Whacked out in Oregon
June 23rd, 2008 at 02:16pm Mary
I’m too tired to write a coherent post, but the comments are over 100 and inquiring minds want photos, so here’s one for you. Yes, that is our own darling Scope in Oregon with CMS! It was a wonderful surprise.
I think everyone survived, but it was a lot of work having that much fun. I don’t mean the cooking or housework, because that was all done by kind helpful CBs. I mean meeting friends that I’ve never seen before, and talking and laughing and hugging and talking and laughing some more, sometimes until two in the morning. That’s work! I loved it.
And yes, we did make it to Powell’s. In fact, I’m a little puzzled about that bookstore. When I walked in, I heard an announcement over the loudspeaker:
Attention! If there’s a minister or a wedding officiator in the store, would they please come to the Information desk in the Gold room? Thank you.
What the heck was that about? A woman was 9 months’ pregnant and suddenly realized that she really, really needed to get married right now because her water just broke? A man who got the love of his life to say “yes” and now wants to rush to the wedding before she changes her mind? It’s one of those things that you have to wonder about.
Too tired to write more. Later!
Entry Filed under: Knitting, Shopping, CB Meetups
106 Comments Add your own
1. Diane (TT) | June 23rd, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I’m glad everyone had such a fabulous time! Nice photo, too.
Happy Belated Birthday, Louis! I’m glad that you’re feeling recuperating, Jen-T, and I hope that you feel better soon, too.
I re-upped for a second computer session today, and it looks as if it’s not automatically extended as the first one is - so there’s a total of 2 hours possible. Good to know.
I’m past the two minute warning, and it’s preventing me from saying what brilliant thing I was going to, I’m sure of it.
So - safe travels, everyone, and good fortune for everything non-travel-y, too.
2. Cary | June 23rd, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Mary, you overacheiver you! I barely made it out of bed and to the office before noon. And you’ve managed a complete post?!!
OMB, I have NEVER had so much fun in my life. My cheeks hurt from laughing and smiling soo much.
3. BCB | June 23rd, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Scope, I’m SO glad you got to go! That makes me very happy.
And Mary, how could you have left Powell’s without getting an answer to that question?
Cary, I had to sit quietly for DAYS after everyone left here. It was a great time, but definitely an overload. Was that just a month ago?
4. K.L. | June 23rd, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Actually, one of my favorite memories is when I just needed to decompress a bit. I snuck upstairs for a wee nap, and I could hear this lovely happy chatter, and feel the good vibes that filled the house. I had a nice nap, and not one person acted like I was rude to disappear like that.
Well, the nap was a good memory, but maybe getting the pony was better…
5. Wapakwoman | June 23rd, 2008 at 7:44 pm
What are these people like we all wanted to know? I’m sure Mary was trembling just thinking about it. (She has the best dog- makes friends quickly and is a very good doggie! )
Well………
Cary- (doesn’t rhyme with Mary) is quick, hilarious, creative, and someone I would take with me anywhere for fun. She radiates CB fun! She broke out of her black purse mold and we created a monster!
Mary- our beloved hostess- who has now learned what BCB and RSS know: Never even halfheartedly invite a CB ANYWHERE or you may end up with a Whack of them. Such grace and good humour from one so young. She has the most beautiful skin and smile. If I am ever in a boring place, I want Mary to be bored beside me because she- is very fast with the quips and is VERY entertaining. I don’t think she panicked at all.
KL- very very good sport. She came in with many of us there and made her play “guess who we are.” It was scary how good she was. A very dedicated and knowledgeable woman who tells it like it is. I want her on my side!
Pam and Lou came in together. Who was whom? (whatever!) Once they started talking…I know….they are CB’s..of course they started talking… they so fit their online voices.
Pam is quieter with much grace. But she has very strong opinions which makes her a wonderful CB friend. So slight for someone with 3 children…..sigh…. She is a woman with a plan! She brightens up your day with quiet quips!
Lou- I love you woman. If the 2 of us were in a room together, we could suck all the oxygen out in a moment! She has lived life and lived it well and has had wonderful experiences to share. Very funny, and after a very small amount of time, a very fine friend to have. She will need CB hugs as these next months pass
That’s my take on the CB’s that I hadn’t met before. I didn’t get to meet Dr. T and CC, so I will let others tell you about them.
We will let the WEST Coast people try to explain the East Coast people and the MIDWEST people who really don’t live there.
And just so you know. ME* and Mary tried to put a plastic table together and it was determined that you couldn’t see the bottom from the top. Very sage advice for 2 that put the legs on backwards. But it was early. They needed more margaritas!
Much CB love to all travelers and those who remained where they are planted!
6. Lou | June 23rd, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Pam and Lou are safe in Sacramento! We found smoke, fires in the mountains (from a lightening storm), 96 degree heat - I wanna go back to Oregon!!!
Thank you everyone for one of the best times I’ve had!! I had so much fun meeting everyone and chatting. I love you guys.
Wapak - thank you. We will have to get together again. Another meet sometime in the future!
I’m going to fix dinner now - we are both starving!!
7. Tanji | June 23rd, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Can’t you come back?
I was just starting to become accustomed to having several people give me belly rubs and tell me how beautiful I was.
8. Pam | June 23rd, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Greetings from Sacramento again. As Lou said arrived here safely after traveling through much smoke. Am looking forward to getting home tomorrow, but did remember to call and wish the youngest a happy birthday today on the way home.
DHH has arrived safely in D.C. Sounds like he may be in a little bit of pain. For those of you that didn’t get to hear the story in person, I’ll post it tomorrow after I get home. Have repacked my bags and am going to help Lou with dinner and have a glass of wine or two or three….
