When the announcement for this conference came, I had *just* moved into a new home (mine and my hubby's first). There was going to be no way I would be able to attend. Heartbroken, I enjoyed cheering my friends on as I knew this would be a wonderful experience for them, and I was so happy this was going to happen. The first of many I hoped (and still do!). Then a friend stepped forward, and began a spiral of donations that would lead to a plane ticket and conference fee for me to attend the event. To this very moment I remain in shock that so many friends would do this for me. I would never have asked, and to see such an outpouring touched my heart beyond words. And while I cannot name names of those who donated, for a variety of reasons, those who did, I hope you know how special you are to me for this gift!
Shock led to belief, so I set my sights on NY. And along the way I was invited to be on a Resident Panel. So add to my excitement a bit of nervousness at being asked to speak in front of those who would listen. Not to mention being on a panel among those who I consider some of the best assets to Second Life. I forgot my fear of flying due to the fact I had a heck of a lot more to fear.
The first of my *never leave me memories* was meeting Misty Rhodes and MagicJustSue at the airport. I'm standing there, the last person from the plane, no luggage yet arrived.. I hear behind me "PEN!". I turn and in an instant I knew them. And it was straight out of a high school giddy gal movie. I didn't care. haha.. I ran and threw my arms around them and we laughed and hugged and cheeky smooched and that would be the start of many a laugh and hug among us. These two women are so amazing. I could not have asked for better roomies or friends to live my journey with. I will never have words to express how much they mean to me. So know they are with me through this whole story, even if not mentioned in name at all times.
My luggage ended up on the plane after mine and we were told it would be delivered that evening. Cab waiting we said OK! and took off. Liquor store stop first! Just in case the bar on Sat got empty some how. *grin* Friday night was a bonding time for Misty, Sue, and I. And about 15 people that ended up watching us on web cam. But that story is for another time.
We talked a lot with Lecktor on SL, as we still felt bad he ended up not being able to come, and we wanted to make him feel he was there as much as possible. I will forever claim the “paint bucket issue” was not my fault!! *grin* It was also this first night that I realized people honk ALL the time in NY. I had ridden in a cab only like twice in my life before this night. By the end of the trip, I will have been in a cab no less than a dozen times.Saturday we wake early. Misty treated Sue and me to a day at the Nail Salon. I have never had fingernails longer than the tips of my fingers. The nails are still here and wow typing is much different with these things on. haha. The nail experience would hold the first very geeky thing I did during the conference. Before leaving the salon, the three of us had the initials "SL" painted on our pointer finger. And despite the playful teasing I've received since returning home, I'm actually going to be sad to see these initials fade off my pretty fingertip. Misty is brilliant for coming up with the idea.
We told naughty jokes on the sidewalk while waiting for the cab to take us home to get ready for the Saturday party.Impatient as ever, I pleaded to just lets go!! As soon as we were ready, we headed out to the party. It started at 7pm and we got there at a quarter to 6pm. *blush* As we stepped out into the rain, we realized we were not the first people there. Let the party start!!
Ok. Here is a good time to mention I am from Georgia. The clothes I took with me were short sleeved or long sleeved but as sheer as could be. And it was cold and rainy just about the whole trip. I froze to my bones, and my long hair frizzed to beyond belief. But I would not be stopped. We stepped out into the rain, and the first we met were Cutter Rubio, Robin Vogel, and Postmark Jensen.
Quick greetings and we run inside for a bit of warmth. We found the upstairs were we would all be soon. But we were told we had to go back downstairs because it had to be cleaned up before the party. So down we went. By this point, all of us with SL were in this back corner. Longing for Anti-push scripts because we stood in this tight space near the restrooms. We were at least treated to some fun drunk cute college boys dancing up on us. I mentioned that it would be nice to see more females in the bar, but I was too happy to let that thought get me down.
Sue was all smiles, her camera ready. Me forever shying away from the camera.. I spent the rest of the trip forever trying to stay out of the camera's way. Except a few weak moments where I allowed it to be done. I look horrid in pictures. I am so much cuter in person.
hehe.. Misty was as outgoing and vibrant as ever. Even with the tiny SL crowd we were all talking and having a great time. Misty asked me if I thought any Lindens would show that night. I told her Robin Linden was already here! That she had been the one we met outside with Cutter! Ok. So that started an oops that would last me the whole trip. *blush*Pushed and bumped left and right, I will forever remember Postmark as the person who kept pulling me out of harms way. I get so oblivious, and he was so sweet to keep me from being plowed over. hehe.. Postmark would be a constant figure around me during my trip (everywhere but at Misty's). And I have to say, he is a great guy. Kind and fun.
