***Warning: Most of this is a repeat of what you may have heard already. Since I've been busy with a few things, I haven't had time to write it all down from my perspective. So, read and enjoy. If you've already read from other peoples perspectives, you probably won't get much, except that which you want to get.
The Adventure:
As many of you are aware, I went to Portland over the weekend for a signing and also to chill with some awesome company.
I found out on this trip that I have some odd fascination for Air Ports. As soon as I walked in, I found myself flat out amazed at everything, and reading every sign aloud for people to hear. I made friends with the old people that were eyeing me. They were pretty cool.
The stewardess said that the entire plane was full and all the seats were taken. This was almost true. The only seat in the entire plane NOT TAKEN was right next to me, so naturally I asked Annie to join me, which she did.
When I got off the plane, I decided it would be a nice thing to welcome people to Portland. So while I waited for Annie, I decided to repeatedly say to the other passengers "Thank you for coming to Portland, have a fantastic stay in my city." I don't think they exactly appreciated that.
While we walked to get Annies bags, I made a certain note that people were just standing around, looking at the people getting out of the gates and into the main area. I figured the only reason they would be standing there like that was to welcome me to Portland like I did to the others. So I greeted them all in the proper manner by saying "Thank you for waiting! I am finally here!!" I don't think they appreciated that.
I've always wanted to ride those baggage belts they have running around. It just seems to me tons of fun, to just lay down on them, as if posing for play boy, but still in your clothes.
While we waited for Cecily to pick us up, we tried to think of ways to draw attention to ourselves. I jumped up and down repeatedly. I gave a very sexy look out to no one. I flashed my brown jacket. Nothing was working. I called Toni up, and Cecily called her while I was on the line, to tell her that they were now entering the loop to pick us up. Ralphie told me to look for a tall, very attractive blonde. I looked around and realized that was a very general statement for the people around me. So we waited. And waiting a little bit more. I decided to ask a car that was circling around if he knew me. He didn't. We made signs. I asked a woman if she knew me. She didn't.
Narnia then pulled up with her sister, with Zotto! in the back seat. They pointed out the brown jacket. I asked them if they knew me. They did.
On the way to Toni's house I think I used the phrase "Ya, I'm from Utah" at least a dozen times. I figured it was a very valid excuse for things.
We got to Toni's house, sort of introduced ourselves, dropped my bag off (single bag, for all you ladies who pack 4 bags for a 3 day trip...), and we all went off to eat dinner, Toni's husband included, who was a friggin awesome guy throughout the whole trip, btw.
So we went, grabbed some food, and sat around and talked for an hour or so. Something that you have to know is this: Toni and Cecily know how to be sociable. They can carry a conversation if needed, they'll listen to you, they just make you feel comfortable in a crowd. Awesome people.
Oh, and btw, Zotto! is like... Mr. Cool.
Around 11 we went our seperate ways, the Cecily group off to pick up Hobbes from the air port, and Toni, Dan and I off back to their place. Toni called up Deirdre and asked if we wanted to go do something, in about 20 minutes Toni-Katie time.
So Toni drove me around the city, and I began to learn a few things.
1) Unlike Utah, everything don't close down around 9:00. Here it was midnight and there were still a lot of people, walking around.
2) Lots of one way streets in Portland. I would easily get lost.
3) Lots of coffee houses as compared to SLC.
We picked up Katie, and went to a coffee house, where I got some very strong Hot Cocoa. Lots of chocolate in that cup, I'll tell you. We then went to a 24 Hr. Waffle house, where I got a fantastic waffle with strawberry topping.
Heres the truth part:
Toni and Katie are, in fact, more funny, cooler, and better looking than you think.
Around 2:30 AM we got back to Toni's house, where I put on some night clothes, and fell asleep almost instantly.
I was waken by the phone. My first thought was "Internet" when hearing the dialing. It was JohnnyNotSoBravo (JNSB) calling us. Toni answered and told him to stop by in about 45 minutes. So we up and showered and John came by, and we left for Cecily's for crepes made by Annie, whilst talking in the car.
<Inserted point> We learned in the car that John is very cool, and outgoing.
And Crepes we had! Mmmmm, Annie knows how to cook. And Narnia, with the exception of a lump ridden apple, knows how to cook also! And there were pogo sticks (with soon to be photos, I'll bet).
<Inserted point> Hobbes and Annie are so into each other.
