ABout December and that event that was like, ahm, exciting last year

[TayTay]

I have every reason to believe it will happen on a Monday this year. (Not locked in yet, but all indications are that it will happen on a Monday.)

Ahm, that might throw a damper on things for people. Anybody still want to come to Boston then for an event that will be solely for one cause near and dear to this group's heart?

(Many, many people wanted this on a Sunday night. It is my understanding that it will be on Monday. Sigh!)

[beachmom]

1. It will depend on my husband being able to or willing to take a day off

to care for the kids so that I can go. The other thing nagging me is going to a large city by myself that I am unfamilar with. I'm a little nervous about that, but perhaps that's minor, and you or other Mass people have some advice on where to go, transportation, etc. I really don't want to drive (I believe my husband's comment when driving out of Logan airport in 2000 was, this place is more f***ed up than Paris, a dubious honor I suppose), because it's a bit confusing. So, there is my wimpy side, but I think I can work through that. It's more the vacation time for my husband that will be the issue.

It would be great to meet the Senator, but equally so, wonderful to meet as many of you bloggers as possible. We could also brainstorm and compare notes and all that great stuff. So, yeah, I want to go. Just a few obstacles to overcome.

It's 12/11, right? :)

[WildEyedLiberal]

2. I guess they don't want the bloggers to come this year, then.

Not that anyone who wants to come shouldn't but seriously... most of us have school and jobs.

I have a final on the Monday of a certain Senator's birthday. The professor of said class is kind of a jackass and I don't forsee being given a pass just so I can go to Boston. To complicate things further, I have a final Tuesday night as well. I am sure many people are working, as well, and can't take two full days off for the party/travel.

So what gives? Do the organizers not want this lightning in a bottle again? This year had the potential to be way bigger, but not if they have it on a weeknight.

This really pisses me off.

[beachmom]

3. To be fair, though, don't they ALWAYS celebrate his b-day on

his b-day? I thought that was the tradition. Perhaps that supercedes making it more convenient for supporters and bloggers.

I guess you bring up an important point -- is this thing at night? That would mean taking two days off. Okay, that complicates things . . .

[WildEyedLiberal]

4. It was in the evening last year

It was a cocktail party/dinner with JK, so it'll be in the evening. By the time we got done hanging with him in the bar, it was around 11pm or midnight or so. So yeah you'd have to fly back sometime Tuesday.

This really makes me angry. Maybe it was okay to have it on his birthday when it was just a bunch of rich MA donors coming, but you'd think after last year - and with the announcement that we KNOW is coming up - they'd make every effort to make this event accessible to ALL JK supporters. They're going to need us in the next two years. This just disappoints and angers me.

[TayTay]

6. I heartily concur. Alternatives arrangements must be made.

Who else over there likes us? Perhaps a certain lovely and talented lady might be appealed to. She was rather taken with the assembled souls last year I think. Perhaps appeals should be made.

[WildEyedLiberal]

7. I think your idea is a great one

After I posted this I was afraid I was coming off as a whiny ass and making it seem like my JK support is contingent on the party being fixed to my schedule. NOTHING could be further from the truth; however, I think it would be a big mistake for them NOT to recognize what a special, special thing last year was and to encourage and foster that. Sometimes, I think some of the people who handle the behind-the-scenes aspects of events such as this don't really "get" how important these things are. True, we didn't bring in 1000 dollar donations, but the blood, sweat and tears we put in every day for JK - and the goodwill on both sides from our beautiful meeting - was worth more than any wealthy donor could ever give. That's why I'm so adamant that this be accessible for EVERY blogger who has the means to do it. I want it to be not just the 15 or so of us; I want 20-30 bloggers there, from ALL OVER the country, to show him that we still have his back and will go anywhere, anytime to put him in the White House. If it's on a Monday, not only is it out of the question for me, but also for probably lots of others who would otherwise come.

I definitely think appealing to a certain "someone" is a terrific idea. If anyone in the world understands, it would be that certain someone.

[beachmom]

8. Yes, I agree as well

I was picturing in my mind asking my hubby if he could take TWO DAYS off for my trip, and I could already hear him blowing a gaskett! Not saying it's impossible, but especially what WEL is saying about the hardships for people in school or at work, accomodating us would be much appreciated . . .

[TayTay]

9. Hmmmm, my wayback machine tells me

that in early Dec of 2002, almost exactly 4 years ago, that Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts announced the formation of an Exploratory Committee to consider running for President. Hmmmm, wonder if there is any value in bringing in people from across the USA to Boston who might just think that is a great idear for 2006. Hmmmm, perhaps some suggestions that said people who are, after all, not from Boston and have traveled at their own expense to say, in person, that this running for President might be a good idear, might be, ahm, noteworthy.

