Midwest Meetup!

[Lube]

Thanks,everyone, for your wonderful compliments.

I know Joe and I had a fabulous time with our fabulous new friends! Even if I did come downstairs half-dressed to find 8 guys waiting at my front door. (I'm always late for everything)

Evryone was so generous. I got a feel for just how remote ChickenGuys's home is. I meant all those toasts that I gave, because of all the great people that came to this meet.

Thanks especially for Ted for asking, "that chicken looks good, what's in it?", to which I responded, "it's chicken and... Oh, shit, I forgot to add the olives and lemon juice", which saved the meal!

And my plan worked: serve dinner so late, that everyone insists dinner was delicious, if only because you'd have eaten raw monkey entrails at that point because you were so hungry.

Can't wait to do Part II today!!!!!!

I'll just be a little late--lots of cleaning to do, since Joe has to be at work today.

[Transpogue]

Hey Kids!

Once again, a HUGE thank you to Lube for welcoming us all into his home for a FANTASTIC meal... truly lovely.

Today's itinerary:

Lunch @ Wilde Roast Cafe, 11:30. 518 East Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414. This is in Northeast Minneapolis, a beautiful area....

Mall of America in the afternoon...

Dinner @ Barbette, 6:30. 1600 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408. Barbette is in the Uptown area.

Evening is clubbing, debauchery, whatnot...



I'm going to be working today until at least 5 p.m. Everyone have a great time today!

[Lube]

My photos from last night.
Here's a group shot from that album:

[Knucklehead]

I just got off the phone with Ted.Seems like you guys are having a blast..

Have fun tonight in Minneapolis!

[windsors]

Just watched to Swerve's video, I could listen to ChickenGuy talk all day long. Love the accent. Glad to hear that you guys are having/ had a GREAT time..

[unloadonme]

Did someone glue NoC's hand to that glass?

[NineOfClubs]

Did someone glue NoC's hand to that glass?

If it wouldn't be such a nuisance in the shower, I'd have one surgically implanted.

[swerve]

Can't wait to show y'alls a kevbo party now...

DANGER Will Robinson DANGER!!!

The following video is BEST played on MUTE!!!

I TRIED partying Kevbo style while in Eau Claire -- and THIS is the RESULT!!!

NO ONE has EVER gotten me to sing Karaoke before...

And just to show that I can LAUGH at myself...

Here is the result...



p.s. I would LIKE to use the Shots and 10 or 100 pitchers of beer that we had as an excuse -- but even THAT doesn't explain how HORRIBLE I was...

[swerve]

And here is Kevbo showing us how it SHOULD be done...

[swerve]

OK -- now that I've made a TOTAL FOOL of myself...

I wanted to post some still photo's I took yesterday...

Minneapolis is such a CLEAN MODERN city with a VERY COOL VIBE!!!

Here are a couple shots taken downtown...



and...



^I'm actually kind of curious as to what this building is -- maybe one of the locals can let me know -- I LOVE the architecture!!!



I was able to give Chickenguy a ride from Wisconsin to Minneapolis in my truck -- here he getting ready for LIFT OFF...



Frankfrank and Lilbit posing in front of the Mary Tyler Moore statue...



And Nineofclubs -- who I met MANY years ago through JUB -- and has become my VERY BEST FRIEND over time, and myself in front of the SAME statue...

[frankfrank]

Frank was happy to be able to bring you and Chickenguy into the city.

WaGWaG, I hope you can make it to something else, seeing as some of us only got to meet you for a few minutes.

I was also happy that I could save some time for Lube as well, knowing that there was a lot of work putting all that together for us.

Yeah hope to see you again over the weekend WaGWaG!

I am now overly bummed I couldn't make it.

Especially that I've now heard CG's voice.

you certainly will have an interesting perspective, traveling from Eau Claire to Minneapolis in a Semi!

Me too, you would've had a blast...

And I heard Swerve's voice, too!

Swerve, you DIDN'T stick CG in the trailer all the way, did you?? LOL

[opinterph]

Here is the result...