After the crepes, and watching the commentary to Ghostbusters, we headed off for the coffee house where we would meet the others.
Mr. Funny, Shig, Nato, MoonRabbit and company were already there chillin' and looking all cool when we showed up. For a long time, I thought that Mr. Funny was named Tammy and was in Georgia, so I was very shocked to learn that I was more of a stupid goober than previously learned. I had a ham sandwich. I should have flirted with that waitress. She had my name written all over her.
Jeniwren showed up with her crew after a bit.
Truth Revealed:
Not only is Jeni very cool (purple streaks folks... nuff said) but she has the happiest kids on the planet.
Ok... um... huge book store. Me buy books. We interact. Blah blah blah. John is cool. Blah blah blah. Toni brushes hair. Thai food time!!! Wow, I love Thai food, I found out. Mmmm... good stuff.
SIGNING! OSC. Questions. Wit. Humor. Laughs. Um... pictures. KACard is cool beyond what you think you know. Um... Crystal from the other side, very cute... must meet up with her later next signing. Drop Jeni off. Coffee house bru-haha!!
We met at a coffee house and chilled. Good times, good laughs, orange tights, bottle obsession that I shant get into. Again, everyone is so totally cool.
Sunday, Toni, Dan, John and myself went to the Gorge. Fabulous place. Oh my, it was "I'm moving to Portland someday" beautiful. Loved it. Waterfalls, fabulous scenery, good company, couldn't ask for anything better.
We then got some Mexican food that was good, and again, we interacted. I loved every conversation that was going on throughout the trip. I may not have outputted as much as most people, but I paid attention had a great time.
When we got home we watched Simpsons ("Homer the Missionary") and MST3k ("The Hobgoblins"). My gosh, that was both hilarious and incredibly painful and sad.
The next days we said our goodbyes, and she and Katie dropped me off at the airport. I can't tell you how much fun I had. Ok, I can: I HAD AN EXTREMLY FUN TIME!!! I loved my vacation. Toni and Dan were perfect hosts, and were fun to be with. Thanks guys. I really appreciate you guys letting me crash at your place.
The Truth that is revealed: Katie and Toni are cooler, better looking, and more funny in person than you think.
JNSB is a great guy, and fun to hang around with.
Cecily and Toni are very outgoing, lovable people.
Zotto! is totally awesome and laid back.
Hobbes and Annie just flirt on the board for show, they don't really like each other... oh wait, no thats a lie. They were into each other. Kudos to them.
Cecily has a very giggly sister with a good sense of humor.
Mr. Funny is not a southern woman.
Jeniwren has the happiest kids and is totally cool.
And I had the best weekend ever at Toni's place.
Posted by Zotto! (Member # 4689) on :
Gee, I'm surprised you didn't mention the part where I attacked you like a drunken teletubby and hugged you till you cried.
Mr. Cool? Does not compute.
...
It was great havin' ya here, T! Come back soon, Utah boy! Posted by Frisco (Member # 3765) on :
quote:Katie and Toni are cooler, better looking and more funny in person than you think.
And you didn't even get to see them try and sleep on the front lawn!
Posted by T_Smith (Member # 3734) on :
I figured this: I leave out the teletubby bit, you leave out the bottle bit.
Edit: Also, as I read this over, I see bad grammar which I don't care to fix. So, it's late, and you'll deal with it.
[ November 19, 2003, 02:45 AM: Message edited by: T_Smith ]
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Awesome!
quote: I asked them if they knew me.
A great strategy, if I may say so myself Posted by Zotto! (Member # 4689) on :
I am NEVER drinking out of one of those bottles AGAIN.
You sick, sick man.
ORANGE TIGHTS!
Posted by ana kata (Member # 5666) on :
This is the first Portland picnic thread I've seen. Have there been others? I want pictures! Where is the Portland picnic information?
Posted by Lalo (Member # 3772) on :
quote:When I got off the plane, I decided it would be a nice thing to welcome people to Portland. So while I waited for Annie, I decided to repeatedly say to the other passengers "Thank you for coming to Portland, have a fantastic stay in my city." I don't think they exactly appreciated that.
Heh! I'm gonna dress you up in bright red and leave you in the middle of South-Central at 2 AM.
"Hi! Welcome to my hood! Have a fantastic stay, MOTHA****A!"
