Archive through October 03, 2003
MoveCloseDeleteAdmin

TV ClubHouse: Archive: Road Trips (ARCHIVES): Archive through October 03, 2003

Ginger1218

Tuesday, September 30, 2003 - 06:32 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Glenn I met Spygirl too and I adore her, she is so real. I agree with you 100%.

Egbok

Tuesday, September 30, 2003 - 08:20 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Glenn what you wrote came from your heart and I can tell I'm going to enjoy meeting you and Spy in a few weeks. I sense very good people here....

Hippy, what you wrote came from your heart as well and that's what I love about this online community. We are able to express ourselves with sincere honesty (okay, with reasonable sincere honesty) and not get flamed for doing so. Hippy you always make me smile and I appreciate your take on situations around here.

And Tess, if Squared is only giving out besos, then I'll take a hug from you.

Wink

Tuesday, September 30, 2003 - 08:46 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Egbok what I wrote came from the heart too

Goddessatlaw

Tuesday, September 30, 2003 - 09:34 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Good morning!!!!! MM and I just got back from Austin, having had a lusciously romantic weekend. It was marvelous starting it off by meeting such a diverse group of truly sweet, funny, intelligent and generous people.

First of all, because MM had planned this trip as a private getaway for us, I was more than a little apprehensive at how he'd receive the news that we were going to have dinner with a group of strangers when we got there. Of course, he'd heard the names dra, jmm, spygirl and glenn so he wasn't completely unfamiliar with everyone, but I spend alot of time chatting on the Board instead of with him and it can get to be a sore spot. Nonetheless, he decided to go with the program without too much grief. Unfortunately, we'd been up most of the night and travelled all day, so we'd been fighting quite a bit on the way to dinner. We were seriously tired and pretty tense.

When we got to the restaurant, Spygirl and Glenn waved us onto the back patio (Dra and JMM were running a bit late). My first impression of Spygirl was "what a beautiful girl - fantastic smile." My first impression of Glenn was "this guy's eyes are bluer than the skies of Texas." They were both very warm and welcoming, easy to chat with and MM immediately warmed up to the evening. At one point, Spygirl and I were chatting about Board business, so MM went over and sat by Glenn. I think Glenn must have been on his best behavior at that point, because I didn't get in trouble with MM over anything he and Glenn chatted about. This is good, because MM wanted to know why the hell someone named Glenn was driving all the way to Austin to meet me. LOL. Glenn deflected attention and saved his skin by telling MM that another particular poster on the Board had a crush on me, but it wasn't him. See Goddess tapdance, watch her buck-and-wing. When confronted by MM with this piece of news, I assured him that everyone knew Glenn was a patholigical liar and a trouble-maker. I told him he should feel sorry for Glenn and not be mad at me. Dra and JMM kindly backed me up, and MM's mood was salvaged for the evening. (LOL, Glenn - I'm just busting your ****s).

Dra and JMM came in about 30 minutes later, and they were exactly as I'd imagined them. A very handsome, loving, sweet couple. JMM is tiny, and also has an amazingly beautiful pair of blue eyes. Dra towers over her, and was intently interested in making sure everyone was comfortable, fed and entertained. Dra had put a tremendous amount of work into making the Texas meeting happen - from sending out invitations, to sending maps and directions, to arranging meeting places and picking people up at the airport. All his hard work made it possible for the rest of us to relax and enjoy ourselves. Dra, you are simply the best.

We get to the bowling alley, and Machellewatches was there with a few of her close friends. Machelle also has a fantastic smile, which she wears in abundance. I was very impressed with her high spirits and strong friendships (which tells alot about people). We had the opportunity to chat a bit, and I can tell you Miss Machelle is a strong and tough young lady who is bound to do very well in this life. It was a true pleasure to meet her in person and witness what a Survivor really is made of.

Sisalou - open armed, out-going, quick to laugh and a hugely open personality. Wherever she goes, the fun is on. MM and I truly enjoyed her fast wit and easy conversation. She rolled around the party and made friends with everyone there. I had to laugh when she came up and asked whether I'd met MM online - the answer is "no, I met him the old fashioned way - in a bar."

