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Author Topic: This was even better than my "other" first time  (Read 10409 times)

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Offline bocker3

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  • You gotta enjoy life......
This was even better than my "other" first time
« on: August 13, 2009, 12:35:42 am »
Well, I can’t believe that AMG went by so quickly.   I’m not exactly home yet, as I’m visiting family and friends in RI for a couple of days, but I had to add my thoughts here while they are all still fresh in my mind – not that they are likely to leave anytime soon.

 I was a wee bit nervous about meeting everyone, but from the moment in the hotel hallway when RAB asked me if I was Bocker and then proceeded to bring me into a room with a half-dressed Dennis – I felt at ease.   ;D
I don’t think that I could put into words just how much this week meant to me.  Meeting so many people that I’ve watched and spoken with on the forums these last 3+ yrs was simply incredible.  As I sat in at the Meet and Greet and watched the slide show (thanks Dennis) from previous AMGs, the fun and joy of these past meetings, plus the one I was in the middle sort of overwhelmed me and brought tears to my eyes.  I have every intention of attending next year – wherever it ends up. 

It was so much fun to see how different some of you all are from my “vision” of you in the forums.  The humor, friendliness, intensity, sensitivity, etc, etc was great.  I hate to mention individuals, because every single person who attended touched me in some way, but I simply must say the following:

Dennis – thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, for persevering and putting up with the incredibly demanding people that make up these forums, to put together such a fantastic week.  It would not have been what it was without your hard work and, of course, your attendance.  I promise to read and memorize all the details next year --   ;)

Gary – thank you for the wonderful “shopping trip” on Tuesday that turned into such a wonderful conversation.  I think the joy of AMG is being able to have these discussions with someone who simply understands and “gets it”.

Jan – I’m not sure what to say (I think I’ll miss you most of all scarecrow……..) – you are such a terrific and lovely human being.  You were the heart of this gathering for me (there now – you’ve gone and made me cry again).  I will always remember our “wee walks” and surprise subway rides.  I miss you already and can’t wait to see you at the next gathering that our paths cross.  It doesn’t seem like enough – but all I can say is Thank You for being you.

To close -- if anyone is wondering if AMG is worth attending -- I scream out a resounding YES.

Hugs to all,
Mike
(who is missing his nightly gathering at Fritz right now)

Offline YaKaMein

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  • Posts: 368
Re: This was even better than my "other" first time
« Reply #1 on: August 13, 2009, 12:39:03 am »
Luv reading all the stories of AMG's. Sounds like a really special experience. Hope to make one soon. -YaKa
09/11 Endocrine Consult
08/11 CD4 328 14.9% VL 0
 Disc'd Bactrim DEXA -3.1 Tscore
03/11 CD4 338 14.7% VL 0
11/10 CD4 300 14.3% VL 0 <20copies
07/10 CD4 336 14.0% VL 0 DEXA -2.7 Tscore
03/10 CD4 308 13.4% VL 0 Vit D normal
01/10 Began FOTO
11/09 CD4 274 13.7% VL 0 Chol 173 Trig 131
07/09 CD4 324 13.5% VL 0 DEXA -3.1 Tscore lumbar
03/09 CD4 207 10.9% VL 0
11/08 CD4 227 10.3% VL 0 Chol 176 Trig 156
04/08 CD4 228 9.5% VL 0
01/08 CD4 194 9.0% VL 0
09/07 CD4 176 8.3% VL 0
03/07 CD4 130 9.5% VL 0 Chol 261  Trig 227
12/06 CD4 109 6.4% VL 0
09/06 CD4  88 5.5% VL und desens'd rtd to Bactrim
08/06  Began Atripla
07/06 CD4  59 5.0% VL 145 Chol 117 Trig 104
06/06  Bactrim rash, X2 Dapsone
 EFV & Truvada Chol 128 Trig 131
05/06 CD4  6 (2.0%) VL 78667 only V179D mutation Dx PC MAC

Offline Longislander

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Re: This was even better than my "other" first time
« Reply #2 on: August 13, 2009, 12:49:43 am »
Quote
It was so much fun to see how different some of you all are from my “vision” of you in the forums

Wow, that is so true, and well said ( I had no idea how to put it into words on the forum-lol).  I sometimes found myself looking at some of the group (other than the obvious Jan and Dennis, Basquo, Santi ,and Mini) wondering why they looked so familiar to me, tho I couldn't place seeing them in any pictures.

It was nice meeting you, and hopefully I'll get to spend more time with the group if it all works out next year. Enjoy your visit with friends, and get home safely.

