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Author Topic: Great AMG '11  (Read 13905 times)

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Offline Jody

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Great AMG '11
« on: August 24, 2011, 03:43:49 pm »
Thanks to all my fellow AMG'ers who helped make this gathering yet another great success.  We always seem to get perfect weather everywhere and the hotel choice was indeed perfect. The members were great and warm and generous as always and it was a great location with ease to get around which is important for tourists and the area had lots of charm.  It was really cool to see old friends and meet new ones.  

I wanted to especially thank my fellow grants committee members- Phil, Will and Nick for their hard work in assisting some people who may not have been able to make it to Seattle but for the kindness of those who contributed monies were able to go and had a great time.  The opportunity to bond with other people, living with HIV, all of whom I likely would never have met without an AIDS diagnosis, and this great website and become friends with is a very cosmic sort of thing, that is never really knowing for certain what life has in store for us or where the road is going.

I would also like to thank Gary for his talk during our remembrance, memorial and also celebratory ceremony this year again.  Gary, I think if you haven't already done so you should write your feelings and experiences and have our AMG's be a part of that for you, I think that would be an interesting read, both in the context of our experiences here online and together at AMG and your life in general.  Thanks also to Jan and Robert for their work and was it Odyssey who chose this meeting hall or am I mistaken, good choice and a nice walk up Capital Hill and seeing another part of town.

We got to eat at some of the great restaurants in town - the salmon down by the Pike's Market was perfectly cooked- I like salmon fairly well cooked and it was just right.  So was the steak dinner at Tap House and there were other great places.  The boat ride around town was real nice and scenic and a Manhattan drink to boot!  The Pacific Science Museum, the aquarium and the Space needle were all great but in a way the highlight of my trip was getting up to Mt . Rainier with Mark, Curtis and Ernie.  The ride up is gorgeous enough, through pristine country.  This 12,000 plus foot high mountain, the second highest in the continental US is wonderfully majestic and getting to walk in several inches of snow in 85 degree weather was surreal and totally awesome.  We had a little picnic on smoked salmon, crackers and cheese and wine and walked up quite a bit, to the timber line I think Mark called it but still very much way down at the base of this gorgeous monster of rock, snow, waterfalls, grasses, wild flowers and creeks.  Ernie is a bird lover and we looked out for them.  Ordinary folks were slipping, sliding and falling on their asses and laughing out loud!  When you think that the highest mountains in the Catskill and Pocono's are about 1,500 to 2,000 feet or so Mt. Rainier is a beast, and a beauty at that.  My calves are still barking!

Another successful AMG, with great participants and a lot of fun in the postcard of life.  And for those who couldn't make it there is always the hope that we can see you next year.  One place mentioned was Washington DC and purely by coincidence I am sure the Washington monument is now tilting.  :)
And the authorities are speculating it was an earthquake that caused it! ;) ;)

Jody :)
« Last Edit: August 24, 2011, 03:52:19 pm by Jody »
"Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world".
 "Try to discover that you are the song that the morning brings."

Grateful Dead

Offline klassykitty

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  • Posts: 379
Re: Great AMG '11
« Reply #1 on: August 24, 2011, 05:56:36 pm »
Isn't the IAC thingy in DC next year?
How to handle stress like a dog:
If you can't eat it or play with it.....
then pee on it and walk away

Diagnosed 01-20-2011
01-23  CD4 32    VL 125,400
02-18        76     VL 189
03-14  no cd4 test done   VL-52
04-14   69  VL-UNDECTABLE  YEA!!
05-26   50  whoopsy  
06-27   71        %-7
08-15   64 WTF %-9 
10-16  80         %7  
2012  CD4  %Thing   VL-UD
01-18  87    7
04-18  93    8  
07-16  151  8         
10-18  83    9    VL-70
2013   CD4   %thing       VL-UD
01-28  121     9
04-24  148    11   
07-25  157    11   
10-22  185    13
2014   CD-4  %thing   VL-UD
02-07 201 YEA!!!!!!  12
06-03  205      12

Offline phildinftlaudy

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  • sweet Ann what you think babe...
Re: Great AMG '11
« Reply #2 on: August 24, 2011, 08:07:17 pm »
Isn't the IAC thingy in DC next year?
I was thinking the same thing - I believe IAC is there and it might be great to have AMG coincide with it ---- of course, hotels in the DC area tend to be pricey - but there are some deals to be had - especially in Roslyn, which is just over the bridge from Georgetown.  There is a Hyatt there that has some good deals....