I was extremely impressed with Ladytex and her family. Lady is also tiny, and very, very sweet. Her husband is dashingly handsome, and my goodness she has a son that any parent would be proud of. DS, who is about 16, was sitting down when Lady introduced us and he immediately got to his feet to shake my hand. They are clearly a very loving and supportive family, and I think we were all impressed with the quality of Lady and DH's relationship with their son. How many 16-year-olds would be comfortable with and enjoy hanging out with a group of people their parents' age whom they've never met? Really, Lady, you and your family are marvelous.

Karuuna was the next in, brought to the bowling alley by Dra and JMM. Karuuna has this fabulous head of long, blond, wavy hair that perfectly suits her face. Another wide and brilliant smile. She is exactly as she comes off on the Board - articulate, funny, energetic, outgoing and bright. She and MM shared miseries over the hazards and pitfalls of owning ones own business with a gaggle of employees - I think MM found a kindred soul. He was mighty impressed with her intelligence and industry. Karuuna is a physically impressive woman - very tall, with a slim frame and clearly extremely fit. MM and I were joking that she had to be one of those people that race up and down small mountains before breakfast just to burn off some excess energy. Only kind of joking, because I think it might actually be true. When I grow up, I want to be Karuuna except we need to fix her politics. Girl, you'd be just plain perfect otherwise (heh).

Urgrace is a tiny bundle of energy and joy. She bounced around the party making conversation with everyone and spreading her special brand of sunshine. Urgrace is extremely creative, and came equipped with marvoulous homemade cards for Spy and an armful of gifts. We really enjoyed watching the great relationship between Spygirl and Urgrace - they are clearly very fond of and supportive of each other.

On to Mr. Wonderful (who MM now believes is a clone of himself and we need to claim patent infringement on). The toy is a riot. One of the funniest things that happened was at the lounge of our hotel - we were all passing the toy around listening to everything it would say - "You look beautiful without makeup", "why don't you let me cook dinner," etc. MM was giving me a foot rub when the toy got around to me. I pushed the button, and the thing said "honey, you've had a long day and look tired. Why don't you sit down and let me rub your feet?" We rolled.

It was wonderful for both of us to get to know everyone at the TVCH meeting in Texas. MM says he's actually going to sign up and post about the meeting, so I'll let him say what he's got to say. By the way, Glenn likes to come off as a gruff guy, but he picked up the entire tab for dinner and gave Spygirl some wonderful girly gifts for her birthday. He was wonderfully generous and great to hang around with. I failed in my attempt to get him drunk, but at least I tried. Ladies, we need to find Glenn a fabulous girlfriend - he deserves one. Hugs and kisses to everyone and I hope we meet again soon!!

Squaredsc

Tuesday, September 30, 2003 - 09:41 am EditMoveDeleteIP
peeping in to say great recap gal, im soo glad you and mm had a great time.

Goddessatlaw

Tuesday, September 30, 2003 - 09:44 am EditMoveDeleteIP
PS I'm hunched over in the picture, because otherwise it would have truly been a case of my face, Karuuna's ass. LOL. And I didn't realize Glenn was having his way with hinies in the pictures. WTG, Glenn.

Reiki

Tuesday, September 30, 2003 - 09:53 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I'm glad that you all had such a wonderful time together in Texas. It always makes me smile when a group of us gets together and can get along as well in person as we do on the boards - if not better.

Thank you all for sharing your journey with us!

Theowl

Tuesday, September 30, 2003 - 10:05 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Wow Goddess!! I feel like I know everyone personally now!! That was really great!! Also, I thought Glenn and SpyGirl were an item!?!?!? If not now, maybe???

Juju2bigdog

Tuesday, September 30, 2003 - 10:30 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Great trip report, GAL!!! I am SO glad nobody axe murdered MM. It is very bad form on the first meeting.

Egbok

Tuesday, September 30, 2003 - 10:47 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Awwww GAL, I loved, loved, loved your report of the Austin gathering!!! I hope MM does sign on and gives us his version of events as well.