Paula Abdul: I thought you carried the song well and added your own interpretation. You have a very strong voice and <burp> I thought it was great! Hey~ Whaddya doin tonight after the show?

Kara DioGuardi: You picked a song that was hard to pull off. Next time I think you should choose something that compliments your voice better.

Ellen DeGeneres: I liked the way your body language synched to the rhythm. You have some very nice moves. I enjoyed it. Come on my show sometime and we can dance!

Randy Jackson: I dunno dog. I kinda liked the tone, but I think you lost the key once or twice toward the end. Not your best performance, but I’m rootin for you.

Simon Cowell: That was the most disgusting excuse for a performance I’ve ever seen. People all over the Internet are probably reformatting their hard drives after listening to it.

[swerve]

Although the JUB WEEKEND is still in FULL SWING -- I had to leave Minneapolis early this morning in an effort to meet commitments I had previously made...

I wanted to post my thoughts, observations, perceptions -- and THANK YOU's while they are still fresh in my mind...

FOR ME -- it all started in Eau Claire with FINALLY meeting KEVBO -- what a FUN person!!! I have been wanting to go drinking with him for YEARS and it finally happened -- he, along with others, volunteered and provided transportation making my weekend a LOT MORE stress free -- EVERYONE in Eau Claire LOVES Kevbo!!! He is EXTREMELY personable and just a LOT OF FUN to be around...

I then got to meet Chickenguy -- I had really been looking forward to this (and talking with him on the phone for days before the meet) -- I don't think I've EVER met someone from Scotland before -- He is ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE!!! VERY knowledgeable about a WIDE VARIETY of topics and just a LOT OF FUN to be around -- it was my PLEASURE to have him tag along with me Friday morning in the truck as I went about some of the work I had to do...

Once we finished with the work and got settled into the truck stop -- Frankfrank and lilbit showed up providing a generous and much appreciated ride into the city...

Frankfrank is a JUBBER I have been wanting to meet for YEARS!!! Ever since he was prarielooner () He probably knows MORE about odd places and facts than the encyclopedia and map companies COMBINED!!! With a very QUIRKY presentation -- he is an absolutely FASCINATING guy to know -- he also must have some sort of GPS IMPLANT in his brain -- as he took us on a 20 mile trip through backroads, neighborhoods, a university, etc and SOMEHOW we ended up EXACTLY where we were going!!! AMAZING GUY!!!

Lilbit BLEW ME AWAY!!! An EXTRAORDINARILY sociable INTELLECTUAL!!! Imagine that!!! NOT ONLY was he SUPER SMART -- but had a DRAMATIC FLAIR in conversation that only a RARE FEW possess... I strongly suspect that he is THE FAVORITE professor on campus EVEN THOUGH he teaches REALLY HARD Classes...

They dropped me off at Nineofclubs hotel -- so I could take a quick shower and meet up later -- Well, what MORE can I say about Nineofclubs... Just an EXAMPLE of what EVERYONE should STRIVE to be -- Smart, sociable, FUN, an INCREDIBLE host (when I'm in Portland), a GREAT conversationalist -- well -- I may be somewhat biased as he has become one of my very best friends...

We then met up for a quick snack with a Jubber I haven't really known before -- OMMINC -- He said that he is shy and more of a lurker -- but I'm NOT SURE I agree with his self assessment -- He attends school right there in DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS and, since none of knew our way around -- he IMMEDIATELY fulfilled the role of "host"!!! Not only is he SUPER FUN, providing LOTS of interesting conversation -- but just a GREAT ALL AROUND GUY -- IF he REALLY IS SHY, it took a LOT OF COURAGE for him to come and meet all of us -- and he pulled it off with finesse and social graces of an EXTREMELY OUTGOING guy -- hmmmm... I REALLY LIKED you OMMINC!!!

After finishing the snack -- a VERY NEW TO JUB guy (less than a month on the web site) took time out of his busy schedule to meet some of us -- WaGWaG -- That was AWESOME!!! A SUPER GREAT guy -- and I'm REALLY GLAD that he is now part of JUB!!! Smart, Fun, Well rounded, level headed guy -- THANKS for stopping by (and I KNOW the rest of the guys hope to see you again this weekend). There are a LOT of JUBBERS that haven't made it to ANY meet -- and to be ONE MONTH IN and take the time to see relative strangers -- well, I just thought that was SUPER COOL...

