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WUCHU MEAN YUU CANT GO!? eek even if i pay for you and junk? crying

i looked up megabus stuff! surprised theres one that goes from ann arbor teh chicago..i think whee ann arbors....not AS far as chicago 3nodding there might be closer ones tho.... i donno michigan citys whee

ann arbors deh closest one i could find tho crying

repost

Brand-spankin' new pre-con report.
(Once again, snack-grabbing may be required. xd
On second thought, feast-grabbing may be required. sweatdrop
Ya know what, I'll just put an intermission in the middle. Seriously, when I say "intermission" get up, walk around, go to the bathroom, grab a snack, whatever you need to get you through the second half. But really, please do read it all.
Thanks everybody! heart )


Date's, Times, and Transportation
Here's what we're looking at as far as dates and times.
Friday July 17th - Monday July 20th
or
Friday July 24th - Monday July 27th
It's taking way too long to decide which makes it harder on everyone involved so I'm gonna end this right now.
Unless anyone (who's definitely coming) objects within the next week, it'll be the 24th - 27th. End of story. (With the exception of our lovely host Fenny, who can object at any time.)
Now let's talk times. My vote is for the 9:00am-5:15pm bus on Friday and the 11:00am-6:30pm bus back on Monday. I'm hoping people will get more active in choosing a time. If not, we'll work it the same way as the date. I'll give you all a week to object. After that it's too bad if you don't like the time. But I won't start that for another few days, just so that we can have more open discussion about the times.
Of course, if you aren't coming with a group, you can cut it shorter if you like. (Or get there early/leave late, assuming that you talk to Fenny about it first and she's cool with it.) Right now there are two groups up in the air. The midwest/east coast group is definite. They're meeting in Chicago (by whatever means (which can also be worked out)) and taking the Megabus to Minneapolis.
Then there's the Dixieland group. (Mid southern and southeastern states.) This group is not at all finalized. I've had two Dixie Xenites say they'd like to come if I could organize a carpool and I know of a few more in the area who haven't said whether they could come one way or the other. However, 2 people really just isn't enough to make the drive worth it. If we get a couple more people, we could officialize the group and start working on the best way to get them to Taylors Falls. So if you're from the mid southern and southeastern states and you'd like to come if transportation was readily available, just post it here or PM me. I'd really like to be able to get the Dixie Xenites to the MiniCon.
By the way, it is NOT too late to start a new group. If you aren't from Dixieland, the midwest, or the east coast, don't fret. Just talk to me about it and we could try to pull together a group from your area of the states or Canada.
If anyone needs directions, driving times, or any other transportation info PM me or ask here.


Meeting Times and Places
So far the only definite group is the Midwest/East Coast group, so that's the only one I'll address in this report. It's now in question whether the Mitten Crew is coming at all. But for now, let's assume they are. It's about a 4 hour drive (allowing for light traffic and rest stops) from Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL. We don't want to get on the bus to Minneapolis too late and we don't want you Mitteners to have to get up to early. So I'd stick to the plan in the first report. Mitteners Drive up after work hours on Thursday evening and crash with Pez. Then me (and maybe 1 or 2 other Xenites I might bring) will meet them on Friday morning at Union Station. Same routine, only reversed, on Monday when we get back.
But we haven't discussed meeting yet. The Mitten crew can work out how and where they want to meet, on their own. As for times, we can't really decide till we know exactly who's coming. Then, when they get to Deerfield, they can meet up with Pez and Mozzi in a public place (maybe a McDonalds or somethings like that). Mozzi should have the cell number of at least one person in the Mitten Crew and at least one person in the Mitten Crew should have Mozzi's cell number. I'd also recommend knowing what someone in the other group is wearing, even if you already know what they look like, just to make it easier to spot people. When the Mitten Crew gets to whatever designated public place, they can call Mozzi and she and Pez can go meet them there. For that purpose, the meeting place should be close to Pez's home so they can get there quickly when the Michiganites call. And because a short drive makes getting separated less likely when they're following Mozzi's car back to Pez's place.
Once the Megabus arrives in Minneapolis, Fenny (or whoever is available) should probably be waiting for us at the bus stop. (Try to get there a few minutes early just in case.) If the bus runs late, we'll call Fenny to let her know. Since Pez and I have already met her we won't need to give advance information like what we're wearing, in order to spot each other easily.
Anyone who isn't coming with a group, should meet us all at the bus stop. If it's a problem, for whatever reason, take it up with Fenny and I and we'll work something out. If any additional groups are added, we'll work out meet-ups as we figure out how to get them there.


