What if....

[azskyman]

I go through times when I think it would spoil a real good thing if we actually had a chance to meet each other...to sit and talk at a real breakfast table.

At other times I think, people can be wierd in person. Look at me. A prime example.

I remember a particular time when I had been writing back and forth to a couple from California about weather and all that "stuff." They seemed so nice...said all the right things. They even said they would come to the weather convention we were having that October in Illinois. I always looked forward to the conventions...a chance to actually meet the people I learned about during the year. And they got the chance to actually meet me.

That October day, I heard a motorcycle drive up into the parking lot of the resort where we were having the meeting. Two people hobbled off the bike and made their way toward the registration desk. I smiled and said hello. It was my two California soulmates.

During that meeting they had a great time, but boy were they a problem for others. Obnoxious. They didn't bathe after their trip. The whole week they didn't bathe. They sat alone at the banquet...for obvious reasons.

When time came for them to leave...some made remarks about their presence (and pre scents). I said thanks (from a distance) and off they went on that Harley back to California.

A couple weeks later I got a wonderful note from them. They thanked me for the opportunity. They told me they had a great time. And they were looking forward to the next year's weather meeting. Then and there I decided to have it in a cool weather climate.

Truth is, while we have some wonderful friendships right here on Storm2k...uncomplicated by the expectations that pop up when you actually have to meet in person, I wonder what if....

What if...somewhere down on a calendar hanging on a wall, we made plans for a cruise...maybe a few days in the Caribbean....or how about Alaska. Would anyone take the risk? Or would most play it safe. Or would just the opportunity itself cost some friendships that already seem solid.

Just curious how far some of you might be willing to go...to extend the arms and voices that reach electronically across the miles without ever getting out of our jammies.

By the way...if it ever happened...there would be a bathing requirement stipulated in the reservations.

But what if?

[Guest]

Good Question Azskyman - one I would have to think about....I have meet one person - she lives in Baton Rouge and is a very good friend....I think its what you make you expectation to be.....to me its the realization that behind a computer screen you can be perfect - but in real like - everyone of us has faults

But as I posted earlier on anther thread about meeign one person I would like to meet everone....we are a family.

Patricia

[OtherHD]

If we planned a mass meeting on a Caribbean cruise, I would come in a heartbeat......if someone else pays for my tickets.

Anyway, I have met 4 people from the boards and the chatroom: vbhoutex, Houstonia, galvbay, and furluvcats. The first 3 were at the Houston area Hurricane workshop this past May. Ticka was supposed to come but she chickened out at the last minute. I met Shannon while she was in Galveston, getting ready to go on her cruise this past April. It was a great honor to meet everyone and I had a great time doing so. I am all for another meeting, just as long as it's not too far away. Time constraints... But after the school year I'm more open to ideas!

[stormy]

i would love to meet u all and yet u make a good point, we all have our corks. we may all come from all walks of life. i am learning but really know little about the weather. i guess i would feel intimadated ((sp) plus i cant spell ) . so i would listen. well i have one thing in my favor , i do take a bath or shower once to twice a day.

[Lindaloo]

I know I am not perfect by any means. Some of you all know that too. hehe. I will gladly trade some of my troubles to the ones behind the computer screen whose life is perfecto.

Racing season is over so now I am back to being bored again.

[vbhoutex]

You make very good points Steve. I'm sure some of us would think differently of each other if we met in person. Like OHD, I have been priveleged to meet a few of the folks here and have had nothing but a good experience with each of them. Ticka continues to elude me, even though I have seen her, just didn't know for sure it was her. We do have an advantage over many other internet forums-our photo gallery-so we can prejudge if we are one to do that. Now, about that bathing requirement... I for one would do what I could to get to a get together if it were feasible and not overly expensive.

[StormCrazyIowan]

LOL!! Well, I am addicted to shower gel, so I think I would meet the bathing requirement!!

