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(Message started by: LeLimey on Jun 9th, 2007, 10:16am)
Title: Convention Memories
Post by LeLimey on Jun 9th, 2007, 10:16am
I'm sitting here getting all excited 'cos I'm flying a month today and I've been having a lovely time remembering all the giggles from the last two..

Beaning Frank during the gameshow in Dallas, sitting chatting with DD and Beeyul the first couple of nights there, choking to death on pure gin from Chuck (it was SUPPOSED to be a bloody G&T but Chucks idea of a G&T is keeping the tonic in the same state as the gin - sheesh!) thinking Redd was Chucks daughter and who could forget Dr Lurve?!!

Then in Milwaukee, bidding against Beeyul for the shiny (and nicking it several times!) Meeting Sandy and Ricky - where the bloody hell are you Ricky? I miss you! getting licked by Jonny  ;) The Triptans - they had to be one of the biggest and bestest highlights of the weekend. seeing my first ever fireflies and drinking cocktails with ASB - we did a goodold job on those too didn't we Lizzie?!

So many happy happy memories and I haven't even scratched the surface.

The over-riding thing though is just that feeling of belonging, of being "home". It doesn't matter where we are in the world, get a few ch'ers together and "home" is where we are.

If you haven't ever been to a convention then do your best to get there, you'll never regret it. The hardest part is leaving and knowing you'll never feel so "right" and normal as you do with all the rest of us. It keeps me going for the next 51 weeks until I see you all again.

I'll never miss a convention - it means too much to me to be with you all, those I have met and those I have yet to meet. You're all a part of my family anda necessity in my life so get your bloody arses to where I can hug them or else!

I'd love it if some more of you would share your memories, its time for a feel good thread and NOTHING makes me feel as good as remembering good times with this family!
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by catlind on Jun 9th, 2007, 10:34am
Oh boy...memories huh?  Geez, there's so many.

NY, and Linda hanging herself, (sorry don't have the photo handy...) plastic Jesus with the band - Brad, where is that sweet harmonica anyway??  Jonny and his wheelies - trying to say goodbye and I tried hard not to lose it, I didn't win...poor DJ was trying to console me and I just couldn't stop sobbing - every night on the porch looking over the water and just knowing that I was at home with my family.  BillyJ coming to my rescue when I got locked out of the room;

Nashville, wow, what a time, a convention and a wedding, it was a terrific time that I would have missed, but my Moms made sure I was there, gotta love having Moms like Jackie and Jean;  Hangin out on the patio, enjoying meeting new members of the family, I met Beeyul at that one - and he was afraid to talk to me!!  Go figure...

Milwaukee, after driving in circle after circle, and finally finding my way home again ;) Lizzie guiding me in and the first to hug my neck.  Getting to see old friends and family and meet new ones.  Finally getting to meet Helen, and taking her  and Nani round through a lovely midwest thunderstorm ;) hmm...I may have gotten lost on that trip too...  and then trying to say goodbye, once again with crocodile tears in my eyes, and finding I was utterly incapable of saying the word - so I simply said "I wish you enough" and a knowing smile and tear with a hug in return;

All the meet and greets in Davenport and Dallas, seeing my roomie again every time we got together, man I miss ya Mich, funny how life gets in the way of those we consider our closest and most loved friends.  Of course, whenever Mr. Happy is around you can't help but laugh your a$$ off and who can stay down for even a min. when Roxy is around!

I've made the best friends of my life through these get togethers;  I've found a family that understands and accepts every aspect of a person - that simply doesn't exist anywhere else in the world that I've found - and I've been alot of places and met alot of people over the years, and there still is no place like home.

When you return, after finding home, you will find there is a feeling of emptiness, and that suddenly this board is your only link to those you love, and you realize it is very inadequate, you can't express or convey the joy and the love you found when you first met them all.  I was blessed to meet my first clusterhead (Linda) at the NY convention, and since I was hosting it, I got to meet a whole boatload of them really really fast!  If there were anyway under the sun that I could be in Richmond, I would be there.  And I am still plotting potential possibilities, but with the uncertainty of what the trial will bring, I can't plan ahead to ensure I will be there.

It is an experience like nothing else I know, and it can only be had by meeting other clusterheads.  

I wish you all enough....

Cat
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by Linda_Howell on Jun 9th, 2007, 1:39pm
Geeze, so many many memories.

Atlanta:   Elaine was the 1st. clusterhead I'd ever met and when she picked me up at the airport I knew before we even got out of the parking structure that we were going to be good friends.

Den and Georgia meeting for the first time in person and watching love bloom as she threw him in the pool. (they are now married)

Jonny trying to buy BobP's shirt right off his back at the auction.  Even at 200.00 Bob wouldn't sell it to him.