Posted by Amka (Member # 690) on :
*sigh*
I miss Oregon. I miss the Gorge, and the trees, and even the green fungus that grows on your roof.
Posted by Speed (Member # 5162) on :
Ach! I love Portland. Why did no one tell me there was a trip to Portland? I haven't been there in so long, and with a gaggle of Jatraqueros, no less. I guess it's my own fault for skipping those type of threads. Anyway, groovy description. Sounds like ever so much fun. I'm jealous.
Posted by Ophelia (Member # 653) on :
quote: I decided to ask a car that was circling around if he knew me. He didn't. We made signs. I asked a woman if she knew me. She didn't.
That is so much better than just hopping into a random stranger's car without looking to see who it is first. Not that I know anyone who's ever done that. Especially not a jatraquero.
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
"I'm from Utah." "I'm sorry."
On a more serious note:
quote: We then got some Mexican food that was good, and again, we interacted. I loved every conversation that was going on throughout the trip. I may not have outputted as much as most people, but I paid attention had a great time.
Are you sure you aren't a CS or a CPE major? Geek.
Posted by Primal Curve (Member # 3587) on :
I am naught but envious.
Posted by Bob the Lawyer (Member # 3278) on :
I looked to see who it was first. I decided that it was perfectly reasonably for Jaiden to be a 30-something black woman. Nevermind her pictures on foobonic. And at least I didn't take of my pan-- no, umm... at least I'm not short?
Needless to say, I wholeheartedly approve of your actions in the airport. When I last needed to be picked up by people I didn't know I made a big sign out of bristol board and crayons that said DAN in big letters with an arrow pointing down that I tied to a broomstick. Made even funnier by the fact that I was one of only 3 people on the flight.
Anyway, sounds like good times.
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
(celia, I LOVE that movie)
Posted by BYuCnslr (Member # 1857) on :
T!!! Not only does OSC go to Portland after I leave but you too!!! someone kick him in the shin for me! Satyagraha
Posted by T_Smith (Member # 3734) on :
Too late. I'm already home. MUAHAHAHA!
In otherwords, kick my shins yourself. If you can.
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
(Myr, I know, I was shocked you didn't quote it!)
Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
Portland was cool. Annie, however, is now sick.
If I don't die this afternoon, I'll tell you how much fun I had.
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
Color me jealous. Why oh why isn't Buffalo cool enough for a signing?? Not that I blame him for the winter signings, mind you, but it's nice here in the summer!
Posted by saxon75 (Member # 4589) on :
<--- Also jealous.
When the heck are you coming to SoCal like all the other cool kids, Nathan?
Posted by T_Smith (Member # 3734) on :
saxony: When you guys are as cool as me, then I might consider letting you host me. Oh, and my mom would get too scared to let me go.
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
quote: I am naught but envious.
That about sums it up.
Why isn't there a signing in new england? Are we not cool enough?
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
No, Dragon, we're just *too* cool
(lol, celia, whoops, we've had this conversation before, haven't we)
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
So when is there going to be a Jatraquero gathering where nobody is cool, the personalities don't mesh, and everyone has a horrible time?
Oh wait, you all are probably waiting for me on that.
Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
well, Ryuko and I are talking about a "Frozen North" get-together...
Posted by Rappin' Ronnie Reagan (Member # 5626) on :
There should be a New York City get-together.
Posted by solo (Member # 3148) on :
Annie, you're coming to Edmonton? When? Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
Zal, if you ever come to Provo, I'll buy you a Jamba Juice with a Femme Boost and we'll talk about British fashion.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
*lip quivers* Jon Boy, I thought was our thing.
Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :
quote: Air Ports
Wow. Airports sound really cool when you devide them in half and capitalize each bit...
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
*whispers* Of course it is, Katie. But you don't want Zal to know that nobody likes him, do you?
[ November 19, 2003, 05:19 PM: Message edited by: Jon Boy ]
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
Thanks, Jon Boy.
If I ever come (fair warning - it is within the realm of possibility):
1) It'll be lunch at El Azteca
2) You have to promise that we will have a horrible time so that we can be the first Jatraqueros to ever report a failed meeting here on this site -- that means you probably shouldn't bring your lovely wife, who, I'm sure, brightens any social occassion (as does mine so I guess she's out too)
3) I expect you to wear a British-cut sports coat [you should know by now, the difference between the American, British and French/Italian style men's suit coat/sports coat]
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
I'd never want Zal to think that. That was a good idea. Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
Oh yeah, and *whispers* I already know. It became quite clear after all of you (except for imogen and fiazko - props to them) ignored my brilliant and hilarious parody on the other side. I tried to be low key about it, but now it's time for shamelessness.
