POZ Community Forums
Off Topic Forums => Off Topic Forum => Topic started by: Jerry71 on July 01, 2008, 08:59:25 pm
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Any ideas?
Have been talking to Lisa about this and we have talked but not really have come up with a good plan yet but would like a mini gathering like we had in Nashville 05.
Something simple not very expensive.
As most of us live in or around the southern states maybe somebody can come up with a good place too meet up at. Too me I would be happy in a Motel 6 very cheap rates and very nice rooms.
I was thinking of maybe after Labor Day since rates usually go down and maybe arrive like on a Thursday and stay till Sunday or Monday.
Any suggestions? Please fill free to add more places to go.
Just a little Mini AMG. Nothing Fancy!
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I can't help you out Jerry but I hope you guys manage to get something together, I just know you will all have a ball.
Hugs
Jan :-*
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I would be very interested in a fall gathering in the south!!
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I think some others are working on this.
http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=21637.msg277141#msg277141
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Thanks Hal - was just going to post that.
Jerry, I would be grateful if you wanted to spear head this to be honest as you are in closer contact with Lisa and I think since she is the one who is initiating the idea we should make certain we get her availability (which she had mentioned late summer/fall to me too)
There are a few that expressed interest and all are in agreement with the idea of a simple and not expensive meeting.
Let me know how you want to move forward,
Mark
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I'd be interested, Jer. I don't travel well, but if it were in Richmond or close to there, I could certainly try. Maybe my significant other could drive. Keep me posted! I'm located 30 miles NW of Wash DC.
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*Bumped*..because I'd like to see this happen for you guys, so start getting your heads together.
Hugs
Jan :-*
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I would be interested in attending. I can't make any firm commitments due to family circumstances but would try to work something out.
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Well one suggestion would be Atlanta. Most people don't live that far from Atlanta. There is a International Airport there easy access around the city. As far as gas prices go we can always carpool and meet in different places so others don't have to spend a lot for gas prices.
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I wouldn't mind meeting up in Atlanta. But, Once again, I've already scheduled my vacation for July 31st through August 18th.
Ed and I are still debating on possibly taking the Auto-train from Sanford, Fl to Lorton, VA, and heading up to Chittenango, New York, for this upcoming vacation. The auto train for two ( one way) is $434.00. The car is an additional $259.00. OUCH ! I know gas usage would not be that much. :-\
It would be at least another 45 days after August 18th, before I would be able to take another week off from work, and thats not even a guarantee.
Ray
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I'd have to fly or take a lot of time off to get to Atlanta. My brother is outside of Savannah, but still Atlanta is a ways from there, too.
Keep the ideas coming and we'll see what we can do.
Charlotte in early October, anyone?
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Well one suggestion would be Atlanta. Most people don't live that far from Atlanta. There is a International Airport there easy access around the city. As far as gas prices go we can always carpool and meet in different places so others don't have to spend a lot for gas prices.
Jerry,
That is a good idea particularly with the possible carpooling to Atlanta if there are enough people in different areas who want to come and drive together. Jeromy and I are actually going to visit my sister for the 4th of July weekend later today and it is pretty much a simple four hour drive clear through on the 85. If we decide to go forward for Atlanta as the site, He and I can certainly have room for two others in the car.
I wouldn't mind meeting up in Atlanta. But, Once again, I've already scheduled my vacation for July 31st through August 18th.
Ed and I are still debating on possibly taking the Auto-train from Sanford, Fl to Lorton, VA, and heading up to Chittenango, New York, for this upcoming vacation. The auto train for two ( one way) is $434.00. The car is an additional $259.00. OUCH ! I know gas usage would not be that much. :-\
It would be at least another 45 days after August 18th, before I would be able to take another week off from work, and thats not even a guarantee.
Ray
Ray,
Jeromy has a similar vacation-time off issue and that is why I think just a simple informal weekend gathering might work best for a lot of people.
Charlotte in early October, anyone?