The rest of the downtown gang met up with us -- and we then proceeded to meet Thad1527!!! I was REALLY looking forward to MEETING him -- ESPECIALLY since he has been sending opinterph and I Christmas cards for the last several years!!! WOW!!! What a SUPER GREGARIOUS and just TOTALLY FUN PERSON!!! Oh -- he ALSO had pre-planned EVERYTHING!!! (EXACTLY what I like to do... ) It was SUPER COOL getting to finally meet you...

So then...

Well -- we ended up at Lube's and his partners house...

This is where I'll need to take pause, and explain that they have a BEAUTIFUL house -- but what is REALLY SPECIAL is their INCREDIBLE relationship -- and how they TURNED that beautiful house into a BEAUTIFUL HOME!!!

It is not often you meet someone for the FIRST TIME and IMMEDIATELY feel like you are part of their family -- and that is EXACTLY how I felt at their place...

As others have mentioned -- the food was AWESOME -- but what REALLY APPEALED to me was the HOSPITALITY!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH for providing the PERFECT environment for all of us to get to know each other better...

Transpogue arrived as SOON as she could after a LONG work day -- I was also REALLY LOOKING forward to meeting her!!! I had tried before, but my timing was HORRIBLE () as she was moving that weekend -- so I finally got to meet her... She is SO QUICK WITTED and FUNNY that it is SOMETIMES hard to keep up with her!!! STUNNINGLY and STRIKINGLY beautiful (for a girl ) -- just an ABSOLUTELY ALL AROUND GREAT PERSON!!! THANK you SO MUCH for being an INTEGRAL part (along with Kevbo and Lube) for making this weekend happen!!!

It was kind of like a night -- hanging out with OLD FRIENDS!!!

Also -- Thanks sausy and station2station for CALLING and allowing yourselves to be PASSED around the ROOM -- it was SUPER COOL to talk with BOTH of you...

AND -- to yooper!!! Your GENEROUS OFFER to pay for us to experience the cheese that you so much love wasn't able to be fulfilled -- but what an AWESOME gesture!!!

What an INCREDIBLY AWESOME time I had -- and as you go throughout the rest of the weekend making YOUR memories...

There are HIGHLIGHTS in EVERYONE'S life that they will ALWAYS remember, and...

I will TRULY CHERISH and TREASURE my memories of this weekend...

THANK YOU to EVERYONE and I HOPE to see MANY (if not ALL) of you again in the near future!!!

[Quanchi]

I keep checking thr thread and feeling bummed that I couldn't make it. I was really tempted to ditch work and charge up a credit card to make it. Oh well, looks like a fantastic time. Hopefully I'll make the next meet and it will be just as fantastic.

[Transpogue]

SUNDAY ITINERARY!!

As a reminder...

Brunch, 10:30 a.m., Town Talk Diner, 2707 1/2 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406

Afternoon is free time to wander about and explore the city...


I will NOT be able to attend anything on Sunday, as my salon is hosting a Mother's Day event and we are setting up at 11:15 and I won't get out of there until after 5.

Everyone have a great time Sunday!

[alley]

Glad ya'll had a swell time.

It's great seeing all of you together.

[Lefty]

Damnation but it sounds like the cast from GLEE all singing

the same song.Even us tone deaf post whores are jealous.

Speaking of singing...one suggestion....Swerve, we totally

love ya man but don't miss a truck payment dude.

Seriously, since you guys represent all JUB at the gathering,

you better have a f@#@@ng good enough time for all of us.

Happy Mothers Day and all that...safe trips home to all.

[windsors]

Swerve just called me and told me about the last videos of him and Kevbo singing karaoke, all I'm going to say is you guy sound better then me, because I would NEVER get up in front of a crowed and sing. GREAT job to the both of you's...... You took some great pics of Lilbit and Frankfrank and Swerve and Nine of Clubs.

