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Well it looks like I was beat to it by people who care more and probably have fewer kids. Official Class of 2003 reunion planning was started on facebook it seems.

I'm not sure why I actually care as much as I do, possibly because I actually had a pretty good time at Service. But the idea of this reunion thing has actually been on my mind for the a bit and I actually do want to somehow make it fun and inviting for everyone.

I think a sizable chunck of the idkfa community are '03 grads, any thoughts on how we, in our own small way can push this endeavor to potential awesomeness?

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Oh no, oh no, oh no...

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hmm, grow an outrageous beard. Good Idea josh.

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In all seriousness, it is hard to believe that much time has passed (not the 25 years that passed in Jumanji, but still).

I'm not familiar at all with how such a thing is organized. Are there people already in charge of setting it up? How do they get in contact with people (particularly those that have changed addresses numerous times in the intervening years)? If it's through Facebook, how are they assured that somebody (like me) isn't trying to disrupt the possibility of being found in some crusade for Internet privacy? Will there be a time and place for a dance number?

Anyhow. Sorry for not being helpful. Already having to take measured breaths, and it's more than a year out.

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That is correct sir, a year still. And to be honest my understanding of organizing anything at all, let a lone a party such as this is pretty slim. Either way other people are spearheading it, I'm just planning on giving input on the matter whether or not it's asked for.

But in all seriousness, we should grow beards. Really, really awesome beards. (internet, you know what to do)

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Once upon a time class reunions were organized by the senior year class president. I don't know if that's the case for my reunion or if it is for your reunion.

Either way you should grow crazy beards for it.

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It's the same at my high school (which, as a side note, is a rather backward place). The trick is to get elected class president, then your problems are solved. No reunion for my class. Ever.

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Yeah that's who's taking care of it, I think it's the class president and such. Shit if I can remember who those people were, that shit was like 9 years ago.

I've heard about whats going on for the SHS class of '02. Sounds a bit like a cluster, Katy's might not even bother going. Instead she's holding out for '03.

It sounds like anyone can start organizing the event, which is why I had vague plans of hijacking mine and organizing it. Makes sense considering the copious amounts of time I now have and my general level of motivation. Yep, this is why I keep my plans vague.

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My graduating class ('02) has had a reunion page since '07. They had a 5-year reunion so everyone's kids could meet. Thank god I'm missing my reunion this June.

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oh crap. what if your class president is a heroin addict?! luckily, i'm '04.

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Class reunion at NA, woo!

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Appears that a mailing went for the Class of 2003 reunion save the date, scheduled June 21st, 2013. Emailing serviceclassof2003@gmail.com, I guess, puts you on their mailing list. Though, word to the wary, they did already expose the email addresses of everyone on their list so far. I asked them to use BCC henceforth.

Apparently, the last ten years has made me paranoid.

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I thought of you when I noticed the same thing. And then sent a reply;

"Not that I care too much myself, but you may want to use the wonder that is BCC when sending out these mass emails. Just in case there are a few who would rather keep their primary email somewhat private."

I love how their reply had absolutely nothing to do with the issue addressed;

"Sorry, but we are trying to reach the entire class and the only way we can find everyone is if people send us emails of their friends that we don't have already. Just trying to contact everyone we possibly can...it is taking forever to track everyone own."

Their assumption is that there will be a cadre of people who give enough of a shit to go through the entire mailing list, presumably with yearbook in hand, looking for the people they know who are missing. Just know this Josh, I sent that for you baby, for you...

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I was reminded by the recent email from the SHS 2003 reunion group that they need someone to lead this party to glory. Granted I don't really have the time or the necessary skills to make this happen. But as I have said before I have some odd deep seated desire to be involved.

If for some strange reason anyone else has that same odd desire I say we hijack this thing and take over planning. I'm too much of a pussy to even think of attempting it on my own, and I kinda hope someone else steps up and says they'll do it.

Just airing my secret desires I guess. Though seriously, Erik, Big H... COME ONNN!

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Wasn't the expectation at the time that the Class of 2003 student government (or the available members) would organize this?

It seems silly, I suppose, to have a group of maybe a dozen teenagers pen themselves in for something 10 years down the road, but for some reason that notion sticks in my head.

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I think that is how it's supposed to work with our student government taking the load upon themselves. I don't even really remember who those people were precisely at this time. I wonder if people think of that when they run.

What's funny to me is that I normally hate organizing things, I like to show up and have a good time, but for the last few years here at work I've found myself on party planning committee's, informally becoming the happy hour organizer, part of the safety committee, and also part of the organizing committee for John's cub scout pack. I don't even like doing it most of the time, yet here I am planning another work Christmas party...

I feel like its some awkward bit of fate that draws me in like a moth to flame.

