Overwritten.net
Community => General Discussion => Topic started by: sirean_syan on Thursday, February 08, 2007, 11:27:14 PM
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Sorry to edit your thread here, Sy, but I wanted to get the pics from the trip up where people could see them easily, and also wanted to update the thread title. So head on over to www.theflyingmonkeyapparatus.com (http://www.theflyingmonkeyapparatus.com) to see everything! I broke my back for this, so be thankful!
Also, here's a direct link to the video at the end (http://www.theflyingmonkeyapparatus.com/LIFESTEAKFINAL.wmv) for anyone that didn't want to go through the pics to get it.
Sy's original post follows.
- Que
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This year may bear witness to one of the biggest concentrations of geekiness ever (not counting Star Trek and Anime conventions). There'll some Warhammer, probably lots of games, some good food, and maybe even one of those moments when the unvierse reveals all its mysteries.
Certain parties have expressed interest in visiting Que and I in the next couple months. I say we get the ball rolling and figure this out so travel plans can be easier/cheaper and Que can get days off.
I'm suggesting we shoot for the first week of April since I'll have the week off and this will make it easier to house and entertain people. If that's not a good time, I can get Friday's and Monday's off super easily, so we can shoot for a four day weekend or something like that. I'm fairly flexible, but I have certain things going on that I can't skip out on or may pull me away on other days.
So yeah, who wants to and would be serious about coming? If you want to come, when can you come? We need to know these things so this can work.
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I've got a good amount of vacation stored up for the event, but I need to know when pretty quick if at all possible! Otherwise somebody else might get the time before I do. And that would be weak. Because I hate work and would most definitely like to take some time off.
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i'll go if hoob goes.
hoob?
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i hate you guys. I really wish i could go
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Sticky?
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Pyro, Que, and I have talked about this briefly, I am definitely interested and hopefully I can come. I have to see if I have any vacation time or if I can save up some money for the days of work I am going to miss, I get a pretty hefty bonus in March so it might be doable. I am going to be moving in March(hopefully), so hopefully money won't be an issue because of that. I've done it before though, right after I moved into a studio by myself in Phoenix a couple of years ago I went out to California a couple of weeks later. If April isn't doable for me, I could probably still come out there another time this year. I'll post some more when I have an update.
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Yeah, that's another option we might consider. If March/April is too soon or it's just easier to do it later (like, the summer), then we should be open. Of couse, I have no idea what my schedule will look like then, but we'll see what has to happen. I do know I'm planning a camping trip this summer with Aimee, but no specific date has been set yet.
Please don't hate us, Raisa.
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I will be there in spirit.
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:( i want to go too... but that's out of the picture right now. I'm not allowed to travel.
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I'd love to be there, but can't travel just yet.. Plus, other side of the planet and all.
You could just pretend I'm silently grappling from the ceiling :P
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Can't do any travelling this year. I have a measly 5 paid off days and they are all spoken for already.
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heh, i'd love to - especially for a game or two of 40k, but it's a little out of my price range.
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Hey I will go, put on a phoney british accent and be a massive asshole, break everyone's shit and then tell everyone I am Beo.
muhahahaha.
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Hey I will go, put on a phoney british accent and be a massive asshole, break everyone's shit and then tell everyone I am Beo.
muhahahaha.
;D
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I want to go simply to meet all you guys, but I'm poor and too far away.
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I want to go simply to meet all you guys, but I'm poor and too far away.
I hear that... I don't have a passport, and apparently you need one to fly to the USA now... plus, I'm just over 15 grand in debt right now.
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It's final exam period for me in April, so I can't go.
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I was actually planning a Road trip to CA around the last week in march. This may be doable for me depending how timing works out.
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Awesome! You'd certainly be welcome.
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That would be pretty sweet.
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I'm planning on coming. March/April should be fine. I do have family that is planning to be in the area around that time as well...trying to get them to decide on a real date. If they don't pick soon, first week of April sounds perfectly fine to me.
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Pick for them sooner. We need to know these days so we can get things ready on our end.
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Will there be booze and will it be sunny?
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There damn well better be some booze. I plan on drinking much Guiness with Que.
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Yea, Que introduced to me to a particular beer that I liked, we did some drinking and played much video games.
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It's gonna' be awesome. You can come this time too, right Pyro? I hope so. We miss you out here. And yes, I will drink. I've been trying to be healthy and just drinking a little wine here and there, but for this occasion I shall crawl out of my shell and be all youthful and stuff. Must celebrate actually getting to get people together! And if we can get it for the first week of April when Sy has off... if I can get that whole week as well... man that'll be awesome. I could use a vacation soon, too, so that would be most excellent. Just figure out when so I can get the time off before some idiot I work with steals it!
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Yea, I'm gonna find out how much PTO time I have saved up, hopefully enough for a week. Then do the usual flight planning. No way Im going to miss out on this.
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I'll get everything figured out. My mom should be talking to my aunt tonight and I'll have her ask if anything new is up. If not, screw it...first week of April is fine by me.
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We need to figure out exactly how you guys are going to get set up room-wise for the week, too. So we should start discussing that at some point. I need to talk to Julia about it because I'm not sure how comfortable she'll be with having a bunch of people stay with us. Plus we don't really have tons of room. Well, by guy standards its plenty, but probably not so much by wife standards. So I'll figure out whether or not we can house folks here for this thing and how many. My guess is 2 at max, but probably just one.
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I'm perfectly fine sleeping on the floor somewhere. Just roll out a sleeping bag in a corner and I'm good to go.
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I've got a futon for at least one person; two if people don't mind sharing... of course, I should probably discuss things with Aimee as well.
But yeah, once we get a head count we can figure stuff out more.
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Hey I will go, put on a phoney british accent and be a massive asshole, break everyone's shit and then tell everyone I am Beo.
muhahahaha.
you couldn't hope to pretend to be as much of an asshole as me. ;D
anyway, take pics and stuff.
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Definitely take tons of pics PLEASE.
What am I talking about, Idol doesn't even need to be told hehe.
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I'd love to go to something like this but it's too far away from me and I'll still be in school. Damn, this sounds like fun but I definitely can't. Sucks! :(
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I'm just a poor Tennessee boy with no money, so I won't be there.
