Midwest Meetup!

[kevbo]

Possibly (people who have said definitely maybe):
Lawnmowerman
Yooper
Kyanimal
Lilbit
fetaby
Just:Mills
Lovewill
GL
BRIOHAZARD
Darkflower
Thad1527
Golliwog
shaggyvox
MidnightWarrior
NineOfClubs
Jerry
Quanchi
Killjoke
alley
Sausy
M4P
sirsaba
ChickenGuy
centexfarmer
gmoney
hyperdude88
hungrybrownbear
minneapolisryan
mooki33


Definitely (People who have said "count me in"):
Frankfrank
Kevbo
Transpogue
Swerve
DR-B
omminc
elly909
springboksfan
Lube

If anyone's status has changed, let me know and I'll move your name around on the list

[Thad1527]

FYI - I was looking for rates at the Holiday Inn Express (11th St. South) and they're available through Priceline at $80/night for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This is without bidding. Staying a weeknight would run $117/night.

I'm still shopping around and trying to save money. This is my busiest month of the year, so if I make money as I expect to...I'm there.

[NineOfClubs]

Well, I arranged my vacation (one week of it) to fall the week before the Meet.

I'm going to try trading a few days the following week to allow plenty of travel time.

It's my plan to try traveling there and back by train. Seems like a relaxing way to get around....

So, I'm still in, for 90%+

[Lube]

Yay, Nine!

And the train sounds like fun. You can tell stories to my bf; he loves trains!

[Yooper]

Public Announcement from Yooper:

I'm a 'Definitely Maybe' downgraded from 'Most Probably' for a number of reasons.

I still need to travel at some point from Colorado to Michigan around that time.

However, most folks know I've recently landed a REAL job that recently went from Part Time to Full Time with Actual Benefits (Insurance and Vacation and a 401(k) ). In this economy, I consider myself damn fortunate to stumble into this...it was supposed to be a temporary, part time get-me-through-the-Holidays thing.

Another BIG plus to the Job is the Company offers Domestic Partner benefits, too, so my Much Older Husband would be able to get Insurance too, a REALLY big deal for someone too old to get a personal policy but too young to qualify for Medicare (he's 61). This is important.

There's also the very strong possibility that I'm being considered for something other than the flunkie 'Can I Put This On Your Store Charge Card?' job. Very strong possibility.

I'd be an idiot at this point to give this up. But one never knows. I've spoken to a couple of people at the Retail Emporium and I'll be able to take some limited, unpaid, time off. But don't know when, how, or whatever.

So I'll keep y'all updated.

[Teddybear71]

Gee, this sounds like fun. I'm a relatively new member on JUB, but I was born in Minneapolis and would have loved to go back and see the city and meet some JUB'bers too! Unfortunately, the travel all the way from Norway will probably prove too expensive and time-consuming.... Hope everyone who goes has fun, and will be looking forward to seeing some pictures!

[hyperdude88]

Would anybody be interested in doing a "pre-meetup meetup"?

I've been living in Minneapolis for 2 weeks now and the semester has been going well so far... bit stressful. However, most of my friends are either under-21, busy workaholics, or dating.

What does this mean? It means I've been unable to explore the gay side to Minneapolis and I don't want to wait until May to do so!

It would be great to meet some JUB'ers as well as see a bit of the city. Just a night on the town, nothing fancy. Or if we can get 4 or more, maybe we could have a hotel after party or something, too.

[frankfrank]

I might be able to get to The Cities early...

Am I the only person out-of-state who thinks of Fargo-Moorhead when somebody says "The Twin Cities" and instead I call M-SP simply "The Cities"?

[Lube]

What kind of cafe is that, and where is it? I'm free most evenings once the new semester starts! Now, how many people usually attend, and what is the age range?

Would anybody be interested in doing a "pre-meetup meetup"?

I've been living in Minneapolis for 2 weeks now and the semester has been going well so far... bit stressful. However, most of my friends are either under-21, busy workaholics, or dating.

What does this mean? It means I've been unable to explore the gay side to Minneapolis and I don't want to wait until May to do so!

It would be great to meet some JUB'ers as well as see a bit of the city. Just a night on the town, nothing fancy. Or if we can get 4 or more, maybe we could have a hotel after party or something, too.

I'd be up for a laid-back meetup at the Wilde Roast Café, but I'm not a bar partier (and, at 46, I doubt you'd want to go out clubbing with me anyway!). I did Bear Bar Night last weekend only because a friend was leaving town and it was his goodbye party.

Anyone else?

[frankfrank]

^ Me!! Me!! (I think, at least at this point.)

What is that place about, that you mention? I assume not a place where they serve wild game, but that would be WAY, FAR cool if they did. Of course, if not, it's STILL all a good thing.

