RedJessi

Well, having watched House M.D. I know the heart makes a variety of noises beyond the tell-tale Thump-bump Poe decried!

I think the most helpful thing at this juncture would be for everyone to do some reality checking. Here are my thoughts towards that:

1. We are a large group of people who have diverse conversational styles, attitudes, and reactions to stress/anxiety who are communicating in a manner in which we are losing a great deal of actual communicative cues (body language, tone of voice, rate and rhythm of speech, facial expression - no, emoticons do not count!). This means miscommunication is a great risk. The problem is that once one person feels slighted, they react to that whether offense was intended or not - and there we have the snowball rolling down the mountain side and growing bigger as she goes.

2. Compounding the above, there is a large event that has recently changed management (and therefore management styles to at least some extent) that is being organized involving all the personalities.

3. All those personalities are personally invested in some way, shape or form in the success of any number of variables surrounding said event. (We all care)

Is it any wonder that people are getting snappish, really? I think not.

HOWEVER, what I think everyone needs to remember is that whatever changes are occurring, they are not being done maliciously to make the event less fun for someone. The decisions being made are not wrought by a mysterious cabal and those expressing opinions that differ from that group are not nefarious nay-sayers out to impose anarchy and discord. At the end of the day we all want the same thing: A successful, fun, safe event that we can all enjoy and take another batch of great memories from. Creating warring factions despite the fact that we all have the same goal is the epitome of counter productive.

So, instead, let me suggest this: If you are worried about the rules - ask for clarification. Ask why you are not allowed to carry a sword in town, rather than assume someone twisted a thin mustache and hissed "This will RUIN EVERYTHING! MWAhahAhahahA!!!" If you are concerned about being excluded from a group - planning or otherwise - reach out and ask to be included rather than assume you are being vindictively prohibited. And If there is someone you have a personal history of communication difficulties with...let it lie. Accept that you have different styles, that one is not more right or more wrong than the other - but that for whatever reason you push each others buttons needlessly and that you should stop before it gets any further out of hand.

(edited because "bath" is not the same as "batch")

Thanks for the good thoughts folks. The tests themselves are over. I have some bruises and a knot in one calf, but I'm still in one piece. It was uncomfortable but I got to listen to my muscles in stereo, which was interesting, They make a weird, fast paced "Whoosh-Whoosh-Whoosh!" sort of noise when flexed. heh

I'll get the results next week.

Patrick, I think whenever any new group takes over a standing event there is something like an imperfect storm. They want the event to be as great as ever, but they also feel the need to make any number of changes for a variety of reasons I won't guess to. In this scenario, that is compounded by the fact that this is a state park that doesn't usually give people the right to do the things we do, add in a dose of environmental responsibility, organizational liability and worry over any and all possible disasters and you've got a situation rife with opportunity for "tweaking".

I wouldn't write off these changes as permanent or as negative, nor would I want to label the new organizers as the enemies of fun. It's possible that some of these changes are needed, just as it is possible that next year some of the rules will relax.

In the end, what makes the event fun is the quality of people that attend, right?

Callenish! empty some PMs!

I think the only thing going on in my neck of the woods is Pirate Karaoke, alas.

I started my cards last night. I apologize in advance for their home spun arts and craft feel hehehe

very impressive!

Yeah, but ye LOOK shadier than fair Kate does!

I'm late, but I still hope it was great!

CDs? Wots this all aboot?

HAPPY DAY!

Kate - you should do this driving to the Santa Maria!

LOL - Awesome Brig!

As a "P", I am not sure how to take that remark! LOL

Thanks for the drink mix, Sterling - I updated the first post!

I've never sold anything on Etsy, but I just bought a gorgeous knit hooded scarf the other day - my first Etsy purchase. It was easy, since it's all through Paypal, on the buyers end, and I would use it again. I am also sorely tempted by those stays - I don't have a truly period correct one myself! Just need to take a look at the budget.

Ha! Awesome story - thanks for sharing!

Thanks again, Sterling!

Because it bears repeating.....

HOOOOOORRRRAAAYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!! *Crazy monkey dance*

Having been to all three places with Mission last year, I can say they are all quite fine. And he is dead on about the hog snapper at Cafe Sole - INCREDIBLY good. And I love me some seafood, so I've tried all sorts of kinds. I was also impressed by the fact that Rum Barrel could make a Dirty Hoe - as very few bars stock both framboise and hoegaarden. I think Mission was less impressed with that particular beverage, though. heheh

Mission, I may be the only person who knows what you mean when you say you are a "J". Perhaps because I am a "P"?

Michael....um... HOOOOORRRRRRAAAAYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!! *Crazy monkey dance*

ALSO NOTE: I will be trying to keep the first post in the thread updated with things that are needed/being offered - to save people from needed to read through the whole thread if it gets too long.

Thanks for pointing out that thread Sterling - appreciated.

Oi, good to know Michael! I was feeling woefully behind. And I actually do recall that 150 limit now, as I think I spoke to you or Jess about it through messenger one night when ye both assured me I was safe and on ye old list of campers with the Mercury crew. BECAUSE YOU ARE BOTH AWESOME.

BTW, much aggrieved am I to miss the second Santa Maria event. I really must remember to win the lottery soon so I can do all the things I want...

You should be a blacksmith.

Then I can say, "Here's to ya, blacksmith!"

And someone else can say, "And to the future!"

Ye really must do somethin' about this Delorean obsession ye have lad. Piratin' is nae about goin' back to the future!

I already did something about my Delorean obsession. (It was an expensive lesson that I prefer not to repeat.)

The cabinets or the car?

I don't think so Jessi, unless the rules changed this round? :) It's pretty much be creative, make them unique, put your spin on 'em, etc.

Ooooo - neat!

*starts plotting*

You'd be surprised how quickly that 79 days will go...and the number of folks that will show up and claim..."But I didn't know..."

How many folks are going to Cafe Sole?! Heeee!

Sterling, Believe me, I know. The past few months have been SO Crazy that I am playing big time catch up. Mickey and Kate have done an excellent job of keeping me in the loop, I must say. But I am clueless about a wedding and what this 150 limit is.

*goes back to reading old threads*

Mission is an expert on places to eat in Key West, I can vouch for that.

Plans with BACK UP plans 79 days in advance is serious business!