Vancouver:

Clusterhead Golf tournament. Never played golf in my life and they put me with 3 pros.  (DJ made a Birdie ;)) Elaine had never played either and hated it, so when she got hit on the second hole she was never so glad to have a headache than at this time so she didn't have to play anymore.
Elaine and I shared a room and I don't think I had ever laughed so hard for so long.  OMG...the stories that lady can tell.

N.Y :

Because it wasn't at a Hotel and was in seperate cabins by the lake this one was more informal.  "The Porch" has been discussed so many times by those that were there, so I won't go into it again, but I believe I may have gotten all of 5 hours sleep in 3 days and burned up 700000000 calories laughing at Pidgeon Joe and Randy. (I wasn't really trying to hang myself. The rope just hapened to be there)

Nashville:

Seeing Cluster Chuck at the airport and after looking at me said...Who the F are you. (why that is one of my memories is anyone guess)

Jayne and I raised quite a bit of money for OUCH with a best of 3 game pool match.  Chuck almost blew my 2nd.game when he came in... in drag...PICS available upon request)  ::)  Having the priviledge of watching 2 friends get married. Dave and Leesa.

Dallas:

Learned a lot about what everyone calls HUMIDITY  

I believe we educated a lot of people on clusterheadaces at this one.  Like the security guard who was making his rounds one night late,  came around the corner and there was Chuck getting hit and a lot of us standing near him to help and Charlie taking the guard aside and quietly explaining to him what was going on.

Milwaukee:
DJ introduced all of us to his new bride Stephanie and everyone contributed something to put on an artificial tree that I presented to them in honor of their marriage.  I think I saw a tear in DJ's eye or maybe it was raining.


Surprise appearance by Liz's daughters band right after the first technical session.  They were so good and made everyone laugh except Blake who became their target.

Listening and dancing to Brewcrews band on Saturday night was wonderful.  

On the way to the airport on Sunday Brewcrew took me to Culvers (we don't have them in Calif.) and I am totally hooked on their frozen custard.

All the little experiences we've all had at conventions are really nothing compared to just the sitting down and talking and laughing and commiserating with each other.  It's why I and others keep going to the next one and the next one and the next one.

Linda




modified to add Pat's reminder, below. lol
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by Jonny on Jun 9th, 2007, 1:58pm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ymmhtN8qBkc
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by Mosaicwench on Jun 9th, 2007, 2:09pm
Linda dear . . . you forgot CULVERS!
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by Linda_Howell on Jun 10th, 2007, 2:40pm

(fixed it Pat)

   No one else has any memories to share of past conventions???  :o
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by Mastifflvr28 on Jun 10th, 2007, 3:21pm
Gimme a few minutes...I'm working on it
Mast
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by Linda_Howell on Jun 10th, 2007, 4:05pm

aw jeeze Mast...while I know you're trying to pull up that silly pic of me don't forget to mention how I presented you a map in NY.  ;)
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by Mastifflvr28 on Jun 10th, 2007, 5:46pm
Which silly pic?
I have so MANY :)

My very first and fondest memory is pulling up to the hotel in Vancouver BC and getting out of the car and this flash of blonde was running at me and hugged me HARD and I said "Who ARE you??"  

From then on I was hooked...
More memories to come
Mast
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by Jonny on Jun 10th, 2007, 5:52pm

on 06/10/07 at 17:46:52, Mastifflvr28 wrote:
Which silly pic?
I have so MANY :)


The one of her blowing me.....LOL ;;D
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by Mastifflvr28 on Jun 10th, 2007, 11:25pm
Well...yeah, there is THAT one:

http://www.maplefallswebdesign.com/misc/jonnyblow.JPG

And then there is THIS one:

http://www.maplefallswebdesign.com/misc/lindatractor.JPG

Snicker,
Mast
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by LeLimey on Jun 11th, 2007, 4:39am
I don't think I'll ever forget the auction in Dallas and Jonny paying $150 for a lump of cheese!

Mind you Dr Rosen nearly had a baby when Jonny was yelling "$1000 for the redhead" about Pegg  ;;D That was hilarious!

Then again, I'll never forget Chuck getting hit in the bar and then announcing at the top of his voice "I don't have Cluster Headaches at all, I just like the attention!" Don't think he was so happy when he wet himself though!  ;) Who's got that pic?!
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by LeLimey on Jun 11th, 2007, 4:40am
Oh and of course Beeyul will nevuh forgit Dallas co's thayuts wheyure he got heeeyus nayume

Isn't it Bill?!  :P Wonder what dopey cow came up with THAT?!  ::)
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by Ghost on Jun 11th, 2007, 9:05am
Dont forget Dallas is the only time anyone has seen a 2 legged goat too! ;;D ;;D ;;D ;;D ::) [smiley=laugh.gif] ;)
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by LeLimey on Jun 11th, 2007, 9:16am
Not quite the ONLY time - here you are again!  ;;D

http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/4921/1399367393074489379S500x500Q85.jpg


L-R Dave (Notseinfeld) Lizzie (ASB) Some old trout strangling Goatie (Mike) Nani in the front and Frank (Jeepgun) behind

Now Frank and Dave CHECK IN cos I miss you guys!  :-*
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by sandie99 on Jun 11th, 2007, 11:25am
Helen,
I just love that pic!!!  :D

Hugs,
Sanna
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by Linda_Howell on Jun 11th, 2007, 11:07pm


Quote:
Don't think he was so happy when he wet himself though!   Who's got that pic?!