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A recent email I received:

Dear Class of 2003 Alumni,

I've had a few of you inquire about the date of this year's reunion in order to purchase tickets. We will be celebrating our 10 year reunion will be held the weekend of Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21. I am currently working with a few venues to lock down a location for a formal event and once that is done, I will send out another email with more information.

I would love to have a few volunteers, even ones from afar, to help with the planning, brainstorming, making phone call, etc., process. If you are interested, please feel free to email me!

Also, if you haven't done so already, please check out our facebook page and share with fellow 2003 grads for all the updates!! www.facebook.com/ServiceClassOf2003 (facebook.com)


Thanks,

Sarah Erickson
Class of '03, Reunion Event Planner

I have their page... (sigh) "Liked" on Facebook.

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Is this a three day event? The fuck?

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Yeah... I really want to know what that means. Is it... is it going to be like a reality TV show? Every day we get voted off based on popularity, scheming, and subterfuge?

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From Katy's dad I hear that a weekend long type thing isn't uncommon. They'll have something informal 1 night, a big formal event another, then some kind of fun activity another day. That or they can't nail anything down so they just want people to be aware of the entire weekend being a possibility for an activity till a venue gets rented and secured...

I did in fact offer to help two days ago, funny because I think my email may have prompted this last mass letter to everyone because i was asking questions about what was going on. Kinda pissed because our anniversary is the next weekend and we're going to mexico for a several days to celebrate.

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Yeah, the 02 reunion had events throughout the weekend like JD says. I didn't go to any of them.

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Funny story from my reunion that I didn't attend. Official event by senior class officers: It was planned in a private room (top floor really) of a bar (that also served food) and was $65/ticket. There was an optional party bus for the clubbing district afterwards. A lot of people were offended/angry at the cost. The facebook page was interesting.

So a couple of people got together and put on an alternative reunion event. It was a family friendly bbq/potluck in a park. They started their facebook page with "now that we all have children and responsibilities, we can't party like we used to..." which was a huge slam on the other event. And I laughed because I knew those girls and 1. they never partied in high school and 2. they really thought that by that point the majority of people had kids which a quick glance at facebook profiles disproved.

To their credit the senior class officers were really gracious about the whole thing. Juding from photos, a lot of people attended both.

And yes I remember during senior class elections the reunion thing being mentioned. Though it does seem weird to hold people to vague promises made at 17.

My siblings are class of 03 and their senior class president is someone we've known since he was a toddler. He's never been good at organization. He didn't even book somewhere for the reunion. The plan is "everyone show up at the same extremely popular and crowded bar and hangout on this one night". That should go well.

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cheaper than mine.

still not worth it, in my eyes

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that seems pretty average, at any rate the fact they moved the date to July 20th. A mere 5 days before my anniversary and a week after we get back from Mexico kinda tells me Katy and I might not make it. I would like to, mostly just to get the chance to hang with everyone. Anyway we'll see.

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We'll have our own reunion! With hookers! And blackjack! And... nobody we didn't really expect to see, anyway :)

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First of all, I'm not sure if I should be pleased and relieved or offended and sad that I don't seem to be on anyone's mailing list/radar for these things.

Secondly, there is now about a 75% chance that I will be in Alaska in July. Should I actually go to this?

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I'm conflicted on it.

My parents and other relatives say that I should go, as it's an interesting study in other people's lives, and that it only happens once every ten years, and that it serves as a good comparison for one's twentieth reunion.

On the other hand, based on brief polling, there's considerable disinterest up here. Plus, I'd probably rather be out biking. Plus, I'd actually have to talk to people. Or remember people's names.

I don't know. Such things remind me of when you have to decide whether to go to a funeral for somebody you didn't know very well. You're at once a piece of shit for going and offering shallow condolences, and a piece of shit if you decide you'd rather honor their death by doing some living. (Also, not referring to any specific funerals.)

Sorry. Dark analogy.

#5060, kaiden, +12Y | root latest up search (edited)
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Oh I'm sure we could find a way to forward Robby's email to the right people if that is a worry.

So my social tendencies are not the same as Josh by any means so take this as you will. I figure its an interesting way to just see people. Some I might actually care about hearing what they've done beyond the facade that facebook puts up, but don't care so much that I go out of my way to know what these people are doing. Probably just because I'm a bad long distance friend this seems like a perfectly reasonable opportunity.

Of course there are a lot of other people I don't really know/didn't care about that it might just be interesting to hear from. Shit I never even knew Kyler until I met him at WSU for what I felt like was genuinely the first time. Maybe there are more people who might fall into this category if I go and talk to them again.

Lastly I really hope there are the kind of people pathetically hanging on to how great high school was and are looking forward to this opportunity to be that same person they were way back when. To relive all that was great in their life. I would find that pretty funny to see.

