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Lancecrossfire
Animoderator
07-13-2000
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - 11:08 am
I’m someone that has been at TVCH almost since the first day—I think I got here the second day and lurked one day before joining. I have enjoyed watching the site change and grow, however the real joys comes from watching (and in some cases knowing first hand) the growth of people. It is this topic I want to explore. Up front I’ll admit that this will be a long post. I don’t know how to share this information in a short post though. So, for those who don’t like to wade through a book, stop now. LOL Not everyone changes to the same degree. It is the big changes that cause me the most amount of reflection. That is the result of watching someone grow up since 2000 or watching someone not grow so much from young to adult as watching them grow in what they do/become. Both are marvels to me. And in both cases I’ve been a sidelines kind of spectator and a participant by personally knowing them and feeling/seeing things first hand as the process happens. As a person who likes to watch humans interact, these experiences so far have been personally priceless. I have had the honor in seeing the best of what the human race can become—what they are capable of doing for each other in a positive way. I’ve explored ideas that without these experiences wouldn’t have crossed my mind, because most likely in RL they would not have taken place. I’d like to throw out examples—this is not meant to be an all inclusive list for myself. Certainly others are aware of these and many other situations I don’t know about—after all, we get to know each other on a different level from one person to the next. And in no way am I saying a person has to have been here the whole time to experience these. Getting to be any part of these I would expect to be a positive experience. For me, these situation with people have provided me with a greater sense of community than without getting to witness these growths. I feel a part of something greater than just a series of posts on an internet site. I have learned from people; I’ve grown as a person from what others have gone through; I’ve been inspired; I’ve been amazed. In some small way I also hope that I’ve contributed too—it is bad form to get and not give back in some way. One person who comes to mind is Ryan Cooper. (he’s used his full mane on the board before). He posts most often during Big Brother. I believe he was 15 when he first started posting here. That’s before we had set an age requirement—or thought to pay attention. His most recent nick was Kcwheels. He is a person who was passionate about BB. He is smart and wrote excellent posts covering his position about the HG”s. He’d be either 20 or 21 now, and each year he comes back for BB with fresh ideas, healthy challenges and a bravado I have come to respect. He has had some tough times physically, however when he shares those times he is himself a pillar of strength. Along the same lines as growing up here at TVCH I think of Neko. Like Ryan, it is BB that brought out her passion, however she has stayed a poster in the non-BB times. For quite sometime her age was not known to a lot of folks. She wrote posts that would give cause for people to think she was adult when she was 15. Like Ryan she showed spirit concerning BB, and like Ryan created well thought out and well written discussion on BB. She was also a person who’d go into chat at times. She shared her personal like in chat and on the board—well, some of it anyway. I remember her always referring to her mom as The Mom. As a parent, I enjoyed what she shared about growing up. She seemed well adjusted and had normal concerns as a teen. She shared her school experiences, and her sports life. It was always easy to tell Neko was a competitor. Not everyone is able to compete at the collegiate level. He latest shared adventures have concerned a boy friend and her university classes. Oh, and her turning 21. Another young member that posts pretty much only about BB is Zached. I believe he was about 15 or so when he showed up, and his mom said it was ok with her if he posted. I haven’t seen him around lately, although remember that like Ryan and Neko, he had some great input to lots of BB topics. I hope he’s doing well. Another person I’ve watched grow up isn’t a member of the board, however she might as well be, given how much all of us have gotten to know her thanks to her mom who is a member of TVCH. It’s hard to think of Tess and not think of Sarah. Tess and Charlie adopted Sarah when she was quite young. From the time Tess joined TVCH she has shared a lot about Sarah. How Sarah has been, what she’s like as a person, and how she’s changed as she’s gone from virtually a baby to a young lady. If you have been around TVCH for any length of time you have gotten the chance to know Sarah through Tess. Stories on both the board and in chat have over time allowed us to see not just Sarah grow up but also see the love Tess has for Sarah. A true inspiration in so many ways. As an adult now in his 50’s, I’ve appreciated each of these youngsters and what they have brought to the board through their own words or in the case of Sarah though all the things Tess has shared. Sometimes I get concerned about what I see in our future leaders—through print, on TV, or in person. I can take comfort though knowing personally on some level that any of these 4 could also become our leaders of the future. That gives me great comfort. The next type of change isn’t born so much out of just getting older as it has to do with choices made in one’s life. I think it’s seen more in someone 20-25 than in someone 50-60. What is important though is that the person is making and/or going through big changes in their life. The person I think of first is Spygirl. It helps that I’ve interacted with her for quite awhile, including meeting her a number of times. She has gone from a struggling grad student to someone with a PhD, is a professor and the head of her department. She has also gotten married, and will have her first child any day. The important part of all of this is what’s been in between and getting to see it all unfold. I’ve watched her go through the trials and tribulations of barely getting buy as a student (even before she stared her PhD). I remember her renting a house as a student and worrying about getting the lawn mowed. I also remember how excited she was to