---
Also: that T_Smith punk can come too if he's not out serving the Lord. That dude needs a serious fashion paradigm shift beaten into him [yes, I'm talking about the infamous brown jacket].
Posted by JonnyNotSoBravo (Member # 5715) on :
quote:Toni and Katie are, in fact, more funny, cooler, and better looking than you think.
Well, you almost got this right. They were smarter, too.
quote:I may not have outputted as much as most people, but I paid attention had a great time.
Yeah! I kinda got the impression that we were a show for Nate all weekend long. Luckily, he was a great audience and laughed at everything. That really inflated our egos. We did have to ask him a few times to speak up and let us know he was alive in the backseat as we drove. I'm sorry I missed all the antics at the airport. Nate has a very interesting blue shirt though, and the tights/bottle episode was quite entertaining.
quote:Cecily and Toni are very outgoing, lovable people.
This is very true. They sooooo carried the entire outing. They were the organizers, the conversationalists, the perfect hosts and generally the glue that held us all together. Cecily(Narnia) was just as she is on the board - very outgoing and incredibly nice and sweet and cute. Toni(Ralphie) was just as she is on the board....only M A G N I F I E D. Imagine not waiting between posts for witty chatter, snappy comebacks and larger than life personality! It was almost overwhelming and more than comforting. I was instantly set at ease.
quote:Oh, and btw, Zotto! is like... Mr. Cool.
He is! He kinda hung back a little bit, but that was all part of the cool thing. And he wore lots of black clothing. And he knew random artists that hung out in coffee houses. And we were totally s'posed to pick him up on Sunday and take him to the Gorge with us, but we got up late and totally bailed on him (in some ways, we are very evil people - see Nate's frappe pic from Pac NW get together thread)!
quote:Not only is Jeni very cool (purple streaks folks... nuff said) but she has the happiest kids on the planet.
Very true. Cute kids - Rayne may have been in a body cast but she was an incredibly happy child. jeni's husband was really cool, and incredibly tolerant of all us Hatrackers. He was performing bicep curls with Rayne while we were all talking. About jeniwren's hair - apparently, some people thought she had blue/purple hair all over and so were confused by the signing pics. The purple/blue streaks were all at the ends, presumably because some time has passed since she dyed her hair. Anyway, she was really cool and interesting and Toni, jeni(uncapitalized so as not to be confused with the other Jeni), Nate and I all had Thai food and talked and hung out at the bookstore before we ate.
No quotes about Annie and Hobbes. They monopolize enough of the board's attention as it is.
Annie wrote:
quote:Portland was cool. Annie, however, is now sick.
If I don't die this afternoon, I'll tell you how much fun I had.
This is my fault. I was coughing all weekend long and shook your hand before you left the signing. I'm sure that means Hobbes has it as well. I'm sorry! Well, not in some ways because it makes up for some of the nausea caused by the Annie and Hobbes comments on the boards. I'm also waiting for the full casualty list from the spreading of my virus. It's not SARS or anything but I think it spreads quite well for a virus of its caliber. And it builds a much needed immune system for someone who lives in Montana and prolly doesn't get as much exposure to people. Annie does make splendid crepes and is a model of what you can accomplish if you don't watch TV. She was much quieter than on here. She may have the word "Shakira" in her AIM name and say she talks constantly but it's all lies and smokescreens!
Hobbes was much like he is on here. Very cheerful and optimistic. I found out he was featured prominently in the acknowledgements section of Crystal City and he is indeed a big DVD buff. He was very very very disappointed that I hadn't seen The Quiet Man and tried to get me to see it, but he scared me and I escaped!I probably will eventually see it, because I should prolly see at least one John Wayne movie where he doesn't shoot anybody.
Shigosei and Mr. Funny were very interesting and funny. Mr. Funny was less sardonic in RL. Not as eager to take over the world. Shigosei tried to be outgoing but was hindered by her cold and the awesome conversational gravity well powered by the Narnia/Ralphie factor. Definitely a LOTR fan (she threatened to cite lineages - we said we believed her and she backed off a little). Their parents were nice and didn't say a thing and were tolerant of the craziness that was our group. We certainly attracted looks from other patrons because of some of our comments.
