Well, here I am still in the motel, and feeling a bit lost and alone, even though there are still several people left.  It sure is quiet!

This convention was going to be rather iffy, or at least so I thought.  It turned out to be a VERY good session.  A lot of good discussion and ideas were tossed about.  AND even got some people to put up their hands to volunteer!  I was VERY pleased at the way Jim kept the discussions going, and not allowing anything close to a blood bath or finger pointing session to start.  I felt it was very positive.

And then there were the people!  AH!!!  Possibly the best part of these conventions!  Although there were many people that were dearly missed, there were also some great reunions to people that I have come to cherish.  It is always great to reconnect with these people.

And then there were the first timers.  Those are always SO rewarding to talk to!  We had several newbies this time, and most of them got more information, in the first hour here, than they had gotten from all their doctors.  It is so rewarding to be able to pass on information to people who need it so desperately.  Some great friends were made with these people too ... (even if they happen to be from Canada, New Jersey, or California ... I try not to hold that against them)

So ... I guess I have to wait at least six months before I can get another gathering ... Unless the NC, SC, VA, Tenn group converges on Cat's domicile!  LOL!

Well, I am sure others will be posting their own recollections too ...

Sigh ....

Why did it have to end so soon?

Melancholy Chuck

Dude - come out into the bar . . .some of us are still here!!

Those 3 days really do seem to fly don't they Chuck. For me the convention is a family reunion. Seeing family and meeting new family members. It was a good discussion and Jim did a great job answering questions and telling us where we are and what has happened the last few months and writing down all of our opinions and suggestions.

Where OUCH will be this time next year, I don't know. But I DO know the basic framework has been re-established, the OUCH board will be running good with new webmasters and volunteers stepped forward this weekend.

It was good seeing my old friends like always and meeting the new people.  Got to figure out where we can get together again in Jan.

It's 11:49, and I just got home, unloaded the car (unpacking can wait), booted up the computer, and just got on here.  

I've been to three Davcon's and Loucon last Jan, but this was my first convention.  It was definitely worth the trip!  As Chuck said, kudos go to Jim for the way he moderated the meetings.  What could have degenerated into arguing and fighting was a good discussion of where OUCH is, was, and needs to be.  Issues that prevented some of us from participating in the past are being rectified, and we will be going on.  

It was great meeting some newbies, and some old friends that I hadn't met yet.  I'm melancholy too, Chuck.  Looking forward to Jan.

Jerry

Jimi wrote on Jul 26^th, 2009 at 10:19pm:

Where OUCH will be this time next year, I don't know. But I DO know the basic framework has been re-established, the OUCH board will be running good with new webmasters and volunteers stepped forward this weekend.

Callico wrote on Jul 27^th, 2009 at 12:54am:

What could have degenerated into arguing and fighting was a good discussion of where OUCH is, was, and needs to be.  Issues that prevented some of us from participating in the past are being rectified, and we will be going on.

This is great news  :)

Finally got home (about midnight) - I know I know - we left yesterday morning and it's NOT that far, but it was Sunday and we were flying American and we got to Dallas -- spent a lot of time there! The flights were overbooked and then there was the mechanical problems... and...

2009 was a good convention (even if I DID have to put up with Chuckles!). Caleb got to the airport in St Louis and promptly informed the ticket agent that he wanted to go to San Diego - not Dallas. All the way home he kept telling people he REALLY wanted to be going to San Diego but Granny was making him go to Shreveport and she was MEAN!  I think Joe is really a Warlock and not a policeman as he claims - he's put a SPELL on my grandson.

Meeting the newbies reminded me what OUCH is all about. I guess the "prime example" was Samuel and Joyce. They heard of us and just came to convention expecting a bunch of old stuffy people and boy were they surprised. Before they'd been there five minutes - they were "family" - like I told Joyce - it happens but just can't be explained.

I don't think Tim even got registered before he was being bombarded with questions, "What are you taking?" "Have you tried O2?" etc. And Val - don't think she got sat down before we started on her and she soon got used to being hugged.