Charlotte all the time here :D If anything happens in the Charlotte area, I'll be happy to do whatever legwork is necessary.
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I really like the idea of Charlotte and with someone in the city willing to do some "legwork" sounds like a good idea. Of course I would be more than willing to organize something in Louisville,KY and we do have Southwest (although they are not as cheap as they used to be).
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Jerry, you and Lisa let me know where it will be. Just as long as I get to see you two again it doesn't matter.
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Atlanta would work for me. There are usually cheap flights from the DC area to Atlanta.
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that sounds like a great idea...let me know the outcome, I can always find a way to get to NC
Rich
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Hello, I love the idea of Charlotte but would be willing to go further, if necessary. Let us know. Cristy
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Well so far it has been Charlotte NC or Atlanta GA.
I like most of you are on a tight budget and can understand what the price can be when it comes to traveling.
First I choose a larger city because most of our forum members can not just get in a car and travel many miles to get somewhere close.
Second to those that are really serious about attend a mini gathering like I have said before there are a lot of us that live pretty close to one another but really did not know.
It really does not matter to me where we decide to go or for how long.
Back in 2005 we had a mini gathering to Nashville TN did not expect to see many to show up but we had up to 15 show up and I was amazed.
So with that said if you seriously wanting to meet somewhere that will be great but if your just reading and thinking well I really would like to go but if so and so is going to be there I guess I will just stay home. Come people we all have HIV. Most all of us here are poor and are afraid to go from point A to point B.
If you know of someone that would like to come with you that is great the more the marryer.
This is not going to be like oh we have to get the biggest and most expensive hotel that has a lounge and indoor pool and room service and bell hop and a restaurant in the hotel. If that is what you choose more power to you. I am just a good ole country boy that lives in the mountains of Virginia. I really would like more time to see more of you more often but know it is in possible with the price of gas and everything else going up.
You can ask anyone here that has been to a mini to a big gathering that the love and support the tears that are shed the love that is poured out into trying to get it up and going is one of the best experiences you will never forget.
So if you can make it great I will see you where ever. If not I will still see you somewhere down the road. :-*
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Jer, you're the best. I'm driving my Liberty down to the mts of Virginia to see you someday. ;D
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Jerry, I would feel privleged to meet any of my fellow forum members. Charlotte is better for me(since I have to borrow a car,mine died) but could do Atlanta if I have to. Let us know and maybe you and Iggy can figure out what's best. no matter where , it will be great Cristy
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Christy if I can arrange to attend I would be happy to drive.
Ford
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I would be interested in going, if the price is right. Flights to Atlanta are much cheaper for anyone who would have to fly because of Air Tran.
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I would be interested in going, if the price is right. Flights to Atlanta are much cheaper for anyone who would have to fly because of Air Tran.
Of course that depends where one is flying from. For me Atlanta is $400+ and Charlotte is >225.00.
It looks like it is between Charlottee and Atlanta. Probably a vote might be in order, but my suggestion is whoever steps up first and says I will organize it in ........, then that is where we go.
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I would love to attend , I live near Montgomery Alabama ... Atlanta is only a 3 hour drive from here .
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I really would like to see us all meet up in Atlanta due that most live in the southeast or international. It is nice to see that most here are responding to the idea of a gathering. So if you can get there great if not we se see you sometime soon.
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Christy if I can arrange to attend I would be happy to drive.
Ford
Ford, that is really nice of you. More than likely a car will be no problem for me but if it is, I will let you know. If we are planning for late September or October, I might even have another of my own by then. We might be able to save by carpooling, though. Gas being $4.00 or more per gallon. Hope this all comes together so we can get together. It will be so nice. TTYL. Cristy
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If newbies are invited [assuming so LOL]. it be great to put some mugs with the names here!
Depending on the dates, I'm very interested in attending, either would be fine ATL, CLT or anywhere in the South.
Atlanta is 1st choice and day's drive from NOLa. But been a long time since I've been to Charlotte.