The Campsite
We're camping at Interstate State Park. (I think... Confirmation Fenny???) Depending on how many people come, we're probably gonna need 2 campsites. We'll be staying there for 3 nights (Fri, Sat, Sun). Fenny gave us the option of either a more crowded area, closer to the beach, or a less crowded area further into the woods. I, for one, would definitely prefer the less crowded one. A short walk to to the beach won't kill us, but being crowded by RV's, noisy children, and smelly bathrooms might. But this point is up for discussion, so discuss away. It's a group decision. And we have until we get the bus tickets (which is when Fenny will reserve the site(s)) to decide. We're also gonna need a daily permit for the car, unless we're gonna haul the tents, sleeping bags, food, luggage, and camping gear from the Tre House (Fenny's place) to the campsite.
We could probably get electricity and water, if we wanna pay extra, but I'm perfectly fine without it if you guys are. I know going without electricity and running water can sound a little daunting, but it's really not a big deal. You'll hardly miss it. Besides, we've got all the electricity and running water we need at the Tre House. And personally I'd rather not pay extra for something we don't need, especially since a lot of people seem to be having enough financial trouble just getting there (myself included). Speaking of financial trouble....


Money, Cash, Green, Dough, Ch-ching, etc...
2 campsites, $12 minimum, 3 nights, $8 booking fee. About $80. That's the lowest it'll cost us. But divide that up among enough people and it's peanuts. Then there's the expense of the canoe race. Probably 2 canoes (we have to see how many people are coming. They're really built for 2, but I'm guessing we can fit 4 people MAX into a canoe.) But Fenny said something about having a canoe already, so we might be able to use that. We'll at least have to rent 1 though. Maybe more. Average price for one canoe is about $40. Once again, it's not much if you add it up among many people. Everyone should also probably bring a bit of money in case we go out to eat or something. And try to keep a few bucks handy for emergency expenses. And now for the big cookie; the bus tickets. (For those of us in the Midwest/East Coast group.) Roundtrip should come out to about $40 per person. I'll give you all more specific numbers soon, when we get it all worked out. But a lot of it does depend on how many people come. The more people, the cheaper it is for everyone.


Taking Care of Yourself
Hopefully once we have more people, I can get someone else to be the ConMedic, but for now it's my job to nag you all to take good care of yourselves and to patch up your boo-boo's at the con. So let's get a head-start on that nagging, eh? Get at least 1 shower at the con. Preferably 2. We're gonna be very active and no offense, but I don't want your ConFunk filling up the tent at night. If it's okay with Fenny we can shower at her place. If not, we'll round up a couple extra bucks for a campsite with a shower. (I don't want to make you feel obligated or anything Fenny. If you don't want Xenites parading in and out of your bathroom in the morning, it's understandable.) Moving on, sleep. We got plenty of sleep last year, but this year may be different. There are more people, we're sleeping outdoors, and some of us already know each other now. Not to mention, last time I had a sudden case of fatal drowsiness and I was out as soon as my head hit the pillow. Chances are, there'll be less sleeping this year. How much less is impossible to tell. But just in case, I want to remind you all to try to get a decent night sleep. You won't be getting up early, but you won't be getting up late either. I think most of us are going to be getting up at a decent hour (8 or 9 maybe?) and if you miss out because you slept in till noon, it's not our problem. If we've got something planned for the morning, we won't put it off just because you didn't go to sleep till 4am. I would recommend getting to sleep by 1am at the latest. I realize that if we're having fun we're not just gonna drop everything to go to bed, but do try to keep it in mind. Another important thing to think about is food and water. We'll all be eating meals together, so you won't have to worry about food. (I know it seems silly to worry about it at all, but I've seriously seen people go through entire anime conventions without stopping to eat and believe me, they're never in good shape at the end.) But water is uber important. Like I said, were gonna be very active and it's in the middle of summer. STAY HYDRATED. Even if you don't want to carry it around, bring a water bottle when we do things like hiking and canoeing. And make sure you're drinking enough each day. (At my 1st anime con I nearly fainted from dehydration at one point. Luckily my friends were there to take care of me.) Also, use bugspray and sunscreen. The last thing we want during a con is itchy bug bites all over or scorching sunburn. Especially use bugspray around standing water or deep woods and use extra sunscreen when we go canoeing or to the beach. (ESPECIALLY canoeing.) However, despite our precautions, s**t happens. So I'll be standing by with a first-aid-kit. Band-aids, bactine, itch creme, emergency water, salt tablets, vitamin pills, pain killers, peptobismol, ice packs, medicinal alcohol, disinfectants, cough drops, etc.... I can also bring a medicine box, if you guys want. Everyone puts clear labels (with their name, name of medication, and time they take it) on their pill bottles and sticks them all in one box together. That helps to keep track of everyone's meds, keeps them safely locked away, and (assuming we organize them by times taken) helps to make sure everyone gets their medication on time. That's really up to all of you. If you want to do it that way, I'd be more than happy to oblige. Be sure to tell me in advance if you have a medical condition that could cause problems (diabetes for example). That way we know what to do in case of emergency. If anyone has any questions about anything medical, PM me. If you have a medical problem at the con (no matter how big or small) you can come to me about it. I'll take care of it.