But I guess the thing that got me the most was Jasper and Caleb. 7 years old with an understanding of CH - more so than most grown ups. Of course Jasper has CH - Caleb is my best supporter, but both boys can discuss CH in a way that amazes me. When Chuck was getting hit Jasper told his mom that Chuck would be alright because he had the "magic mask" (and Chuck was ok later). When Karl got hit at dinner, Caleb got up and got Chuck to get Karl some O2 because that's what Karl needed. They both knew to leave the Hittee alone and they both know the terminology we use. But the concerned looks on both little faces was the thing that hit me the most (they could go from being little twirps one minute to total concern the next). A couple of times I heard Jasper explaining the mechanics of CH to Caleb and Caleb saying, "Oh year well, my Granny..."  ... I never said they were perfect... :)

From a report given at a meeting it seems that Linde wants us to hold convention next year in Atlanta and that would be great. 10 years ago we had a really good one there with a great turn out. there would even be enough O2 for Chuckles there (they've got a plant there and we could just get him a room in the plant!).

But all in all it was a good convention and the goodbyes were the hardest part, but I got the last grope of Chucks rear right before I got on the shuttle, so I guess that'll have to hold me till we meet again....

Hugs BD :-*

As a supporter who didn't attend the meetings, I can't comment on what went on there, but I thoroughly enjoyed renewing past friendships and making new ones.

With very few exceptions we came together with love, and laughter, and genuine caring.  The good byes are always hard, but the "hellos" more than make up for the pain of parting again.

And even though people scoffed at me for requesting "reasonable" temperatures and humidity, my wish was granted for most of the days. ::)

It was a great time all the way around!

Some random things I learned (part 1):

There are good people who are Yankee fans, no seriously there are!

Stand between Barb and Chuck at your own risk.

Passion plus diverse opinions plus a quality moderator equals good discussion not ugly argument.

Judge Judy is still on TV.  Who knew?

7 year old British kids speak better English than I do.

You can never have too many Pauls, Jim/Jimis, Karl/Carls, Ruthies, or Bills.

You can be a gentleman at a rest/bar and NOT hit on anyone and yet still get a drink thrown at you on purpose.

Mojito is a 3 word phrase.

Using Google Maps to find your way anywhere is like trying to use alcohol to abort a CH.  It wont help and will leave you more confused and frustrated in the end.

If you brought your kid/grandkid to the convention, they impressed me... no exceptions.  

Canadians don't end every sentence with "eh?"

ALWAYS see the cashier on the way out!

Nobody feels bad for the guy waiting downstairs at Friday's for an hour.

Conventions are way too short especially when you arrive late and leave early.

The difference in taste between water and gin is not all that much, evidently!

How does one put it into words.  

First I want to thank again whoever the anonymous angels were that made it possible for me to attend.  I love you all.

I thought of an analogy about the current and future state of OUCH.  It’s not about reinventing the wheel, but more like a full on break job of an 18 wheeler.  

The concept is pretty simple, and that is to clean up the structure first.  Replace the fluids and break pads.  Maybe need to router out the cylinders, and realign everything.  

While that is being done, in the other corner of the garage, some new high performance tires are being balanced, and then when they are put on, they will need to be aligned.  

Great…everything seems ready, but then we need to take a final check to ensure that all the caps are on and the caps are tightened down.  Can’t forget to check the pressure of each tire, don’t want one over inflated as to blow up on the first long run.

They all work together to get the rig down the road.

Aside from that, it was so good to see old family once again, and meet the new ones.

It’s always so amazing that so many people from such diverse backgrounds can come together and there is no bloodshed (Chuckles is the exception to the rule).

One thing missing was a group photo Saturday night.

Sorry that Chris and Kirk and I were early on the road Yesterday morning.  I wish I could have hugged you all one last time before leaving.  But a piece of me goes home with all of you.  

It was great seeing you all again, or for the first time, and I’m just missing you even more.  

Jim and I got home about 2 hours ago.  It's sure nice after all the conventions I've been to since the first one, to only have a 4-hour drive this time.

(RANDOM THOUGHTS)

Not just because Jim is my husband, but I think he did an awesome and very professional job of presenting, teaching, answering questions, being chair of this convention and handeling the the 1000 and 1 details involved in puttting a convention, and putting on all the hats that he has worn this year which includes treasurer and Bod.
He deserved his "dedication in service" award 10-fold.  I couldn't have been prouder of him.

We awarded Melissa an award for dedication in service which I will be sending to her &  Bob Johnson, for CH research and information as soon as I get his address.