So we are waiting, wondering when the rest of the crowd will get here. Will we be all that shows up? A few of us order drinks. In walks Flip and Jenn and Val. I recognize Flip in an instant. And Jenn just made my jaw drop. So beautiful, and so unique. Jenn was everything I knew she would be. And in an instant I knew this was going to be an even more amazing time than I had thought.
More chatter as they prepare the bar upstairs. More of the SL crowd is showing up and we are crowding into this little corner. I turn around and see this incredible looking woman. I had to find out who she was. And thus I met Anshe. I swear my heart skipped a beat. I turned and met her husband(partner?). I introduced myself and moved on. I knew before I went, and especially after laying eyes on her, that Anshe would be sought as someone to talk to. Knowing that Anshe and I will never possibly run in the same circles, I decided then and there I would leave her attention free to others who she would get to know much better than me.
The rest of the conference, I crossed paths with her and her husband(partner?) in passing. Polite words spoken of course, but I never did take the chance to know them. This was not for ill at all...and honestly because of the reasons stated above. This also leaves me being able to truthfully state, "I have nothing to share" [about Anshe and co.] So don't bother asking. hehe
Time for a smoke!! A bunch of us head outside. And by the way, it was a lot of fun getting in and out of this bar. You really couldn't do so without grinding with at least one person along the way. haha.. Outside, the rain is pouring. And we are just waiting to go upstairs for the party! Here I saw one of those things I think I will always say "Only in NY". I kid you not, there was a man walking up and down the sidewalk with an umbrella in his hand. And he was selling use of the umbrella for 3 minutes for one dollar!! And people were buying!! haha... That is a scene I will *never* forget!
So time lost chatting, smoking, and witnessing NY. We hurry back in. Now there is a line to get up the stairs! Ok. wait. There were 5 of us here over an hour and half, and we are suddenly at the back of the line!! You know what that made me think??? Damn I gotta quit smoking.
Ok. So we are heading up the stairwell. Greetings are going up and down. Shouts and waves and innuendoes about butts in faces. Come on! You *knew* that would happen. haha.. And me of course flirting with the bouncer about the fact he may have to help me down the stairs later due to my 4 inch heel boots. He smiled. LOL.. FINALLY we make it to the top of the stairs. My badge is there! Cybin Monde had put all our submitted avatar pictures on cards. I got mine right away. Sue was next to me, and they couldn't find hers. We wondered where Misty was?? We look up.. Misty is already sitting at the bar chatting away! MISTY DRINKS!!
And so begins the *real* party.
If you have ever been to a crowded bar, willingly or not, this was scene straight out of the movies. Tiny space, a crowd closing in on one hundred, including a bar, pool table, a finger food table, and even a DJ booth. Let this be a learning experience to club owners. Tiny spaces equals forced socialization. Screwdriver in hand, I began my circle through the crowd. And if you could smoke inside in NY, I have no doubt this whole room would be cloudier than it was by the end of the evening. *wink*
After 15 minutes I already started feeling perverse. I was grabbing at everyone's stomach to find their ID card. It was as brutal as touching a pregnant woman's stomach. But the darn badge ropes were so long! I had wrapped mine around my wrist. So picture me grabbing at someone's mid-section, pulling it up, and having my badge flash in their face as I did so! I claim still, if you felt violated by me, blame the organizers. *grin* *blush*
Around I went. I Met Seldon.. who reminded me of a huge teddy bear. Satchmo and Digi (I had to stop myself from wanting to flirt with Digi..).. I then met Nyna. I had to admit to her that I wanted to call her "Nine Ahh" and she laughed and told me it should be more like "Knee Na". *blush*. So many I met.. When I happened upon someone I was so looking forward to meeting, Jade Lily. I already knew Jade was male. But never did I expect this adorable young creature that I would be face to face with. The braces melted me. *HUGE HUGS* happened. And I even let myself get a picture with Jade! If ever I could adore someone more than I already did... Jade would be the person I came away from this experience feeling so about. Jade's smile carried me through much of the conference.