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My life is in a very weird state at the moment. I can't commit to anything, unfortunately. It all depends on what turns my fate takes between now and then.
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I've got no issue shacking up at a nearby hotel as long as there is one reasonably priced nearby.
I'm all but a definite in at this point. I already have the whole last week of march claimed for PTO, and I can easily move it around or get a few extra days if need be as long as I've got 4 weeks notice or so.
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I wish I could come, it sounds like fun. Plus I've always wanted to see CA. Unfortunately I am both broke and next to the wrong ocean. Anyways, take pics. I'm sure Idol will take a few. ;)
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There's a reasonable place here that Pyro stayed in the first time he came here, and it's far from the only one. There are plenty. This one just happens to be close. It seemed like an okay joint, didn't it Pyro? I remember there being something funny... like the clerk didn't show up one morning or something... but I can't remember.
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If I came, I would probably talk to Aimee the whole time thinking she was the person I talked to on here for years haha. That would be weird.
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There's a reasonable place here that Pyro stayed in the first time he came here, and it's far from the only one. There are plenty. This one just happens to be close. It seemed like an okay joint, didn't it Pyro? I remember there being something funny... like the clerk didn't show up one morning or something... but I can't remember.
Haha yea I remember that. The clerk wasnt at the desk for one reason or another and it felt really vacant, so I said something along the lines of that it felt like a zombie horror movie. But yea, the place was pretty good, standard hotel fair, not like I was there much.
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I think if the people visiting stayed at a cheap motel together, it would make their trip far more awesome. That would mean everyone could be together for longer and stuff.
But that's just me.
I want to come so badly. :(
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I'm coming. With or without Hoob. I need to get away from the Valley for a few days and this seems perfect.
btw im not such a jackass in person.
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You are an assjack.
And how will you survive without insulting Hoob? It is like your nourishment.
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I'm coming. With or without Hoob. I need to get away from the Valley for a few days and this seems perfect.
btw im not such a jackass in person.
And I'm not as prone to eating babies.
But are you serious about coming? I don't know why, for some reason my first assumption was that you weren't. Then I reread it and thought you actually were. Now I'm just confused.
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yeah i'll come.. I've been going through some rough times here and I kinda need to get away.
You all should write hoob emails and have him come with me.
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We should. Where's he been, anyway?
But yeah, you're welcome to join up. It should be a good time, so it'd be a good excuse to get you away from home.
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If we get enough people I think a motel would be a decent idea. Just remember those things get expensive fast (especially up here) and I think a few like to make sure you don't cram too many people in there. We may have to break some of you up so Que would house what he can, I would, then the rest in the rented room.
Of course, we'll figure out the details when we have more info.
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So people at my work are taking this week off, which may theoretically present a problem. I'm going to put in for the first week of April tomorrow. If we change the time I can always just cancel it. But the sooner I know something for sure, the better.
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Well I have a bit of an update, my manager said it was cool if I take the time off if we aren't doing are department remodel then. I'm thinking we won't be, if we are I will have to come out later this year, I won't get to meet everyone else but I could still see Que and Sy, this is only if we are doing the remodel though. If there is no remodel in the works, then my only issue will be money, if I am thinking my bonus in March is going to be as big as I think it is, it seems very likely that money won't be an issue. So early March I should have a little more of an update hopefully, if I can't make it April, I will still be able to make it later this year, maybe in the summer like Sy suggested.
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Okay, I totally thought I posted about it, but I guess not. I got the week off, so I'm good to go. Julia said we can house somebody (probably Pyro because she's already comfortable having him around, unless he wanted to go somewhere else), and we *might* be able to house one more person. It's yet to be figured out. But we might.
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Me me me! or something. Like I said...I dont need anything fancy, and I can even bring my own sleeping bag. I just cant afford a hotel.
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Well, if you plain can't afford one, I'll definitely push for it.
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As would I.
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Things are looking grim, I don't think I'm going to be able go unless some kind of money fairy gives me more money. Even with my bonus in March, with me wanting to move and having to get a car I don't think I'm going to have the extra money to go out there for a few days, I thought I was going to have the money, but my parents just asked me for help with some bills and it drained a good chunk of money I was setting aside. If something turns up for the better and it looks more plausible, I'll let you guys know but for now things are kinda fucked.
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sell some body parts you dont need
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sell some body parts you dont need
He makes a good point. You've got 2 of all kinds of stuff you only really need one of. Besides, chicks think eye patches are sexy.
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Sucks dude. If you're not willing to part with some of your flesh, I guess we'll have to do it another time. But we aren't going anywhere, so I'm sure we'll see you at some point.
Any updates from anybody else? The more info the better.
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My family flaked on their trip, so I dont have that to worry about. I'm still on for first week of April if I've got a place to sleep.
Also, pyro working on tickets? Otherwise I'm sure I can fly southwest for $200 round trip or something.
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You should be cool here. Julia's expecting you to stay with us.
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Also, pyro working on tickets? Otherwise I'm sure I can fly southwest for $200 round trip or something.
Check Jetblue. They have always had the best prices when I go down to Florida, I'm not sure if they go out to San Fran, but I'd check it out. They have the best flight service, too. Unlimited food/drink, TV's with all kinds of content on each person's individual seat, automated check-in/check-out, and massive legroom for goliaths like myself.
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They go to San Fran...but not from Chicago. What kind of crap is that? Oh well, I did a different CA city just to see general cost and it was $200 each way. Southwest doesnt go to SF either...san jose was the closest.
I checked United for the hell of it. I can get on at Rockford, which would rule...but more expensive. Plus theres a stop in denver.
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Does anything go to Oakland? That's the closest airport. Pyro had to come in at Sacramento last time he came out, which is doable.
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I'll look. I meant to ask what airport would be best...heh.
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Ok, JetBlue goes to Oakland, $200 each way.
Southwest I can get $150 each way at certain times.
And for the hell of it, I checked Amtrak. Is the Emeryville train station not far? I take it it's not since they'd have me get on a buss for 15 minutes from there to the oakland station. But train tickets would only be $142.00 each way. If pyro cant get the tickets, I'd probably do that. My cousin said she had a blast on her train trip.