Lou didn’t let me drive…AGAIN!!! She is a wonderful hostess, but she may be taking the no driving thing too far. lol
9. Lou | June 23rd, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Ya know, if I had been nodding off, I’d have let Pam drive in a minute. However, the good cheer from the CB weekend kept me* awake and going!!
BTW - CBs can cure migraines - betcha didn’t kow that!!
10. cbpen | June 24th, 2008 at 12:05 am
Wow. REALLY wish I had been there. Sounds like an amazing time. And, yes, someone needs to find out about the Powell’s riddle.
Happy Belated Birthday, Louis. Lots o’ Happy Trails to our favorite cowboy.
After reading about the Whack, I feel like I am the most boring CB.
Well, better get some sleep. Have another interview tomorrow. (I just ran into someone tonight who just got her SECOND job. And I can’t find one. sigh.) Okay, Pen’s Private Pity Party is over for now. Really. I promise. Nothing but good times ahead.
11. theresa | June 24th, 2008 at 3:24 am
Safely back home in Scotland. Going to sleep now.
12. BCB | June 24th, 2008 at 5:51 am
Neil Gaiman has “two small grumble-whistly balls of cuteness” on his blog this morning. I love how he phrases things:
http://journal.neilgaiman.com/
Good luck today, Pen! If I can get up this early TWO DAYS IN A ROW, you can ace that job interview.
13. jenb | June 24th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Many of you know one of my favorite sayings is,
“I am drinking from the saucer because my cup is overflowing” -
being with you all is like guzzling and then being able to come back for more.
Mary and Cary, you are both such incredible young women! Thank you for all you did for us.
Life could not have been any better then the past few days.
HUGS to all!
14. GatorPerson | June 24th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Notice, I’m posting AFTER Theresa gets back to Edinburgh. Well, it just takes a lot longer to get to NC than to Scotland. 6 hours of delayed takeoff. Walking Mr. Darcy at 3:00 AM. Not far off from his usual 5:00 AM walk. I’m babeling. K. L. and I need to put another bbq grill together. Ah, us engineering types. Babel. Babel. Snore. Smile.
15. Lou | June 24th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Saw Pam off this morning. Got her to the airport really early and her flight departure was scheduled for on-time. That gave her time to look in the gift shop for last minute presents for her sons. She should be in the air right now winging her way home.
A special thanks to Mary and Cary for putting up with us - and a special hug for all who were there - and for those who were not able to come.
As I kept saying all weekend, it’s amazing to me* that a group of women with such desparate personalities, who have never really met before, can get together and bond instantly and get along so well. World leaders could learn lessons from us!!
Oh, and we hung a picture for Mary over her fireplace before we left Sunday. CBs can do anything. Of course, it took a lot of us to accomplish this task, but it looked excellent when we got done…
How many CBs does it take to hang a painting???
16. Lou | June 24th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Geeze, GP, 6 hours delayed take-off??? Bummers!!
17. RSS | June 24th, 2008 at 10:01 am
It sounds like you had a wonderful time but then of course you did. You are CBs. I can’t wait to hear more. So glad Scope got to come west too.
Jenni–Fantastic news about the books. Sorry you’re still in the sucky post op period but hope it passes quickly. Um, did you realize that your comment with meds had fewer typos than the ones you write without meds? Just sayin’
Happy Belated Birthday Louis.
Good luck to all job searchers.
18. Diane (TT) | June 24th, 2008 at 10:14 am
GP, you poor thing - if one is going to spend lots of time in travel, it’s definitely better to get somewhere a long ways away, rather than hang around.
Theresa, I’m glad that you made it back safely. If CBs cure migraines, can they also prevent jet lag?
I’m so happy for all of you for having such a good time - including Tanji!
Well, I may not be able to blame the lack of scintillation on the computer - my first session was just extended by 15 minutes, and I have no particular brilliance to share.
I’ve been reading the J.R. Robb “In Death” books - they’re pretty fun, possibly especially in a big wodge like this. The woman seems to write a new book every three months! But how I’m supposed to remember what I’ve read and what I haven’t - the names are totally unmemorable for me. I started with the first ones the library had on the shelves, and am moving through in roughly chronological order - on the order of 6 books so far, and maybe 6 months in the life of Eve Dallas. I dunno if I’m going to go to the trouble of filling in missed ones by request, since I can’t remember which I’ve read and which I haven’t without looking at the description…
cbpen, good luck with the interview - I’m sure a good fit will come along for you! And also, you are NOT boring - you may not always be a laugh-riot in your own eyes, but I’ll bet you’d have a heckuva time with CBs, and contribute your fair share or more!
19. McB | June 24th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Yay, Jenni! Great news. And yes, I noticed the same thing RSS did.
Got home yesterday and took a nap. Got up and took another nap in a different location. Got up and puttered around the house and watered the garden and talked to Mom. Went to bed. I might almost be recovered. GP - so sorry your flight was badly delayed. Mine was very uneventful.
Mary and Cary were wonderful hostesses, the weather cooperated and many many laughs were had. Also spontaneous book conversations. I had to laugh when we were in Powell’s and me wandered over to ask who that author was that writes … and somebody knew! We also agreed that we had serious issues with a certain book which we didn’t like but had all read all the way through and remembered well enough to discuss.
Photos were taken and we agreed that posters had been remiss in not sharing photos of CBs in the past. We will try to rectify that in posts to come.
As has been said before, wherever two or more CBs are gathered, all the CBs are there in spirit.
20. McB | June 24th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Yay, Jenni! Great news. And yes, I noticed the same thing RSS did.