INTERMISSION



Food
Friday:
Lunch (on the Megabus)
Sandwiches are easy to make, easy to pack, and easy to eat. We should also have some fruit. As well as some chips and crackers to munch on. And drinks too. And as silly as it is, there was talk of pie. Assuming we have 4-5 people, one person should bring sandwiches, one person should bring drinks, one person should bring fruit, one or more people should bring snacks (chips and crackers), and one person conceivably should bring pie. We can work it out better when we know who all is coming. If you have any allergies say so now. Also, if you have sandwich, fruit, or drink requests, now would be a good time. We also need people to start volunteering to bring certain things. I'll volunteer for fruit and/or sandwiches if no one else wants those.
Dinner
I think we should go out for dinner on Friday night. Not anywhere pricey cuz I know people are short on cash, but that's what we did last year and I think it was a good idea. Going out to eat once during the con is fun and Friday night is a good time because being stuck together, in private, for our 1st meal after we meet might be a little awkward. Eating out helps to make people more at ease and break the ice. What do you guys think?
Saturday:
Breakfast
Big pancakey breakfast anyone? Maybe pancakes, sausage and/or bacon, eggs, and fruit? It's kind of a big hoo-ha for breakfast, but the MiniCon only happens once a year, after all. And if fenny is willing to provide the food, I could do all the cooking. In fact I could do most, if not all, of it right at the campsite. But since Fenny is the hostess this year, and therefore the main supplier of foodstuffs, it's really up to her.
Lunch
Since breakfast might be pretty big, the super awesome Xenite feast is Saturday night, and Saturday will be the most active day for us, I'm thinking we're probably gonna want a small, simple, light lunch. If anyone has any suggestions for what to eat for lunch on Saturday, feel free to throw them in.
Dinner
SUPER AWESOME XENITE FEAST! We did that last year (even if the feast was a little lacking...). And really, how can you have a Xena convention without a Xena-esque feast? I think we're trying to aim for Greek foods, but any and all suggestions are welcome.
Sunday:
Breakfast Since Sunday is the Xenathon day, where we stay in our pajamas and watch TONS of Xena, something light, easy to make, and easy to eat would be best. Maybe just cereal and fruit or something.
Lunch
Lunch on Sunday will be like our intermission from the Xenathon. It would be best if we didn't have to do much cooking. By that point there'll probably be leftovers from previous meals. We could just eat that. (And that way, if we go out to eat on Friday, you could get your leftovers wrapped up and have them on Sunday.)
Dinner
Open for any and all suggestions. Try to think Greek.
Monday:
Breakfast
We wouldn't need to go all out, like on Saturday morning, but since it'll be our last meal together for a whole nother year, I think we should do something kinda special. Once again, ideas are appreciated.
Lunch (on the Megabus)
Fenny, if you could just toss us Megabussers some snacks and maybe some sandwiches or something, it would be greatly appreciated. If not, we could stop at a grocery store on our way to the bus stop to pick up some food for the journey.
I was also thinking that maybe, for one of our meals that's so far undecided, we could have only foods that are in some way significant in Xena. Like nutbread for instance.
As far as cooking goes, most of it canb be done at the campground, but some of it will have to be done at Fenny's house. Then we could either eat there or bring to the campsite. Either one is fine with me. I can do a decent amount of cooking, but I will need some help. And there are probably some things I really just can't do, so someone else would have to, but I could assist. It's hard to work out the cooking situation, when we don't know exactly what we're going to be eating yet, so let's get that figured out.