I think Stephanie should have gotten an award for courage under fire for when she was stuck in the elevator for almost an hour.  poor thing.

Two of the things that remind me of why we are here, are the 2 newcomers that found us on OUCH and came to learn.  The couple from New Jersey had just arrived, checked in and found us outside the room where the sessions were going to be held. They introduced themselves to Bill Mingus and he caught me almost immediately as I was passing by and asked me to put on my Family Services "hat" and the 2 of us talked to them for more than an hour trying to help.  over the next few days others sat and talked to them also.  I saw Eric talking to them for a long time.   ;)   They were blown away with the info they gleaned from flying in from NJ.

Same thing with the man from Canada and his son.  I met him outside having a cig. and talked to him for a long time.  One of the things I mentioned is that before he leaves to go home he's going to have a whole new family and more information and support that he has had in years.  

THIS is why we are here!!!!!!!!

Listening to Jasper is a kick in the head for me.  Picture a short little guy of 7 years old, talking like Helen.  LMAO  And BOY...is that child smart..One of his suggestions for OUCH is this:

     OUCH should give EVERYONE one it's members Imitrex.  Then everyone will be fine.

I had asked Ruthie Harper to please be the auctioneer this year and she was a hoot.  Besides selling off all the items she kept us laughing.

Jerry(Callico) is one of those folks I've been wanting to meet for years now.  I've always liked him.  I now love him and his wife Linda.  Two of the very real, nice and l;ovable people on the planet.

Karl (On my knees)has volunteered to run the OUCH store and has some great ideas of things that will be offered besides cups and T-shirts. As soon as possible it will be open.

This might get lost here so you will probably find me re-iterating this elsewhere..

 In the meeting someone pointed out during Jim's presentation about needing members to run for BoD....that the terminology of Board of directors may sound intiminating to people.  Jim said, The basics of a non-profit or. can be taught(by Him)  this is NOT rocket science or brain surgery...it only takes someone who is dedicated to helping and has common sense, practicality and logic to be on the BoD.  We will help you.   If I can learn this....anyone can.  

Total income and expenses from this convention will be up as soon as possible on OUCH board by Jim.

I'd like to thank everyone who helped out in small as well as big ways.  Y'all know who you are.  I will be sending out Thank you notes to ALL who donated items for the auction in the next couple of days.  it's peop[le like you that help out in ways you can that we SO appreciate.

I'm sure there is more, but right now I am so tired I can't even see what I'm writing.

Linda

This is THE longest post I've ever ever ever written here in 11-plus years.   LOL

oops.   I knew I'd forgotten something important.

At every single convention there has always been hotel staff that ew have had to educate.

This year it was a waiter at the banquet.  After dinner someone got hit at his table.  out comes the 02 tank from someone.  I noticed one of the waiters looking totally scared. I go to him and he asks me if he should call 911 or security.  I said NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....I hand him a cloth napkin, ask him to get me some ice and come back to me so I can talk to him and explain.

I Basically tell him what is going on and he doesn't call 911 and make a scene.  The look on that poor guys face seeing a hit was priceless though.  Hey Charlie?   Remember what you did in Dallas and how you had to talk fast to that security guard?   it was something like that.   LOL

Linda

Linda,

thank you for the kind words.  Now I have to try to live up to them! [smiley=bag.gif]

I talked to Nate, our waiter, for about twenty mins. after he got back with the ice for you and tried to explain a bit more about CH, and what our purpose was in holding the convention.  My Linda gave him one of the OUCH brochures and I gave him the website for OUCH and for CH.com.  He will be checking both out, and we may be seeing him around here.  I hope so.  He is really a great individual.

Jerry

What I thought was particularly cool was as we were checking in, we were asked by the lady checking us in "Do you need a tank of oxygen taken to your room"?

That was a first! :)

They were also very quick to bring out the tanks when we had people getting hit in the bar and at the dinner. The hotel was also very accomodating with the shuttle service.

This was my first OUCH and I liked the way so many people were involved with various jobs. I got to help with a couple of them and it was nice to be included. Everyone was very nice, I can see why people come back for more.

FramCire wrote on Jul 27^th, 2009 at 12:02pm:

Some random things I learned (part 1): You can be a gentleman at a rest/bar and NOT hit on anyone and yet still get a drink thrown at you on purpose.