It looks like I'll be going to a raccoon supper in WI this weekend which will be my first wild game in many, many years.

[Lube]

Wilde Roast is a café named after the one and only Oscar Wilde.

And I won't be around this weekend--unless you're talking Florida. (See my siggie)

[omminc]

Would anybody be interested in doing a "pre-meetup meetup"?

I've been living in Minneapolis for 2 weeks now and the semester has been going well so far... bit stressful. However, most of my friends are either under-21, busy workaholics, or dating.

What does this mean? It means I've been unable to explore the gay side to Minneapolis and I don't want to wait until May to do so!

It would be great to meet some JUB'ers as well as see a bit of the city. Just a night on the town, nothing fancy. Or if we can get 4 or more, maybe we could have a hotel after party or something, too.

I for one am always willing to do something except on Tuesdays and Thursdays (school). Though I don't know much about the gay scene, though I do know how to get around on the bus system and the confusing Skyways (<3 skyways).

I'd be up for a laid-back meetup at the Wilde Roast Café, but I'm not a bar partier (and, at 46, I doubt you'd want to go out clubbing with me anyway!). I did Bear Bar Night last weekend only because a friend was leaving town and it was his goodbye party.

Anyone else?

Same thing about bars and clubbing for me. Not one for them. Though coffee/dinner is always a good idea. Never been to the Wilde Roast Café, then again, I don't go over the river much. How is the food there?

[Lube]

The food's excellent, but fairly spendy for a café. (Not outrageous; just spendy). Great soups and Mac & Cheese. Superb environment--very comfy.

[omminc]

The food's excellent, but fairly spendy for a café. (Not outrageous; just spendy). Great soups and Mac & Cheese. Superb environment--very comfy.

I checked their menu online, not too pricey, thought, their prices are a few dollars more then Rock Bottom I noticed for some things.

I've never been to a café so I would know what the normal price would be for one. XD

[Darkflower]

^^ I would do coffee/eating, too. Or a pub as opposed to a club (I'm not much of a club person).

[kevbo]

I'm down for a mini meet up... I'd love to get drinks with y'alls!

[ChickenGuy]

So it all comes down to this - do I have the confidence, independence, and sheer guts, to actually jet away, by myself, across the world? It's something I've never done before, but something I've always wanted to do.

(If I went to Duluth, I would obviously coincide the dates of my travel so I could attend the JUB meet - another great reason for me to do this)

I'll be thinking hard about this in the weeks to come. I'll get back to you soon.

*sigh* sorry guys.

kevbo.

I'm going to have to ask you to take my name off the 'Possibly' list....

And put it on the 'Definitely' list'!

Cuz you're getting an international attender this year!

I'M COMING TO THE JUB MEET!!!!



Hahahaha! I've done it!



This is crazy! But it just goes to show you how much my life has changed in the past six months - boy, I would SO love to have seen the look on my own face if I could go back in time and tell myself this!

I'm staying a week either side of the meet in Duluth - and I've already called the American B&B by phone and confirmed it all - and I've sorted out the whole passport/visa/travel applications etc. - and I've booked the flights with Delta Air Lines - and I've arranged getting down to London Heathrow - and a stay at a hotel beforehand!

So there it is! This will be my first holiday on my own terms, by myself, and my first trip outside of Europe. I mean, I'm going to be a bit overwhelmed by all this, but, the bottom line is this - if I hadn't done this, I know I'd have regretted it for the rest of my life.

And however this trip goes, good or bad, I will have LEARNT from it. And that's the most important thing.

See you in May!

[StlKj]

That's awesome, Chicken!!! Will be cool to meet you there!

[Lube]

Yes, that is awesome, Chicken! I look forward to meeting you and hearing your sexy accent.

You've really made a lot of progress. I remember reading some of your early posts. Congrats!

[LilBit]

Yay! Scottish tits!

[kevbo]

Sweeeeeet! Great to hear, Chicken!

[Yooper]

Dayum.

I really, really hope I can make it.

[NineOfClubs]

If I was at 96 or 97 percent sure last week, well, I'm at 99% now!

[kevbo]

And once you get here, NoC, there's a 69% chance of.......

[NineOfClubs]

^ What, a spring blizzard?

[kevbo]

There's definitely some white stuff involved.

[NineOfClubs]

^ I'm assuming the white stuff isn't Chardonnay or Pinot Gris?

[kevbo]

And now you're introducing booze into the mix? I'm beginning to think 69% is way too low...

[NineOfClubs]

And now you're introducing booze into the mix? I'm beginning to think 69% is way too low...

Well, I knew we had booze in common!

Maybe that's all that matters?

[kevbo]

Booze your way to my heart...

