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

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

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

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!

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

Linda,

thank you for the kind words.  Now I have to try to live up to them!

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

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:

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



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

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:


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