I shall attempt to talk to whomever will listen.

[WildEyedLiberal]

13. You're reading my mind.

I think a certain, um, annoucement, for, uh, a certain national office, deserves to be made in front of a group of diverse people from all across the country who have already demonstrated that they are willing to donate their money, time, and sanity to help a certain person, um, win that certain office.

Just my humble two cents. And I really do think a certain someone might agree.

[Blaukraut]

14. That's what I was hoping, too

And it would make sooo much sense to culminate an already excellent birthday party with THE announcement - the cherry on top of the Sundae :-)

[karynnj]

5. I think it's cool he and his family are willing to share his birthday

I'm pretty sure I can come, probably with my husband.

[Democrafty]

15. I agree.

It's his birthday, and if he wants that weekend to himself, that's that.

Still on the fence about this one, but it makes no difference to me what day of the week it is.

[wisteria]

10. I don't mind. Kerry's birthday falls on a Monday I believe.

I will just have to take off Monday and Tuesday.

[globalvillage]

23. I've scheduled vacation for Fri-Tue

Just to be certain I'd be able to make it.

[Blaukraut]

11. I don't care if it's in Timbuktu on the eve of a nuclear holocaust

I'm going. That said, however; it WOULD make more sense in light of attendability (Hello, Senator- more people, more funds raised??!!) if they held it either the weekend prior or after the actual date of his birthday.

[babylonsister]

16. Yes, but living in MA, it's a bit easier than, say, a person who

lives in TX. I'm thinking about it, could be a X-mas gift to me from him!

[ProSense]

12. I want to be there too!

Whenever! Where is the East birthday card?

[BlueIris]

17. (whispers) I would. nt

[MBS]

18. birthday cards and events

I live in Mass and plan to be there, provided I get an invite. Also would like to sign the east coast card, but have no idea how to do that. Please advise.

[TayTay]

20. You will get an invite. And the Birthday card to sign

We have loads of time on the Birthday card and should have time to send a card to all who wish to sign it. (Even lurkers. There are some shy folks who check in here and read us and don't post. Thank you for coming in. If you don't want to post publicly, just send me a PM and I will see that the card is forwarded to you. No problem. The more the merrier.)

[TayTay]

19. Hmmmm, methinks we should ask straight out on this

Perhaps a compromise could be reached. Perhaps. Let me talk to some people and see what's up. (I think I know what's up already. I truly believe that the mid-terms are consuming all the energy and things like this are on the back-burner. That is no slight to anyone and merely indicative that the energies are focused where they need to be: on electing Democrats.)

I will ask some folks who were kind enough to answer questions the last time and see if I can get some time to plead a case. Again, it's just me here folks. I am not exactly the Queen of the Universe over here. I will ask and bring up the fact that I am not really asking for me, cuz that is not the point. It was the not the point last year as well. It is still astonishing to me that all you incredible people want to come to Boston. It humbles me and makes me want to do what I can to make sure you talk to people who I think need to talk to you. But, again, this is a real caveat, I mean, you know, ahm, I'm still just a civilian here. Does that make sense?

[europegirl4jfk]

21. I don't know if I'll have any money left after the October US trip...

but if it's possible I would like to come as well. That's still a big "if" right now. And it doesn't matter if it's on a weekend or a weekday; that's to Senator Kerry to decide. As I come from Europe I would have to make it at least 3 or 4 days, but that should be fine. Timing is not the big problem for me, money is because it involves another international flight.

[rox63]

22. If it's a fundraiser for his PAC again

It would be much easier to get people to pay money to attend on a weekend instead of a weeknight.

[Blaukraut]

24. That's what I was saying, too

Is it a fundraiser/birthday party every year or was last year's fundraiser unique? Either way, we will have to defer to JK and his preferences. Sigh..

[rox63]

25. Ok, I've arranged for both 12/11 and 12/12 off from work

So I'm covered for whenever this happens. Count me in for this meet-up. :) :) :)

I just don't want to have to go to work and be competent the next day. And yes, if it involves having beers with a certain tall, distinguished Senator, I am willing to go off my diet for a day.

Rox
(Officially down 30 lbs as of today)

[TayTay]

26. There is no guarantee of that happening

it won't be like last year, which was a bit of a shock on all sides. We are now 'known' to each other. It will be different, which is not to say worse, just different.

Let me see what people say this week, then I will post more.

[rox63]

27. I know

But I want to be prepared for all contingencies. :)