Got home yesterday and took a nap. Got up and took another nap in a different location. Got up and puttered around the house and watered the garden and talked to Mom. Went to bed. I might almost be recovered. GP - so sorry your flight was badly delayed. Mine was very uneventful.
Mary and Cary were wonderful hostesses, the weather cooperated and many many laughs were had. Also spontaneous book conversations. I had to laugh when we were in Powell’s and me wandered over to ask who that author was that writes … and somebody knew! We also agreed that we had serious issues with a certain book which we didn’t like but had all read all the way through and remembered well enough to discuss.
Photos were taken and we agreed that posters had been remiss in not sharing photos of CBs in the past. We will try to rectify that in posts to come.
As has been said before, wherever two or more CBs are gathered, all the CBs are there in spirit.
21. McB | June 24th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Oops. blogger hiccuped. sorry about that.
22. K.L. | June 24th, 2008 at 10:47 am
So here is an update on CC and OH. I had to work, but the two of them, along with CC’s friend wandered around Seattle checking out many things. OH promised to check in with me* so I wouldn’t worry. We are all going to have lunch today at a really great BBQ place, then OH is probably going to head north to go see her Godfather up in BC (That would be a part of Canada, not to be mistaken for a place near BCB). CC will be visiting for a bit before she heads back home.
It was so much fun being able to take a bit of the CB Whack home with me. It made the trip back just fly. GP, so sorry to hear about your long delay. That really sucks. But I’ll definitely let you know when I find another Weber that needs assembling. And everyone agreed that if Dr. T can make the long flight out west, that we can all go visit her. And she promised a visit to a chocolate place, and good kilt viewing.
23. me | June 24th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Looks like I’m the last one to check in. Cheap flights mean late flights and lots of waiting around for them, but I got to see Pueget Sound and the Space Needle, so I’m good.
Thanks for everyone, especially Mary, for the wonderful time. CBs are warm, friendly, funny, and very, very gracious. They even brought men in uniform and an elephant.
Off to get the film developed!
24. me | June 24th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Almost forgot: Happy Birthday Louis!
CMS: did the luggage arrive yet?
25. CMS | June 24th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
I’m not sure Me. Did it? They sent the luggage to Detroit. ??? Actually it should be here tonight.
which is probably why I slept 11 hours. I also didn’t get to watch Darcy video today. Or pet Tanji which were the two things that made leaving Ky behind bearable. Note to those coming to the part of Canada that has Niagara Falls, Ky has Fred’s temperament. Not Clarke’s. But he does settle eventually. A whack would sorely test his herding skills as we all tend to wander off from the group into little mini-whacks.
This was the first morning in days that Pam didn’t call to wake me* up
Merry and Cary are amazing hostesses. Merry does need to learn to sit down a bit more often and let us fend for ourselves. To the best of my knowledge nothing got broken. GP weeded the garden. Lou and her band of helpers kept the kitchen spotless. K.L. grilled. OH, CC and Pam crafted and created. McBoss(note new name) supervised it all.
I fell off the continent -
into the Pacific Ocean but got the picture I was aiming for.
Good luck cbpen. We changed the PNW weather to be sunny and warm. We can get you the job that suits you best.
26. theresa | June 24th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Ok, feeling a bit better after getting some sleep. BTW, it’s rainy and in the 50s here in Edinburgh. I miss Portland.
Happy Belated Birthday, Louis!!! it sounds like a nice evening with your family.
And yes, we did discuss maybe dropping by your porch. You might want to give your DW a heads up. :+)
Mary and Cary - Thank you both so, so, so much for hosting the whack and your graciousness and hospitality! I had a most excellent time meeting everyone and was so happy to get the chance to be there!! I hope it won’t take too long for you and the PNW to recover.
JenT - So sorry that this first week of recovery will be so sucky, but just focus on those book deals!!! Woohoo! Congratulations to you!
And now, I really need to go buy groceries, and I really don’t want to leave my flat. This is a problem.
27. CMS | June 24th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Theresa can’t you get a man in a kilt to deliver groceries?
28. glamour-geek | June 24th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
CMS: can you get me* the job that suits me* best, too? I didn’t get one of the ones I interviewed for week before last. They have filled the position with someone else. I am bummed, because I really liked the woman I’d have been reporting to and I think there’s potential there. Ok, but did I really need the same title 3 times in a row at 3 different jobs? Maybe something better will come along. Trying to keep my head up.
Meanwhile, I have a phone screen today with one company and an in-person interview with another on Thursday (in one of the the least convenient locations possible, but what the heck). Still, I thought the likelihood of the one I got a ‘no’ from today was high, so I dunno.
Feh.
29. Scope Dope CherryBomb | June 24th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Well I just want everyone to know that I lost three inches off my waist from all the wonderful CB hugs I got. Of course because they were CBs they pushed those inches up to my bust and not down to my hips.
Thank you so much Mary and Cary for a wonderful, wonderful time. I really do appreciate you moving Mount Hood to the middle of town for my viewing pleasure. Are you still laughing Cary? Is it about the ship on top of that building in downtown or was it the excitement from me* at every new thing.
I think Wapak saw a little of that too as I was excited at every state we flew across and about the Rocky mountains and Mount St. Helen’s. On the way back I had a window seat and except for a small nap followed us across on the map and out the window the whole way.
I cannot tell you what that trip meant to me. To meet my friends from the blog, who pampered me like crazy btw, to see the Rockies, the Pacific Ocean and all those whom I love from the blog. Oh did I say that? And I had never been west of Thunder Bay, Ontario so it was a real thrill.