I guess I'm pretty entertained by people, I like being around them. Hell I even like sitting and chatting to people I don't like here at work just because I enjoy conversation. But these would be my reasons for going which mostly would be less compelling to you. I can ride my bike any night, in fact by July I might be a bit burnt out.

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I actively squashed the idea of my class doing a ten year reunion. Mostly because awkwardly standing around a restaurant with a maximum of twenty one people (plus SOs and children) never sounds like a good idea, no matter how you spin it. Also, I pretty much despised every single person in my graduating class and have thanked the gods daily since my departure that I achieved escape velocity. (Anyone who remembers my high school fondly was either delusional or a drug-addled twat.)

The motives for reunions always seem out of place to me. If there are people from your class whose lives you want to be involved in, will a class reunion really change your interactions with them? Will it really help you rekindle some long-forgotten relationship (platonic or otherwise)?

Ultimately, high school reunions seem to me to be about dick measuring. He has a BMW! She has six kids! Or, perhaps, smugly proclaiming "well at least I didn't fuck up my life after I graduated from high school." (That, aside, would likely be my reaction to most things experienced at a reunion. But, again, I can read, which is a rarity among rural Oklahomans.)

Regardless, it is a rare opportunity, and if you think it's something you'd enjoy doing, the price of admission is, relatively speaking, pretty low (assuming you already plan to be in ANC). Law of Anecdotes, right?

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From the most recent email:

Dear Service Class of 2003,

We are emailing you because there has been so much confusion and mixed messages surrounding our high school 10-year reunion. We apologize for all the inconveniences and we are here to set the record straight.

Due to lack of leadership and poor planning we are unable to hold the 10-year reunion event that has been advertised on our Facebook page and we’ve been emailing about the last couple of months. We apologize for completely dropping the ball on this incredibly important event and realize that we let you down on an occasion that so many of you were looking forward to. For those of you who have purchased tickets please know you will be reimbursed for your purchase through PayPal and we appreciate you supporting the initial event.

However, all is not lost, we are still bound and determined to throw some sort of 10-year reunion party! For those of you who will be in town, in Anchorage, we will be having a barbecue July 20, 2013 as a scaled down celebration of our 10 years since high school. We will be providing, burgers, hot dogs, side dishes and all the fixin’s for this BBQ, all we ask is you bring your own beer and $5.00 per guest at the door. We have yet to figure out the location and time, but we’ll be keeping in touch to let you know those details through email and our Facebook page.

We apologize again, for those of you who bought tickets, supported our Facebook page and this year’s event and we hope this doesn’t deter you in attending this scaled down version of our reunion. For those of you in town, we hope to see you all on July 20th! Thank you all for your understanding and we appreciate your support and look forward to a rockin’ BBQ!

Cheers,

Your class of 2003 party planners

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Well this is perfect for anyone who thought that three days was too long, and $50.00 was too expensive.

Seriously though, they should figure out was Bcc is, and have gotten their shit together.

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I expected so much more from our generation.

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Wow, talk about "Full of Fail."

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I have been tagged in multiple posts on facebook about people trying to make something happen, because they will not accept this failure. It makes me kind of want to go.

#5124, Scrotor, +12Y | root latest up search | latest
...which was started +2 days after this thread...
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Recent iMessage Conversation:

1: I'm at the store and have a coupon. Which Old Spice Body Wash do you use?

2: The one on the shelf.

1: There are four on the shelf.

2: That's what I mean.

1: *headdesk*

#3919, kitacek, +13Y in Mercy General | root latest up search | latest
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I only remember this one part of my dream last night, and I thought it was share-worthy only because it scared me so badly:

I somehow got under a train (maybe it was because I slipped on a berm of snow?) and it started to move. I rolled with the train to keep myself from being sliced in half, but then there was something on the tracks I had to maneuver my body over. I did this with success, and ended up getting out from under the train, but I woke up very stressed out.

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"Ran over by train." That's a subconscious fear I haven't heard before.

#3916, kaiden, +13Y | root latest up search | latest
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I have something embarrassing to admit, and I think you nerds are the only people who may understand. I like to write songs sometimes, but I don't have anything to write about. I mean, I have LOTS to write about, but writing personally is difficult, especially difficult to make interesting to anyone who isn't you, and REALLY difficult to share with anyone besides your own furtive tears. Anyway, I started writing songs about X-Men, because it seemed easy. And it has been. So now I've got all these songs about X-Men which I can never use because I'll never get rights.