Hey Nine of Clubs, Glad to see that you were able to go...

It's really nice that all of you had a great time. Just be safe going home.

[windsors]

Paula Abdul: I thought you carried the song well and added your own interpretation. You have a very strong voice and <burp> I thought it was great! Hey~ Whaddya doin tonight after the show?

Kara DioGuardi: You picked a song that was hard to pull off. Next time I think you should choose something that compliments your voice better.

Ellen DeGeneres: I liked the way your body language synched to the rhythm. You have some very nice moves. I enjoyed it. Come on my show sometime and we can dance!

Randy Jackson: I dunno dog. I kinda liked the tone, but I think you lost the key once or twice toward the end. Not your best performance, but I’m rootin for you.

Simon Cowell: That was the most disgusting excuse for a performance I’ve ever seen. People all over the Internet are probably reformatting their hard drives after listening to it.

OMG This is to funny.......

[ChickenGuy]

FINALLY found time to post you all!

I'm using the laptop in LilBit and frankfrank's room - they're both snoring loudly just now.

All I can say is....

WOW.

What an INCREDIBLE few days this has been. Like nothing I've experienced before.

And it started on Thursday in Eau Claire. I met swerve and kevbo (the first openly gay guys I've ever met). It says a lot about swerve, that the very first thing he did on seeing me, was give me a big hug.

And then, it was over to the local gay bar (the first I've ever been to) and kevbo did a few karaoke numbers. It's great to see someone so relaxed and confident like that. What a really cool guy. I even managed a chat with someone! Some guy who was in a red USMC shirt - a local firefighter, he said - swerve and kevbo know who I'm talking about. Was he really interested in me? I dunno. But the biggest thing I took from that whole night, was that not once did I feel nervous, anxious, or uncomfortable. NOT ONCE. And for me, that was quite remarkable. I surprised even myself with that.

Then, on Friday morning, I got a ride to Minneapolis in swerve's truck! Can you believe it! And we stopped at a truck stop diner! I guess not many tourists to America get an experience like that! swerve's such a big-hearted and kind guy.

Then I met LilBit and frankfrank. LilBit's such a witty character. He puts us all to shame with his one-liners. And all with a touch of camp and femininity. frankfrank is the great traveller and navigator of the meet. I think we'd have got lost more than once without him.

We spent that evening at Lube and his partner's house. It was so great to see a couple like that, living together happily, for years on end. And they were the perfect hosts. Transpogue gave us a few tips on 'dykedom 101' I think that her, kevbo and LilBit should form a comedy triple act. They're so sharp on the draw.

Saturday, and I saw the Mall of America! Got a souvenir gift for my dad (anyone have the photo?) a Minnesota log-cabin bird house! That brings us to last night, which we spent at omminc's apartment. He's such a fountain of geek knowledge! And a really friendly and down-to-earth character to boot. His expertise also covers art and design, and, erm, Japanese 'cartoons'

That night was one of the highlights of the trip for me. There was such a wonderful casual, relaxed, friendly, atmosphere, all of us just hanging out in that room together. I felt so comfortable there. Comfortable inside.

At one stage, a lot of tits were exposed but I'm going to put this down to temporary insanity and a 'collective wardrobe malfunction'.

And OMG, kevbo's boyfriend! What a sweet guy! I'm afraid I couldn't resist glancing over whenever kevbo went to give him a quick kiss. It was just such a lovely and brilliant thing to see. They eventually, erm, departed for a mysterious and undisclosed hotel room in a secret location for some reason or other and returned later on. And what better way for all of us to end the evening than with a big group hug.

I must admit, I felt a pang of regret at one stage. Here was this 18-year old, already out, already in a relationship, happy, and living life to the full. And then I thought how I was when I was 18. I couldn't help but feel down, for the 15 years difference in our age, that I've missed out on. But I know that I can't have those years back. It just takes a bit of time to put this issue behind me, and focus instead on the future.

The last few days, since Thursday, have been some of the best of my life. I know that it doesn't show, but they have.