Urgrace

Tuesday, September 30, 2003 - 11:12 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Welcome back GAL! I hope that your romantic weekend turned out even more romantic after your little spat earlier. There's nothing like making up.

Spygirl

Tuesday, September 30, 2003 - 04:04 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Gal, what an incredible summary! It was a terrific weekend.

All the groping that went on in that picture still has me laughing. What a crew.


TheOwl said:


Quote:

Also, I thought Glenn and SpyGirl were an item!?!?!? If not now, maybe???




MsOwl, Glenn is an incredible person, but he has taken on the role of my adopted dad. While I have a perfectly wonderful father, I have been lucky enough to be able to add another to my life. We are the best of friends, but not an item. I am, however, chairperson of the committee to find him a wonderful woman. If you know of any suitable candidates, I'll be happy to interview them

Glenn, thank you for the note above. I've been out of town (again) and appreciate what you wrote about me. I feel blessed indeed to have such great friends.

Sisalou

Wednesday, October 01, 2003 - 03:11 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Goddess, what a great trip report! You and MM make a great couple. That was hilarious with Mr. Wonderful.

O.K. I am ready for another meet. I am going to head over to the Las Vegas thread.

Schoolmarm

Wednesday, October 01, 2003 - 05:34 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Gracie, My Louisville conference is November 12-16, but I'm flying back at 5am on the 16th so I can play for church!

See the "Have you met other Posters" thread for my future trips. I posted it here, but I think the mods moved it to help sort the chart info out.

Sage

Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 11:38 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Hi everyone, sorry I'm so long in reporting back about my trip. We got home 4:30am Tuesday after flying and driving all night. I slept most of the day and 12 hours that night! I'm still exhausted, and my bum is very sore from all that sitting.

First off, I'm so sad I didnt get to see Tess even though we were so close. The flight from Providence to MSP didn't serve dinner, and we were starving. By the time we finished dinner we had only 20 minutes before we had to board the plane. With the way security is, we didn't think we'd have time to go find her then go through the security check. On our other flights, we had to wait in line for up to 15 minutes just to go through the routine of removing jewely, belts, shoes, etc. It turns out we made the right choice to not meet with Tess. :(

The time in Cape Cod was short. We spent Saturday with Brian's family. It was his son's 20th birthday, and there was a party for him that night. On Sunday we drove to the tip of the Cape to Provincetown, aka, P-town. It was the most interesting town I've ever been in. The population seems to be 98% gay/lesbian. There were couples hanging all over each other, and public displays of affection were prevalent. We definitely felt like the minority, and I felt quite possessive of my man as I saw other men checking him out. LOL!

I got along with all of Brian's family, as they are very easygoing. I felt welcome and accepted by them all.

That's about all I can think of to report about my long and short trip to Cape Cod. I don't think I'd ever like to live there, though. Bumper to bumper traffic, and the driver's are rude and crazy. Whew, its so good to be back home!

Draheid

Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 01:40 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Well, it's about time I gave a little insight to my take on the 'First Annual Great Central Texas TVCH Gathering'

First off, it was absolutely fantastic to meet and/or see again everyone that attended. I am ecstatic beyond words that everyone had a great time and extremely relieved at the same time. It was an interesting day all around.

The thing that really came to mind about the whole experience is something I've just begun to believe in life the last few years - that everything happens for a reason. Let me explain...

JMM & I got a late start leaving home to head up to Austin. Good thing because there was a bizarre accident on the interstate that had traffic tied up for quite a while apparently. We managed, by running so late, to avoid most of that.

Dinner and the company was excellent. GAL, MM, Glenn, & Spygirl were everything I expected and more. I urge anyone that has the opportunity to get to know these folks, to do so.

Karuuna's flight was delayed, not delayed, early, on time - and we managed to get to the airport at just about the right time so neither of us had to wait long at all. (Oh, we didn't 'wait' as the security guard informed us that wasn't an acceptable word to use but we drove really slowly through the pickup area! lol)

Again, what a great person to meet, Karuuna is another fantastic lady I would highly recommend getting to know her if you have the chance.