Anyway, it's kind of grossly embarrassing that I've A) spent this much time thinking about the internal dialogue and struggles of the X-People, B) decided to compound nerdiness with nerdiness by musicalizing them in the style of musical theatre, and C) that I'm so proud of them that I'd like other people to hear them. Since I'll be ridiculed anywhere else I attempt to showcase these, and because you're all nerdy comics-loving theatre-fag types, I'm giving them to you. Witness my shame.

I'm going to post a new one every so often, I'll update here when I do.

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First up is everyone's favorite fuck-up, Jubilee!

http://www.robbiec...om/Songs/X-Men.html (www.robbiecowan.com)

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Love it.

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OMG, that was awesome! Can I now request every other slightly minuscule X-Men character? Do you actually read the comic books? Can you do a song about the Pro-Registration/Anti-Registration series? What about Hulk? He's had so many variants from stupid green to smart gray and then i think smart green, and then warbound hulk... that would be killer..

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Whooaa. Nerd overload! Everyone stand back!

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What can I say.. me made me soil my pants.

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The better question: Was it X-men in general or X-men set to music that really pushed you over the edge? Inquiring minds want to know.

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It's funny- I've only ever read a smattering of the books. I was addicted to the cartoon on FOX KIDS (rocks kids) as a child, but was forbidden from watching it by my parents, which made it all the more tantalizing.

I think what doesn't work about a Hulk character song is the lack of continuity in his character. I mean, X-Men suffer from this too, to a certain extent, but the combination of their powers and position in the team make them very clearly defined characters, which makes for easy pickin's as far as song writing goes.

I will take requests, though. The most obscure character I've written so far is Northstar, whose song make take awhile to debut, because I've yet to record it.

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Sheesh, yeah, that's pretty obscure! Nice one.

If I had one request, it'd be for The Tick from the cartoon. I've been on a little bit of a Tick craze lately and it had some great lines.

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Hm, I don't seem to remember a mutant called The Tick.

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He's mixing universes again.

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Yeah he is.

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Bahaha gay and Canadian! Double whammy!

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I think it may be time (www.towleroad.com) to release that Northstar song. Evidently, he's about to get gay married. Comics are way fucking cooler than when we were kids. (groo.com)

#4324, conrad, +13Y | root latest up search | latest
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JUBILEE!

Man, her character is the worst. And who would have known she's Asian?? Only lamer superhero was Dazzler.

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I was secretly hoping for you to make fun of her (rather poorly concealed) Rubber Maid glove fetish from the cartoon. However, still fantastic. You've found a niche, good sir.

That also prompted me to read Jubilee's wikipedia page, where I discovered she "is one of the depowered mutant characters who later reappeared using technology-based powers in the New Warriors comic series. She has since been turned into a vampire." Our childhood is being raped and pillaged by these frauds! Nothing is sacred any more.

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This kind of thing is amazing and brilliant. I like the idea that you just feel like you have something to create, so you take the time to sit down and make it... and then share it with this community. I don't think it's grossly embarrassing, because in all honesty we all have similar such musings, scribbling's or rudimentary projects. I just appreciate you having the gumption to throw it out there for us to savor and bandy about. The world has to see this shit, Robbie.

Also, know that I'll probably share this with my group of college friends on another forum.

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I see it more as an exercise than anything. Like, I just need the practice churning out some material, and I've got to write about something, so here we are. And it just seems silly to let them rot in a drawer somewhere when someone might be momentarily amused by them.

Having people I don't know listen to this shit is totes cool, because I don't really care. it is more the idea that friends of mine might hear how truly, horribly nerdy I am that is embarrassing. You all are already privy to that character trait, though, which is why this is probably the only forum that will ever witness these messes.

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Slightly relevant: I found this (i.imgur.com), which was linked, along with the comment "I'd watch a whole TV show where Wolverine is just living his day to day life (i.imgur.com)." I think I agree (www.youtube.com).

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"I CAN SMMMMELL IT."

X-Men reality show! Real World: Xavier's School! Real Housewives of Prof. X's Mansion! The X-List (the gay version (which the youtube clip could be from))!

Also, for some reason, writing a Wolverine song holds no interest. Don't know why. Just don't expect one.

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I REQUEST WOLVERINE.

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Which one is he?

#3927, Green Man, +13Y | root latest up search (edited)
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Today's hero: Cyclops.

http://www.robbiec...om/Songs/X-Men.html (www.robbiecowan.com)

Kind of shitily sung, but whatever.

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I love the title: "If you could see my eyes..."

Also, all the more impressive that you're doing these while you're on tour.

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My favorite so far: Magneto!

http://www.robbiec...om/Songs/X-Men.html (www.robbiecowan.com)

I really go for gusto in this performance.

Also, recorded this one on iPhone instead of laptop, and I think I like the quality a little better. Meh.

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Good work, sir.

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This one is my favorite so far as well. With slight embelishments (ie, additional instruments) this could totally be the villain's solo from a disney movie.