 

 Third pic.


   http://www.clusterheadaches.com/dallas2005/pictures1.htm
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by Mastifflvr28 on Jun 12th, 2007, 1:28am
There is too much to type, I'd be typing a book to be able to tell of all the memories. They are all so wonderful.

Vancouver BC in 2002...didn't sleep, laughed my ass off.  Vowed never to miss another convention.

UpperState NY 2003...never been on a plane before (now I'm an expert)...didn't sleep...laughed my ass off ALOT (the introduction to Happy and Pigeon).  And one of Elaine's stories.  Oh...I must mention the Map that Linda gave me cause of my geogrphical illiteracy.

Nashville 2004...same, no sleeping, laughing my ass off.  Love seeing old friends again, and meeting new ones.  NEVER enough time!!!!  The wedding was great.

Missed Dallas...dangit

Milwaulkee 2006...didn't sleep, laughed alot...Just like coming home to Family!!  Comfortable seeing long time friends again...  Never seen a toll booth before nor lightning storms like that!  Oh yeah...and WHITE CASTLE...never seen one of those either.

And then there was DavCon!!  The freakin Mississippi was FROZEN.  Never seen a frozen river before.  Got my second tattoo there...with OUCH in it.  Davcon is the BOMB...if you ever get the chance, do it.  It's a great winter vaca.

Unfortunately I will be missing Richcon this year, but next year I'll be there fer sure :)

If you are thinking about going but are either shy or haven't talked to many of us before, JUST GO!!  You will not feel left out, you are one of us and you cannot escape feeling "part of the family"!  You won't regret it.

Time to go back through all of my picture CDs!
Mast
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by Bob P on Jun 12th, 2007, 6:57pm

on 06/09/07 at 13:39:44, Linda_Howell wrote:
Geeze, so many many memories.



Jonny trying to buy BobP's shirt right off his back at the auction.  Even at 200.00 Bob wouldn't sell it to him.


Let me tell ya bout that shirt.  Sarah gave it to me as a gift.  I hung it in the closet and didn't think about it for a while till one day she rips it out of the closet and to the resounding strains of "you ungrateful bastard" she marches outside and throws it in the trash.  I fished it out of the garbage and started wearing it often.

If I had sold it to Jonny, I would still be walking home from Atlanta!
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by Jonny on Jun 12th, 2007, 6:59pm

on 06/12/07 at 18:57:25, Bob P wrote:
If I had sold it to Jonny, I would still be walking home from Atlanta!


You made the right choice, bro.....LOL ;;D
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by Redd on Jun 12th, 2007, 7:44pm

Quote:
Mind you Dr Rosen nearly had a baby when Jonny was yelling "$1000 for the redhead" about Pegg   That was hilarious!


I nearly had a baby too when he kept it up.... [smiley=laugh.gif]

I still think my most vivid memories are from my first Convention, where I nearly knocked Vig over in the airport hugging him, and then the bruise when he helped me with the first ever "imitrex trick" attempt.  

I do remember also, BillyJ taking a cleavage shot of me over my shoulder, and in flip flops I tried to run him down to no avail.  Some wonderfully kind sufferer gifting me a wonderful care package.  Meeting Svenn for the first time.  Beckey for the first time.  

Dallas, when Jimi brought the scetch, and told me the story, and fighting back tears as I related it to the fine people before the bidding started.  Meeting my buddy Jimbo and his lovely wife.  Learning Jimi and Nani polished off my bottle of Jim Beam Black Lable. [smiley=laugh.gif]  

Milwaukee, well that was a mystery wrapped in an enigma.  Rather sureal, but I got to see Svenn and his lovely wife again.  I got to meet and hear the Brewcrew Band..and dance my arse off...and who can forget the lovely Jazz...What a lovely woman inside and out. (Miss her actually).  

I'll really miss not being there this year.  I just can't fenagle it.
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by Linda_Howell on Jun 12th, 2007, 8:00pm

OMG, I'm lmao Bob.   I didn't know the reason for that.   Yep.  You made the right choice.  ;)   What;s $ 200 if Mama ain't happy.?