I was the secret surprise and surprise many it did. I nearly burst trying not to let on I too was going to be a part of the whack. As CC said when trying to guess who I was “it couldn’t be Scope because there’s no eye patch and she has teeth.” :-)
30. Scope Dope CherryBomb | June 24th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
BTW Happy belated birthday Louis. I did my darndest trying to talk everyone into coming for a short drive down to your ranch to sit on the porch but no soap. Turns out that you were out for dinner anyhow.
When I said “all the people I love from the blog” that did not mean I don’t love all of you, as I do. I still have a handful of you to meet but I love you all, all the same. I am a mother and that is what a mother does.
Of course, OH now is on a two year grounding for flirting with the Older Man in the car beside her for twenty minutes, while she was driving alone! Of course, KL and CC should have told on her.
CMS on the other hand was smiling and waving (it was returned) at the military man in the car beside us, whom she said was “about 12″. She suggested that she and OH switch men.
31. Scope Dope CherryBomb | June 24th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Oh did I tell you that we flew across 12 states and that I saw Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helen’s and the Rockies and the Pacific Ocean and a whack of wonderful CBs?
And did I tell you that I am now inviting all of you to come to Canada? I understand the next whack-a-do is to be in Scotland next summer but after that we are next, I hope.
BTW when GP and I were sitting out on the front deck I said to her that the sounds of the whack giggling in the backyard sounded like a little girl’s birthday party.
Okay, okay someone else is beeping in to post a comment. I guess I will have to save the rest for later. sigh
32. GatorPerson | June 24th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Piffle. I can’t stay asleep, I’m too tired. So a story. Lot’s of stories, but here’s a short one.
We were in Powell’s. I had become lost more than once since I guide by the sun, and there’s no sun in Powell’s. But I had found my way to the coffee shop meeting place. McB and I were waiting for 2 people to come back from the restroom and for Mary to stop staring at book covers outside the restroom. (Ask her, I don’t know!) Anyway, this biker chick sits down across the table from us, hands on thighs. Aggressive stance. She’s in our comfort zone. She won’t break eye contact. The tshirt says this is one mean dude and don’t mess with her. I’m anxious. Finally McB breaks out into a scream. (What? We’re in such doodoo with McB screaming.) Me*, I’m palpitating. Then biker chick breaks out into a great big smile and says “You said not to wear the pastel.” Huh? McB explains this is CC in biker attitude McB asked for. Huff puff, I’m not going to get decked by a stranger.
CBs, CC is a cream puff, loves little children, and does lots of acts of kindness, but she does biker chick really, really well.
33. theresa | June 24th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I forgot to say that GP and I had a nice time chatting during our layover in Newark. Best Newark layover I’ve had to date, but GP, I’m so sorry that your flight was delayed! It is very wrong that I arrived home before you did! Ugh! My sympathies many times over!
CMS and Scope - While it always sucks when your luggage doesn’t keep up with you, so much better that it happened on the way back home!
34. CMS | June 24th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I just uploaded over 150 pictures from my camera. We discussed opening a flikr or photobucket account so that everyone could upload photos from various Whack Meets instead of filling the blog. Merry and Lori used picassa (which I think is through gmail) for previous excursions. Does anyone have a preference? I thought we could set up an account and email everyone the password so they could upload photos. We could also post a link in the sidebar. Discuss.
Mr Scope would like to thank each and every one of you for the warm wishes and condolences as well as keeping us distracted over the weekend. We felt incredibly guilty about jumping on a plane within hours of my Grandma dying. He didn’t want us to miss out on the trip west, time with CBs or any mayhem we might encounter along the way. My Grandma loved to travel and we all felt that she would encourage the trip. She certainly did in the days leading up to her death. It was hard for us, as some of you who held a sobbing Canadian can attest, but there is no where else in the world I would rather have been. Dad said it made him feel good at several points during the funeral to think of CBs laughing in Merry’s yard. Every time we checked in with him he asked about individuals and who liked what, how the surprise went over and if we were all having a good time. We most certainly did. Everyone copes in their own way. Spending time with shovel-toting CBs was a great coping mechanism for the three of us. Thank you
35. theresa | June 24th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
While having my groceries delivered by a kilt-clad man would be ideal, notice is short and I really would like food for breakfast tomorrow. So off to pick up a few things. Le sigh.
36. CMS | June 24th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
McBoss will wave her magic wands so that Diane(TT), cbpen and GG have the best jobs possible for each of them within the next ten days. That gives said employers time to actually find you. Make it so young lady.
37. glamour-geek | June 24th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Oh, CMS, I HOPE so. That would be really wonderful… As Diane and cbpen can attest, it’s a hard slog looking and interviewing and all that.
38. Marcia in OK | June 24th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Can those of us that didn’t travel in the whack and therefore have no pictures to upload still have access to the flickr or other site to view the pics?
Pretty please? Think about it.
I’m going back to moping in the corner. And, yes, I’m going to eat the last of the chocolate truffles.
Maybe next year.
39. BCB | June 24th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
CMS, I’m not sure how I missed hearing about it, though I knew she was doing very poorly, but I’m so sorry to hear about your Grandma. Hugs to all of you.
Scope you sound like a little kid with a new toy. Happy happy happy. I love it.
Glad everyone else got home safely. Wish I could have been there too.
As for pictures, well, you all know what I think about that. Can we find a way to make them accessible to CBs only and not the general public? And I really do think everyone pictured in a picture needs to give permission before they’re posted. JMO.
My boss will be on vacation all next week (YAY!) so of course he had to leave early today. I don’t know why. Maybe to rest up. He might as well take the remainder of this week off, since his head is already elsehwere. Yes, there.