I know that outwardly, I may seem a bit socially awkward, withdrawn, and quiet, but inside, I'm having a great time. I've experienced the company of openly gay people for the first time in my life. And it feels wonderful. Mostly at the end of the day, in the quiet of the hotel room at night, I reflect on things. And I realise just how far I've come in my life in the past year.

JUB has come through for me, big time, just when I needed it. And I feel SO LUCKY to have this experience. THIS is the sort of lifestyle I want to lead, and the one I want for every gay person in the world. No delusion, no denial, no self-hatred.

I wish I had the ability to live away from home. I'm beginning to dread the thought of having to go back home to that isolated, closed-minded island. It offers nothing for me any more. I really don't want to go back. I'm wildly trying to think of ways to avoid it. I don't know if I've got much choice in the matter. I'll just have to wait and see what the future holds for me.

So that's about it, I've gone ever so slightly overboard on this post. It seems that I'm a little more comfortable expressing myself on here that I am in real life, doesn't it?



Andrew

[Lube]

^Wow, Andrew, I came here to post some pictures, and now you've made me cry!

Cry with happiness for you.

Sure, you can be kind of quiet, but you let slip a few comments here and there in the past couple days, and I had an inkling you were having a really good time. It's just so good to see you verbalize it like that.

Anyway, as I wipe the tears of joy from my eyes, I posted a few more photos, including Andrew's latté the size of Texas, and this gem :


Oh, and I don't have time to give it justice, but Swerve's post above was another very beautiful, very eloquent post. Those of us who saw it felt compelled to bring it up today and discuss it with the others, because it was so heartfelt and memorable.

[Corny]

wow chickenguy! you go guy! it has always been a pleasure watching you "grow"
i'm happy that you all had such a good time, it's so often that people laugh at online community and think the social interactions there are worth nothing - it always feels so good to prove them wrong

(ps: don't call it lifestyle .. it's a life)

[WagWag]

Wow, superb post Chickenguy. Even though I only got to say a quick 'hello' and shake your hand, I consider it more than a pleasure after that post. I'm so happy you've had the experience that you've had. I consider myself lucky to be involved in a community with members that have provided you that joy. Glad you made it to the states and glad for that quick 'hello' with you. Good luck with your continued travels and once again, beautiful post.

[omminc]

Last night was a blast! It was great talking to ya'll about things and getting to know each one of you better a little better.

Sorry I couldn't make it today, I woke up an hour late and sense I had a ton of homework to do I stayed home. I hope you all had fun today though, how was the Diner?

I'll upload the photos I have when I get back this evening from dinner.

~odin

[kevbo]

This meet was so worth getting pick-pocketed and my car robbed.

swerve - It was fun finally meeting you, and I'm glad we were able to have a great time both nights. I'll forever hold your karaoke v-card... Can't wait to party with ya again!

ChickenGuy - I'm so glad you came from Scotland. While you were quiet, I could tell you were having a good time and I'm glad I could take your gay bar v-card... Thank you SO much for helping me out, as well.

Lube - Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for opening your and Joe's home for this meet. You are such a great guy and so is Joe, and I can't wait to see you guys again up in the Cities!

NineOfClubs - Another drinking bud. Glad you liked the Honey Bears, and I might just take you up on that Portland offer!

LilBit - So fun. Hope you enjoyed my AND Brandon's tits... Check the "I Dedicate this song to..." thread

FrankFrank - We didn't get a chance to speak that much one on one, but it was great having ya around!

Thad - Can't wait until the next time you're in the Cities so I can bring you to Wisconsin and show you something better than River Falls...

omminc - Like, Frankfrank, didn't have much time to chat with you alone, but it was great meeting you! Thank you so much for opening your home to all of us! It was a great time

Transpogue - Can't wait to hang out with you again! Even thought I know you hated me

It was a great meet! I'm definitely going to have to make it to another one!

[WagWag]

Seems like this Midwest Meetup was a success! It's great that you all were able to do this. I was hoping to make it to the brunch today, but unfortunately I couldn't, how'd it go? If there are any residual visitors leftover tomorrow, I will be in downtown Minneapolis and may be free to meet up after 2pm. Let me know.