Paul
infected 10/05 diagnosed 12-05
2/06   379/57000                    6/07 372/30500 25%   4/09 640/U/32% 
5/06   ?? /37000                     8/07 491/55000/24%    9/09 913/U/39%
8/06   349/9500 25%              11/07 515/68000/24     2/10 845/U/38%
9/06   507/16,000 30% !          2/08  516/116k/22%    7/10 906/80/39%
12/06 398/29000 26%             Start Atripla 3/08
3/07   402/80,000 29%            4/08  485/undet!/27
4/07   507/35,000 25%            7/08 625/UD/34%
                                                 11/08 684/U/36%

Offline RAB

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  • Posts: 1,895
  • Joined March 2003
Re: This was even better than my "other" first time
« Reply #3 on: August 13, 2009, 11:10:31 am »
Dear Bocker:

Enjoy your visit to RI, and safe travels on your way home.

I enjoyed our time together so much I can't even begin to tell you (that's twice now you've rendered me speechless   :o).

You're such a fun man to be around, you helped make AMG 09 all that much better.

Take care and see you around forums town.

RAB   :-*


Edit to add:  I'll especially remember our time on the scavenger hunt,  to quote Ric in another thread

"We are the champions my friend."  ;)
« Last Edit: August 13, 2009, 11:21:05 am by RAB »

Offline bocker3

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  • Posts: 4,285
  • You gotta enjoy life......
Re: This was even better than my "other" first time
« Reply #4 on: August 13, 2009, 11:30:11 am »
Dear Bocker:

I enjoyed our time together so much I can't even begin to tell you (that's twice now you've rendered me speechless   :o).
You're such a fun man to be around

Thank you for your kind words and for taking me under you wing that first day, but remember ...... Honey -- you couldn't HANDLE this......    ;)

Hugs and  :-* (and a small nipple tweak)

Mike

Offline David_CA

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  • Posts: 3,246
  • Joined: March 2006
Re: This was even better than my "other" first time
« Reply #5 on: August 13, 2009, 11:33:19 am »
Dear Bocker:

Enjoy your visit to RI, and safe travels on your way home.

I enjoyed our time together so much I can't even begin to tell you (that's twice now you've rendered me speechless   :o).

You're such a fun man to be around, you helped make AMG 09 all that much better.

Take care and see you around forums town.

RAB   :-*


Edit to add:  I'll especially remember our time on the scavenger hunt,  to quote Ric in another thread

"We are the champions my friend."  ;)

The scavenger hunt was a good way to get to know each other... besides being fun.  We did kick ass, didn't we!
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 bocker3

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  • Posts: 4,285
  • You gotta enjoy life......
Re: This was even better than my "other" first time
« Reply #6 on: August 13, 2009, 11:53:29 am »
The scavenger hunt was a good way to get to know each other... besides being fun.  We did kick ass, didn't we!

So true -- it was far more fun than I expected.  Win or lose it would have been great with you guys -- of course winning was NEVER in doubt.  for those who weren't there.. the winning team was myself, the Davids, RAB and Joe (Killfoile)

Mike

Offline WillyWump

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  • Posts: 7,367
  • EPIC FIERCENESS!
Re: This was even better than my "other" first time
« Reply #7 on: August 13, 2009, 10:08:10 pm »
Im still pissed off over not being able to find that damn steaming teapot on the scavenger hunt. GRRRRRRRR!

-will
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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  • Posts: 1,029
Re: This was even better than my "other" first time
« Reply #8 on: August 13, 2009, 11:20:06 pm »
I think Bocker3's team HID the steaming teacup from our team (which was why we spent an inordinate amount of time looking for it) and then put it back on top of Starbucks after we went away empty handed.  Some people will do anything to win!

Oh, and by the way, they got Talbots to relocate so we couldn't find that storefront either.

LOL...now I sound like Dick Cheney!

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 anniebc

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  • Posts: 6,185
  • AM member since 2003
Re: This was even better than my "other" first time
« Reply #9 on: August 13, 2009, 11:52:54 pm »
  for those who weren't there.. the winning team was myself, the Davids, RAB and Joe (Killfoile)

Mike


Oh please how long are you going to play this one...you won a piece of plastic, big deal..did you win the best Photo?...if memory serves me well that would be a definite NO..Oh I wonder who won that one.. ;)

Hugs
Jan :-*
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Never knock on deaths door..ring the bell and run..he really hates that.