40. K.L. | June 24th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I actually have a g-mail account. Google gives them out for free. And yes Marcia, the idea is that we can post all the pics we want, and since it would require a password, it would be relatively safe from suspicious lurkers who don’t belong there. That way, all the other CBs can see the fun too.
There are rumors about that my hair twirling was caught on camera a time or two. But not while I was assembling the BBQ or actually doing the BBQing.
41. Lou | June 24th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Hi again everyone. I’m still on a natural high from the Whack meet.
Just heard from Pam, she’s home safely. I’m sure she will be commenting shortly.
BTW - Mary and Cary. If you happen to stumble across user manuals (two small little booklets) for a Canon PowerShot digital camera, they are mine. I came home with everything I took except those two items. I know I either slipped them into my purse or a piece of luggage (I think my purse), and I may have either taken them out or they slipped out. If they are not found, no bigge.
Yes, McBoss has a magic wand. I’m certain that wand will be of assistance for job hunters.
Back to take another nap before I go see my horse.
42. Pam | June 24th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Well me, I really think I’m the last to arrive home. Plane landed safely and I have eaten lunch (thanks to my sil), picked up my kids who were really well behaved and called Lou to beg her to send me the link to the bar and grill as my pc is visiting a friend for repair. How’s that for a run on sentence? Do I get the tiara?
I had so much fun at the meet!!!! I have pics as well and I’ll follow the dicussion to follow.
Happy belated birthday Louis!!
GP-I have the books that K.L brought from Seattle that I think you were going to take. Send me email with snail mail and I’ll get them to you. I might read them first =D
CC-when you check in I have your stamps etc and will make arrangements to get them to you after you arrive home.
Ok, the story I promised yesterday about DH.
Let me preface this by saying….the man hates doctors and will not ever go unless it is ABSOLUTELY necessary.
Lou and I are driving along and I get a phone call. DH “What was our doctor’s name again?” This shows you how often he goes. me*” What did you do?” Him ” I just need the doctor’s name and I’m fine.” No point in arguing with him at this point; he isn’t going to tell me anything. So, I gave him the name and he hung up with me to presumably call and more than likely see the doctor. Now, when he calls and asks me for doctor/dentist name and phone numbers you know it’s bad. I worried and fretted, but was distracted by a lot of conversation with Lou. Bless her heart!!!
I checked in with him later and got it out of him (maybe a bit too easily. I think it was the pain meds). He blew a disc in his back. I still know nothing more than that. I will know nothing more than that until he gets home.
Glad to be home, going to nap!!!! Hugs to all
43. Pam | June 24th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Mary-it was the red room.
44. CMS | June 24th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
We discussed that very concern BCB. It would be for CB eyes only. Registered CBs. We did take a couple of pics specifically for on the blog. All other things were for personal use that could only be accessed by invitation. We’re just working out a format. As you can see by above photo I was too busy having a good time to worry about who saw it. But then I’m the goof who made CB luggage tags -with the cherrybomb logo. We are trying to be respectful of everyone’s privacy while accomodating everyone’s desire to share in the fun. That’s why a password protected account might work. It is not our intention to exclude CBs who were not in attendance. Far from it. We want to encourage you to join any and all Whack gatherings you can.
Did anyone else see Jenny’s comment at Argh Ink about spawning this group. Cracked me up.
I have to go shower and dress for my darling nephew’s graduation.
45. CMS | June 24th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Oops, I tried to go and close my tag but I wasn’t allowed to edit my comment. Bad CMS!
46. BCB | June 24th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
I thought the allusion to a school of mating fish was hysterical. I laughed til I had tears. We were SUCH huge pests on that blog, of all the things she could have made reference to, that was pretty mild.
I know nothing about any of the photo sites (big surprise). But I do know that sometimes when Lori sends me a link my computer can’t access it and sometimes it can. I think Mary uses the same thing and I’ve never had trouble seeing her pics. Hmmm. Sounds like it’s all Lori’s fault. Glad some things never change.
47. BCB | June 24th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
BTW, Mary — um, I mean, Tanji, why is this post categorized as “knitting?” Am I missing something? Well, yes, I know I’m usually missing something, but why knitting?
48. Christina | June 24th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
I can’t find the comment on Argh Ink. What post is it in?
49. BCB | June 24th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
It’s in the current post (with the “porn” pics). Down toward the end of the comments, I think. It was in a comment J made, not the actual post.
50. McB | June 24th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Spawned? *snort!* Another time she referred to us as pirates boarding the ship. We did rather hijack the blog, didn’t we?
Knitting on account of there is no category called “doing stuff with yarn” We would say more, but BCB we don’t want you to break out in hives.
yes there was talk of figuring out how to share photos while keeping them private at the same time. Hey, we brought sunshine to the PNW, we can do anything. There are other photos taken that we believe should be safe enough to share and were taken specifically with the blog in mind. First we have to remember who took what photos with what camera.
51. BCB | June 24th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Are you saying you did CRAFTS?! Oh, you poor poor babies. No wonder you all sound so giddy, you’re just relieved to have gotten away with your sanity [somewhat] intact.
52. K.L. | June 24th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
CC had a timer on her camera, so it got the group shot. She is still touring the Greater Seattle Area, and will then head a bit North toward Bellingham (still in Washington). Any pics from her may or may not get here quickly. It depends on when she can get to a computer where she can download pics. CC, her friend and OH met me* for lunch today before they all headed out in different directions. OH will be off to Canada later today. She promised to call.
More later.
53. K.L. | June 24th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
BCB, crafts were optional. I opted out.