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Emeryville train station is totally doable (probably moreso than taking that bus to the Oakland station). I used to live literally next door to the thing. Now that I've moved, I'm like ten minutes away. It's actually way easier than going to the airport.
If you think you can dig a long train trip, that's a cool option.
Sucks about the news, Tet. Like Que said, we're not going anywhere so the offer will stand if you want to come at a later date.
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I'm still on. I'll be staying at a motel nearby and it would be aces if you guys could recommend a place? Also, I think I'll be spending a day going up to San Francisco to visit an old friend.
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I'm still game. I'll be visiting some friends in LA and my Dad in Arizona on the same trip though. Are we going with the last week in March or the First week in April?
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Unless anything's changed, April. That's the week I have off, anyway, so if something's changed you people better let me know quick!
Keebs, if you want something cheapish right in my neighborhood (nothing fancy) you could stay where Pyro did the first time he visited. It's even closer to us now than it was when he stayed there. I don't really know about nicer stuff, though. Most of the places around here are kinda'... whatever.
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The ticket thing isnt as cheap as originally thought it was. I think it would cost Idol 140$ round trip, plus you'd have to fly on standby which can be dicey. I'm gonna talk to my dad about it and get specifics.
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OK, good to know. The train is looking like a pretty sweet option so far. Pack a cooler full of sandwiches, a bunch of entertainment (DS, cameras, books, MP3 player), and just chill on the train for 2 days. $284-318 round trip (depends on what day I leave to come home).
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So maybe we should nail down some actual dates. So Que, what day would you like for me to arrive, and what day should I leave? Then I can order my tickets and junk. I've decided to take the train, should be a blast.
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Excellent. Well, firstly we have to establish just what's happening. I *think* it's going down with Pyro staying here and you staying with Sy. If either you or Pyro have an actual preference though, just say so (I know Pyro's been with us once and didn't see Sy at all the first time, he might want a change of scenery). Case in point, I'm pretty sure we'll have one of you at each place. Keebs already said he was getting a room, and I think Ant said he was as well? I don't think we could house anyone else here just because Julia's not too familiar with anyone else. She knows Pyro and has seen/heard a lot more of/about idol (who also buttered her up with Christmas presents), but she doesn't know much about the others guys around here.
Anyway, let's establish that first, then we'll work on dates. I assume already that I'm providing Pyro with transportation to either my place or Sy's, and that's cool. Sy will be getting you, idol, because he used to live like 2 minutes from the train station and it's still close to his new place.
Ant, are you going to be needing transport?
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I'm cool staying wherever, so pyro can make his preference.
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Man its starting to get close. I guess I better request for that PTO for the first week of April. Kinda feel unprepared, Im still worried about finding a place to live by the end of May. I still must not miss this.
I dont mind if its at Sy's if him and Aimee are comfortable. Besides I'm curious to see his new place.
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Damn, I really need to get that second X360 controller so we can do some coop Gears of War!
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I'll bring my 360 controller with.
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I'll be staying in the cheapest motel/inn i can find. I have the first week of april off from work so i guess then?
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I say get here when you all can during that first week, including the weekend before. I actually have Fridays off, so if it's how things work out I can pick people up then if you showed up (that goes for you too, Pyro, if you end up in Sacramento on Friday).
So, did you two actually decide where you'd rather be, Pyro and Idol? Maybe they can't decide, we can swap at some point, Que?
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Yeah, we could do that too if anybody gets bored at one place or the other. I mean, I suspect we'll all be hanging out a lot anyway so I don't think it's going to be particularly important. We'll probably just end up dogpiling into alternating pads while we do stuff that isn't "out" stuff.
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I'll be taking the whole first week in april off, possibly another day or two as well, but I'll most likely only be in SF for 2 or 3 days depending how everything works out. I'll have my car with me so transportation shouldn't be a problem as long as I know where I'm going and parking isn't an issue. Like keeb, I plan to be staying in a cheap motel type place.
If anyone local could help out with some addresses/phone #s/websites for these places I'd appreciate it.
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Like I said I'm fine staying wherever. Pyro has been before so I'll let him choose where he wants to stay and I'll stay at the other place. Switching places would be fine as well if you all want to do that. Of course like you said it'll mostly be just for sleeping anyway.
I'm checking out Amtrak and figuring out some good dates to travel. I've got 2 days each way on the train itself...so I've got that to consider. The train arrives everyday at 5pm, so that cuts most of the first day out. And leaving I get on at 9am. So you have most of those days free of me if that matters to anyone. I can arrive Sunday evening and leave Saturday morning if thats fine. I mean, I don't want to overstay my welcome...you know, the guest that wouldn't leave. So let me know what sounds good for you guys.
*EDIT*
Looks like its an extra $30 if I leave (to come home)Saturday morning. So leaving either Friday or Sunday would be better.
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I'm cool with whatever you decide. If you leave a little earlier, I can put the time to good use doing a variety of things I always have to do. If you stay longer, we get to have you around longer. Every time Pyro's come out it's always a total bummer when he has to go since we always have so much damn fun. So don't worry about overstaying or anything. I'm sure we'll have a good time, and there should be plenty to do... especially if we end up setting you up with Warhammer crap, haha. You can bet Sy is going to do everything in his power to get you painting or playing somehow. =) And between the two of us, we have probably at least half the video games ever made. Not to mention there's the bay area itself, which... well, they tell me there's stuff to do here, anyway.
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So I was talking it over with the family here what a potential schedule would look like. I can leave Wed, the 28th and arrive there Fri, 30th of March (5pm). Since I have no idea when I'll get to go back I'd like to spend some time there, so I figured I'd leave to come back home Fri, 6th April (9am). This has the added bonus of me getting back home for Easter, which my mom would really like.
So just for you guys, I'd get there Fri 30th of March at 5pm and leave April 6th at 9am. Is this ok? Think it over, let me know. If its cool I'll buy my tickets this weekend.
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It *should* be okay. Julia's actually getting a little freaked out about this whole thing because we potentially have a disability hearing sometime near the OWmeet, and she's ultra stressed about a lot of stuff. But I think it'll be fine once you're here and I'll be pulling a lot of the weight as far as food and stuff goes when we eat here (which I imagine will be breakfast a lot... then we'll probably eat out a bunch of times, and then probably have a few big nights of eating homemade food at somebody's house... like burgers or a big stew or something). She's even considering taking a brief vacation with her folks for part of the week just to get her head screwed on straight. Poor thing.