MoonRabbit and his wife were there and took pictures. He had sushi and wasabi(Toni tried some wasabi, but none of us tried the sushi for some reason) and obviously was a photographer(he had a wide angle lens as one of his attachments to his camera - very professional from this ignoramus' point of view). They were both very nice.
We (Toni's posse - the other main faction was Cecily's) talked about Celia's voice, and Frisco's conspicuous absence and missed Shan and compared notes about events on the board and all in all it was very therapeutic and interesting and fun.
Oh, and everyone was smarter, funnier and better looking in Real Life. Except Deirdre(Katie) who I didn't meet. I'm sure she was completely different from everyone else.
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
my voice? i wasn't aware that more than 2 of you had ever heard my voice...
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
1. El Azteca gets two thumbs up from me.
2. Please. You'll be hanging out with me. Of course you'll have a horrible time.
3. Dude. Of course I know the difference.
4. Sometimes the best praise is no praise at all. Except when no praise means that it sucks. Unless it sucks so much that it is, in its own way, praiseworthy.
5. No foolin'. The "infamous brown leather jacket" has to go.
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
JB: de accord!
----
celia: you mean that isn't you telling me to shine large flashlights into people's living rooms at night?
Posted by JonnyNotSoBravo (Member # 5715) on :
Yeah, Nate filled us in. He had opinions We were information starved about RL interactions with any Hatrackers. And he taped all your conversations (*in deep voice* no, not really).
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
you weren't at that gathering, you weren't one of the two. now go buy fresh batteries, yours are running low.
i should give that nathan kid a call again some time...if only to hear him fight with his sister more. Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
No, no, Zal; it's d'accord. We'll have to brush up on your French when you come.
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
Ba nu. E limba Romana. Franceste e nu mai pentru o puştoaică ca tu.
Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
I'm only quiet when in the presence of the comic genius that is Ralphie, Johnny. Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Psst - RRRRRRR, I think I'm gonna be in NYC Dec 6 Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
Dude, don't underestimate my ability to find online Romanian-English dictionaries.
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
Well, see, now that's the beauty of the Web. You can insult someone in a different language and they have to do the work of looking up the insult.
Posted by T_Smith (Member # 3734) on :
Stupid Anti-Brown Jacket violence!! Curse you all!
Posted by Mr.Funny (Member # 4467) on :
Sheesh, why do ya'll keep thinkin' I'm southern? Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
I hate it when I'm late for a thread like this!! You all saw my comments, so I will just add:
Jonny = YOWZA! You're hot dude. I was pleased that you chose to eat crepes in my house. And I'm sorry that it took me 15 minutes to figure out who you were. You could have been the Bellingham Strangler and I still would have thought you were hot. It was nice to figure out that you were someone I already knew.
Laura = 50% of my hostess charm folks. Couldn't have done it without her and she even came when she ISN'T addicted to hatrack and wouldn't get all our jokes. What a sweet and good sport! She also creamed us all in movie trivia and quotes.
Hobbes = left his mathbook at my house. Now I will try for world domination!! You've also never seen anything 'cuter' than Hobbes and Annie browsing the forum TOGETHER, one doing the browsing and the other leaning on and looking over a shoulder. Many giggles, many smooches. Yeah, it was all there.
T_Smith = hottie. Yes, yes you are. I thought you were so cute and funny and enjoyable to be around. I wanted to take you away from Ralphie. And I totally dig the brown jacket...and I was amused by how an innocent coke bottle became the bain of your existance...and we WILL find those tights before January. You can bet on it.
Zotto! = very closeby and easy to nab whenever I want a minion. Every time I type that exclamation point I think of calling your name and then smacking you to emphasize it. I am SO VERY PLEASED that we got to hang out, that you shared your first beautiful Portland fall with us, and that you live so close. I could never ask for a cuter, nicer, more fun minion than you. You were also a really good sport about being in the back seat with Annie and Hobbes the whole weekend. *snicker*
Annie = gorgeous dimples, gorgeous hair, gorgeous figure...yeah. It's all there and it's FANTASTIC!! She's sweeter in person and whips up apple cinnamon crepes in NOTHING FLAT folks. I'm telling you, she's amazing!!
Crystal = devoted fan from Alaska. We'll get a picture of her up real soon, she's a cutie and a sweetie to boot.