54. BCB | June 24th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Well, there’s hope for one of you.
55. Mary, though the computer thinks I should be BCB | June 24th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
I put my pictures up on my google site, viewable by invitation only.
If the ones photographed don’t mind, I could send the link to people.
People would need to send me their email addresses to:
angstriddengoddess @ gmail.com
This is a quick fix, since the /good/ photos are in the hands of people like CC and CMS. My camera tends to shake sometimes.
Also, I think Wapak might be plotting to create a proper password-only account that would be a better long-term solution.
p.s. Pam, was it red? Silly me*.
56. Mary, though the computer still thinks I should be BCB | June 24th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
And my thanks to the holder of the magic wand. I’m assuming you’re the one responsible for causing my extremely unreasonable deadline to be pushed back to a moderately reasonable deadline instead. This means I can sleep tonight, and might even get to take part of the weekend off.
((JenT)) ((Louis))
Hugs to both of you. Get better! Happy Birthday!
57. BCB (obviously my computer is correct) | June 24th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Mary, I’d send you my email address but I sent you an email this morning and it came back, telling me you were out of the office and to contact someone else if I needed documentation. Trouble is, I didn’t sent it to your office so I’m not sure how it came back from there and I don’t believe I need documentation. [Though perhaps you do, since your computer doesn’t know who you are.] So I don’t believe I should push my luck by contacting you and/or your office again. They might make me do some work or something.
58. McB | June 24th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
I do indeed have a magic wand. In fact, I have TWO magic wands. One for small jobs and one for bigger items like controlling the weather and /attempting/ to coordinate CBs. Works much better on the former than the latter. I shall be happy to wave them for currently resting. You just have to tell me which wand you would like me to use. That is, do you want to be gainfully employed in a meaningful career that fullfills you? Or would you settle for supreme ruler of the universe. I haven’t road tested that one. The manual doesn’t actually guarantee /this/ universe.
Other things that happened, in no particular order … we staged a coup at Cary’s place, ably assisted by Fred and Clark who, it turns out, will side with anyone who gives them a good scratch. That’s males for you. And Cary flaunted her butterfly bush, the shameless hussy.
The plastic table - 4 legs and a round top - got put together wrong.
We can find our way around the Portland area perfectly as long as we always start out from Evergreen. Which is actually in Hillsboro, but that’s beside the point.
OH discovered what a switchback road is.
Much chocolate, really really GOOD chocolate, was consumed.
I didn’t have one margarita all danged weekend.
59. GatorPerson | June 24th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
All roads lead to Evergreen. No matter where you are or where you want to go, eventually you will be on Evergreen or cross it.
The table looked somewhat like 2 dancers of water-coordinated dancing about to come up out of the depths feet first enclosed in a big shared tutu. I did notice SOMEONEs else were asked to assemble the bbq. Someones else who READ directions.
I am really enjoying SOMEONE’s fixation on receiving pics. SOMEONE who has resisted having pics taken. Just wait until we get Edleweiss’ “6 Little Pigs Sniffing the Roses.” So we posed and held somewhat still and giggled and muttered, “Will the lady ever take the pic?” So she finally said, “When are you going to look up so that I can see your faces?” To which the 6 Little Pigs buried their snouts in the roses and snorted.
Name that rose trivia: Has a single row of petals. Petals are red and white and a touch of yellow. Was named an AARS rose. Disease resistant. Can be trained as a standard or left as a small bush. Named after a character in an old comic.
60. Tanji | June 24th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Hey, at least the table remained upright.
(As opposed to that treacherous pre-assembled bench.)
I would like to point out that the table-building documentation was non-existent.
I would also like to point out that much chocolate was also left behind on my dining room table please someone take it away before I lose all control aaaaaargh….
61. glamour-geek | June 24th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Um. McB, I’d like the wand that provides gainfully employed in a meaningful career that fulfills me in THIS universe, please. I’d miss you all (well, except Jen T, who is multi-universal and would no doubt be there…) if I was elsewhere, not to mention beau, my parents, other friends (yes, I do TOO have friends who aren’t CBs!), etc.
Meanwhile, on the thou-shalt-not-gripe topic…I got feedback (since I asked) about the job I found out I didn’t get today. Turns out they really just wanted a writer (not that that’s a “just”, necessarily), not much in the way of management. So just as well. It’s very similar, in those terms, to the one I said “no thank you” to who I talked to last week. So it turns out it WASN’T a great match. So I feel better. In a “just writing” job I would be very unhappy very quickly. I want to do more.
I also had a phone screen today and will meet with them next week. Seems I have mastered “Acing the phone screen”. I suggested to a former co-worker (or cow-orker, as Mary prefers) that I perhaps start a new business, $199/session. He, naturally, asked how long a session and if it was like bootcamp. I assured him that, for him, it was definitely like bootcamp! Heh heh heh!
So I should stop griping about not getting positions, because really it seems the ones I’m not getting are not ones that would make me happy. I should Believe (a la “Bet Me”). And the feedback from this one will help me in the next two in person interviews I have.
So, McBoss, wave away. Just make sure to use the right wand, please.
62. eidlhe | June 24th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
GP-*waving my hand madly in the air* I know, I know!!! =D
Think the 6 little pigs pic is on Dr T’s camera…but we’ll get it sorted out eventually. I do have a lot of rose pics that I will be more than happy to share once the collective has agreed upon whatever it is.