Anyway, that should be cool. Like you said, who knows when you'll be able to get back out, so make the most of it. If absolute worse comes to worse, I can always just force Sy to house you for an extra day or so. But I doubt that'll be necessary. When Pyro was here Julia and I were both sad when he left just because we got used to having him around, heh.
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Ok, if you're sure. I mean I dont have to come in that early if its a problem. I can come in on Sunday if thats better.
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Yeah, I wouldn'y worry about it. I can house two of you if needed for some extra time. Aimee's actually taking off mid-week for a conference, which means we can turn this place into a No Girls fort if needed.
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Yeah, I'll just pawn you off on Sy for a day or two if things get weird. It should be fine either way.
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Hooray!
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I've been meaning to put this out for a few days now and keep forgetting.
If any of you who are coming know of something in particular that you want to go to or see while you're here, let us know and we'll make whatever arrangement that might need to be made.
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Can't really think of anything in particular. I'd just like to get near the Golden Gate bridge to snap some pics...thats about it.
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We should take a trip up that stupid crazy little narrow thing that runs up the side there by the Marin headlands. Best spot in the universe for picture taking, which I guess is why there's eight bazillion people there all the time.
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lets go get some seafood at Fishermans Wharf
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Que and I sorta talked about going on a picture trip for you in particular, Idol. I was thinking we could go to Treasure Island (the island between SF and the East Bay) because you can get all sorts of neat shots. It wouldn't be to hard to go there and then head to the Golden Gate. Heck, we could even stop by the Wharf for Keebs, then go to the other side of the Bridge for Idol... parking will be a bitch at the Whark though and I don't imagine we'll fit in one car.
We'll figure something out, but it sounds like the makings of a day.
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Sweet...
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*sigh* I don't know what my plans may hold in the next couple days, but I'm getting doubtful.
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You don't think you'll be able to make it you mean? :(
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That sucks, pyro. Hopefully you can still make it.
On a positive note, I just purchased my tickets!
Service: 5 California Zephyr
Duration: 52h 59m
<Departs>
Chicago - Union Station, IL (CHI)
28-MAR-07; 1:50 pm
<Arrives>
Emeryville, CA (EMY)
30-MAR-07; 4:49 pm
And return trip:
Service: 6 California Zephyr
Duration: 52h 15m
<Departs>
Emeryville, CA (EMY)
06-APR-07; 9:15 am
<Arrives>
Chicago - Union Station, IL (CHI)
08-APR-07; 3:30 pm
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We should have a BBQ. BBQ's are always fun!
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Okay so I will be taking off early Monday morning from my home and driving up. I think it will take around 6-7 hours. I'm aiming to be on the road around 4-5 a.m so I should get there around the time you guys will be waking up. I'll be staying until Saturday night then I gotta run back home.
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OK now you guys can wire his car.
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I hate you.
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Alright, so I'll pick you up since Que will probably be at work, Idol.
And Keebs, you're driving up from LA? Right? If you take off around 5AM on a Saturday you'll probably get in around 11AM assuming you don't take a very long break for gas and such and you don't push the speed limit too much. Have you made the drive before? Generally I do that about once every six weeks, but I tend to leave later in the day when I'm coming back from LA.
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Everything sounds good. Yeah, I'll be at work that Friday, so it's up to Sy for transportation. Also, Julia's gonna' be gone at least one day out of the week, so anybody over here is gonna' be stuck here unless Sy comes over to take us places.
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I smell day-long Gears of War co-op....
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Hey on your way there can you pick up some groceries? I think Sirean is short on milk while Que needs some eggs.
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If something happens and I can't go, be prepared to witness a new serial killer on the prowl through your local media news channels.
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Will he be a flaming head of doom?
And day-long GoW fun sounds like... what I've been wanting to do pretty much since I finished the game.
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If something happens and I can't go, be prepared to witness a new serial killer on the prowl through your local media news channels.
If you must then be useful. Start with Hilary Clinton, Jack Thompson and Bono. Of course if you had that much time you'd go to the meet. Oh and Sirean better put that camera to good use. Those of us who can't make it must see some pics damnit!
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Alright, so I'll pick you up since Que will probably be at work, Idol.
And Keebs, you're driving up from LA? Right? If you take off around 5AM on a Saturday you'll probably get in around 11AM assuming you don't take a very long break for gas and such and you don't push the speed limit too much. Have you made the drive before? Generally I do that about once every six weeks, but I tend to leave later in the day when I'm coming back from LA.
yeah i made the drive up to san francisco a few years back. i think i made it in about 5 hours but yeah i was pushing the speed limit haha
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Heh, I have a friend who regularly does it in like 4. I don't know how he hasn't gotten arrested yet. He's an idiot.
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Yeah. I don't like to push it myself. Even though I generally like to make the trip in the dead of night, 82-84mph is my sweet spot and 90mph is my burst limit. I figure at that speed I make good time, but there are plently of crazies zooming down the highway to get tickets before me.
Plus, my little Civic maxes out around 100-110mph, so I don't want to push it too hard.
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*whew* Psychotic death rampage of firey doom averted. Looks like I'll get my days. So I'll try to fly in on Saturday and I'll be able to stay till Friday.
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RAWK
You realize you must bring Orks and you will paint.
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I havent even painted my nobz, just a few of the boyz. Im a slacker.
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I am brining money for paint-y stuff. Should I get a mini here and bring it, or will we go to the hobby shop there one day?
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Heh. Going to a hobby shop is really easy around here so it might be fun to wait. Don't worry about supplies, we'll cover you (same goes for you Pyro).
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Yeah. Julia and I basically just became more or less self-sufficient for almost everything (not quite, but almost), so either place we go there should be supplies for all. Good fun. I might even buy some crazy new giant thing to commemorate the special occasion.