MoonRabbit = cool guy with the camera. He's the one that's always willing to take pictures of you and your friends and he gets all the good candid shots. He also has a lovely wife who was so accepting of our crazy little group.
Nato = one of the original Portlanders. I'm so glad you came because we had such a good time being silly at the signing while waiting for OSC to show up. Oh, and you're hot too.
Ralphie = goddess of the south west side. It's quite nice being on opposite sides of the city cause then we've got it all covered...we're also good drivers. (Zotto, keep quiet!!) Toni is a woman of hidden talents who can play the piano and pogostick. yep. Saw it with me own eyes!! Oh, and sorry about the smilies in this post. They're instinctive...
Dan = Ralphie's incredibly funny and endearing husband. He makes EVERYONE feel so comfy and he's really really nice.
Shigosei and Mr. Funny = cool, cute siblings with awesome parents who put up with us a LOT that day.
jeniwren = hip mom with great blue and purple hair. Sweet kids and a very very good sport of a husband. It was nice to meet jeni and really really nice to meet her whole family.
Ok, so that was a lot of comments. But, at the signing, I also met two other very awesome OSC fans. Dave (the guy that owns everything OSC in hardcover) and Jim (the enthusiastic fan who plans on signing onto the board soon.) They were both very awesome and made me glad that I stood in line for a bit.
And the Cards. Well. We all know that they rock. For this we write.
[ November 19, 2003, 07:28 PM: Message edited by: Narnia ]
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
quote: Many giggles, many smooches.
So...Hobbes and Annie really are a Hatrack couple now?
Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
Oh - you said without google. My bad.
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Darnit, Annie's one step ahead of me. Those are much better than what google showed me Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Feeling better, Annie? (((((Annie)))))
Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
I'm getting there. Sick food is helping. Mmmm..jello.
And attention - innocent young lads - do not click on Myr's link. You have been warned.
Posted by T_Smith (Member # 3734) on :
Its a warning too late.
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
Yes, a warning too late, he said to himself, as he quickly closed his browser at work, cursing Myrddin under his breath.
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
Well I guess I’m going to sum up the events on my timeline. And just to try and keep the sap out of the description I’ll just say Annie is perfect right now and try not to focus on it later.
I arrived in late (about 11:00pm local time) and Narnia et group came to pick me up after dinner with Ralphie’s group (I’m dividing groups by driver by the way). I got in a bit early and walked down to baggage claim. I thought I saw them come in to get me out of the corner of my eye but then they disappeared so I just waited for a while. After 15 or twenty minutes I got bored and walked back up to the area where we got off the plane (or as close as you can get without going through security) where Annie spotted me. I then attempted to explain how my trip went despite the fact that I had been up for about 20 hours and was sick. I’m surprised Narnia let me come in her house after that since I undoubtedly sounded stoned.
We then dropped Zotto(!) off and picked up materials for breakfast the next morning. Then due to the fact that we were all exhausted, went to bed. Or at least that’s all I remember doing.
The next morning we woke semi-early and had Annie make us crepes (which were fantastic). After a bit Ralphie, Nate, and Johnny(NotSoBrovo) came over to have some crepes themselves and watch Ralphie relive her childhood via the pogo stick.
After some more talking we headed off to a coffee shop to meet the rest of the group. Once everyone arrived we sat a round for a bit thinking Nate was checking Hatrack to make sure we were all there only to discover he was just reading new threads. Finally we went off to a big bookstore and wandered around. Then off to dinner where I got slightly ill from some really bad orange chicken. Yuck.
Then we walked over to Borders where the signing was and got some good seats. OSC and KACard arrived early and OSC started signing. Finally Ralphie introduced us all to Kristine and we talked for a while (amongst our selves and Kristine) and OSC eventually started talking. He answered a few questions (after a talk about a few basic questions he “pre-answered”) and then started in signing again. Most people had already gotten their books signed so they talked with Kristine for a while but Annie and I still had stuff to sign so we waited in line. Eventually we worked our way up to OSC who proved to be charming and cordial despite the fact that he’d already done another signing.
After some more (fun) talk we all headed are separate ways. Ralphie dropped Jeniwren (whose great by the way) and came back to meet up with the Narnia crew. We went to a crepes place and ended up sitting upstairs in a small, cozy room where we all got to talk about Hatrack for a while. Finally we headed home to get some sleep.