Eric . . . . I recall being a lady at the bar and not hitting on anyone and getting a beer douche without even trying . . . . . ;)

FramCire wrote on Jul 27^th, 2009 at 12:02pm:

You can be a gentleman at a rest/bar and NOT hit on anyone and yet still get a drink thrown at you on purpose.

Oh, kwitchyerbitchin'! (Thanks Mel!)

Sometimes, a person DESERVES to have a drink thrown at them!  (Of course I can't IMAGINE anyone in our group would do such a dastardly deed ...)

FramCire wrote on Jul 27^th, 2009 at 12:02pm:

You can be a gentleman at a rest/bar and NOT hit on anyone and yet still get a drink thrown at you on purpose. The difference in taste between water and gin is not all that much, evidently!

perfect gentleman huh.  I only started the trouble - It's my middle name (I think.)

;D    [smiley=beer.gif]

I wouldn't know anything about that taste - don't drink the stuff.    hahaha  
Chuck???    ;D   How's the Gin Water these days?   :D

;D

ClusterChuck wrote on Jul 27^th, 2009 at 11:23pm:

FramCire wrote on Jul 27th, 2009 at 12:02pm: You can be a gentleman at a rest/bar and NOT hit on anyone and yet still get a drink thrown at you on purpose. Oh, kwitchyerbitchin'! (Thanks Mel!) Sometimes, a person DESERVES to have a drink thrown at them!  (Of course I can't IMAGINE anyone in our group would do such a dastardly deed ...)

OK CLEARLY some of us missed this event.....Do tell....

Mosaicwench wrote on Jul 27^th, 2009 at 11:04pm:

FramCire wrote on Jul 27th, 2009 at 12:02pm: Some random things I learned (part 1): You can be a gentleman at a rest/bar and NOT hit on anyone and yet still get a drink thrown at you on purpose. Eric . . . . I recall being a lady at the bar and not hitting on anyone and getting a beer douche without even trying . . . . . ;)

Too true.

hi everyone,,,

Tim from ,Canada...made it home early this morning, ..I really just have to say you people are unbeilieveable !!!!!kind supportive,generous. knowledgeable and very ,very nice people...

I just wan't to thank you all for everything....

have a nice day !!!!!!

loeved it

winone wrote on Jul 28^th, 2009 at 12:26pm:

hi everyone,,, Tim from ,Canada...made it home early this morning, ..I really just have to say you people are unbeilieveable !!!!!kind supportive,generous. knowledgeable and very ,very nice people... I just wan't to thank you all for everything.... have a nice day !!!!!! loeved it

Tim,

I wish I had got a chance to spend some more time with you and your son.  It was great meeting you guys.  I even finally remember you are from Winnipeg!!!!   Welcome here and keep asking questions and answering others.... that is how it works better!!

winone wrote on Jul 28^th, 2009 at 12:26pm:

hi everyone,,, Tim from ,Canada...made it home early this morning, ..I really just have to say you people are unbeilieveable !!!!!kind supportive,generous. knowledgeable and very ,very nice people... I just wan't to thank you all for everything.... have a nice day !!!!!! loeved it

Glad to hear you made it home in one piece. It was great meeting you (and you DO have a nice set of buns - Chuck agrees! ;)).

Now we have a face to add to your name - don't try to hide from us... we KNOW what you look like... Seriously.... it was great to see you and ya'll come back real soon...

Hugs BD :-*

caleb thank you for getting chuck when i was hurting so bad  your the man.  redd and purpleydog i felt like two angels had wings of protection till i came down.
thank you for an embarrassing hit at an embarassing time.

I must confess, being with all of you was the most important thing for me & Helen. Not meaning to take away from the importance of the convention, the issues were addressed very well.

Once again I left a gathering of us feeling like I left my dearest family members. Actually more than that because most of my family don't have a clue about my condition. Thank you all...

The support and info from OUCH and CH.com can not be praised enough. And the people that make it happen are true angels.

Everything about the Convention was more than I expected, made possible by a few wonderful people. Thank you and bless you all...

Don

Skyhawk5 wrote on Jul 29^th, 2009 at 9:57pm:

I must confess, being with all of you was the most important thing for me & Helen. . . . . Once again I left a gathering of us feeling like I left my dearest family members.

I agree, skyhawk.  I like most OUCH members better than my own family.  At least OUCH folks have a clue for the most part!!