Also, I may love this one right now because I just went to a bat mitzvah.

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Relevant X-Men Nerdery: X-Men Maths (mattcantdraw.deviantart.com)

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Today's selection: Shadowcat

And I sing it in her key, so that's fun.

http://www.robbiec...om/Songs/X-Men.html (www.robbiecowan.com)

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Hell yes. Good work, man.

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My immediate thought was "Is he going to go there?" You did not disappoint. Kudos.

Also, Wikipedia's entry on Kitty Pyde included this image, which is reminiscent of an aging housewife's romance novels mating with comic books. It's a win-win, really.

#4296, conrad, +13Y | root latest up search (edited)
...which was started +1 day after this thread...
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Oh, the places you'll go! (as told by various Burning Man attendees) (NSFW): http://www.youtube....atch?v=ahv_1IS7SiE (www.youtube.com)

Works strangely well into the surreal nature of Dr. Seuss' illustrations.

#3908, kaiden, +13Y in Mercy General | root latest up search | latest (edited)
...which was started +1 day after this thread...
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We Are Wizards trailer: http://www.youtube....atch?v=24fDD-P7iwU (www.youtube.com)

(featuring Brad Neely, of Wizard People, Dear Reader fame)

#3907, kaiden, +13Y in Mercy General | root latest up search | latest
...which was started +1 day after this thread...
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Santorum is such a douche.

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More like the by-product of not douching enough. Heyo!

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Well played, sir. Well played.

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Still wrong in the literal sense. Douche's are for Vagina's silly, this is more the byproduct of not getting an enema.

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I never have been much good at the whole vagina thing.

#3903, conrad, +13Y | root latest up search | latest
...which was started +1 day after this thread...
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so, as the result of someone's half-serious comment (at the time) about selling their house at a recent party, and a half-serious response (at the time) from me about buying it, I think I'll be joining the homeowner's club relatively soon. Totally excited. Can't wait.

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Dude. That sounds (half) serious! :)

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Sweet developments! Houses are pretty sweet.

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#3883, Green Man, +13Y | root latest up search | latest
...which was started +1 day after this thread...
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Happy 2012 everybody! I hope the whole year doesn't suck as much as this morning did.

#3875, Scrotor, +13Y in Mercy General | root latest up search (edited)
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OOoooOoooh we should do some resolutions. Mine are as follows:

1. Get a six-pack.
2. Play guitar for people.
3. Pass the EIT (yeah, I know I'm behind the curve on this one).

I guess that's good for now. Meeting a nice lady would be pretty awesome, but considering that's not entirely in my hands (damn you, fate!), it can't very well be a resolution.

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I'll go for:

  1. Lose 25lbs (the diet must start again)
  2. Buy new clothing that isn't originally intended for a costume. Retire old wardrobe.
  3. Improve upon my house. Probably by fixing my back deck and/or fencing.

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Time to go GQ all over the place. Hit up Ryan Gosling on the twitters.

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"Hey gurl..."

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The link to a Ryan Gosling tumblr meme was inevitable. The man makes an impossibly awesome suit rack, if nothing else.

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I'll tentatively title 2012 "The Year of the Professional Dilettante."

  1. Drop enough weight to legit wear a skinny tie (guessing 20-25 lbs here.) Additionally, get suit tailored so it actually fits to match.
  2. Finish a book every nine days. Doesn't matter what book, just a book every nine days. In concert, read the Economist every Saturday. Period.
  3. Wear a tie and slacks (suit preferable) to work once a week.
  4. Curtail cursing in public spaces.
  5. Pick up a few sleight of hand tricks for when small talk inevitably fails.
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Curtail cursing in public spaces??? But that's so booooorrrrrring.

And I can only hope that 8 of the books are the main Dune series ;)

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Frank Herbert only wrote six books (Dune, Dune Messiah, Children of Dune, God Emperor of Dune, Heretics of Dune, and Chapterhouse: Dune), sadly. His asshole son finished the series off with two books that are only worth reading so you can see how awesome Duncan Idaho and Miles Teg are. Although, thinking back on it now, perhaps I should read them again. I bet I'd have a whole new perspective on Feyd Rautha's athleticism and physical prowess.

I convinced myself to stop reading them yearly when I discovered the joys of other things in life. Like booze.

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I suppose that's true. Plus reading one every nine days would be grueling as helllll.

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I hope you Gob it up and start totting around ill gotten magic tricks (fuel in your sleeve, dead dove in your breast pocket, etc).

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Illusion, Michael. A trick is something a whore does for money.

I watched the first 3 episodes yesterday. Show is soooooooo gooooood.

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Yes. How glad I am someone picked up that softball. I'm also happy you're finally watching one of the greatest television shows ever.