  Something else here folks...I was contacted at Family Services about the convention and this mother and her son wanted to go but were very hesitant walking into a room full of strangers.  She doesn't post here nor does her son so she REALLY doesn't know anyone at all.   I promised her I would take them under my wing and introduce them to everybody.   The same goes for all of you who aren't sure.  Once you come into the Hotel and introduce yourslef you will no longer be a stranger.   I do not hug as hard as Mastiff makes it sound... :)

 Then there's the time in NY with Elaine sleeping in bed and DJ comes in needing to lay down for just a few mins. and says to Elaine...."don't worry Elaine.  I won't touch you"   and Elaine later posted..."F-ING Great.   A man lays down besides me and says right up front he isn't touching me."  Do I have cooties?

I won't even go into 5 or 6 of us women getting hit at different times one night...and we all ended up on the floor of the cabin laughing so hard at BobP who says "Wom,en don't get cluster headaches"   Roxy was on the floor and got her hair stuck in a  drawer pull and as we were all laughing so hard we couln't get it out. We were really trying but then she gets hit again and we all had to wait til it was over.  Either that or cut her hair off.  
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by Brewcrew on Jun 12th, 2007, 10:23pm
Well, I've only been to one: last year in my hometown, Milwaukee (yes, Brian, that's the proper spelling). Meeting everybody, of course, and feeling an instant connection. But one thing happened to me when I first arrived with my first carload from the airport.

We were getting acquainted in the bar and I started to get hit. Without hesitating, Kirk said "follow me" and we headed off to his room where he had his stash of O2. He was literally running down the hall, and it was difficult for me to keep up, he was going so fast. He opened his room, went to the O2 tank, turned it on, and as I tried to thank him, he told me to shut up and breathe. It was gone in less than 10 minutes.

Those of you who don't know Kirk must understand that he walks with a cane. He flew down that hall, knowing how critical time was at that point.

I knew then and there that I was home. And I can't wait to see Kirk and all my buddies a month from now.
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by ClusterChuck on Jun 13th, 2007, 12:34am
Where can anyone start?  There are SO many!

I have now been to the last three: Nashville, Dallas, Milwalkee ...  AND several local meet-n-greets

My biggest surprise, is how no one made a big deal about me getting hit.  They knew what was happening.  They were there if I needed them, but they continued on with what they were doing.

Unfortunately, I DO get hit a lot, and Milwalkee was especially bad.  I feel I spent more time dealing with the beast than socializing.  BUT that will NOT stop me from going to more and more gatherings!

It surprises me how many people, right up to the present day, tell me that I was their first clusterhead to see get hit.  They know what it feels like, but were shocked and deeply moved to see some one else go through the same thing they have done MANY times.

I can't believe how many people I have become VERY close to!  And as I scroll through the phone numbers stored in my cell phone, I am shocked that most numbers are fellow clusterheads!

I am saddened by those that have drifted away ... But relish seeing those that ARE still here, again.

If you notice, I have not mentioned any names.  There are WAY to many, that have touched me deeply, and being the senile old fart that I am, I KNOW I would forget some ...

So to all my dear friends and family, THANK YOU for the memories, and I look forward to making MANY more!

(KERAP!!!  I think the smoke from my cigarette got in my eye ... it is watering freely ... YUP!!  Must be the smoke ... )

Chuck
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by purpleydog on Jun 13th, 2007, 2:14am
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d939b3127cce92b701b3db6700000016108AYs3LJs5cNz

Helen, KOP, Chuck, Pep and nani in Dallas.


http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d934b3127cce9281ca8964f000000016108AYs3LJs5cNz

Synchronized swimming in the hotel pool in Dallas. Names have been omitted to protect my ass. ;)    



If you  are on the fence about going... go! You won't regret it. It's like meeting family.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by Mastifflvr28 on Jun 13th, 2007, 2:34am
ONE MORE VERY IMPORTANT WARNING if you are considering coming to the convention.

YOU WILL CRY

If you don't cry cause you've finally found home, you will FORSURE cry at the goodbyes.  I don't care if you are Man or Woman, you'll cry.  The goodbyes are the WORST.  

Just reading this thread smoke is getting in my eyes...and I quit 3 years ago :)

Mast
btw...Linda's hugs are the best.
Watch out for Bente's hugs...I think she broke one of my ribs last year :)
Title: Re: Convention Memories
Post by Peppermint on Jun 13th, 2007, 4:09pm
First, in case you don't know, Mast is not a woman of many words.  TWO posts that were more than a few words in one thread - I think its a record, eh Mich?  ;;D

Conventions are amazing, if you can make it, by all means go.  


on 06/13/07 at 02:14:26, purpleydog wrote:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d934b3127cce9281ca8964f000000016108AYs3LJs5cNz

Synchronized swimming in the hotel pool in Dallas. Names have been omitted to protect my ass. ;)     


Whatever do you mean Chris?  I don't think Langa, Bethany and ladybug would mind at all.

;;D


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