I will actually be in DC the beginning of November staying at the Hyatt Capital Hill - about 2 blocks from the Capital complex. 

I guess we can let those who went to AMG 2011 rest up for a minute and then get ready to start planning next year's. Wherever it is - DC, anywhere in the states, or anywhere else on the globe, I plan on being there.  No doubt about it.
September 13, 2008 - diagnosed +
Labs:
Date    CD4    %   VL     Date  CD4  %   VL
10/08  636    35  510   9/09 473  38 2900  12/4/09 Atripla
12/09  540    30    60   
12/10  740    41  <48   
8/11    667    36  <20  
03/12  1,041  42  <20
05/12  1,241  47  <20
08/12   780    37  <20
11/12   549    35  <20
02/12  1,102  42  <20
11/12   549    35  <20

Offline wolfter

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Re: Great AMG '11
« Reply #3 on: August 24, 2011, 09:36:55 pm »
Thanks Jody.  After attending my first one, I've decided it wouldn't matter where it's held.  The sense of community was great and I really enjoyed meeting you all.
Wolfie
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline weasel

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Re: Great AMG '11
« Reply #4 on: August 24, 2011, 09:44:57 pm »
Thanks Jody.  After attending my first one, I've decided it wouldn't matter where it's held.  The sense of community was great and I really enjoyed meeting you all.
Wolfie

                   Me too !

                     Once you go to one your hooked .

                    I am so glad so many people work so hard for so long to pull  the  AMG  off   :)

                                                              Weasel   


           P.S.  Enjoying  being home and doing day trips to Saint Louis with my twin & Bob  :D

                   
" Live and let Live "

Offline David_CA

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  • Posts: 3,246
  • Joined: March 2006
Re: Great AMG '11
« Reply #5 on: August 24, 2011, 10:25:12 pm »
Jody, you're right on about everything going so well.  There's one 'big' thing that I wished we could have done, and that's the Mt. Rainier trip.  Next time, we'll do that for sure!
Black Friday 03-03-2006
03-23-06 CD4 359 @27.4% VL 75,938
06-01-06 CD4 462 @24.3% VL > 100,000
08-15-06 CD4 388 @22.8% VL >  "
10-21-06 CD4 285 @21.9% VL >  "
  Atripla started 12-01-2006
01-08-07 CD4 429 @26.8% VL 1872!
05-08-07 CD4 478 @28.1% VL 740
08-03-07 CD4 509 @31.8% VL 370
11-06-07 CD4 570 @30.0% VL 140
02-21-08 CD4 648 @32.4% VL 600
05-19-08 CD4 695 @33.1% VL < 48 undetectable!
08-21-08 CD4 725 @34.5%
11-11-08 CD4 672 @39.5%
02-11-09 CD4 773 @36.8%
05-11-09 CD4 615 @36.2%
08-19-09 CD4 770 @38.5%
11-19-09 CD4 944 @33.7%
02-17-10 CD4 678 @39.9%  
06-03-10 CD4 768 @34.9%
09-21-10 CD4 685 @40.3%
01-10-11 CD4 908 @36.3%
05-23-11 CD4 846 @36.8% VL 80
02-13-12 CD4 911 @41.4% VL<20
You must be the change you want to see in the world.  Mahatma Gandhi

Offline phildinftlaudy

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  • Posts: 2,985
  • sweet Ann what you think babe...
Re: Great AMG '11
« Reply #6 on: August 24, 2011, 10:56:28 pm »
I have to say this -

Jody was amazing to have as a member on Grants Committee - he brought a level of experience, understanding, and organization that really made the process go so smooth.

His warmth and compassion was evident from day one --- it was a pleasure working with him on all aspects of the grants process.

Nick and Will were also amazing --- each of them shared their experience, their intelligence, and their knowledge in so many different ways.

I have to tell all of the members who attended AMG and those who watched from the Forums that Jody, Will and Nick were three dedicated people -- each giving of their time at literally all hours of the day and night - weekends and weekdays...... Everyone was so willing to take on a variety of tasks and to help out --- especially, when my dad passed - I never felt alone and never felt overwhelmed or like I had "dropped the ball" at all on Grants Committee --- as Jody, Will, and Nick graciously kept things moving along, supported me through the grieving process and let me know that everything was under control.

I know I am rambling - but I really can not say enough about this group of guys that I had the pleasure of working with and getting to know better.