While driving back, Machelle called to inform me that the chosen location was closed to the public. Now, I had called over a week prior and was assured that we could have lanes reserved with as little as 2 hours notice, however they took a booking of the entire place from some movie production group and we were forced to relocate the party.

Well, this worked out pretty well too for several reasons. Karuuna had time to get checked into her hotel before the next get together. JMM & I, along with Machellewatches & Sisalou, decided to wait there for Urgrace to arrive as she was running a little late also. This was good because, while waiting, Ladytex called to say she was also on her way. They both arrived at about the same time and we headed to the alternate place to meet.

The 2nd place was a bit smaller which actually worked well because it allowed us all to be together as a group rather then possibly the larger place with more distractions that might have split us up into smaller groups.

Then we find out we're not allowed to bring food or drink into the place let alone use their meeting room for the surprise party we had planned. MM & GAL offered that we could use the lounge in the lobby of their hotel if we wanted so that was decided to be the next place to go after we finished.

Well, that worked out very nicely too since the lounge was much more cozy and quiet then trying to have a party in the middle of a bowling alley. It was unfortunate that it got too late for all of us to continue over to the hotel and share in the finale of the night and some folks had quite a drive to get home.

So all in all, I think things happened as they did for the better overall experience for everyone. As I stated (way up there in this post) all things do happen for a reason - even if it seems to be crazy at the time.

I want to thank everyone for their participation and willingness to 'go with it' throughout the evening as that really helped make it a lot easier on everyone I think.

I will eventually make my way around individual folders with messages about the trip as well, I'm just a little behind in a few things this week along with being at a loss for words how to express the excitement I'm still feeling about the whole experience from this weekend.

Thank you again to all that joined us and I am really looking forward to the next opportunity to see all of you and anyone else who can make the next one.

Squaredsc

Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 02:21 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
aww dra, i have a tear in my eye from reading that seriously i do. that was very touching and im just sorry i don't live in texas.

Grannyg

Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 03:39 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Square, I'm driving down to Houston to meet JMM and Dra. Want me to come by and pick you up?

Squaredsc

Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 04:30 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
sure granny, if it's after 12/09.

Ladytex

Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 07:49 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Granny, when are you gonna be in Houston?

Whoami

Friday, October 03, 2003 - 01:04 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Hey Granny, how 'bout "swinging through" Colorado while you're at it and pick me up too?

Twinkie

Friday, October 03, 2003 - 07:55 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Calgon, take me away! Or Granny or anyone else that would like to! LOL Seriously, I'm asking anyone who would love to see Niagara Falls and also help me pack stuff and move stuff....all contributions would be gratefully appreciated. I can guarantee a place to sleep, plenty to eat and drink, good music, some great sightseeing ( we have 2 Frank Lloyd Wright houses in the city and the entire city is made up of a parkway system that was designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park in NYC), and togetherness.

And if you can bring along some big boys to move the huge heavy furniture so much the better.

I'm so, so very embarassed to ask for help but I don't have much choice. I have to move the entire contents of this house that is filled to the brim (all 7,000 sq. ft., well we only have a few boxes in the attic/third floor) into 2 small apts. Of course it won't all fit so we are going to have to get a couple of large storage units. When we moved to this house 4.5 years ago we had a moving company to do everything. This time we can't afford them. This is just so embarrassing. I feel so humiliated. Not about losing our home but about asking for help.

Shoot I just realized what thread I'm typing this in. Sorry to get off topic.

<slinking out of the room>

Squaredsc

Friday, October 03, 2003 - 09:07 am EditMoveDeleteIP
twinks don't you dare slink out of anywhere and don't you dare feel embarrassed or humiliated. we have all been there, ok! now walk with your head held high! i just wish i lived close enough to you or was able to get there to help you out. now if someone wanted to swing by my way for the weekend then i can wait on the corner.

Sisalou

Friday, October 03, 2003 - 09:15 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Twinkie - Ditto what Square said. I really wish I was close enough to help you.

(I know the Texas Bunch would be there in a snap to help you)

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Ducky

Friday, October 03, 2003 - 09:27 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I posted in your folder Twinkie but will post here also. If anyone is headed up that way and wants to stop by and pick me up my bags will be packed.