Hmm, that sounds like a good lyric...

[NineOfClubs]

Booze your way to my heart...

Hmm, that sounds like a good lyric...

Now, to be safe, I think I'll watch my consumption as long as kevbo is around.

[Lube]

If I was at 96 or 97 percent sure last week, well, I'm at 99% now!

[ Standing in for LilBit]
Yay! Portland tits!
[ /LilBit]


Yay! Will be awesome to meet you.

[LilBit]

Dammit, Lube!

*grumble grumble*

Yay, Portland tits!

[NineOfClubs]

I'm buying tickets next week.

It's going to be a great railroad adventure!

And Minneapolis ought to be fun too...

[Lube]

You're taking the train?! You'll have to tell my bf all about it. He loves trains.

[swerve]

You're taking the train?! You'll have to tell my bf all about it. He loves trains.

Don't we ALL???

I'm SO ENVIOUS!!!

Those BIG DEISEL engines and all...

[frankfrank]

I'm buying tickets next week.

It's going to be a great railroad adventure!

And Minneapolis ought to be fun too...

Coooooool!

My big trips are never single-purpose trips, and it might be hard to get from one place to another (such as Redmond-Portland-Seaside-Grants Pass-Eureka-Reno-SanFran-Milpitas-Fresno), but I'm waiting for that distant "single destination or two" trip which can be done via train.

Maybe the train to [Fort] Churchill from Winnipeg? That would certainly be a single-purpose trip...

My farthest train trip ever was only a little over 200 miles.

[hyperdude88]

Chicken! This is exciting news! Duluth is such a beautiful place... I just moved to Minneapolis from Duluth. I've been all over Europe, fell in love with Germany, and still find Duluth to be on my top 5 places list.

[frankfrank]

^ I agree, I really like Duluth. Certainly a gem-in-hiding that isn't all that well known, because it's very difficult to get to.

Of course the climate sucks, though...

[Yooper]

Duluth is a pretty town.

In July.

As long as you are wearing heated socks.

Do they still have that drive in church on the top of the hill?

[kevbo]

Sooo, I'll probably be up on March 6 going to the Saloon or the Eagle or both with my friend for his birthday if anyone wants to join up!

[Lube]

Sooo, I'll probably be up on March 6 going to the Saloon or the Eagle or both with my friend for his birthday if anyone wants to join up!

Oh, damn! I'm thinking about going up to Duluth/Superior for Fur Flee that weekend.

[omminc]

Sooo, I'll probably be up on March 6 going to the Saloon or the Eagle or both with my friend for his birthday if anyone wants to join up!

That's the same weekend I'll be in Eau Claire... :|

[CorporalAris]

I'm actually semi-excited for this meet. Fun fun.

[kevbo]

Oh, damn! I'm thinking about going up to Duluth/Superior for Fur Flee that weekend.

Did you end up getting up to that? My friend actually was up there and he just told me he found his way there in a drunken stupor.

Did you see any tall, fat drag queens?

[CorporalAris]

Did you end up getting up to that? My friend actually was up there and he just told me he found his way there in a drunken stupor.

Did you see any tall, fat drag queens?

I personally just got back from Duluth. Fantastic city, although the weekend is rather hazy...

[Quanchi]

So to post a little not-so-good news, there's a good chance that we won't be able to make the meet. Recently, my other half's car completely broke down (I posted a thread about it) and we really need to shop for a new one. It'll be best to use the money that would've been used for air fare, hotel room, etc., to be used towards a car.

So I have a lot of doubt on making the meet and since we don't really have much we can spend on traveling. I guess that "maybe" turned into a "not very likely".

It really sucks...

[Lube]

Did you end up getting up to that? My friend actually was up there and he just told me he found his way there in a drunken stupor.

Did you see any tall, fat drag queens?

I'm sure there were plenty. I ended up not going, and instead helped a friend celebrate his birthday. I was in the area, but didn't go to Fur Flee itself. All my friends who went had a great time. You shoulda seen the pool pictures, LOL.

[Lube]

So to post a little not-so-good news, there's a good chance that we won't be able to make the meet. Recently, my other half's car completely broke down (I posted a thread about it) and we really need to shop for a new one. It'll be best to use the money that would've been used for air fare, hotel room, etc., to be used towards a car.

So I have a lot of doubt on making the meet and since we don't really have much we can spend on traveling. I guess that "maybe" turned into a "not very likely".

It really sucks...

Oh, man! Sorry to hear of your troubles.

If it's any consolation, I have relatives in Phoenix. Haven't been there in a while. Maybe we'll visit for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year?

[thewiz]

You can put me down as a maybe!

I should be in Minneapolis at that time teaching a class for DHS. If I am...I could join the group at night after I get done with work!!!