The next morning we woke up late and hung around Narnia’s house for a while (Annie and I went for a walk). In case anyone’s wondering, Narnia is an absolutely great choir director. Eventually Narnia, Laura, Annie, and I went to Church which for some reason meets at three. After coming back Annie and I stole some salad and then headed off to her old roommate’s house for dinner (which was cooked by Annie’s roommate’s boyfriend and was quite good). After some reminiscing between Annie and her old friend we went back to Narnia’s (with friend and friend’s boyfriend) to watch The Quiet Man and then went to bed.
The next morning we hooked up with Annie’s friend again for a while (just the three of us) for breakfast. Then we went to see the Portland Temple (which looks great by the way), I’ll upload a picture later if Annie doesn’t mind. After that it was time to drop me off at the airport and that ended our weekend.
In case anyone is wondering, my CD player broke and I did indeed end up spending 7.5 hours waiting for the Purdue shuttle at the airport (well 6.5 since the flight was late). Sigh, still, the weekend was very worth it, you guys all rock!
Hobbes Posted by Ralphie (Member # 1565) on :
quote: Katie and Toni are cooler, better looking, and more funny in person than you think.
We didn't tell Nathan and JNSB to say this.
Very often*.
*(blatant lie)
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
Sheesh, guys, don't you think that's a little bit quick?
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
Hobbes Posted by ana kata (Member # 5666) on :
Hah! Jon Boy! You're one to talk! Posted by Abrynne (Member # 5826) on :
quote:Cecily has a very giggly sister with a good sense of humor.
Awww MAN! I came off as giggly? I've really been trying to cut down. And I just dropped off my film to be developed today so we'll have some pogo stick and bottle fondling pictures this weekend I hope. ( )
quote:Laura = 50% of my hostess charm folks. Couldn't have done it without her and she even came when she ISN'T addicted to hatrack and wouldn't get all our jokes. What a sweet and good sport! She also creamed us all in movie trivia and quotes.
I really did enjoy the signing. I have read all the Ender's Shadow series (that's out anyway) and Ender's Game, Speaker for the Dead, and Enchantment so I appreciated everything just the same. And I did get most of the jokes I think, the head squeazing one in particular. I really actually enjoyed the weekend
{edit} Annie, I just saw the tights site.....brilliant![/edit] *insert evil laughter here*
[ November 20, 2003, 01:17 AM: Message edited by: Abrynne ]
Posted by Deirdre (Member # 4200) on :
Smarter, funnier, and better looking.
Sheesh, Nate. How many times do we have to go over this?
Posted by T_Smith (Member # 3734) on :
Once more, Katie. Once more.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
One of my favorite parts of our outing was when a bunch of us crowded into the OSC section of the bookstore and read the Crystal City acknowledgements section out loud. It was so fun to hear the names of some of our favorite people and read about hatrack in a lovely book while we were all standing there together. Kind of surreal, but really fun.
Posted by Zotto! (Member # 4689) on :
VERY surreal.
I was in the presence of Hatrackian royalty. *is awed*
Posted by Deirdre (Member # 4200) on :
Hmmmm...
Now that you mention it, I'm also not all that keen on that last bit, "more funny, cooler, and better looking than you think," which almost makes it sound as though Hatrackers didn't already think we are incredibly funny, cool, and good looking. "Even more funny...than you think" would have been vastly preferable.
But don't worry. No big deal, really. I'm sure you'll do better next time.
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
As OSC said at the signing, "Only nice people read my books!"
Jatraqueros are incredibly intelligent, funny, charming, and cool. In person, doubly so.
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
I just couldn't pass by such a golden opportunity for irony, aka.
And let me just say that Hobbes and Annie are a cute couple.
Posted by ana kata (Member # 5666) on :
Yes, they are Posted by saxon75 (Member # 4589) on :
I can't believe no one is making more of the Ralphie-on-a-pogo-stick thing.
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
You would believe it if you heard what Ralphie told us would happen if we did.
Hobbes Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
We're trying to get Ralphie to come back and court us again.
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Why isn't there a signing in new england? Are we not cool enough?
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After coming back Annie and I stole some salad and then headed off to her old roommate’s house for dinner (which was cooked by Annie’s roommate’s boyfriend and was quite good). After some reminiscing between Annie and her old friend we went back to Narnia’s (with friend and friend’s boyfriend) to watch The Quiet Man and then went to bed.![[Angst]](graemlins/angst.gif)