Offline bocker3

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  • You gotta enjoy life......
Re: This was even better than my "other" first time
« Reply #10 on: August 14, 2009, 08:12:41 am »


Oh please how long are you going to play this one...you won a piece of plastic, big deal..did you win the best Photo?...if memory serves me well that would be a definite NO..Oh I wonder who won that one.. ;)

Hugs
Jan :-*

I plan to play this one until the next AMG -- this is simply a case of sour grapes.  As for the best photo -- I do remember who won it -- Mini and Meena.  Oh, I think there were a few others in it, but how could any judge NOT find the wee ones the winners of the photo contest.   ::)

Hugs,
mike

Offline minismom

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Re: This was even better than my "other" first time
« Reply #11 on: August 14, 2009, 08:42:35 am »
For the record, it was the BUTTS that won.  Which means one thing - our butts are cuter than your faces ;D ;) :-*.

Best photo winners: Jan, Snow, Sheri, Meena, Mum, Mim, Hubby, and Odyssey.

Let us also not forget Jan "fainting" and going "Scottish" all over one of our founding fathers.  ;)

And the lady taking a picture of Hubby taking a picture of her Hubby.  Something about the Amazing Race? Not sure where she got that idea (hehe)

Mum
« Last Edit: August 14, 2009, 08:59:32 am by minismom »
www.watoto.com
www.MotherBearProject.org
"Whichever way you throw me, i will stand"
"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today...it's already tomorrow in Australia"  Charles Schultz

Offline bocker3

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  • You gotta enjoy life......
Re: This was even better than my "other" first time
« Reply #12 on: August 15, 2009, 10:33:55 am »
I am finally home....  I cut my visit to family short by a day because I just missed Sid and being home.  Plus, living in a hotel was just making it still feel like I was still at AMG -- although without all of you wonderful people.  Getting home last night put that needed period on it.

Hugs,
Mike

Offline Longislander

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Re: This was even better than my "other" first time
« Reply #13 on: August 15, 2009, 10:55:03 am »
Welcome home, smiley~


Paul
infected 10/05 diagnosed 12-05
2/06   379/57000                    6/07 372/30500 25%   4/09 640/U/32% 
5/06   ?? /37000                     8/07 491/55000/24%    9/09 913/U/39%
8/06   349/9500 25%              11/07 515/68000/24     2/10 845/U/38%
9/06   507/16,000 30% !          2/08  516/116k/22%    7/10 906/80/39%
12/06 398/29000 26%             Start Atripla 3/08
3/07   402/80,000 29%            4/08  485/undet!/27
4/07   507/35,000 25%            7/08 625/UD/34%
                                                 11/08 684/U/36%

Offline Robert

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Re: This was even better than my "other" first time
« Reply #14 on: August 16, 2009, 12:55:47 am »

hi mike...

aren't these Gatherings something else, though?   It's just the spontaneity, the diversity, the warmth that just seems to make them something special.

I'm so glad you came.  It was a pleasure meeting you.

I can't wait till next year.  Remember, it's better the second time around.

robert
..........

Offline Jody

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Re: This was even better than my "other" first time
« Reply #15 on: August 16, 2009, 12:16:29 pm »
Glad you are home safe and sound Bock, it was great to meet you, you are so fun-loving and well informed and great to be around...You and Nick were our ambassadors in Boston, you both knew your way around town and the sights and subways.  I can't believe it is over already, I remember someone writing "only 3 more months!!!."

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 minismom

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  • Quocumque jeceris stabit
Re: This was even better than my "other" first time
« Reply #16 on: August 16, 2009, 02:25:13 pm »
Hubby and I were sitting here yesterday commenting how last week we were running around Boston on the scavenger hunt.  I can't believe it's been a week already.  I, too, remember counting down from 9wks, 8wks.... Can't wait to start that countdown again.

Mum
www.watoto.com
www.MotherBearProject.org
"Whichever way you throw me, i will stand"
"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today...it's already tomorrow in Australia"  Charles Schultz

Offline aztecan

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  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Re: This was even better than my "other" first time
« Reply #17 on: August 18, 2009, 12:04:50 am »
It is so hard to believe it has passed already.

What a great week. Actually, it was two weeks for me. A week in Boston and five days traveling to and from, plus two additional days for doing laundry and ironing.

By the way, was I the only one who say Mike drive?  :o

Glad you're home safe and sound sweetie.

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline bocker3

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  • You gotta enjoy life......
Re: This was even better than my "other" first time
« Reply #18 on: August 18, 2009, 07:57:58 am »
By the way, was I the only one who say Mike drive?  :o

And just what did you "see", regarding my driving?   When in Boston I drive just like anyone else -- it's necessary for surviival.  And I'll point out -- I have not had ONE accident, well, not since I quit drinking 20 years ago, anyway.....   ;D

Mike
(who's still waiting for the PM about your appointment..............)

 


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