Now..... on to AMG 2012!!!!!    ;D
September 13, 2008 - diagnosed +
Labs:
Date    CD4    %   VL     Date  CD4  %   VL
10/08  636    35  510   9/09 473  38 2900  12/4/09 Atripla
12/09  540    30    60   
12/10  740    41  <48   
8/11    667    36  <20  
03/12  1,041  42  <20
05/12  1,241  47  <20
08/12   780    37  <20
11/12   549    35  <20
02/12  1,102  42  <20
11/12   549    35  <20

Offline leatherman

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  • Google and HIV meds are Your Friends
Re: Great AMG '11
« Reply #7 on: August 25, 2011, 12:57:27 am »
Now..... on to AMG 2012!!!!!
does that mean that Willy is ready for the next batch of recipe submissions for the AMG 2012 cookbook??  :D
whatever it takes to raise funds to help the Grant Committee help more members go, count me in. ;)
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline bocker3

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  • Posts: 4,285
  • You gotta enjoy life......
Re: Great AMG '11
« Reply #8 on: August 25, 2011, 08:36:59 pm »
does that mean that Willy is ready for the next batch of recipe submissions for the AMG 2012 cookbook??  :D
whatever it takes to raise funds to help the Grant Committee help more members go, count me in. ;)

Only if -- and this is non-negotiable -- no more photos of Leatherman and giant food.  It's more than a bit unnerving.............  I kept waiting for the food to grow at the Meet and Greet whenever you walked by the table...........

M

Offline leatherman

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  • Google and HIV meds are Your Friends
Re: Great AMG '11
« Reply #9 on: August 25, 2011, 08:50:25 pm »
Only if -- and this is non-negotiable -- no more photos of Leatherman and giant food.
yes sir ;) no more GIANT food pictures. :D
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline Andy Velez

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  • Member
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Re: Great AMG '11
« Reply #10 on: August 26, 2011, 08:41:38 am »
The IAC is indeed in DC next July 22-27.

Approximately 20,000 attendees expected + those showing up who will not necessarily be attending the Conference itself. Only lasts for a week.

Washington DC summers can be pretty intense but there sure is plenty to see and do there.
Andy Velez

Offline hope_for_a_cure

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  • Posts: 1,517
Re: Great AMG '11
« Reply #11 on: August 26, 2011, 09:22:59 am »
Washington DC summers can be pretty intense but there sure is plenty to see and do there.

The AC works well there too as I remember.  The best thing about DC in August is that many of the locals leave town at that time and its easier to get around.  Yippie!!  If we end up there I can not only see my AM friends but also those I left behind when I moved away last year. 

Offline RAB

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  • Joined March 2003
Re: Great AMG '11
« Reply #12 on: August 26, 2011, 01:05:16 pm »
Jodykins, you said it so well.  I loved this year's gathering.  Of course I've loved everyone of them.  I just wish I could put together the words to convey how special, meaningful, and awesome this year was.

Dennis did a great job in finding us the Roosevelt (we couldn't have made a better choice), Gary's memorial service was (I believe) the best we've ever had.  Robert's organizing the Meet and Greet turned out fabulous. 

And then of course hooking up with old friends, making new friends, and the bond that ties us all together.
I don't think any of us who went to Toronto 7 years ago could have imagined what we were starting.  Toronto, Montreal, San Francisco, Mexico City, Boston, London/Las Vegas, and now Seattle.  Each one will always hold a special place in my heart.

RAB   :-*

Offline Robert

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Re: Great AMG '11
« Reply #13 on: August 26, 2011, 01:56:05 pm »
... Gary's memorial service was (I believe) the best we've ever had.   
RAB   :-*

Gary's sermons become more incredible year by year.  Last week he started out with a parable about Bobby, a 16 year old, not very nice, delinquent who had overdosed on drugs, continued on about how life and death is not merely the switching on and off of a light switch and how these forums, disagreements and all, help us live and share our lives with each other.   His words are strong, his delivery powerful.  He starts out slowly and builds up to such a crescendo that by the end, he makes us feels we are 'defying gravity'; that we are all floating through the cosmos, arms and legs akimbo, with all those souls who have preceded us in death, including Bobby.

Gary's words alone make the Gathering something not to be missed.

robert
..........

Offline phildinftlaudy

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  • sweet Ann what you think babe...
Re: Great AMG '11
« Reply #14 on: August 26, 2011, 03:43:45 pm »
Gary's sermons become more incredible year by year.  Last week he started out with a parable about Bobby, a 16 year old, not very nice, delinquent who had overdosed on drugs, continued on about how life and death is not merely the switching on and off of a light switch and how these forums, disagreements and all, help us live and share our lives with each other.   His words are strong, his delivery powerful.  He starts out slowly and builds up to such a crescendo that by the end, he makes us feels we are 'defying gravity'; that we are all floating through the cosmos, arms and legs akimbo, with all those souls who have preceded us in death, including Bobby.