be able to rent that house. I remember all of the hassles she had getting her dissertation approved, and the hours she spent writing. I remember how stressed she got concerning her oral defense of her research. I remember her searching for a job as a professor, then getting a job and shortly after becoming head of the department. I remember all she went through to have her first house built and all the ideas people provided for some of her decorating needs. I remember her developing a relationship with Flyboy that bloomed into a marriage. I was lucky enough to get to attend this event too. And here we are today, awaiting the birth of Brayden. In 7 years what all those things above means is getting to see someone evolve before my eyes. 7 years is a significant percentage of her life; just under 25%. Going from a struggling student worried about having food to eat to a successful professor by the age of 30 has meant a lot to be a part of; getting to witness, and being a friend. I know I’m not the only one to be a part of all of the above. What I share about these folks has been shared by them on the aboard. Some folks have been a part of it for the full 7 years, and some for a shorter time. Yet, all have been included if they chose to look. This is for me what helps to make us a community; a community where a lot of people have gotten to know a lot of other people. Another kind of growth I’ve witnessed is the growth one experiences from adversity. A few folks come to mind. Resortgirl quite awhile back brought up her battle with alcohol. She has shared this since the beginning of her efforts, and as a result Texannie not too long ago shared that she was taking on the same battle. Wapland has been sharing a similar battle, although from a different perspective. He husband has been battling drug use, and Wapland has shared how it has affected her, him, and their family. We have all witnessed a personal growth in each of these members over time. Based on posts over time their battles and the shared information has been an inspiration to others. At the same time we as their friends have provided support. It’s important to know ad believe these kinds of changes can take place. Without that belief or knowledge it makes it much tougher to face such challenges for ourselves, our friends or anyone we know. With life though comes death. From the time we become a zygote inside of mom we come closer to death every single day. We have verified there have been 3 deaths of members. The one effecting me the most was when Flyonthewall passed away. Fly was really into BB. Her posts were filled with passion. She posted quite a bit in the live feed posts allowing others to follow when they couldn’t get the feeds themselves. When Fly became ill, the level of participation was greatly affected. When she did post though, the level of passion, the love of the show was always evident. Fly had a big following on the board—from those who had know her a long time to those who were new to the board. There were posts for months paying tribute to Fly—and still every now and then someone posts a reminder about her. Fly’s legacy helped growth in a different way. A lot of people made donations to Neil in memory of Flyonthewall. Neil used that money to upgrade the board software. The unveiling was a big thing when it happened. The response made it clear Neil did a good thing. These are only examples; my leaving anyone out is not an indication I’m not aware of your situation. It doesn’t mean anyone not listed is any less important. I just used the above to express my thoughts about growth in people and how it means so much to me to be a part of it. I’ve made the post long enough with just these few examples. I am appreciative that so many of you are willing to share about yourselves, as I’ve watched a lot of growth within a lot of people. It has made my TVCH experience a very special 7 years of my life.
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Juju2bigdog
Member
10-27-2000
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - 1:39 pm
Hahahaha, I remember Spygirl's very first posts on the board. She was trying to get on Big Brother 2 as a contestant. She was SO pumped!
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Cndeariso
Member
06-28-2004
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - 1:47 pm
i discovered this board when it first started up. left at the end of BB. came back each year just for BB and had to sign up brand new each time. then in 2004 i discovered there was more to the board than BB and have been here and everywhere since. i remember Rupertbear being my first friend on the board. she is such a delightful lady and very wise.
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Escapee
Member
06-15-2004
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - 2:14 pm
My first time on the board as a lurker, I remember Jed and his funny stories. I knew I wanted to be a part of this.
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Landi
Member
07-29-2002
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - 2:20 pm
lance, you brought up my first friend on the board, fly. she always encouraged me and would send me emails that sometimes was just two words: you rock! my daughter has gone from being a 10 year old i could talk about her problems, to a young lady who posts here on her own. i've met a wonderful lady on this board from one of seamonkey's famous meets that turned out to be one of the best friends i have in my offline life, merrysea. she was there for me when i had my surgery, even to the point of helping me with my first shower after the surgery. there is my twin: tater. she doesn't post as much as she used to. she's an introvert, who suffered a terrible car accident a few years back. but she gets my sarcastic wit, posted updates to you all when i was gone from the board, listens to me gripe about life in general, and is always there for me. i thank you for giving her to me. she has helped me grow. one of the biggest growths i have seen is a woman named mocha (formerly squaredsc). she puts out she's tough as nails. but we shared in her journey with breast cancer, and all that she went through in those changes to her body and life. i keep telling her she's mellowed, and she LOL's at me. i was proud this year to walk in the relay of life in her honor. to all of the friends i have on this board, you touch me every day. you are amazing each in your own special way. and i am better, just for knowing you.