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Okay, so we know when Pyro and Idol will be here, what about Ant and Keebs? I'd like to know just so we can start trying to figure out some stuff. Food, mostly. Julia said she's willing to do up to two meals with everybody, and I'll be helping her out with that, so we'll probably do something like burgers and hotdogs or lasagna or something. Something easy to do for a big group. Then I figure we'll do another meal (maybe two) over at Sy's, so that's three or four covered. If we assume we've got seven days to cover in total, that leaves three or four more. I figure we go out another three nights just to restaurants or whatever, so that only leaves us with one or two meals keft, and in those cases maybe we can just eat separately or something. I dunno'.
Thoughts?
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I'm not too particular into details. I'm brining $20 a day for food/meals. So I can pitch in when we make stuff.
If I could, I'd pack my waffle maker...haha.
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I'm still trying to get my exact dates figured out, my grandmother is having surgery april 4th so I'm doing what I can to plan around that. I'm thinking I'll arrive sometime the 30th, and leave on april 1st, so I'll be able to spend the weekend there.
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No worries, we have one idol. ;D
And that sucks Ant... nothing too serious I hope? But any time you can come is fine. Whenever you can.
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Your waffle maker is nothing compared to mine! My waffle maker and I will rule the world!
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I'm sure you're right. Ours is kind of lame. But it gets the job done.
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i'd like to buy us all dinner one night. maybe i can order us all some pizzas and beer and we'll kick it
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btw! Idol, i have assloads of PC games that I dont play anymore you can have if you want.
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I think I can pretty much guarantee you that nobody's going to turn down an offer by you to get us all pizza and beer. In fact, someone may even raise a statue in your honor to commemorate the occasion.
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Awesome keeb! I should scrounge up the stuff I dont play anymore and see if anyone wants the things. Unfortunately..."games I dont want anymore" is a fairly small list.
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My "games I don't want anymore" doesn't exist. I'm a greedy pack rat.
I already know the perfect pizza place. Que probably knows and where I speak. It's completely packed, aways, but I have the distinct advantage of living less than a block from it.
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Any good chinese places?
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There's an okay one near me and a better one in Berkeley (like ten minutes away, but parking is a bitch)... then there's Chinatown which can be amazing if you know where to go, speak Chinese, and are Chinese. Unfortunately, I don't know where to go, don't speak Chinese, and lack any Chinese genes.
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My "games I don't want anymore" doesn't exist. I'm a greedy pack rat.
I already know the perfect pizza place. Que probably knows and where I speak. It's completely packed, aways, but I have the distinct advantage of living less than a block from it.
Excellent! Pizza and beer on me!
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Of course, getting *inside* said pizza place is nigh on impossible, but *getting* one is easy when you know somebody that lives a block away. Just order in advance!
And we've got a pretty good Chinese joint near us, though it isn't quite as good as the one we used to go to, which closed. But there's tons of places to go here, including Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, BBQ, steakhouses... you name it. No trouble finding good food.
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Yeah, we know two good Thai places around here and a few good Japanese places. There's even a silly Tex Mex place around here that's fun if you're in the mood despite it being a corporate joint.
Of course, few things compare to Barney's eith their fried vegies and burgers. Thankfully, that's less than a block from me as well.
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Did we mention that Sy lives next to basically every kind of awesome food you could want? We totally have to go to Barney's... just because I've been wanting to go to Barney's ever since you last mentioned it. You bastard.
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God, I need my vacation to get here. Work is draining me right now.
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I feel you. I'm looking forward to not being at work almost as much as the OWmeet.
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I leave in one week! Exciting!
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I just realized that Grindhouse is opening on the 6th. We should all go see it opening day because it'll be all manly and awesome.
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I was thinking that too, but then I wasn't sure that I wanted to see it. It looks like awesome fun on the one hand, but then on the other hand... I'm just not sure. A chick with a machine gun leg? That's a stretch even for me. Still, with a group it would have to be awesome, no question.
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Unfortunately I leave at 9am on the 6th.
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It's cool. We'll just rent Assisted Living Dracula instead.
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you guys are posting pics and stuff yeah?
I wish I could go, but travel is near impossible at the moment.
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I just searched for "Assisted Living Dracula" on google hoping it was a real movie. Sounds like it could be a sequel to Bubba Ho-Tep.
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Well, in that case we can just watch some good 'ol Zim. That can nicely fill any gaps of stufflessness.
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Well, Sorry gang. Looks like I'm going to have to back out. I won't be able to make it after all. Sorry to back out at the last minute, but I'll be here expecting pics and stories.
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Sorry man. :( Hope all is cool with your family?
No worries. You can make it next time. I'll save you a beer.
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Damn. We'll put Idol in charge of pictures then.
This reminds me. We should have something of a final roll call and requests so we can get info some of you might need (phone numbers, addresses, where we can meet up, that sort of thing). I think at this point it's Idol, Pyro, and Keebs (not counting Que and I). Anyone I missed?
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Yeah, it's getting down to the wire. Let's make sure we coordinate this properly. Don't want anybody getting stranded or lost or whatever.
I believe the current plan for idol is Sy is going to pick up him Friday, then they'll head to Oakland and meet up with me at Endgame after I get off work, then we'll all head back to my place? Yes?
Pyro, once you get your flight stuff squared away let me know.
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Sorry man. :( Hope all is cool with your family?
No worries. You can make it next time. I'll save you a beer.
Yeah, everything is OK, although my grandmother's surgery is going to be a pretty big deal. It is more of a problem with getting extra time off work and the amount of driving I'd have to do. I just won't have time to get to CA and back before I have to be at work next monday morning.
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Bummer Ant, maybe next time then. Best of luck to your grandma.
Sounds good, Que. I've got sys number and address for whatever I might need them for. Mostly so my family knows where the hell I am and I can call sy if my train is late. Hmmm...depending on where we all end up staying, might be a good idea for you to PM me your phone # as well. Just in case something happens at home my family can get in touch with me.
I'm pretty much packed at this point. Going to do a little load balancing between my cases but its nothing major (and I'm probably well under the 50lb limit). Just thinking hard about what else I may want to bring.
I'm all excited and nervous at the same time. This will be the first trip I've ever taken by myself...to a place I've never been before...I've never met you guys face to face before...and I've never taken a train trip outside of local commuter lines. Its simultaneously cool and scary.