I'm even toying with going to AMG 08 if I can swing it. Someone offered me miles ... probably won't happen but would be great.
-YaKa
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Overall I am open for either Charlotte or Atlanta.
Having just returned from a weekend visit to my sister in who lives outside of Atlanta, the trip was a nice drive from Charlotte.
It was about 4 hours and is pretty clear along the 85 for the majority of the drive. Gas cost us about $150 round trip so it certainly is doable expense wise if we can all find a cheap hotel in Atlanta and just make it a weekend thing. I also repeat Jeromy's and my offer to drive two others with us to Atlanta if they can get to Charlotte.
Jerry - can you add a poll to the top of this thread (if you can do that - not sure) and we can just all do a vote (we might want to list questions about best dates too)? If not, I can produce a poll using google docs and post it here as well.
P.S. YaKaMein - just saw your post and all are welcome
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Hmmm... this is like AMG 2.0 but without any of the US location proposal hysteria. Fascinating.
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Just want to throw out one more idea, but there is no rule that there has to be just one Southeast U.S. gathering.
Jeromy and I will likely go to the larger gathering as there are a number of people going who indicated interest and I would love to meet face to face and for us Atlanta is doable.
However if the goal is really just informal and inexpensive day or weekend get together for those within driving distance, then maybe there could be the Atlanta site for the larger Southeast gathering and for those too north of it, something like a Charlotte, or Asheville or even a Virgina location.
Just a thought.
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Hmmm... this is like AMG 2.0 but without any of the US location proposal hysteria. Fascinating.
Don't see that. I also don't see what good it is to bring it up.
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Hmmm... this is like AMG 2.0 but without any of the US location proposal hysteria. Fascinating.
Just getting one thing first of all this not a gathering for AMG. This is a gathering of friendship for we all that are living with HIV.
As far as a poll goes I really don't see the need. Most I have spoken too have suggested we meet up in Atlanta.
Also it will give those that can not go to Mexico a chance to really get to know who is here and get to meet old friends and make new ones.
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Hey, All.
Please stay focused on Jerry's initial proposal to which many are responding positively.
Philly, Iggy, let's not get sidetracked.
Thanks for your cooperation.
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I think a poll would be nice to do for at least a date that would be best for all. Impossible of course to find the perfect date, but at least one that would generate the greatest number of attendees.
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Anyone leaving from DAY to Atlanta AirTran Airways has a good round trip fare.
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I was thinking of the week of the 7th or the 14th of September.
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Pick a date Jerry. Doesn't matter to me.
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week of 14th Sept or after works for me ... it's hurricane season forever anyway
any reason to escape New Orleans and So Decadance [Labor Day wkend] works for me except my guests would revolt :D
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I like this idea alot -- after reading Creighton's article I would very much like to meet some folks from here. The dates mentioned seem fine with me and Atlanta is definately doable for me. Air Tran usually has some good rates from Richmond.
Mike
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I was thinking of the week of the 7th or the 14th of September.
I wouldn't make it that close to Labor Day (the 7th). The later in Sept. the better, I would think. If it were up to me, I'd consider doing it in early October. It's much cooler then. Also, would Raleigh be a better choice than Charlotte? I'm thinking of all the museums, etc that are available. I haven't spent much time in Charlotte recently (or in Raleigh, either), but I've never considered it a fun place. Perhaps it is and I just missed it. Either of those two cities in NC would be ok with us.
David
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I'm getting in on this a bit late. It's been a hectic couple of weeks. But I'd be interested too. Atlanta would work great for many of the reasons already mentioned.
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Well the reason I have chosen Atlanta for one have personal never been there yeah :o have drove around there but never been there. I also picked a day of the week of the 7th or the week of the 14th. I agree it may be hot but just getting away from here for a few days will do some good. Besides this will be my first trip in a long time. I thought maybe the 11th through the 15th or the 18th through the 22.