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Spygirl
Board Administrator
04-23-2001
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - 2:46 pm
Lance, through tears, I am typing this post. After nearly 10 minutes, I was finally able read your section about me in its entirety to Flyboy. It took that long because I couldn't talk for crying. Don't you know you aren't supposed to make a pregnant woman in early active labor cry? Your words touched me in a way you cannot imagine. My life is full of blessings...so many, I truly cannot count them. I am surrounded by supportive, loving, and thoughtful people like you who take the time to think about me. The last seven years have been a journey and so much has happened. I remember all of the financial stresses, wondering if this student loan check would last through the semester with enough money to pay for books and rent! And now, we are literally on the brink of what will be the biggest life change ever. Graduate school, moving to a new state, starting a new job, and building a house - put all of those together and they don't come close to what will happen when we meet our son for the first time. Lance, thank you for your friendship and thank you for giving me the chance to reflect on the last several years through your eyes. 
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - 2:56 pm
Thx landi. I am still tough as nails lol. 
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Lancecrossfire
Animoderator
07-13-2000
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - 3:01 pm
Landi, great post--and I agree with you completely about Mocha! Spy, you took me off guard by your reaction. I am honored by your message.
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Texannie
Member
07-16-2001
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - 3:33 pm
Lance, I am honestly speechless that I would be included in such milestones. I will be eternally grateful to RG for her strength and to all the members here for their support.
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Spygirl
Board Administrator
04-23-2001
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - 3:45 pm
Lance...I am honored by your message.
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Wink
Member
10-06-2000
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - 4:14 pm
Lance can I be included as the one who went from being the shy quiet one to the board strumpet?
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Lancecrossfire
Animoderator
07-13-2000
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - 4:17 pm
As I wrote this I had literally about a dozen other examples (people) running through my head. I wanted to use all of them (and wold have thought of more) but the post would have been so long no one would have tried to read it. LOL Wink, I don't ever remember you being the shy quiet one. 
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Seamonkey
Moderator
09-07-2000
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - 4:40 pm
Well I certainly would include spy and most of those Lance posted about, and I thought of Holly before I saw landi's post and I've had the pleasure of meeting Holly in person several times and thus seeing her growth off board too. Zachyd was I think 12 when he started on the board and even now is our youngest member and not yet 15, if I'm correct. I've greatly enjoyed getting to know this man and of course his family off board and we've pretty much adopted each other, me and his family. I have certainly enjoyed watching Lance evolve from workaholic to man with a family and loved how they are working with rescue dogs these days. I've been blessed with being able to meet a fair number of people and have enjoyed that so much. Meeting Spy, then later meeting flyboy, before they were even engaged, and having to agree with Rosie that "he's a keeper", then being honored to attend the wedding and more recently to drive her to the airport, so tired she fell asleep in the car because of a long long day of travel and interviews, and also because a certain little boy named Brayden (though not at that point) was along for the ride.. and now he's flirting with making his grand entrance into the world! Meeting Moonie and Cowboy, before their wedding and then celebrating AT their wedding and being able to hang out at their place more recently.. priceless. I so much love Wargod's sharing of her family, I love the way she is with her whole family but especially Darren, Caleb and Kota and while meeting them in real life has been wonderful, I don't think I'd be any less engaged if I'd only done the meeting online. I haven't met Miss Sarah, but she comes alive through Tess and I love having her picture on my refrigerator Also haven't met Scoot's daughter yet but have been captured by her smile and hearing about her from her mom. And we do go through struggles with our friends here, people making choices of what to buy or what to do or how to style their hair. People going through tough times, like Dahli, Zmom (of course I've loved being able to see Zachary grow), Baby, RG, Texannie, Wappy and so many others... I've loved watching people help people out.. Jan, Jimmer, Juju just to list some "J" names, clearly there are many others..
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Neko
Member
08-03-2001
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - 6:38 pm
I read Lance's post a couple of hours ago, but I still feel like I haven't figured out exactly what to say to respond to it. I can't believe I made such an impact on just one person with silly discussions about Big Brother. I remember a lot of people being shocked when I finally revealed my age, but I hardly thought my post were anything other than written by a 15 year old. Needless to say, if you thought I was well spoken then, I'd hate to think of what you think of my writing now that I'm 6 years older and hardly feel like I've changed that much. But I guess while everything seems so gradual to me, you got to see it with an outsider's point of view, and saw everything as growth, while I just saw it as the everyday. I guess I'd just like to say thank you, and I plan on telling you all many more mundane stories about my life. 
