Should we make yearly or annual get togethers?

[klmno]

I'm just wondering what happens if an agenda gets planned and it turns out, for instance, that next year is the northeast meeting place but it happens to be a bad year for those in the northeast to meet, but most in the west could have met in the west. And what happens if July is most convenient for those in the northwest, but hoovers for those in the south? I think it's a great idea to have a meeting once a year- even twice a year for that matter. I just don't want to be disappointed by finding that my region will meet every four years, as a set agenda, then find that "my" year is one where I can't meet.

 

[trinityroyal]

Sounds like a wonderful idea to me!

 

[tiredmommy]

I think, personally, it would be best to meet in 2nd tier cities like Baltimore rather than Washington. Jacksonville rather than Orlando, etc. The big thing is that there ought to be a fairly busy airport nearby so members can get the cheapest air fares as possible and still not get hit with exorbitant hotel rates.

 

[ThreeShadows]

Not fair, not fair, not fair! Aren't there ANY difficult children in the South of France, you know, the Riviera, the mediterranean, candied fruits/ figs/palm trees/gambling at Monte Carlo, yoohoo, 007???

 

[mrscatinthehat]

My easy child was just there and told me I needed to come and eat the cherries.

 

[Hound dog]

MWM I understand where you're coming from. I dunno if I'd ever be able to make one in Cali........but might as sister in law has family there.......he was born and raised until 12 there. So I might talk easy child and sister in law into visiting his family and me tag along to attend the gathering.

Texas.......I could shock my sis to death and visit her, then go from there maybe.

SC I'd be happy to bunk with Janet.

East coast......hmmmm. I dunno if that would be possible.

I understand the region idea, but it would make sense if the region was chosen according to those who planned to attend. Cuz you could set a region........and yet have everyone who happens to want to go that year not be anywhere near it and it just not be feesable. Maybe try to make it centrally located for those who planned to attend on any given year?

 

[gcvmom]

Hey, how about Fresno?

Or... Exeter, CA? We paid $79 at a Best Western and it included breakfast!

 

[BusynMember]

I think, personally, it would be best to meet in 2nd tier cities like Baltimore rather than Washington. Jacksonville rather than Orlando, etc. The big thing is that there ought to be a fairly busy airport nearby so members can get the cheapest air fares as possible and still not get hit with exorbitant hotel rates.

TM, Iloveyou, Iloveyou, Iloveyou, Iloveyou...lol. That's what I sort of meant. If we could go for the company and not the sights it would be soooooooooo much easier for some of us.

Maybe we can get some regional get togethers going too? Midwest Group, West Group, East Group, Southern Group...and come together when we can? I know there are a lot of folks in EVERY region! I'd be willing to look into campgrounds somewhere in the Midwest for us Wisconsin/Illinois, Iowa/Minnesotans and anyone close by and, of course, there are ALWAYS hotels for those who prefer and can afford! Maybe the smaller groups can get together as a consolation prize if we can't make it to the bigger ones. Cleveland is probably as close as I'm going to get, yet because we were forced to move this year, we won't be able to take any vacations at all and I do love you guys and want to meet at least some of you....(sniff, sniff). But, hey, do what you have to do. I'm but one cog in a big machine
I mean, at ANY time if ANYONE wants to have a small group campout in Illinois or Wisconsin, I could arrange one CHEAP! A little in person support is better than NO in person support. And so many of us lack supportive families or understanding friends...

 

[Marguerite]

Not fair, not fair, not fair! Aren't there ANY difficult children in the South of France, you know, the Riviera, the mediterranean, candied fruits/ figs/palm trees/gambling at Monte Carlo, yoohoo, 007???

There's always Australia... we have casinos in every state capital, plenty of sun-drenched beaches (which can be enjoyed in our summer, coinciding with the northern winter), our fresh fruit & vegetables are among the cheapest and best quality in the world (at least on the east coast, although it's getting cheaper on the west coast too) - we could find cheap accommodation outside the major capitals but still close enough to wander round the cities if you REALLY wanted to... the cheapest accommodation would be caravan parks, we have some which are like resorts but almost as cheap as tent sites.

It's not the French Riviera, but we could come close in some ways; better it in others. Choose my area or Trish's, there would be some great places either way.

I know it's unlikely, just don't forget your options may be wider than you think.

And as for figs and palm trees - I'm sure Esther knows some good places in her area. I believe the fresh fruit in Israel is among the best in the world also.

Marg

 

[AnnieO]

I love this idea. I might not be able to go all years, but it would be great to have the option! (Besides, I have family in Colorado, so I could combine the trip...)