63. Mary. Really. | June 24th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
One memory that will stay with me for awhile is what happened when K.L. and the Seattle caravan left. The rest of the Whack lined up on the front deck and sang So long, farewell, auf weidersen, good bye… oh, I’ve got some explaining to do to the neighbors… [blush]
Lou, I haven’t found any camera manuals yet. (Maybe at the hotel?) I’ll keep looking. So far I’ve found a bottle of
Worscterworsterchirea bottle of sauce in the fridge and a few bottles of wine under the table. And chocolate.64. McB | June 24th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
*snort* - we really did. And then the remaining whack did it again for me … in the hotel lobby. And as far as I know, nobody had been drinking. It should be said, though, that nobody seem to know the rest of the words.
And Merry tested me by playing a very small snippet of an audio book. And I aced it!
Oh, and if you sing Edelwiess, our very own eidlhe will indeed show up.
Mary, I really did take away some of the chocolate with me. Dr. T insisted, and well, I didn’t want to hurt her feelings so I forced myself.
JenB does a pretty good high step. Especially if the big wand is pointed in her direction.
GP gave us a tour of the rose garden. And I believe the answer is a certain curly-haired brunette?
*waves smaller magic wand in the direction of G-G* Okay, now, according to the manual, you need to click your heels together … wait, never mind. That’s something else.
65. BCB | June 24th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Not to change the topic, but . . . thought I’d share this with you all. It’s JK Rowling’s speech at Harvard’s commencement. Truly wonderful and inspiring. Text is at the bottom if you can’t or don’t want to listen to the video:
http://harvardmagazine.com/go/jkrowling.html
66. Lou | June 24th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Thanks for checking, Mary. Who knows where they ended up… Hopefully the website will have instructions.
California has 842 fires burning - a lightening storm did the damage and they are expecting another lightening storm later this week. All the fire fighters are exhausted and some of the fires are just burning. They are trying to put out the ones that are threatening homes first. This explains the incredibly thick haze Pam and I drove through on the way back down to Sacramento.
BTW - Pam is the very best traveling companion / navagator anyone could ask for!!
I am, however, rethinking long road trips. I used to love them, but somehow my body has aged a bit and they tire me out more than they used to. I suspect that is why planes were invented. Since I seem to get a bit testy when I’m tired, I think plane trips from now on would be the way to go…
(((HUGS))) for JenT - get well soon. A very happy belated birthday to you, Louis. Sounds like you had a great day!
I still can’t believe I fell instantly in love with a group of women I’ve never met before, but I did. I’m going to sleep for the third time today. Good night everyone, sweet dreams.
67. cbpen | June 25th, 2008 at 12:43 am
Jenni: Meant to say Congrats on the books. Fantabulous news. Get better so you can REALLY enjoy it.
The interview was odd. They had one of those psychological thingies and did the double team thing where one person asks questions and the other kind of glares at you. When they called me they said they were interviewing me about the “concierge” position (ie: receptionist), then when I was about three-fourths of the way through the interview they said it was for the part time accounts payable/receivable position. Huh? So I am qualified for either one. The facility was beautiful but they were kind of high-falutin’. During the tour, I saw the “full service Health Station” (kitchen) and the complete fitness/wellness center (gym) and I was told Pepsi is not allowed in the building because Coke is one of their sponsors (it’s a non-profit). They have these weird little balls…size of a small footstool in one part of the lobby. It’s Danish furniture, but “for some reason, people seem to be afraid to sit on it.” It looks like a child’s play area. The concierge desk has four giant plasma TVs behind it, one for CNN, one for local weather, one for local news and one for videos for the various companies under their umbrella. There is also a ticker under it listing the events in the building and the stock quotes for local companies. In the two fieldstone pillars in the lobby are touch screen directories for the various companies and maps. It was all very off putting to me. I would love to work in the building, but I don’t know if I would want to work with the people who put so much non-profit stuff into the trappings.
Sorry about the rant.
{{{Scope, CMS and Mr. Scope}}} So glad you had CBs live and in person to help you, Scope and CMS. Scope, I am glad you got to “flew across 12 states and that I saw Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helen’s and the Rockies and the Pacific Ocean and a whack of wonderful CBs?” I know it’s not grammatical, but it’s a direct quote.
68. theresa | June 25th, 2008 at 7:17 am
Oh, raising hand and jumping up and down a bit in seat I know the answer to GP’s question. Can I say? I’m terrible with names of things, but this one actually stuck. GP is a most excellent teacher!
I’m fine with having pictures of me* shared with all CBs and with having a password protected site where any CB can upload pictures. Also, I do have the “6 little pigs picture” on my camera. If nothing else, I’ll post it next Wednesday as part of my regularly schedule post.
69. McB | June 25th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Thanks for the link, BCB. Very well done. I like the part about life not being a check list.
Lou - saw photos on the news this morning, and they also showed maps of the strike locations. Very scary to think of that much lightening hitting the ground.
70. Wapakwoman | June 25th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Jenni from the block, CONGRATS! that is SUCH great news about the books! I am so happy for you.
As for the surgery….yeah the first week REALLY sucks, but you won’t believe how much better the 2nd week is. Not world peace or anything but vast improvement over the first few days.
Ah Louis, Happy Belated Birthday! You were so in our thoughts. An expedition was in the works to your house, but we got hung up on EVERGREEN ROAD and didn’t make it. But they have nice tidy construction sites in Hillsboro. (Really we were just trying to make it back to the hotel…but it seemed like we were on an adventure.)
I’m up to post tomorrow, but if any of the other WHACK has pictures and stories..McBoss????? feel free to jump in!
71. Theresa | June 25th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Wapak - Would you like to switch with me? I’d be more than happy to post pictures from the rose garden.
72. Cary | June 25th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Can I just say that Scope’s enthusiasm for everything is infectious? And that Fred still seems to be pouting that no one is coming over just to give him love?