[hotdog1846]

Sounds like you guys had a great time. Thanks for sharing it with the rest of us stuck at home!

[Lube]

But I don't want it to end.





Oh, and there was just a li'l bit of trouble as we closed down the bar--and I'm not even talking about Arthur.

[Corny]

a "lil'bit" of trouble ?

[Lube]

^heh, heh. I don't kiss and tell. (Did I say that?)

There are 7 more photos up in my gallery, including this beaut:

[Transpogue]

A SINCERE thanks to EVERYONE who made the trek to Minnesota for the little meet.

I hope everyone had a lovely, lovely time.

Peace, babes

[Lube]

OK, my turn to wax poetic on the meetup:

Transpogue: What a great gal! She took the initiative to get the ball rolling, and made sure we all had each others' contact info before the meet started. From making dinner & brunch reservations to the itinerary, she made sure the wheels were well, um, lubed. Super-nice in person, too--although I must've been in the kitchen when she gave the dykedom 101 talk.

Kevbo: I have to admit I had a little nervousness about meeting this wild & crazy young guy from the Internet. What a funny guy he is in person! He's probably the only person who could get me to do karaoke. My only regret is that our schedules clashed to the point that he couldn't make the day I did, and I couldn't make the evening he did.

Swerve: Wow, what can I say? Can you imagine a nicer guy? I can't. He's from Georgia, but has a heart the size of Texas. I will never again serve him soup with mushy bread in it, however.

Omminc: Here's a guy who got real interesting--once he let his hair down, literally and figuratively. Too bad I missed the night in his apartment.

NineOfClubs: What a card! (har har). Funny, political, kind, interesting--and we get to meet him again in a week, on his own territory. BONUS!! So easy to talk to and get to know. And he doesn't mind "interesting" photos of him being taken. I'm running out of adjectives...!

LilBit: "Give a lilbit, give a lilbit of your love to me..."--LRB. When you're with Lilbit, a meetup becomes a party! He kept us all in stitches (figuratively, anyway, although they could've been literal if anyone happened to be standing on the other side of the table as we closed the bar last night!). We missed Ophelia, but she was there in spirit. And he knows a damn lot about languages, and answered our rapidfire questions at Nepalese dinner last night. My life is richer for meeting him.

Thad1527: Imagine Google come to life, with a great personality. He knows everything about everything. He was teaching me stuff about Minneapolis and the Twin Cities that I didn't even know--quoting it verbatim out of the guidebooks, which he had memorized. If you ever need someone to take a standardized test for you, he's the man you need to pay. So generous with his time, information, and goodies--he brought lots of Transylvania goodies with him, which I distributed on the last night (I was a little overwhelmed the night of the dinner).

FrankFrank: This is the third time I met FrankFrank, and it just gets better each time! The King of Puns, he is my hero (I love puns!). I pretend to groan at his puns, but deep down inside I'm delighted, as a closet punster myself. So generous with his smoked salmon (which, again, in my dinner haze, I forgot to put out). (Did I just say "I forgot to put out"?!). A kind and gentle soul, FrankFrank will also teach you everything you never knew about music.

And, last but not least, there's...

ChickenGuy: I was a lilbit nervous about this wild card (I told you I was a closet punster.) Here's a guy who only recently came out, and he was traveling from a foreign country, to boot. We had to show him a good time because of the great expense and time he went through to get here. On top of that, were we going to freak him out by being relaxed, out gay men? Would newly out guys never want to go to a JUB meet again? Well, needless to say, it was so special meeting him. Judging by his post above, I think he had a spectacularly good time. I know for a fact that I did! He, too, needed a little prodding to come out of his shell, but by the last night he was showing us photos and giving us a history of his hometown, we were comparing Irish Gaelic with Scots Gaelic, and he was teaching me/us which performer was doing each song we heard at the bar (I'm such an old fart when it comes to recent pop music). He's a clever, funny, warm-hearted guy, who I will definitely visit the next time I go to Ireland--he's not that far away. I threatened to show up in platform shoes, a rainbow t-shirt, and a pink feather boa, but I thought better of it. I hope to be an inspiration to him, in that it doesn't matter if you're 18 or 30 or 40 or 80 when you come out--the fact that you've finally done it is all that matters, and it makes no sense to worry about "what could have been" if you came out earlier. That's over with, and today and tomorrow are the days you get to enjoy as an out gay man. Live it up!

