mandolin | G2003 resolutions...

Since I will be heading out to the Gathering 2003 this Thursday, I thought it prudent to air out my resolutions for this year's Gathering, seeing as I've learned quite a bit from the four prior Gatherings I've attended:

1) I will make absolutely sure I have every necessary article of clothing. I'm not going to be able to find a Target to buy a pair of shorts from in New York City. (G2002)

2) Under NO circumstances will I let my camera out of my sight, especially when it's full of pictures from the Masquerade, and if it's missing I will discover the fact ASAP and ransack the hotel immediately instead of waiting til the next morning 10 minutes before the shuttle arrives to realize it's gone. (G1999)

3) If there's a post-Gathering or impromptu trip to a nearby landmark that requires driving, I will zero in on the first person I know who's going and has a car so I don't miss out. (G2000)

4) Assuming I do get a costume thrown together, there will be NO MAKEUP INVOLVED. (G1999)

5) I will try out for the Radio Play. I'm not going to get a part, but I will try out anyway just so I can say I did. (G2000)

6) When seeking out food outside the hotel, I will not consume any food from Blimpie's, or anything that contains tuna or seems even remotely suspicious in terms of freshness. I do not want to miss all the panels because I'm being sick in my room, nor do I want Greg to have to drag out auditions another half hour on my account. (G1998)

7) Traveler's checks are a happy thing, given the charges incurred by ATM's. (G1998, G2000, G2002)

8) I will get cracking on my photos and con report as soon as I get home - and if I can't, I will do so when I return from Chicago over the 4th of July weekend. No delaying or dallying. I don't have an asthma attack and a new apartment as an excuse this year. (G2002)

9) I will remember to bring the figures I got at the charity auction last year and make sure Greg signs them. (G2002)

10) I am not permitted to spend any more than $20 at the charity auction. (G2002)

11) No matter what, I will not permit the Amtrak staff to separate me from my asthma inhalers on the train. (G1999)

12) I will bring a notebook and have it on hand for all the quotes I'm sure to pick up. (G1999)

13) I will bring the hat I got at the RenFaire in the event of a really bad hair day and waking up too late to do anything about it before the panels start. It's also a good way to keep from playing with my bangs and annoying the guests. ;) (G2000)

14) I will take a nap Saturday afternoon if at all possible so I can actually stay up long enough to party after the costume contest. (G2002)

15) Even though I have heard a great deal of Greg Weisman's stories before and can quote some of them word for word ("It's better than Barney!") I will keep my mouth shut if I happen to be sitting next to someone who hasn't been to a Gathering before. (G1999, G2000, G2002)

16) Exception to #15: The "It's better than Barney!" story. I can't NOT echo that line. :)

20 minutes left til I'm leaving work, and still can't get the page jump to work. *sigh* Time to bug the contractors for help....