I have been saying to some people for a while now that I think it would be absolutely spectacular to have a Storm2K convention!! I am a trusting person; maybe too trusting at times, and I just don't see how there could be a problem meeting people whom I've grown so fond of this past year!! Yeah, things might be different, but I can only see our bonds getting closer! That's where I stand- if it's planned, come hell or high water I will be there!!

As far as meeting anyone on the boards as of yet, I know one person, because she is my cousin! (PuddleDuck) I haven't met anyone else, but I am going to Louisiana this spring, and I will meet a few!

[streetsoldier]

If all went well, and I WAS able to attend a Storm2K cruise (very doubtful); you'd probably find in me a near-recluse, but welcoming any five of you at any given time to my cabin.

I would have my meals brought to my suite, and need a LOT of bedrest...not the best or most affable "shipmate", but I have to live within my limitations.

As to cleanliness...no problem there at all.

[ColdFront77]

I am all for another meeting, just as long as it's not too far away. Time constraints... But after the school year I'm more open to ideas!

Lyle, please take no offense... just a very kind/very friendly question: It would be that easy for you to travel at your age?

[azsnowman]

I wouldn't hesitate one single bit.....well, there's ONE person I'd have to *think* about for second, I'd make sure I had my bullet proof vest, head gear in order and make DANG SURE she was in a GOOD MOOD.....Lindaloo "ROFLMAO!" "JUST KIDDING LINDA, JUST KIDDING!" {{{{{HUGS}}}}


Dennis

[OtherHD]

[quote="ColdFront77"]
Lyle, [u]please[/u] take no offense... just a very kind/very friendly question: It would be that easy for you to travel at your age? [/quote]

lol Tom. After last night I guess it seems that I'll be offended by anything now. It's ok. I'm still rarely offended, except when it comes to [b]unjustified and unexplained censorship[/b]. Aaaaanyway, after high school I think it would be a lot easier for me to meet everyone. The only reason it's not easy now is because of school. My dad is pretty lenient and I am responsible enough to go out on my own and meet one of you guys. One of these days...sigh.

[JCT777]

Just tell me where the convention is and when it is occuring and I am there! I am not worried about people being different than I imagine. In fact, that is usually a good thing.

[Lindaloo]

I wouldn't hesitate one single bit.....well, there's ONE person I'd have to *think* about for second, I'd make sure I had my bullet proof vest, head gear in order and make DANG SURE she was in a GOOD MOOD.....Lindaloo "ROFLMAO!" "JUST KIDDING LINDA, JUST KIDDING!" {{{{{HUGS}}}}


Dennis

LMAO!! ((((HUGS))))

[stormchazer]

It could possibly work the other way. You may meet someone who you think is obnoxious or un-interesting on S2K and find them to be great in person. It is what you make it.

[StormCrazyIowan]

Ok...so when is our convention!

[petal*pusher]

Hmmm......interesting thread! As most here know, many of us were invited when the collapse of the "Off Topic" at you-know-where happened!

Most of my posts there were (and continue to be) in the Gardening Forum. Last June, there were two seperate "reunions" of the "Thumbies"......one here in Mi. that attracted posters from N.Y., Pa., Ind., Oh., and here in Mi.! It was fantastic!! The other was in Missouri......I was not able to attend that one, but it too was successful! Both "reunions" will be held again next year. (The funny thing was that it was so much easier to call each other by their user name instead of their first name!) http://community.webshots.com/album/75437846UtqgPg

Now let's see........I just purchased a ticket for my Phoenix visit between Christmas and New Years.......when I was out there in July, the wild-fires prevented me from meeting Dennis and Michelle......Hmmmmm......maybe this trip I can meet both of them and Azskyman! (I promise to shower first!!).......p

[azskyman]

Petal Pusher. Any Michigan resident who hopes to escape a bit of winter in our valley of the sun during the holidays is sure welcome to enjoy some time here.

I'll be in San Diego part of the time...and working the week after the holiday...but I know some fun places to catch a breakfast in between. Who knows, maybe I could finally meet Dennis and Michelle too!

As for the idea of a cruise...it's just one of those things to think about....not something I have in the works.