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"The guy in the $4,000 suit is going to hold the elevator for the guy who doesn't make that in three months. Come on!"

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I really failed at resolutions last year. In the best way possible, actually, but still. I had 3, and your #1 was one of mine, and we see how THAT worked out. The other two became less important as the year wore on.

I'm pretty alright with this, though, and tempted to refrain from making 2012 resolutions. Is this laziness, or self-acceptance?

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Way to be true to yourself, Robbot.

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I guess I'll bother to make a few.

#1 Get in shape, summit some glaciated mountains. Lets shoot for three this year.

#2 Keep both my boys alive to 2013. Might as well give myself an easy one.

#3 And because I'm lazy, Remain married till 2013.

I guess if anyone dies on me I'll either need to quickly and immediately remarry, or adopt another son.

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A little late on this, but here goes:

1. Take a picture of each of my kids, every day. EVERY DAY.

2. Get back to prebaby shape. I think I've got 15 lbs to go.

3. Go to SteamCon this year, in 3 days of full regalia.

4. Finish a craft project every month.

Damn...I better get going...

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How are the baby pictures coming along? I love that idea, since progression (especially at such a wee age) is awesome!

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1. Don't commit suicide!

2. Get properly medicated!

3. Sober the fuck up. No booze. No drugs. Go to NA.

4. Weekly therapy.

5. Go to yoga and ballet. Am so close to doing full splits!

6. Stop smoking!

HAHAHAHA this is gonna be EASY. HA.

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Best of luck in all things.

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It sounds like you are in an upswing! And, your list seems to be perfectly weighted in order of priorities. That is excellent! If it were my list, i'd just hold off on #6 until 2013. Or, only after 1-5 are in order. Or, if you do a musical. THEN IT MIGHT JUST BE EASIER! Just remember: one thing at a time. And, #1>#6.

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2. Is well underway! 40 mg of Prozac/300 mg Wellbutrin coming right up. YUM. AND even a single dose Valium for emergencies. Yessss!

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But, but, (and i'm sure i am not alone) i am most concerned about #1! #1>#2. How is that going? This public forum needs to know!

Valium is a miracle drug and shows my interstitial cystitis and fruit allergy who is boss.

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On further consideration: Maybe you meant this jokingly, as your exclamation points might connote. But if that is not the case, and you are looking to the idkfa community for support, don't mistake any lack of response for a lack of care for your well-being. I know for a fact at least a dozen people saw your message, and even a number of those mentioned it directly to me. Nobody wants to see harm come to you, from yourself or otherwise.

Please don't be a stranger if indeed #1 becomes an issue.

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Whoops. I didn't see this. I am sorry to have caused concern and appreciate the thoughts.

I feel happier every day now, but I tend to forget exactly how miserable I was. Good to be reminded that, for me, drugs and alcohol are BAD.

I'm so grateful to still be alive! It would be terrible to miss this summer.

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No worries. Thanks for shooting us an update.

#4409, kaiden, +13Y | root latest up search | latest
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Progress thus far:

1. So far, so good.

2. Check! Antidepressants and naltrexone FTW.

3. Haven't put a pill up my nose, eaten an unprescribed pill, or had more than one drink in at least 2 months--no booze at all for a month. Sobriety is confusing.

4. Shee-yit, I don't even need it every week.

5. Ugh, the classes are too expensive. And I am so lazy.

6. Holy shit, I haven't smoked a cigarette in 54 days! Almost party time. Juice/kombucha party, I guess; champagne is for those who can handle their liquor.

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Quitting smoking has been awesome. In February I was smoking a pack a day, had a nasty little dry cough, and hadn't walked or run in ages. The first thing that happened was that my lungs produced an astonishing amount of mucus. The blood eventually disappeared from it! (That was probably from snorting drugs, though.) And now I have normal mucus, no cough, and I can run up all the stairs. Also, I feel RICH. A pack of cigarettes and a sixer of beer a day was almost $20! Now I have $20 that I can spend on anything!

YAAAAAAYYYY!!!

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It always gives one pause to say to another, "I'm glad the bleeding stopped." However, in this case, I can say it in no uncertain terms. Good work, and keep with it.

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i have goals! they are:

1. be nicer!

2. practice my piano more.

3. sing louder (and better) at choir.

4. move more while eating about the same.

5. listen to more music and watch less tv. (attempt those play list things and actually purchase music.)

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1) Train for the tour of Anchorage such that I actually beat my seed time this year.

2) Study for and pass the PE exam

3) Prep for and have an actual career development conversation with my boss. More than "Glynn, I have no idea what I want to do with my life...but I'm happy at Alpine; can't I just stay for another year?"

