the concert is on the first page of this thread. Posted by Vána (Member # 3262) on :
Hey, I just saw in the allergy thread that Dana is allergic to cats. So I wanted to warn all of you that we do in fact have a kitten. She's very friendly and likes to be with people - and, as is usual with animals, seems to go straight for the ones who are either allergic to or don't like cats.
Bring your meds! Also, I'll try to remember to buy some OTC allergy pills, just in case someone forgets.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
And I have two furry canines. One of which is shedding profusely right now. They are sweet and like to cuddle, but will leave you alone if you want to be. That is unless you throw Jake the ball. Once you throw his ball you are fair game for being pestered by him for the rest of the time you are there.
I am also going to attempt to keep what is becoming the guest room fur-free until the concert because another friend who is coming to visit me is mildly allergic. She can stand the house as long as she has someplace to sleep without dog hair.
AJ
Posted by Maccabeus (Member # 3051) on :
Drat...too far north.
Posted by Vána (Member # 3262) on :
So sorry to hear that, Maccabeus. Though, it might be hard to get tickets at this point, anyway.
Maybe next time! Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
*packs drugs*
I wish I could come and meet your canines, Banna, but it would add an hour and a half to my 6 hour drive home on Sunday. Sigh, too many friends, too far away. Someone needs to invent instantaneous travel.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Not a problem... sometimes I get to dog shows out in Iowa, so I'll let you know if I ever head that way!
AJ
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
oooo...cool! I'm in the dead center of the state, so let me know. You and the pups are welcome to stay here any time.
You can compare my hideous orange countertops to your hideous orange carpet.
Posted by Christy (Member # 4397) on :
So, we're back home safely and wishing a safe drive to the rest of the group as they make their travels today. We were very glad to hear that the traffic was good and the long drives a bit more bearable than expected. *grin*
Tom and I arrived last, so I can't vouch for the beginning of the party. *laugh* Go figure, we're the closest! We weren't sure if the final time decided upon was 1pm or 2pm, that's our only excuse.
Dan_Raven and catsmeow broke the ice with card tricks, trick yo-yos and the like, which kept us smiling.
I think the star of the room, though, was Vana's new kitten who, although nervous with all the people, was very playful and absolutely adorable.
Since the group was mostly acquainted, we were happily chatting in Vana and Lime's living room until it was time to go play mini golf. I'll leave the humourous quotes to Dan's accounting (he's much funnier than I).
We didn't quite have enough time to finish the game with the crowd and ten people at mini-golf, but it sure was fun! The water traps made the course quite challenging, but provided quite a few good laughs as well -- especially when a hole-in-one could be gotten by using one of the streams! BannaOJ almost fell in trying to cross a bridge from the outside, and Steve was trying to use the putter as a pool cue.
We decided to skip the Beef-A-Roo (although Tom seemed almost sad despite his protestations) and head to the Cheddars since it was a chain most of the other had never been to and was likely to have something for everyone. Celia and Bill met us at the restaurant and I don't even think we managed to scare Bill too much! Yaay! Perhaps he might be convinced to come to future gatherings?
We condensed cars and headed to the show. I got a brief ride in Steve and BannaOJ's new Spyder, and we took that little detour so I could have a bit longer of a ride and speed to catch up with you guys.
Weird Al opened with an act, Circus Boy, that Dan_Raven easily could have bettered, although he was still fun.
What can I say about the show except WOW! It was an amazing show! I think perhaps it was a bit rap-heavy for his new material, but absolutely amazing. I think every one of us really enjoyed the show.
Catsmeow was smart enough to have brought earplugs, but the rest of us were very deaf afterwards. We met briefly back at Vana and Lime's and headed home or to hotels to sleep.
Tom will have pictures up shortly. Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Man I don't remeber any of the good out of context quotes we had either... Wait there was one where Vana said "The boys' balls are yellow"
AJ
Posted by Christy (Member # 4397) on :
Anna, I mentioned that I had gotten the last blue ball and Dan told me he wasn't even going to touch that one!
There were quite a few at the house, though, that I don't remember.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
[ August 24, 2003, 06:37 PM: Message edited by: TomDavidson ]
Posted by Jeni (Member # 1454) on :
Where's this?
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
That picture did the equivalent of getting included in a roll by mistake. It's a state park in Wisconsin, midway between Madison and Milwaukee.
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
oh, god. that is the worste picture of me ever to appear on the internet.
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
We made it safely home too. Do you know how difficult it is to drive while laughing? I kept thinking about our get together and break into giggles all the way home.
Some of the remembered lines:
"Why aren't there any golf related super heroes?" "There was one they named a sandwich after. Didn't you ever hear of Par Boy?"