Standing there with Jade, I hear cries of Philip coming up the stairs. Of course we all turn.. there is not silence, but there is of course freak me leaning over the banister. *blush* And it was then I remember there were Lindens at this party. haha.. Jeska. woah. Her eyes eased me for the day ahead. I never saw Jeska without a smile on her face, and she was great fun to chat with. Deanna Linden teased me. I love to be teased. Bub I would not talk to for much time later (and he turned out to be the funniest person I have met in ages… though I still have a huge crush on Jeff Linden, I think I’ve really joined the ranks of “Bub Lovers” now. Haha). Pathfinder scared me a bit at first, but he was such a doll that my fear did not last long, and of course Philip had me clutching for napkins with the need to wipe the sweat from my forehead. This is one man that is true eye candy. Of course he knows that. And by now I'm so caught up in the conversations, the music, the drinking… I turn and get to meet CrowCatcher. And that's when I lost my knees.
Mind you, CrowCatcher and I have known each other for ages in world. But I swear to all get out, I had NO IDEA he looked like Christian Bale!! I would spend the rest of the trip asking everyone if they agreed.. and of course they did. And Fionna. I had not seen Fionna in over a year in world. And she remembered me!! She was about too good looking for Crow. *grin* If I had to name the most *drool* worthy couple at this conference, it would be them. But I would not be so shallow as to say that out loud. *cough*
Music is playing.. We are all drinking and having a great time. At this point the party is in full force. I'm still making my way through the crowd. A few have already told me we had met a bit ago. I have a long term memory not short!! This would haunt me into the next day as I continued to re-meet many for the first time. haha,.. *blush* And I met so many people I knew and did not know.. Such an incredible amount of great people I could not begin to name them all. At one point I turn and there is Maxx Monde! I had to stop and chat for a bit. Maxx is one of my favorite people ever, and someone I went to NY really wanting to meet. Party mingle continues.. I end up at the pool table. Only one person thought to bring a laptop!! It was laid out on the pool table… So a few of us chat on it… Pictures, music, chat, mingling... smoking outside in the rain.
And here is where I do the second geekiest thing of my trip. *blush*
There was a man selling roses on the street. Ok sue me, I was really drunk by now. And my first thought was, I wanted to buy Philip a rose. So I did. *blush*
I go back upstairs, I weed through the crowd. And I lost my nerve.
I thrust the rose into Phillip's hand and said thank you this is for you thank you and ... I rushed off.. I've seen a picture since that night... Philip has the rose in his mouth. hehe.. I don't know why I lost my nerve. It happens sometimes. I wish I would have given him the hug and the thank you I really wanted to. But, I'll not regret that at least I got that rose into his hands. And eventually his mouth! *wink*
The night is winding down. Sue is still picture happy as ever.. haha.. Misty is ready to go, and she is right. We have to be up early the next morning. I put up a fight. I don't want to go. I never do.. haha.. But eventually sweet Misty (with the help of Beau Perkins I think.. hehe) gets me into the cab. Sue is already there, camera still going and this huge smile. Sue is such a doll!! Misty, Sue and I... and woah!! Crucial jumps in the cab. haha.. Ok. we are off (every 5 mins the poor cab driver had to listen to us ask "can we smoke?" NO... "can we smoke?" NO.. *blush*)!! Back to Misty's for a couple more drinks and laughs (Crucial is so much fun to hang out with.. and is now a new dear friend)... then time to pass out for the true conference tomorrow morning.. err, *this* morning!
I sleep for five minutes and Misty wakes me up! PEN!! Time to get ready. OMG!!
Rush to get ready. Sometime in the night I had lost my badge, but I kept the strap around my arm the rest of the trip. hehe Sue is out of commission. With much protest, and sadness, we leave Sue passed out in bed (she would spend the day resting and watching the conference from within SL) Misty, Crucial and I head into a cab for the Conference. Misty and I are nervous about our Panel speeches, and Crucial is passed out (As Crucial would spend the majority of the day.. hehe). Misty has lost her voice. We arrive at the Law School. We all three stagger out of the cab.
Early again!! At least there is coffee.. I'm still, err, drunk from the night before. Misty hits high social mode. Crucial heads for the couch, and I head for the free coffee..