As far as places to stay well that one is up too you. It would be nice if some of the people that live in or around Atlanta could chime in and let us know of a few good places to go and stay.
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I doubt we'll attend in Atlanta. We'll have been back from MC for less than a month and from camping for Labor Day for a couple of weeks. It's a long drive for us (8 hours) and I'd like to recover financially from MC. If it were up to me, I'd plan this where the most people can attend. Keep it simple, cheap (unlike MC), and fun and I think you'll have a good group.
David
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Well, this thread is kind of a big proof about what happened with AMG/MC. The interest is obviously there, but the affordability and/or location is what has kept numbers participating down.
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Well, this thread is kind of a big proof about what happened with AMG/MC. The interest is obviously there, but the affordability and/or location is what has kept numbers participating down.
This is not an AMG meeting, it's just a small get together for those that can make it. If you can make it fine, if not maybe there will be another small gathering in your area that you can attend. Just some people getting together to go out on the town which happens to be Atlanta.
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You know I am going to have to say that it seems to me there is more interest than just a few friends getting together. If you look back through those who have expressed interest there is a good list and it's not just those who are a few hours from Atlanta. The thread was started as a Fall Mini Gathering, I took that to mean that it was sort of a mini AMG, now if I am mistaken then my misunderstanding.
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It started out that Lisa, Jerry and I were going to get together because we couldn't make Mexico this year. So thinking that there might be some others that would like to get together with us is why we invited anyone that wants to join us if they can. It's not an AMG gathering of sorts but a lot of us have met on the forums. I'm sure we will end up with alot of others from Atlanta joining in. It's just a get together tohave some fun. AMG is a very special event and if you ever have a chance to go to one I would really recommend you go. You'll never regret it.
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Then perhaps this should be changed from a Fall Mini Gathering to "We're getting together, wanna join us". To me they are somewhat different and with the cost involved for some of us to travel that difference is important.
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Yes it's different and it's not the same as AMG. Just a few people getting together to meet one another and to see old friends.
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Thanks for the clarification.
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I thougt Jerry and Lisa were seeking suggestions from everyone interested. So Atlanta is set in stone?
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Atlanta is where we are going.
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Jerry I hope you and Lisa have a great time. Drop a dime if you're ever in Memphis.
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I would be interested in meeting up with guys in Atlanta, sometimes you can get a cheap flight to Atlanta from Tampa. Just let us know the dates, if it would fit in my schedule I think it would be a blast... D
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The Dates for the Just Meet in Atlanta Weekend will be September 18-21 2008. Those of you that can make it glad for you to come and those of you that can not make maybe we can meet someplace else next time.
I am looking forward to seeing most of those I have met in previous meetings. Hopefully there will be some new people that show up this time around if not we will miss you while in Atlanta for the week of the 18-21.
I will say again this is in no way a gathering for AMG. Just a nice weekend spending with our friends who are living with HIV.
Lisa will give more information out about this weekend getaway when she gets her new computer this week. Yes she is finally getting her a new computer so she will be back talking your ears off again soon.
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Lisa will give more information out about this weekend getaway when she gets her new computer this week. Yes she is finally getting her a new computer so she will be back talking your ears off again soon.
Jerry thanks so much for the warning. ;)
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Unfortunately while Atlanta is doable for Jeromy and I, the date is not.
Hopefully the next group meet will work for us.
Have fun guys!
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Well it looks ok to me... I'll get out the buggy and horse and start travelling towards Atlanta... it will probally be more likely the 19th before I could attend... but, I will see... so if anyone in the area of montgomery or travelling through needs a lift... give me a holler.... John
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Darn !.....
Well, I looked at the proposed dates, and Ed and I just can't make it, this time around., And we were really looking forward to it.
After checking my planner, we have the St. Pete Aidswalk scheduled on September 13th. One week prior to the proposed Atlanta gathering.