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- Do more weekend trips rather than sitting at home being lame.

- Move back to the west coast.

- Don't fail out of med school. ha.

- Figure out how to be a good wife. (tips anyone?)

- Lose more weight. (5-10 pounds would be great.)

- Do more fun reading - at least between now and August.

- Learn how to cook more Persian dishes.

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Pictures from my camera during the Fairchild-Minaei Event.

(picasaweb.google.com)

2011 Fairchild - Minaei Wedding (picasaweb.google.com)

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Great time, congrats to the happy couple!

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yaay! Thanks so much for taking pictures and for posting! We are both so happy to have so many great friends there to celebrate with us. :)

#3904, CapitolZebra, +13Y | root latest up search | latest
...which was started +1 week after this thread...
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Have a good holiday everyone.

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Awww you guys are so touching.

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Christmas is over, so I can take the gloves off again.

I'll show you touching, baby. Prepare yourself.

#3870, conrad, +13Y | root latest up search | latest
...which was started +1 day after this thread...
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Maybe I'm the only one, but I've really enjoyed the site Retronaut lately (http://www.retronaut.co/) (www.retronaut.co). I'd recommend checking it out, if for nothing else than bizarre and powerful photos taken over a hundred years ago.

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That is an awesome website. I love the tips for single women from 1938. "Don't talk while dancing, for when a man wants to dance he wants to dance."

#3866, Scrotor, +13Y | root latest up search | latest
...which was started +1 week after this thread...
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I wonder, after your beard falls off when you kill yourself, if it immediately attaches to another victim...

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I believe it might. Like the evil mustache from The Tick. http://youtu.be/EZWXRIlAl9w (youtu.be) http://youtu.be/5gqzuPRbkfA (youtu.be)

Really need to find the whole episode instead of these clips. But I loved that episode.

#3863, Governator, +13Y | root latest up search (edited)
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The Tick!! I need to watch that show. It was so good. Apparently it's been released on DVD...

#3864, Scrotor, +13Y | root latest up search | latest
...which was started +1 day after this thread...
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Apparently Louie C.K. produced, directed, shot, made, hammerededed out, flimed, scored, directed, imagined, and is selling a stand up special for $5 on his website:

https://buy.louisck.net/statement (buy.louisck.net)

I really enjoy his TV show Louie. It's kind of like Seinfield as it has his standup in between the main show bits, but generally each episode ends in a lesson learned and so in that aspect leaps bounds over Seinfield.

I just wanted to post this as it's independent of any major producers or companies, and all the profits go straight to him.

Also it has no DRM or region restrictions. Praise Jesus!

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Yup, already made a substantial profit. Maybe there is hope for humanity after all.

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Man.. got to love working for the Internets.. just downloaded the HD version. 1.1Gb's in about a minute.

#3859, Governator, +13Y | root latest up search | latest
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WORLD PREMIERE:

Costco! The Musical was a piece developed on twitter by some idkfa-ers. I'm pleased to present two hit singles from the show, as yet to be actually written.

http://www.robbiec..._Musical/Songs.html (www.robbiecowan.com)

I wrote these in an hour on the subway today, so don't expect much.

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#3847, Green Man, +13Y | root latest up search (edited)
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This is absolutely amazing. And I love the characterization of the late-night stocker at Costco.

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Absolutely genius. This is a musical I'd pay to see. Repeatedly. Totally direct to Broadway, am I right? We should record that twitter stream on idkfa for posterity's benefit.

A hat tip to you, Mr. Cowan. Incredible.

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Copy-pasta, in no particular order:

@kaiden 12 Dec "Tuesday, tuesday, the buy-away-your-blues day..." #costcothemusical

@kaiden 12 Dec Act 2, Scene 4, "Empty Racks, Empty Hearts" #costcothemusical @cwcobb @robbiecowancom

@kaiden 12 Dec Act 1, Scene 3, "Better Living through Kirkland" #costcothemusical @cwcobb @robbiecowancom

@kaiden 12 Dec @cwcobb What's this? What's this? There's samples everywhere... #costcothemusical

@kaiden 12 Dec See people you know at Costco. Don't say hi. #whereeverybodyknowsyourname

@cwcobb 12 Dec You know there's going to be a dance montage eating your way through the available samples #costcothemusical

@cwcobb 12 Dec Circle the Parking Lot (Reprise) #costcothemusical @robbiecowancom @kaiden @rutledgemd

@cwcobb 12 Dec That Cashier Stole My Heart (and my identity) #costcothemusical

@cwcobb 12 Dec The Fuller the Cart, the Bigger the Savings #costcothemusical @kaiden @robbiecowancom @rutledgemd