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Cndeariso
Member
06-28-2004
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - 7:38 pm
once i geared up and stayed on the board fulltime in 2004 i started venturing to other places than the Big Brother threads. i found a friend in Mameblanche in the games area who quickly took me under her wing and adopted me as her cyber-sister. many others soon came along. and, then there was the coop of the Animal Farm. i knew i was in heaven on the internet now. i'm not sure if it was before AF or after that i met Kearie and we became the best of friends. i do know that is where i met Dogdoc with whom i just spent a fantastic weekend with up in Pittsburgh. there have been so many others that have touched my life and if feel that i can call a friend. Landi, Hukonreality, Chiliwilli, Watching2, Vee, Sheilaree, Lance, DarrellH and so many more. in fact, each day brings new folks into my world as we make the first tentative exchanges on the board. i could fill up this entire thread by naming everyone who has come into my life here at TVCH. some are still here, some are not here right now but may be back during BB, some have moved on to other friends and some have left the board entirely. i don't think friendship means you have to talk to each other everyday, every week or even every month. it's a connection you have with someone that if you were to see them after several years you could pick right back up where you had left off as though time had stood still. each of you may have gone your separate ways, made new friends and lost touch but you still have that connection.
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - 7:40 pm
great post Lance! You always write so beautifully!
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Knightpatti
Member
12-06-2001
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - 8:04 pm
Yes,Lance such a well thought out post! I always liked playing the games here with Lance and others.
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Dogdoc
Member
09-29-2001
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - 8:05 pm
(Close your eyes Cnd) When I told people at work that a couple I met on the internet was coming to town and was going to stay at my house I was met with resistance. "You shouldn't do that" "That is dangerous" and my personal favorite when someone told my boss "What the hell is wrong with her." They called my house on the day I was off and left a message for me to call in. How do I explain to people that TVCH is different. How can I explain to myself why I come to TVCH every day. We care about each other here. We become a family. Some day I will give Mocha a hug. Rupertbear introduced me to the Farm. Kearie and Cndeariso as Aly Kat and Chessie made me feel welcome by picking on me because I am a biped. Lance watches out for all of us over there on the Farm. My life is richer for being able to come here.
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - 8:44 pm
I can see that
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Juju2bigdog
Member
10-27-2000
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - 9:35 pm
We J people like to be helpful. Think of Jmm in her heyday here. She could outhelp anybody and then some. Wink, some of us have a hard time remembering your shy days but that may just be because we are so danged old. I am still looking for a live online trivia rematch, and swear that you only beat me because you had a faster internet connection than me.
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Lancecrossfire
Animoderator
07-13-2000
| Saturday, February 24, 2007 - 12:27 am
Neko, I'm betting you didn't make an impact on just one person. I think you will find you have made an impact on quite a number of people. Frequently seeing from the outside does provide for a different perspective. Just as having "been there already" can provide for a different look. You grew up--it felt "everyday" to you because that's what's supposed to happen. You weren't watching for it--you were doing it. Dogdoc, what you described is a common thing among people who meet up with TVCH people for the first time. Hey, at least they care, even if they don't understand. Sea, I was never a workaholic. I'm just intense and passionate about what I do. 
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Egbok
Member
07-13-2000
| Saturday, February 24, 2007 - 1:04 am
Believe it or not, when I first started on the board, I was very naive and gullible. I've come a long way to gain my savvy status...lol. I remember truly thinking that Wink and Adven were a married couple. I was set straight by another TVCHer and got a big laugh out of learning the truth. I have secretly admired Wink for seeming to always come in last place in some of those earlier games we all took part in. I always tried to come in last place but damn it all if Wink didn't beat me out of that spot time after time! And one more thing about Wink...I always enjoyed when she was a part of the spy team with Juju and Granny. Their combined humor always made me LOL.
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Cndeariso
Member
06-28-2004
| Saturday, February 24, 2007 - 6:03 am
dogdoc, i left my axe at home. couldn't figure out how to get it through homeland security. LOL 
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Saturday, February 24, 2007 - 9:22 am
Dogdoc I've gotten the same exact reaction from my family. And I still get it lol. Oh and my mom met alot of tvchers in Vegas but she's still a lil leary, she's a worrier.
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Saturday, February 24, 2007 - 11:44 am
I must admit that some of my best times in the last 4 years involved TVCH-ers!! If you havent gone to a TVCH meet you really should!! in fact,,there is one July 15-20 in Vegas!!!!! it will be so fun
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