Everyone: We closed the bar last night and had a rainbow-gay hugfest in the street! We all had really bonded over this time we had together, and I was so happy that I could contribute to the wonderful weekend. It's rare to get to know people so well so quickly, and get the warm fuzzies to boot. It wasn't an ordinary hug; it was extra-fabulous!!!

My husbear just went off to work, and he sends his best wishes to everyone, too.

We started out with unseasonably cold and crummy weather, but ended on a bright & sunny day that was reflected in our hearts as we parted ways.

Much like the JUB meet in Vegas, this is one weekend I will never forget! Hugs and kisses to all!

[NineOfClubs]

LilBit and frankfrank by the famous Mary Tyler Moore statue.

[swerve]

I'm STEALING this photo from Lube's gallery and posting it HERE...

Because I LIKED it so much...

It captures the ESSENCE of BOTH of them...



Thad1527 and Lilbit...

[NineOfClubs]

Myself (NineOfClubs), LilBit and Omminc.

This is a great photo taken by Lube the night of the fabulous dinner he hosted.

[NineOfClubs]

Just a quick note to all you JUB-apolis guys. You know who you are.

I made it home safely--the only eventful aspect of the trip was the one hour delay.

My thoughts are still with all you and, for those who flew out today, I hope your journeys were safe ones.

Mental group hug...

[Lube]

Glad you made it home OK; will see you soon enough!

[NineOfClubs]

I'm STEALING this photo from Lube's gallery and posting it HERE...

Because I LIKED it so much...

It captures the ESSENCE of BOTH of them...



Thad1527 and Lilbit...

swerve, you left out Saint Sabastian.

I'm certain that LilBit noticed the titties on that martyred one.

[Sausy]

Wow,such great pics and touching,heartfelt perspectives...I'm so glad everyone had a wonderful weekend,enjoying good company and good times.To everyone involved in the festivities in Minny,well done!

[shaggyvox]

Dammit! if i knew there was gonna be karaoke i totally would've came even if it meant bankruptcy!

[LilBit]

Okay, now that I'm home and conscious, I suppose it's time for my reminiscences and thanks...

First, to our lovely hosts:

Transpogue: Thank you so much for the effort that you put into this meet in spite of your hectic schedule of work and moving. I've been wanting to meet you almost since I arrived here, and you're even more beautiful and charming in person than online. You were one of the main reasons why I decided to come to this meet, and it truly was worth it. You also have lovely tits.

Kevbo: You certainly managed to live up to my expectations. You're a really fun guy, and it was an absolute riot hanging out with you. You and your bf are adorable together, and I wish you all the best. Oh, and don't worry about Odin's glass--I officially hold the record for most glassware broken at a JUB meet. Oh, and you both have great tits.

Lube and Mr. Lube: A beautiful house, a delicious meal, and charming company--you two really do know how to host a dinner party. I also appreciate you showing us around the city; the parks and the lakes were truly stunning, and the ice cream was delightful. I just hope you're still allowed at the bar--I never managed to get Arthur's number, and I was hoping you could get it for me. BTW, nice tits.

Frankfrank: Once again, it was lovely sharing the trip with you. I've never met anyone with such an encyclopedic knowledge of the US nor anyone with such a finely-tuned internal compass. I do, however, still want to pun-t you off the roof of the hotel for some of your wordplay. But I'll forgive you because you've got a great rack.

Chickenguy: I'm so glad that you made the trip from Scotland. It was a real treat meeting you. You're a charming guy, and you have such a great sense of humor. I hope you're enjoying the rest of the trip, and I really hope you can get over to this part of the world again. I'd definitely love to see those gorgeous tits again.