Cameras and Costumes
If you have a serious problem with have your picture taken or being video taped, say so now. I'll make sure everyone knows. And keep in mind that most of the photos and video will probably end up back in the Xena guild. I personally have no problem with this and I know from experience that the people who were at the last con don't either, but I just want to be sure.
Segway into....
A costume photoshoot. I love doing photoshoots of individuals and of groups and I think it would be bloody fantastic if I could get everyone together, in costume and spend maybe 10-30 minutes doing group and individual photo shoots. (Preferably during early evening, for lightings sake.) I know not everybody doesn't have as much fun in front of a camera as I do behind it, but I really think it'd be great to take out a bit of time to take some really good pictures of everyone in costumes. If you object to this idea or have questions about it, spit it out before it gets finalized.
Segway into....
A costume exchange. Of sorts... It's really not what you're thinking of. XD This kind of costume exchange takes place online, before the con. I know we'd all like to be in costume, but sometimes it can be hard to pull something together. And sometimes you have extra cool stuff, that just doesn't go with your costume, but would be great with someone else's. So here's what I'm thinking. We set up a thread were people can post asking for ideas as well as bits of costumes. And people can post telling about things they have that they aren't going to use, that they'd be willing to lend to someone else. For instance, I have a silver cuff that doesn't go with my costume, but it's be marvelous for any warrior or princess/queen costume that has silver on it. But for my costume I need weapons, and anything warrior-ish in bronze, brown, or gold. People can try to help each other with costumes. We can keep a list in the first post of who's agreed to lend what to who. Of course it would just be for the 1 day that we wear costumes and I'll bring the list with me so as to make sure everyone gets back what they lent. You can even post pictures of the things you wanna lend out. Or a picture of your costume so far, so that people can make suggestions and offer to lend things that match your costume. Of course you wouldn't have to participate, but I think it would be good to have the option out there. If it works, we'd all have some seriously badass costumes. If you guys decide you want to do that, I can ask Fenny or Pez to make the thread.


Fun s**t to Do
Okay, so I'll just put all this in list form....
Xenathon
Making Xena character sock puppets
Xena sock puppet show
Hilarious Xena barbie movie (as created by Fenny and Nymph)
Xena video game (if Pez brings it)
Xena games
*Xena 20 Questions
*Xena sherades
*Name the Character
Sword fighting tournament
"Crossbow war" (watergun fight)
Hiking?
Amazon dance party?
Costume photoshoot
Going to the beach
Ultimate frisbee; chakram style
Canoe race
Xena skits
Here's what I was thinking in order to fit this stuff in. (Keep in mind that this is the most absurdly flexible plan that has ever had the nerve to call itself a plan.) Xenathon, costume photoshoot, crossbow war, and sock puppet show on Sunday. Xena barbie movie, one or two of the games, one or two episodes of Xena, and making sock puppets on Friday. Everything else on Saturday. We can fill in extra time with, Xena video games, campfire chat, downtime, and general laziness. We wanna do loud stuff (like an Amazon dance party for instance) before 10:00pm because that's quiet time in the campground. But if we camp in the less crowded area we can probably make a little bit of noise past 10. We should also do the canoe race early, because midday sun will kill us in those canoes and we can beat the rush of canoers that happens noon and later. I'm also thinking skits, games, and puppet show later, because those things are just so much more fun by campfire light. As far as skits go, if you're gonna do something, start planning now. The con will be here before you know it.
Opinions anyone?