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someone PM me an address that i should be at around 12 a.m next monday and maybe a phone number. thnx!
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Bummer Ant, maybe next time then. Best of luck to your grandma.
Sounds good, Que. I've got sys number and address for whatever I might need them for. Mostly so my family knows where the hell I am and I can call sy if my train is late. Hmmm...depending on where we all end up staying, might be a good idea for you to PM me your phone # as well. Just in case something happens at home my family can get in touch with me.
I'm pretty much packed at this point. Going to do a little load balancing between my cases but its nothing major (and I'm probably well under the 50lb limit). Just thinking hard about what else I may want to bring.
I'm all excited and nervous at the same time. This will be the first trip I've ever taken by myself...to a place I've never been before...I've never met you guys face to face before...and I've never taken a train trip outside of local commuter lines. Its simultaneously cool and scary.
Yea, it was my first real trip alone when I first went to visit Que when we went to that concert. Once you get passed all the hair and jagged teeth, Ques a pretty cool dude.
Oh and I should find out about my flight stuff tomorrow. My plan is to fly in on Saturday.
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This thread makes me sad. Hopefully I can get out there this summer/fall.
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My adventure begins in 24 hours!
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whoa..you are going to be there by thursday??
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Friday night. Its a 53 hour trip.
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so it turns out i gotta be somewhere that saturday so I will be coming up on Monday and taking off Friday. Cutting it a tad bit short.
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No worries. We'll still be here. And you'll still get your fill of us, I'm sure. That'll take like... ten minutes. :-[
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My own personal OCD is now kicking in...checking, rechecking, and rerechecking everything.
ARG! EXCITING!
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Woot! Also, you and Sy are going to be having Chicken Parmesan at my place on Friday night, because it's my birthday dinner that Julia really wants to make for me but she can't do it on my birthday... so it'll be Friday. Sy doesn't know this yet, though. But I guess he will if he reads this.
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That'll be great, I'm probably going to be tired of my ham sandwiches by then...hehe.
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Yeah, I guess I know now.
Good luck on the train ride. I'll be there on the train arrives in Emeryville. Then we'll probably go meet up with Que and head to his place.
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Sweet. Well, off to bed and probably won't get a chance to post tomorrow. So see you guys when I get there.
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Happy trails! Bring entertainment.
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Hope your DS battery doesn't run out.
So Keeb's. We've decided. Head over to my place on Monday. We'll be waiting for you (or asleep).
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Hope your DS battery doesn't run out.
So Keeb's. We've decided. Head over to my place on Monday. We'll be waiting for you (or asleep).
Excellent! To celebrate my arrival, for dinner we will go out for pizza and beer on me!
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I am going to be gazillions of miles away, yet I am excited.
Keep us posted. We need hourly updates as soon as Keebler arrives damnit. :P
I wonder what the first meet will be like. It will be awkward in so many ways, but everyone will feel like old friends within five minutes. I am sure Keebler is going to crack a lame joke to break the ice and then Que and Sirean will not laugh just to make him feel worse.
I want to be there and not laugh. :(
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I can't wait till you die.
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(http://209.85.12.234/951/17/emo/sad.gif)
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I wonder what the first meet will be like. It will be awkward in so many ways, but everyone will feel like old friends within five minutes.
That's more or less how it worked when I met Que... except I had the whole Sav business to complicate things a bit... so instead of five minutes it took a couple days.
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Fortunately we had steak and Fat Tire. Hard to lose with that combo even if you've got global thermonuclear disaster at hand.
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Maybe that's the formula they need at the UN?
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Pyro, you figured out your flight stuff yet?
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Alright it looks like I'm going to be getting in rather late, like at 10:15pm. Heres the flight information.
Flight #1997 arrives into Oakland at 10:15 - if that doesnt work theres
Flight #2037 arrives into Sacramento at 11:30
After those 2 I'll try again Sunday morning. Oh and these flights are American Airlines. So will this be alright with you guys?
So one more day of work, thank goodness.
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Yeah, that's fine. And this was Saturday night, right? And you have my phone # and stuff? Sy's too, just in case? Anyway, it'd definitely suck to go out to Sac that late, but at the same time it'd be cool because no traffic! I just know I'd end up getting lost, haha.
Anyway, good stuff.
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Yea, this will be Saturday night and I have both your number and Sy's. So yea, I'll probably be famished when I arrive since airplane food is small.
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No worries. Sy just shopped for $100 of food which he fears you will devour within hours. I assured him you would. Don't disappoint me.
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As long as he doesn't feed me those fig newtons that suck all moisture from your mouth I'll eat anything.
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Don't hate on fig newtons please. Although I haven't had one in 5 years I remember them to be enjoyable and moisture-sucking. Wait a sec....
Anyways, I expect pics tomorrow from Idol. Also stories of which I cannot imagine. Which I am currently imagining.
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Haha, dude, he doesn't mean fig newtons (I love those). It was the moon cake! Or was it the yam cake? I think we had both. I'd tell the story, but I'm too tired. I think Sy needs to field this one.
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They were yam cakes. Moon cakes are actually pretty awesome; yam cakes are just interesting. I actually found that box of cakes the a couple weeks ago while Que and Julia were here visiting. We had a laugh at Pyro's expense, then prompty threw them in the trash.
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First Snag! Idol's train is something like 9 hours behind schedule. Poor bastard. He's going to be 3/4 dead by the time we get him in the Bay Area.
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Good thing he has a handheld!
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Well I'm packing as I type this. Had Idol arrived yet?
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Last we heard he was in Reno. Should be getting here around 5 in the morning or so, according to Sy. Heh... great start! Isn't travel fun?
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Idol arrives... and I'm freaking tired. He is too, but he doesn't think he can get to sleep.
We'll see what happens.
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Wooh! What are your first impressions?
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A little linear, but I think things will open up as things go on.
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At least you meet the requirements. (I don't even know how that makes sense).
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I are here! And I can't sleep!
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Okay, so we've officially managed to get Idol here in one piece, and now we're working on Pyro. He's coming in tonight at 10... looks like he managed to make his flight. Excellent. So hopefully Idol doesn't pass out too early, because I want to get me in some coop Gears of War, damn it!