 

[Suz]

Maybe we can get some regional get togethers going too?

MWM, I've attended a couple of those. Smaller groups and still a lot of fun.

One time it was a NAMI meeting someone posted that was taking place in PA so several of us went to the meeting and socialized afterwards. Another time someone was visiting within 100 miles of here so I drove down (as did others) to meet her.

Suz

 

[DammitJanet]

I think this is a very good idea. It is entirely doubtful I could make anything on the west coast but that doesnt matter, it would be good for the rest of the group to get together. I could make most things on the eastern seaboard. I would vote for the Myrtle Beach area for a get together spot. Or actually...someone suggested something to me when they heard about what we were doing and asked if we had considered contacting a cruise line about a 3 day cruise. Some of those might have done a cruise for a package deal just about as cheaply as we are doing with motels, dinners and entertainment. That could be fun.

 

[mstang67chic]

That's a great idea Janet! I wonder if there are any cruise lines that leave from somewhere in the Gulf so it would be a bit more central? Or even if it isn't a cruise....maybe some kind of all inclusive resort. Hmmm.

 

[DammitJanet]

Well Stang...lots of cruises include airfare so that would make it more affordable. Might not be a cruise to one of the more major exotic places in just a three day cruise but what they hay!

 

[klmno]

Maybe we can get some regional get togethers going too? Midwest Group, West Group, East Group, Southern Group...and come together when we can?

I really like that idea! I'm thinking a regional get-together could be "announced" on the board a few months ahead of time so members of other regions are invited if they can attend. I also like the idea of the members of each region deciding when and where to meet.

 

[DammitJanet]

I know that there have been get togethers in Vegas, Mass, way earlier in SC, and then the TX get together Fran talked about. I tried to go to the Vegas one but was unable to come up with the funds. The one in SC was just thrown together by the few families.

I almost think the country should be divided into 6 sections. It is mighty big! People on the east coast probably cant make the west coast unless they can afford airfare...which I really cant do. I am one of those people who have to get two seats on the cheap planes. Makes it not so cheap. But I am only one person...there are tons of other people. If I can make one reunion in 4 to 6...hey...thats great!

 

[BusynMember]

I really like that idea! I'm thinking a regional get-together could be "announced" on the board a few months ahead of time so members of other regions are invited if they can attend. I also like the idea of the members of each region deciding when and where to meet.

Where are you? I know I'll never be able to afford to go for any other reason than just good company. I know a cruise is out for us, even a "cheap" one. So if anyone from the Midwest can't go to the big one or just wants to get together in this area (Wisconsin/Minnesota/Illinois) please PM me. Maybe we can do a smaller one this year. If not, that's ok too. Just an idea for the more financially challenged. Also, we could bring our kids, if we wanted to bring them. It would be fun, either as the big group meeting or in a small group, to meet each other's kids!!!
As long as it's in a not-that-tremedously-far city next year, I'm going to try to go. I'm really shy, so it will be hard to go without hub, but if I want to go...have to bite the bullet! I would soooooooooo much love to thank everyone in person for all their help during the hard times!!!

 

[WhymeMom?]

I would vote for annual gatherings and forget about trying to do the yearly gatherings....... sorry stang, couldn't resist......... I think getting together is a good idea for some, but I'm afraid I would burst the bubble of what you guys think of me if you actually met me....... I would be a disappointment...... I'm sure you all think I am a gorgeous creature who gives sage advice and if you met me you would be hanging off every word I said (NOT!)....... so although I visit here daily I will probably not attend the gatherings, I'm not trying to say don't have them, just that some people will not come even if it is in their own "backyard". I would love to meet you all in person, but then I would have given up my real identity and I have opened all of you to my difficult child which some of my own family don't know the real story. So I will be at the gatherings in spirit, just not in body....... I thank all the members of this board for their wisdom and most of all their humor in dealing with all the trials and tribulations of living with a difficult child......... happy gathering!

 

[klmno]

I'm in Virginia, MWM. I'm also currently financially challenged and it looks like I will be for at least another year. I would love to meet the "regulars" here so much, even though I'm somewhat shy at first, too. And there are some other difficult child's discussed on the board that I think would be great for my difficult child to meet and they might enjoy spending a little time with. Of course, if I was able to meet sometime before difficult child is released from Department of Juvenile Justice, that isn't a possibility, good or bad.

 

[BusynMember]

Well, maybe another time when both of us have a little extra. If we both go next year maybe we can talk before we go...I never like to go anywhere alone!!!