So we get there as everything is being set up. Bagels! Breakfast is out even. Slowly people start filtering in. It is really bright in here.. And I'm cold and still, err, really tipsy. and hanging out by the coffee.. Anshe's crowd comes in and puts these amazing posters on the wall. I'm wanting to hit on Anshe.. so.. I figure time to head outside for a smoke. *blush*
I think Beau Perkins is one of the first I meet outside. I only know Beau from the forums. Woah.. He just reminded me of this clean cut athletic person. Beau became one of my favorite people throughout the day. He was always helping me with a light or a friendly conversation. Just one of the better people I got to meet this trip. And I could not believe how many people I met that were from Atlanta! As I went around meeting people on this morning, I was told by many that I had already met them the night before, some of them several times. *blush*
Back inside with me. More COFFEE!! Ohh! We buy T-shirts now. And I'm chatting. Saying hello to the early people coming in. Being social as ever. And honestly I don't remember how it happened, but suddenly I'm hearing, "hey Pen I'm Kendra"..
Aside from Misty and Sue of course.. if there is one person that I would wish to come back to NY for, it is Kendra, I spent the next several hours hanging out with Kendra, In conferences, smoke breaks, lunch, Prok fight, (which hell.. I didn't know was going to be on camera.. thanks for getting me while eating.. gah.. I'm sure everyone is going to love seeing me much on a ham sandwich.. thanks guys!! .. lol).. Just basically.. I don't know if I have met a more fascinating woman in years. And Kendra spent her bday with us that day. I hope she had a great one!! She also made me laugh constantly throughout the day as she would say “OMG!!!” everytime I told her who someone was. She was so teasing me.
Outside that day, while smoking, the two people I got to spend the most time with were Neil and Neph. Neil reminds me of a young Frank Sinatra. He just looked so sharp. And Neph. Well, she just dazzled me. Neph has eyes you could drown in if you lingered too long. But her lips were shivering so much, I had to keep fighting the urge I had to hold her tight and keep her warm. At one point her and I were outside shivering away, and she offered her coat to me. I didn't want to take it, but she insisted. That gesture of kindness, will be one that I carry with me for my life. Nor will I forget how she is such a part of SL. These are the kind of people that do, and will continue to, make this SL world so great.
In and out all day. All of the panels were amazing. The topics were right on with what most wanted to discuss. So many topics were covered and so much was learned! And it was really fun watching on the big screen as the conference was streamed into SL. Torely’s watermelon rockets shooting at the screen gave us all a great laugh.
I was honored to be on a Panel with Jade, Misty, and Simon (of the Port ). We shared our SL experience with everyone. And each of us told stories that were very different experiences, though all were amazing. And we had a six degrees of Jade Lily type thing going on, as we had each had major experiences with Jade in world. Hehe.. I made it through the panel with my ears burning and my heart sorry for Misty still having no voice! She was great as usual though!More conference panels. All of them were really informative and fun. But it had to come to an end at some point. I run out for another cup of coffee and a smoke. I pretty much drank coffee all day to stay warm. Many of the Lindens were leaving at this point. Philip kissed me on the cheek when giving me a goodbye hug *blush*. Then everyone left was called in for a huge group picture was on the stage. Afterwards, Flip comes up, puts his arm around me, grins and says “Ready for round two PenPen?” haha.. How could I say no to that!
So that night, groups went out for drinks and socializing. Some stayed out later than others. hehe.. Either way, they topped off a great event. And even though her and I were exhausted, there was no way Misty and I were going to let the last bit of the event we had to spend with others get away from us. I got to have a few last hours with some really incredible people. Who have touched my life in ways they would never understand. Dinner, drinks, and great conversations.
And then Misty and I said goodbyes for over an hour before finally tearing ourselves from the building. Tired and worn out, and missing Sue, we hailed a cab and headed home...
We woke before 7am the next morning. Sue and I began our departure. We all cried as each of us parted ways. The details of our trips home are mundane, so I won't bother sharing those stories,. The only regret I have from this trip is of not meeting every single soul in attendance, But of course I know that is impossible.. And it gives me something to look forward to for the next SLCC. Which by the way I have already started saving for. *grin*
So in a nutshell (I kid you not) that was my SLCC experience. There is so much more I could share, but if I don’t send this now, I’ll be adding to it for ages. *blush* Thank you again to the organizers of the SLCC ,and thank you to everyone in attendance, Lindens and residents, for making SL such an incredible place to live a second life in. And thank you those who read my story! I’ll see you world!! *HUGS*