Thad8675309: (Sorry, I'm terrible with numbers) Another JUBber with an encyclopedic memory--I'm really stunned by how much information you've managed to store under your massive collection of baseball caps. You have an infectious sense of humor, and I definitely hope our paths cross again many times. Oh, and nice tits.

Swerve: I'm glad you were able to set aside some time in Minneapolis before jetting back off to work. You really are as sweet and friendly in person as I suspected, and it was a treat to meet you. I wouldn't recommend a recording contract for you, but you're a fantastic guy nonetheless. And although I didn't get to see them, I'm sure your tits are as lovely as the rest of you.

omminc: *meow* You truly are a colorful character, and I think we all appreciated your generosity in inviting us to your place on Saturday evening. I wouldn't trust you with my goldfish, but it was great to meet you (and your lovely tits).

NineofClubs: I'm really thrilled that you were able to make it to the meet, and I really enjoyed all of the great conversations we had. You really are a witty gentleman, and it was a treat to meet you. Thanks for introducing me to good gin, even if it did result in the loss of some of the bar's glassware. And your tits are truly a sight to behold.

WaGWaG: We only got to meet briefly, but I'm glad you were able to stop by. I look forward to getting to know you better on JUB, and I hope you can make it to another meet so that I can see your tits.

And Arthur... Oh, Arthur. You cruel man. How DARE you walk into my life and then casually wander off with my heart in your hands? There is an Arthur-shaped hole in my life, and nothing will ever be able to fill it (with the possible exception of gin...) And I never even got to see your tits... *sigh*

Thanks to everyone for making this such a fantastic meet. I look forward to the next one.

And I'll post pictures once I find the cable to my camera. (No, it's not in the hotel room with my battery charger. It's somewhere on my desk under a pile of papers.)

[Thad1527]

I've already been told, "You haven't posted yet!" Sorry. I'm quite tech-challenged.

Anyway, I'm home. And much the better for this trip.

The JUB meet was the centerpiece of my trip, but I did arrive early (Wednesday) and left late (the next Wednesday). Before meeting everyone, I went to a Twins baseball game at sparkling-new Target Field. The weather wasn't great: the drizzle started in the 2nd inning and continued all game. But I did see Kirby the kestrel.
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/n...on-may-11-2010

Omminc and I spent Tuesday lunchtime at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. I loved going to the art museum with an opinionated art student. We saw the featured exhibit, "Until Now" there. I was willing to pay for him, but since he's a full-time student he got in free.

Reading this thread, I was constantly thinking, "What they said!"

I love to travel. I'd planned this for quite a while. But being with such great folks made it all the sweeter.

[swerve]

I'm HOPING to see Lube this weekend in Portland!!!

Oh-- any luck finding your camera cable Lilbit???

I've HEARD that pictures DO EXIST -- Somewhere...

[LilBit]

^No, not yet. I need to clean my desk first.

[Lube]

If it's anything like my desk, we're talking the 22nd century.

And yes, we are having a Midwest reunion in Portland a week later! See you soon, Swervy!

[frankfrank]

Still haven't had time for the long post I wanna make - I'm in Regina, Canada right now & am limited to library time on the computer.

ChickenGuy, you'll note I happened to find a library that lets me on to JUB. Of course you'll be back in Scotland in two days, so it doesn't matter much now.

Such a great time!! More to come, when I can.

[LilBit]

I got all of the photos off of my camera, but it turns out they all need to be resized before I can post them. I'll pick out the best ten or so and post them in the next few days.

[Lube]

Did it take 2 camels to get all the photos off of your camera?! I know you guys are slow down south, but really!

[kevbo]

I'm sure he's only going to post the tit pics.

[LilBit]

Did it take 2 camels to get all the photos off of your camera?! I know you guys are slow down south, but really!

Dammit, woman, I had to find the cable for my camera. You should just be glad I didn't bring my 35 mm. Then you'd need to wait for me to finish the roll of film, get it developed, scan the photos, scan them again with the right side facing the scanner, resize them, and THEN post them.

I'm sure he's only going to post the tit pics.

Dammit, woman, I took a couple pictures that didn't have tits in them.

But they both turned out blurry.