Gary's words alone make the Gathering something not to be missed.

robert
Wow - what a great description Robert - you really allowed me to "experience" what the Memorial Service must have been like - at least in regards to Gary's message.  Thank you so much for sharing.  Hopefully, Gary will be willing to continue to deliver this type of heartfelt message at future AMGs (which all of you who went this year and have shared your experiences have made me commit to not ever missing in upcoming years).
September 13, 2008 - diagnosed +
Labs:
Date    CD4    %   VL     Date  CD4  %   VL
10/08  636    35  510   9/09 473  38 2900  12/4/09 Atripla
12/09  540    30    60   
12/10  740    41  <48   
8/11    667    36  <20  
03/12  1,041  42  <20
05/12  1,241  47  <20
08/12   780    37  <20
11/12   549    35  <20
02/12  1,102  42  <20
11/12   549    35  <20

Offline WillyWump

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  • EPIC FIERCENESS!
Re: Great AMG '11
« Reply #15 on: August 26, 2011, 04:23:34 pm »
POZ since '08

Last Labs-
11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
2/4/13, CD4 - 489, UD, 28%

Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
.

Offline Lou-ah-vull

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Re: Great AMG '11
« Reply #16 on: August 27, 2011, 02:38:27 pm »
I continue to be deeply touched by the many positive comments about the Memorial Service.  The combination of poetic license, willing audience, and about an hour of time makes it all possible.  I will always be willing to share my "poetic license" if the group desires it.  I was especially touched by our lovely reading of the names.  Mark has the perfect voice (I call it "mellifluous") for this...and this was the first time we did it this way.  I suspect the list will grow next year as more people are aware of it and wish the opportunity to have their loved ones names remembered in this profound way.

I sure missed having Will there too!

Gary
Diagnosed Oct. 2005
10/05:  367 (26.2%), 24556 VL
01/06:  344 (24.6%), 86299 VL
04/06:  374 (22.0%), 87657 VL
05/06:  Began HAART 05/15/06, Combivir/Kaletra
07/06:  361 (27.8%), 1299 VL
10/06:  454 (32.4%), 55 VL
01/07:  499 (38.4%), UD
02/07:  Switched to Atripla 2/8/07
04/07:  566 (37.7%), UD
08/07:  761 (42.3%), UD
06/08:  659 (47.1%), UD
01/09:  613 (43.8%), UD
07/09:  616 (47.4%), UD
01/10:  530 (44.2%), UD
07/10:  636 (48.9%), UD
01/11:  627 (48.2%), UD
07/11:  840 (52.5%), UD
01/12:  920 (51.1%), UD
07/12:  857 (50.4%), 40
10/12:  UD
01/13:  710 (47.3%), UD
07/13:  886 (49.2%), UD
01/14:  985 (46.9%), UD
06/14:  823 (47.2%), UD
01/15: 1366 (45.2%), UD
07/15: 1134 (50.7%), UD
02/16: 1043 (55.1%), UD
08/16:  746  (55.4%), UD
08/16:  Switch from Atripla to Genvoya

Offline GregoryScott611

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  • Posts: 4
Re: Great AMG '11
« Reply #17 on: September 02, 2011, 04:02:07 pm »
Maybe its about time I think about attending another gathering, its only been what 6 years?  Wow, haven't been on here in a while - glad to see some, vaguely  ;) familiar names!

Offline weasel

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Re: Great AMG '11
« Reply #18 on: September 02, 2011, 07:49:32 pm »
Maybe its about time I think about attending another gathering, its only been what 6 years?  Wow, haven't been on here in a while - glad to see some, vaguely  ;) familiar names!

                Yes   Greg ,
                                   Nice idea !

                      I've been to two and hope to be able to attend next year .

                     It is just a wonderful time .   Something  some of don't get too often .

                                                                               Carl
" Live and let Live "

Offline Jody

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Re: Great AMG '11
« Reply #19 on: September 02, 2011, 08:39:48 pm »
Hey Gregory Scott, great to see you back.  We were for the longest time concerned about your whereabouts, good to see you would like to go to another AMG, that would be great.  Toronto was our first and will always be special.

Take care and be well,

Jody :)
"Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world".
 "Try to discover that you are the song that the morning brings."

Grateful Dead

 


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