EDIT - Okay, Pyro's here! Almost didn't make his flight, but by some miracle he did. So now we wait for keebs. I think we're all pretty exhausted, so it's time for unconsciousness.
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Awesome, glad to hear everyone got in town OK . I arrived back from my abreviated road trip this evening. It was a ton of fun, but I don't want to drive that much again for a long long time.
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Well, it's a shame you didn't make it out, but glad you had fun! We're having an awfully good time thus far as well. I'd type more, but it's 2 AM and I need sleep really bad.
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Tomorrow is the big picture posting day! I finally got my hosting shit squared away (and it only took fucking forever), and I also did a video montage that should be a little bit interesting to everyone but thoroughly enjoyable for those who made the trip.
Idol, Sy... get me your pictures, dammit!
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yay!!! it sounds like you guys had a load of fun. I wonder if I'll ever make it to one.
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Back at work...
(sigh)
God, I'm depressed.
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Am I the only one disturbed by the lack of pics?
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Am I the only one disturbed by the lack of pics?
It's almost made me stop coming here.
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Pics sent
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Tomorrow is the big picture posting day!
Tomorrow is today. They're coming, guys, relax. My hosting is good now so all I gotta' do is finish up the play-by-play (yes, I'm doing a "blog"... ugh) and throw the pics up. It'll be done by tonight with a link. In fact, you can preview it right now by going to www.theflyingmonkeyapparatus.com (http://www.theflyingmonkeyapparatus.com). SMEXY!
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Hooray! The back of my head!
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I am so fucking pissed right now. I just spent about 2 hours or so doing the HTML for all this shit... and it fucking up and disappeared. I have no idea how or why or where. My index is there, the first menus, etc, but ALL THE FUCKING SHIT I JUST TYPED is gone for no reason whatsoever. I suspect it's the fault of CuteFTP since I was using its built-in editor just because I like a couple of the buttons it has sitting there because they save typing in Notepad, but WHAT THE FUCK?!
Also my server is down and the idiots have no idea when it'll be up again, and it's been that way for hours now. So... yeah. Sorry guys, this isn't happening tonight.
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:(
Been waiting for it... oh well... That's why i always type stuff in word or notepad first!
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Well, that shouldn't have mattered. There were 3 files, all saved. They were there, ready to go, and I wasn't touching them. Then I went to open one to look at something... and it wasn't there. But 2 of the 5 total were still there. I have no clue what could have happened. I thought I somehow deleted them but I used my undelete utility and got nothing. They just vanished like smoke.
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Well, to hold people over I can tell about my train travels (since the pics will cover pretty much everything in between).
The first trip was...late. An hour late getting on the train in Chicago was kind of a hint at how the whole thing would go. The first day was kind of boring.
The next morning I woke up in Nebraska. We were stopped in a field somewhere because there was a freight train that broke down in front of us. That was a 2-3 hour wait. Later that afternoon we arrived in Denver. This was going to be a 30 minute stop because we had to change engines. The new engine had a broken horn. We sat there another 2-3 hours for them to fix it (or find another engine...I have no idea).
After Denver we got into the mountains and it was awesome. I sat in the observation car for a good while. I would totally live up in those mountains if I could.
After the amazingness we went back to waiting. This one was outrageous. We were only about an hour away from the last stop when the train slows down and stops near the tiny town of Radium, CO. The conductor announces "Due to federal regulations, my shift has ended and I can no longer drive the train. A new conductor will come and take over for me." They had to drive the new conductor 3 hours to get to us. We sat in this little canyon for 3 hours. Couldn't get off the train, no cell phone coverage, nothing. They did eventually pass out some snacks and bottles of water...
Day 3 was just...long. We were so far behind schedule that we had to bend to the other train companies whim, which meant we were moving slower than normal. Through boring flat desert. I mostly read that day, or slept when I could (sleeping through the night was tough). So instead of getting there Friday at 5pm I ended up getting there at 5am Saturday, a full 12 hours behind schedule. Thanks to sy for still picking me up..heh.
The trip home was better. I sat right at the front of the car which allowed me to put my feet up on the wall, making the trip more comfortable. Unfortunately the door that lead to the other car was broken. At first it was just kind of slow..which meant people would pound on the damn thing very loudly, thinking that would make it work. Eventually the staff disabled the door, so it could just be slid open. Only they never put a sign on it, so people would still pound on the door trying to make it work. Except the young people. They push the button, it didnt work, so they force it open. Big deal. Old people? Fuck...HIT IT HARDER, IT ALMOST WORKED THAT TIME! Whenever there was a pound on the door, I'd look up and it was some old person doing it.
Anyway, door disabled. This meant that it would slide open and close itself as the train swayed back and forth. Since the door is used to block the sounds from between the cars...when it would sway and open you could hear all the squealing and grinding of the metal, then it would sway back and slam the door shut. Just in time for some old lady to come by and pound on the button.
For 3 days.
At Denver we ended up picking up something like 100 Boy Scouts. We were at full capacity so one had to sit near me. He was all right I guess. Except he elbowed me in the stomach when I was sleeping. They got on at 10PM and got off at 7 the next morning so it wasnt that big a deal. Pretty much slept the whole time they were on.
I guess we were still at capacity because there was this group of chicks that got on. No, it was not an idol party train...they were like 13 year olds and their moms. So anyway, they had assigned seats. The one right next to me, and the two just across the isle. They pretty much refused to sit in the one next to me. It was 2 chaperon moms and some teenager. The moms traded off that one seat and refused for the longest time to sit near me. The one was tired and decided to sit by me, and the other even said to her "Are you sure? I can stand..." Like...what the fuck? I can still hear you. Neither of them said a word to me. I was close to saying something witty and guilt tripping them...but it was my 3rd day on the train. Fuck you guys, I'm not moving and won't make things easy for you. You want to assume I'm some creepy bearded rapist or something, go for it. I dont care if you have to stand all day.