Good s**t to Bring
Another list for you....
Sleeping bag
(It'll probably be quite hot, so you might want to bring a light sheet and sleep on top of the sleeping bag, with the sheet over you instead.)
Pillow
Pajamas
(Think light for hot weather)
Swimsuit
Comfortable clothes
(Good walking shoes, pants/shorts, light clothes for the day, slightly more heavy/covering clothes for the evening and night. A light jacket is good. Otherwise you'll get cold and bugbitten once the sun goes down. Pack for 3 nights. But bring something extra in case you muss up some of your clothes.)
Camera
(Check the batteries and memory card space before you leave.)
Books/games/music/craft stuff/etc
(Anything to occupy yourself (and maybe a few friends) during downtime or on the bus.)
Snacks for sharing
(Just a little something from each person, to keep around the campsite for munchies.)
Umbrella/Raincoat
Money
(I'll let you know how much as soon as I can.)
Caffeinated anything
(You're gonna need it.... Unless you're Pez.)
Batteries
An old pair of socks
(For making sock puppets.)
Cell phone
Cell phone charger
A towel
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Soap & shampoo
Deodorant & hairbrush
Refillable water bottle
(And try to keep it filled when it's with you.)
Your costume
There are also things we need as a group. If you have and can bring any of the following please speak up. You may not have to, but I'd like to see what we have and figure out who's bringing what.
1 tent per 3-4 people (I can bring one)
1-2 sets of plastic dishes & utensils (I can bring some)
1 portable stove (I can definitely bring)
1 stove gas tank (I can bring one)
1-2 coolers (I can bring one)
Xena DVD’s (I can bring them)
2 fake swords (I can bring them)
Extra water bottles (I can bring some)
Chakram frisbee (I can NOT bring one)
Prizes (I might be able to bring some)
firewood (N/A)
matches (I can bring some)
compass (I can bring one)
Canteens (I can bring some)
2 Video cameras (I can bring one)
2-3 flashlights (I can bring one)
Camping lantern (I might be able to bring one)
1-2 old blankets (for sitting on outside) (I can NOT bring one)
Water guns (I might be able to bring some)
Crafts supplies (yarn, glue, glitter, feathers, fabric, plastic googly eyes, markers, knick-knacks, etc. For making sock puppets.) (I might be able to bring some)
Xena video game (I can NOT bring one)
Please follow my example and tell us what you can bring, what you can't, and what you might be able to bring. If you have some but not enough to cover all of us, just put that you can bring some or a few. The best way to do this would be to get a lot of this stuff from Fenny and people who live with/near her, but I'm sure they can't cover all of it so let's try to pitch in as best we can.
By the way, saying you can bring something, doesn't mean you will bring something. There's no way in hell I'm bringing all the stuff I said yes too. I don't wanna be loaded down with crap and neither do you, so were just going to try to split it up as fairly as possible. Right now we just need to know what everyone has available to them.
We're also gonna need to put together a first aid kit. I'll work on that over the next few days and when I'm done, I'll post a list of things I don't have, that need to be loaned by other people.


Roll Call
I need to know who's coming. If you're definitely coming, say it. If you're definitely not coming, say it. If you really don't know, make up your mind. I'll be doing a final roll call in a few weeks. Once I do that, there's no more lollygagging. If you don't say you're coming, you aren't coming. I also need a list of every non-guild-member who you're bringing. That includes you Fenny, even though you're hosting. I want to know exactly how many people we're expecting.

Last Notes
Don't forget to stop by the thread every once in while to check for updates and new pre-con reports. Especially in the last week or so before the MiniCon. We'll do a 10 day countdown, and you should try to pop in briefly for every day of the countdown. Including the day you leave.
If you want to post a cell or home number to make keeping in touch easier, be my guest.
If your parents want to talk to someone first (or you want to talk to someone first), I can give you my cell phone number. 1-847-971-9608. If you want Fenny's too you can talk to her about it, unless she decides to openly post her number as well. In case your parents are wondering, Fenny is the con host and I'm the one with all the information. (Of course Fenny has all the info too, but it would be easier for parents to talk to me about the details, since I know it all off the top of my head. Also, I hosted it last year.)
If anyone has any questions or anything feel free to ask.
Only one more month till the MiniCon!



Till next time,
~ConMom~

Expensiver than what?
Which one did you have in mind?

4 hours! WOW, dedicated Xenite award! I saw them. I know I really have to go someday. San Diego is just so far away.

i dont gottit in me teh read that much gonk i'll just wing it...
edit: i read a wee bit. i thought we picked deh second weekend ninja

deh 9 am just cost $10 more or somthin then deh other ones ninja