"Bill do you want a user name for tonight." "No. I see no purpose in getting a name that I will never answer too." "Then you don't want to get married."
"Its like ____________ but with more breasts." I can't remember the name of the game that fills in that blank.
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
I am finally home. I stopped in Cedar Rapids to visit my brother, and then in Ames, and called a friend to ask if she needed anything from the grocery store since I was in Ames, then stopped at her house to deliver it. And got suckered into staying and playing games. Yay!
The only thing I don't like about Hatrack gatherings is leaving. We need to do a whole weekend sometime so we can stay up all night talking and not have to worry about driving home.
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
Saw him today (tonight) in MN!!! IT WAS AWESOME!!! (prob'ly woulda been cooler to see it with you all, but I had an excellent time)
Posted by Maccabeus (Member # 3051) on :
Dan> Hopefully not Tomb Raider... Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I think the game with breasts being referred to was some sort of beach volleyball nitendo game. I can't remember what the other game was.
I have updated the thread title to reflect events.
AJ
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
I believe, speaking as one of the geeks present, that Dead and Alive: Extreme Beach Volleyball was like Mission Hill with more breasts.
But we'd really need Dan and Julie to confirm that.
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
Bill wanted to make sure I told you all that he had a good time. He was especially fond of AJ. Of course, since we only joined you just before the show and took off shortly after, we only got to interact with a few of you.
I think the most memorable moment for him was when Tom decided to try to befriend the girl sitting next to our group, who had come all alone. That's one of those things Bill would never do, and was momentarily horrified to see someone else do to some poor stranger next to him. Did you see his expression when you said, "there will be a quiz later?"
Of course, Bill may have thought you were serious about the quiz since you made me guess who everyone was I think I did pretty well.
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
1) Yes. Mission HIll. Someone was talking about a "shopping" game that was, "like Mission Hill, but with more breasts." That was going to be the title of our thread.
2) Celia, you did a great job getting everyone's name. I had been there since about 1, and still can't remember who was who.
3) The Coronado THeater, by the way, is a jewel.
Posted by BYuCnslr (Member # 1857) on :
eek! i read this two days after it happens! :: sobs :: jeni! why didn't you tell me?!? Satyagraha
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
It was at the Coronado!? Damn, now I really wish I was there, that's a beautiful theater. I saw the all-school production of The Wiz there last year. My little cousin was in it. (She was a munchkin. Aw.)
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
My insanity makes people fond of me!
(clings to that thought.. maybe there is hope for me after all)
AJ
Posted by Vána (Member # 3262) on :
I found it! Yes!
Sorry, guys. I've been traipsing about the US and Canada, and am just now back on the internet.
The game I compaired Dead or Alive: Extreme Beach Volleyball to was Harvest Moon. They're both shopping/make friends games, but DoA:X has more breasts. It's true!
Dan and I had a blast hanging out with all of you, and I'm glad so many of you enjoyed little Valentine (the kitten) and the Coronado! And the show was very fun, I must agree.
And Tom, next time you're in Rockford, we'll be sure to take you to Beef-A-Roo. I went there for lunch today, actually! Best onion rings in the world. Yum.
I'm still kinda scatterbrained from my trip, so that's all I'll say right now. I'm just glad I found the reports from everyone else (though it sure took me long enough!).
Posted by Ralphie (Member # 1565) on :
If I had been there, I would have pwnd you at miniature golf.
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
That's a picture from the last gathering. I was confused, since Glynn wasn't at the most recent one. But we did have fun. At both of them.
Ralphie, you'll just have to plan your next vacation to the Midwest and mini-golf with us.
Posted by Ralphie (Member # 1565) on :
Yessie, ma'am. Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
There's a gathering in the midwest? COOL BEANS!! I wanna come. My grandma, as I stated earlier this thread, lives in Rockton!
Ralphie, come to the midwest and see me! We can compare racks!
[ August 28, 2003, 08:02 PM: Message edited by: Ryuko ]
Posted by Christy (Member # 4397) on :
Sorry, guys! The pictures above the line are from the first gathering and below the line are from the recent Rockford gathering. And as someone also already found out, Tom snuck a random picture of me when we went to Glacier Morraine State Park into the group as well. Silly boy!
Posted by Christy (Member # 4397) on :
Oh, and Vana, we'd love to see your pictures too at some point. We seem to have gotten mostly pictures while we were mini golfing and split up into groups. Hence the pictures mostly of Dan and Cindy and Dana.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Embarrassed]](redface.gif)
![[Blushing]](graemlins/blushing.gif)
![[Taunt]](graemlins/taunt.gif)