I had more to say, but a) I forgot it all while reading through the last 50-odd comments and b) the bosses actually expect me to start being productive at some point today.
And CMS, thank you for the sweet words.
73. Marcia in OK | June 25th, 2008 at 10:12 am
OK
74. Marcia in OK | June 25th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Do we have
75. Marcia in OK | June 25th, 2008 at 10:12 am
to hit 100
76. Marcia in OK | June 25th, 2008 at 10:13 am
comments before
77. McB | June 25th, 2008 at 10:13 am
McBoss … I’ve said before that it’s a bad idea to put me in charge. So what did they do? Left me in charge of transportation logistics one morning. But they only made that mistake once. Eidlhe and Lou are much better at it and people are less inclined to suddenly come to parade attention or fall on their swords.
Go ahead Theresa and put up the little piggies picture with a post.
On another note, perhaps you folks across the pond could tell me if there is a difference in formatting of CDs between the U.S. and Europe.
78. Marcia in OK | June 25th, 2008 at 10:13 am
someone posts something from the Traveling adventures of the Whack?
79. Marcia in OK | June 25th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Please Dr. T.
80. Tanji | June 25th, 2008 at 10:18 am
I just wanted
81. Tanji | June 25th, 2008 at 10:19 am
to help Marcia
82. Tanji | June 25th, 2008 at 10:19 am
in OK
83. Tanji | June 25th, 2008 at 10:20 am
increase the number of comments.
84. Tanji | June 25th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Do you know what happens if you try to post a lot of comments quickly? You get a message:
Sorry, you can only post a new comment once every 15 seconds. Slow down cowboy.
Was that the work of Bryan or of Wordpress?
85. BCB | June 25th, 2008 at 10:25 am
ooooh, I can help
86. BCB | June 25th, 2008 at 10:25 am
We’re getting
87. BCB | June 25th, 2008 at 10:25 am
our
88. BCB | June 25th, 2008 at 10:26 am
part
89. BCB | June 25th, 2008 at 10:26 am
installed
90. BCB | June 25th, 2008 at 10:26 am
tomorrow!
91. BCB | June 25th, 2008 at 10:27 am
for the A/C at work
92. Tanji | June 25th, 2008 at 10:28 am
So it’s safe to assume the next few months will be cloudy and cool in the South East?
93. BCB | June 25th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Except for tomorrow, when they’ll have to shut off the entire system and it’s supposed to be 98. Sigh.
Back to work.
94. McB | June 25th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Okay, okay. I’ll get out and help push.
95. me | June 25th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Hey, we fixed the table. I even screwed it up.
Jenni, you MUST let us know release dates.
Mary at 63, at first I thought that said “camel manuals.”
I pick up my developed film tonight. I know nutink about any of the online sharing programs mentioned, but I’ll figure it out. Just let me know where to put them and I’ll do my best.
96. Theresa | June 25th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Um, I will post, but I’m at work now, so it’s going to be a few hours. Just so ya know.
97. K.L. | June 25th, 2008 at 11:13 am
You people are nucking futs
98. K.L. | June 25th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Dr. T, you may as well post as soon as possible. The crowd is getting unruly.
99. Christina | June 25th, 2008 at 11:45 am
It’s like armageddon in here. Y’all need to quiet down, take a valium. Some of us are working here.
Scratch that. As you were…
100. Lou | June 25th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Oooooooo - I’m 100!!!!!
101. Christina | June 25th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Lou, I didn’t know it was your birthday!
(Please don’t hurt me. That was just a VERY LAME attempt at a joke!)
102. Scope Dope CherryBomb | June 25th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Lou-like hell you’re 100. Will you please stop lying about your age? I have never met any woman who declares herself older than she is and even goes so far as to have it inscribed on her drivers license. I still don’t believe you.
I am glad CMS posted the news about my MIL as she is so much better at that than me*. Thank you from me* to all of you. You made life easier.
Isn’t it amazing that whenever I meet someone new from the blog that I find I have known them all along? We are not strangers any of us. It is such a warm feeling. I hope in time to meet each and every one of you. That is my goal as you are a wonderful group of people.
103. Lou | June 25th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Huh - I haven’t been able to comment lately - they all went into spam. And now - for some unknown reason, I can comment again and have it show up. Huh… Bryan, have you been tweaking this place while we were gone???
Hey Scope - you terrific woman you, I’m happy to be any age you want me* to be!!
Christina - *SNORT*.
104. Lou | June 25th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
I meant comment from work…
105. Lori | June 25th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Wow. You have no clue how sorry I am I missed all that, but I’m glad y’all’ve got stories and pictures to share!
I just spent my entire lunch break going over my budget and vacation time (Um, yeah, I’m a little weird.) and here is what I know:
If I take avoid taking any vacations (except for the two very short ones that I sorta already planned…) in the next year and put my entire laptop fund (yeah, I was going to buy a new Mac next year, but I think I can push that back another year… priorities, doncha know…) towards Scotland, I am almost positive I could join that trip (if no money or vacation time eating emergencies occur).
Um… that is… if I’m invited. Or not invited. I’m actually a little confused about how that is supposed to work.
I would also make a formal request that the trip not be planned for the months of June or July.
Yeah. Now I have to go back to work. Ugh.
Oh, and I know how to set up an account for pictures, like the one you were talking about, but I don’t have time to say more than that until I get home from work tonight, so if someone else wants to deal with it before then, I completely understand.
Okay.
Bye.
106. Lori | June 25th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
and love to CMS & Scope… sorry I wasn’t there to hug you in person, but know I care and am thinking about you and your GAM.
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