Unfortunately we we have to try again another time. We have walked in this event for the past three years, and need to support this local event, as we will be walking with my doctor's office staff again this year. I will be taking two days off the week prior to the Atlanta gathering, so it makes it impossible to take additional time off from work to drive up to Atlanta.
I am sure it will be a great time for those attending. Perhaps next year !
Ray
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Maybe next year Ray. ;)
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Gosh Ray! We just keep missing each other don't we?!
When we first started talking about this, the first priority was that we needed to be near a large airport hub. There are about three or four folks I know of that would need to fly in, and flying to a big hub would be less expensive. I knew I wasn't going to have things in order around here until the very near fall so I opted out of the AMG(much as I would love to be there). By the same token, I know we have a large number of folks who are in the mid-west, and we have a boatload of people from the east coast.
This is only intended to be an inexpensive quickie(c'mon who here doesn't like cheap quickies?)
I have found the Microtel Inn Galleria in Smyrna(to be close to a sick friend) 5300 S. Cobb Dr. SE A double bed room is 43.99$/ and will be hopefully within reason, especially if you split cost with somebody. Continental bkfst, and a discount code is available if you go through hotels.com. The TF Ph.=800-916-8592.
Just intended to be a long weekend to be together 18..th thru 21st. or 22nd..
There will be a few of us with cars, so I think we will be able to be mobile if we want to. There's a mall and some other cool stuff in the area.
I am looking so forward to wrapping my arms around as many friends as possible. I've been saving up a bunch of energy, and kisses in my long absence. :-*
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I doubt we'll be able to attend, but perhaps we can the next time.
David
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It's all good D. We'll get together again sometime. I'll miss you fellas. kisses to both of you :-* :-*
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This is only intended to be an inexpensive quickie(c'mon who here doesn't like cheap quickies?)
I have found the Microtel Inn Galleria in Smyrna(to be close to a sick friend) 5300 S. Cobb Dr. SE A double bed room is 43.99$/ and will be hopefully within reason, especially if you split cost with somebody. Continental bkfst, and a discount code is available if you go through hotels.com. The TF Ph.=800-916-8592.
Just intended to be a long weekend to be together 18..th thru 21st. or 22nd..
Sounds quite festive. I'd be up for fighting my way through ATL for it.
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Darn, I'll have to pass. There's no way I can afford to fly to Atlanta. :( Let me know if anyone plans anything further north sometime!
Have a great time! :)
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This looks like a fun event. I haven't been to Atlanta in years :)
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I hope that the New York people plan one so I can go to one of these. Atlanta is just out of the question for me.
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New York would be closer for me too . But I'm still thinking of the Atlanta gathering. My younger brother and his wife live in Atlanta. I have'nt seen them in a while so if I go to the event I will be able to see my brother too.
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Hey guys, it is always great to see wonderful new friends I've met over the past few years anyplace...But with Mexico in August and the POZ cruise in October, Atlanta will not be doable for me in September, money and vacation time off from work considered.
For folks who want to come to New York, let me know and I can look around for hotel accomodations for you and hopefully throw out some ideas and help folks get around.
Jody
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Howdy gang!
I just got off the phone with Alan, who knows infinately more about Atlanta than I, and we wondered whether any one has made any reservations yet. I threw out the Microtel because of location, and price, but we may be able to find a little something else. If no one has made the call yet, then we may make it another establishment. Chime in. /...or hold on to yer britches. :-*
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id suggest the midtown area so that you can go to some fun restarunts
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I thought about that Sparks, but everything in midtown is at least 100$/night or more. Many of us can't afford that. Not that that has to keep others from wanting to stay in midtown. There will be at least two of us with cars. I also like the Smyrna location to be near a friend. Maybe that friend can help be a guide to town.
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I won't be able to attend. I work weekends and having taken so much time off on FMLA I can't miss any more work. Maybe next time!
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;D How about Las Vegas, NV????? ;D
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Vegas sounds good to me! Shorter flight from HI
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ill be in vegas oct 14 through the 18 for a convention ive never been so im really looking foward to it