So we eventually arrive in Chicago, only 3 hours late this time. So its 6pm and we couldnt make it back to the Metra station in time for the 6:30 train. We ended up sitting in the station till 8:30pm for the next train out to Woodstock. Unfortunately on that train there were these 2 mexican dudes and a mexican chick with her kid. Kids running around, all of them on their cell phones, swearing and talking loudly and just generally being assholes (ok, mentioning they are mexican is probably a little racist, but around here young mexicans are pretty much all assholes.). The one dude starts listening to shitty rap music on his cell phones shitty speaker, and then he SINGS ALONG WITH IT.
Needless to say we changed cars. Cool part was the conductor was an awesome big black dude. When he saw us in the new car he was like "Werent you guys in the other car? It was those dudes, wasnt it?" So we explained that and the fact I had just got off a long train ride, was tired as hell, and not in the mood for that kind of bullshit...he said he'd go back and have a talk with them. I smiled. He knew it had to be bad for the 3 of us carrying my luggage to move 2 whole cars.
I got home about 11PM, took a shower, ate a bunch of easter leftovers and then proceeded to sleep till noon today in my nice cozy bed.
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It's cool. Most young and not so young Mexicans here (the ones who refuse to live in Mexico yet for some reason do nothing but wave the fucking flag around everywhere and go on and on about how much American sucks) are assholes too. Must be something in the welfare checks.
You want to assume I'm some creepy bearded rapist or something, go for it. I dont care if you have to stand all day.
Best quote ever.
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Well, in those girl's defense, I thought you looked like a child devourer when I first saw you.
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I dont know how to spin that into a joke.
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So it is true?
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No, children are far too stringy and slightly bitter. Not even a good BBQ sauce covers that up.
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Well, looks like it's going to happen tonight. It'll be up soon as I finish the last couple pages. Jeez... what I night. Will update soonish.
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Sweet, I recalled the soul devouring demons on you.
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Okay, this is really taking forever. I failed to realize just quite how much work was going to be involved in this...
EDIT - Okay, the last of the files are finally in place. It's now 3AM because I fucked up something else in trying to do this... but it was a system error, not my fault. Kind of a long story. Anyway, it's done and I'm going to get a whopping 3 hours of sleep tonight. Grand. But at least it's all done.
Head on over to www.theflyingmonkeyapparatus.com (http://www.theflyingmonkeyapparatus.com) to check it out. First post of this thread also edited with the address for easy finding in case this one gets lost in the shuffle.
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wheee!!!
the one positive thing i've had tonight. *off to read*
That was SO AWESOME! Thanks very much, Que.
really good stuff!!! It seems like i can piece together more about each of you who went to the meeting.
Now I really want to post my a week in Raisa's life. after reading that it seems like i've hardly shared anything about me.
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Just went through all of the pics. That was pretty awesome, well done.
Also my two favorite pictures are the one with Keebler's hair and the one where Idol is holding the menu with the "I am the pimp master" look on his face.
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Dead rising is so awesome
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Also damn that pizza looks so amazing. It looked so rich. I want.
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The lifesteak vid doesnt seem to want to download for me. Otherwise...awesome.
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That's awesome. After watching that I am suddenly very hungry.
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bah! the site with the pics doesn't seem to be working at the moment.
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Pics are working fine for me right now. Were they down earlier? My host seems to be run by monkey amputees, so it wouldn't be surprising.
Also, sorry about the vid link. Fixed now. And here it is directly if you don't want to go through the song and dance to get to it (http://www.theflyingmonkeyapparatus.com/LIFESTEAKFINAL.wmv).
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Man seeing those pics makes me sad that I didn't get to go, having to move ate up more money than I thought it would, but hopefully I will get to go later this year, maybe sometime in the late summer/early fall. Looks like you guys had a blast though.
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Awesome pics.
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After Denver we got into the mountains and it was awesome. I sat in the observation car for a good while. I would totally live up in those mountains if I could.
They're overrated.
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After Sy and Idol had a chance to sleep (which they failed to use for sleeping)
So did I add the sexual connotations to that myself or was it intentional?
Right now Pyro is thinking "Airports are blurry".
I love it when captions assume this instead of saying sorry the pic is blurry or some stupid crap.
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Awesome pics, makes me sad that I missed it.
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You added the sexual connotations yourself. Please tell me you aren't naked again.
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Awesome pics -- I wish I could have gone since none of my friends could ever sit down with me and talk video games for more than three minutes. Either way, cool stuff.
Two notes I must make:
-- Were you at the '05 Boston Marathon Sy? I'm thinking no, but I have the same shirt lying around here somewhere.
-- Idol's beard is badass.
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You added the sexual connotations yourself. Please tell me you aren't naked again.
Now that's just bad timing.
Idol's beard is badass. Most beards tend to look kind of crappy, but his actually looks good. If you trim it down just slightly it would be at prime lady loving level.
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Yeah, I forgot to pack my trimmer and it got a little out of control. It is now back to manageable levels of hairiness.
The video rocked. I especially liked the part with me bitching about those damn building cards.
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Haha at the Ikaruga pics. Lots of continues used (and only on the second stage) :P
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-- Were you at the '05 Boston Marathon Sy? I'm thinking no, but I have the same shirt lying around here somewhere.
Oh no. My Dad ran a few marathons in his day and still runs all sorts of races, so he likes to get shirts often. While they were visiting some family in Boston they found a place with lots of old marathon shirts for cheap. Long sleeve t-shirts are my general go-to item of clothing, so I got one.
Nice work Que. You save the rest of us from having to do the work and recount the fun for others.
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That's what I'm here for. Apparently.
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I was there for morale support last night! So I helped... sort of.
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If you hadn't been there I probably would have thrown in the towel.
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video's cool too! heheheh
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Wow. I've used up 1/5 of my bandwidth (1GB of 5) in the course of like 2 days. I wasn't quite expecting that. Fortunately I'm on the cheapest plan and the next one up is only a few bucks more, so no big deal if I upgrade. And traffic will probably never be like this again once the pics are down given that my other stuff isn't all that interesting.
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i am totally down for doing this yearly. next time i can probably stay as long as Idol too. It was just relaxing and i love the bay area.
also, pizza and beer on me next time also!
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yay - pics are working now. that was totally awesome. videogames, boardgames, miniture painting and fried food - what a complete geekfest! i wish i could of been there.
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Heh, save your money, maybe you can!
And Keebs, if you pay for pizza again I think we'll have to build you a statue or something.