@cwcobb 12 Dec Pallets of Happiness, Gallons of Joy #costcothemusical

@rutledgemd 12 Dec Sweet temptations, rampant indigestion. Costco hotdog, why have you forsaken me? #costcothemusical

@rutledgemd 12 Dec Bucket of yogurt, dinner for six. #costcothemusical @cwcobb @robbiecowancom @kaiden

@rutledgemd 12 Dec Expired coupons, broken dreams #costcothemusical @robbiecowancom @cwcobb @kaiden

@rutledgemd 12 Dec @cwcobb @robbiecowancom @kaiden Lo, get out of the aisle, aging mouthbreather #costcothemusical

@robbiecowancom 12 Dec @kaiden @cwcobb I'm 100% serious when I say that if you write the book/lyrics, I will write the score. #costcothemusical

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This is fantastic. Fan-fuckin-tastic.

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I'd buy that soundtrack!

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Tickets for opening night please!

#3871, akarmybrat, +13Y | root latest up search | latest
...which was started +2 days after this thread...
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Submitted without comment.

http://community.th...read/59884800.aspx (community.thebump.com)

Actually, I'll give this comment: BWAHAHAHAHA

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Lolo, what a gullible chick.

Man thinks: I've never got to try fisting, that would be cool to just cunkle a bitch.

(years later) Woman: "I'm scared about tearing during childbirth."
Man: *DING* "Well, we could practice to stretch you out a little bit."
Woman: "But how would we do that?"
Man: "Well, I read this book on fertility, and there's this technique called fisting..."

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I knew I was missing something in all our preparations.

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That man is an opportunist.

Also, that shit is about to get wrecked, so to speak, so you might as well find ways to make good use of the time prior to the proverbial "pumpkin chunkin'" that it's about to be involved with.

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He's not the only one. A responding comment says:

"Totally. Started years ago to be sure it was all good when the time came. Labor and delivery was a breeze. Like throwing a hot dog down a hallway. Keep at it you'll get there!"

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I like the comment:

"Her vagine is going to hang like sleeve of wizard."

#3853, Governator, +13Y | root latest up search | latest
...which was started +5 days after this thread...
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so i got a shoutout at the company christmas party about how cool my idea was for bringing a trampoline to Flattop.

It got me thinking, what's the next cool thing to do, i.e., what's the next thing to do with something you don't expect to see somewhere?

so....how many of you guys have passports and want to go for a drive?

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I've never been to Belize.

(that's a lie)

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Volcano Crater and moon shoes

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I was thinking about the "Welcome to Alaska" sign that's immediately across the border from here.

It's missing a bouncy house.

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that sounds like a summer time endeavor.

If you say you want to do some thing that someone wouldn't expect to see somewhere, then there has to be a few people to actually see it at all. I don't think there is much traffic at the border crossing in the winter months.

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yes, i am thinking about this summer with this plan.

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That would be pretty epic.

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I really want to go to Dawson and get myself a Sour Toe Drink. You also get a certificate, you know, for the wall. I'll put it next to my soccer trophies from elementary school.

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Like I said, I'm down.

#3856, Scrotor, +13Y | root latest up search | latest
...which was started +5 days after this thread...
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Finished all of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. So much awesome. Keep the pony drawings.

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What was your favorite? I still have fond memories of Dumpster Baby..

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There are a lot of really great episodes. So many scenes of depraved hilarity. The Nightman Cometh, Lethal Weapon 5, Charlie's uncle (the lawyer), the dance marathon... just, so much awesome.

The Xmas Special, though, is just sooooo good. Truly fantastic, and my favorite.

#3860, Scrotor, +13Y | root latest up search | latest
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So if I theoretically wanted to upload an audio clip to idkfa, would I have to just make a link to another site? Like upload it on my website and link to it there? Or is there a way to embed it in a post?

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A link is your best bet.

#3823, kaiden, +13Y | root latest up search | latest
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I read The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay over the last 5 days. Awesome trilogy. Can't wait for the movie in March.

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Piiiiiiiiita!

#3820, CatLady, +13Y | root latest up search | latest
...which was started +6 days after this thread...
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As per the ancient idkfa tradition, a tradition which I started and which I seem single handedly concerned with preserving, this is the part where we post what we're thankful for. You know, because. Go.

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This year I'm going with frozen york peppermint patties, sarcasm, and pasta.

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I'm thankful for the set of dishes my family passed down to me to store in my hutch.

(I was informed this evening there was a fistfight involved in getting them to me? Oh man, I don't know... I need a drink.)

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I want to climb the tallest building in anchorage and throw each blessed plate down to a crushing, concrete grave.

Then I want to take an ax to that hutch.

Then I want to buy you new furniture that looks like it didn't come from an assisted living facility in the 80's. Maybe something mid-century Danish. Or contemporary and stainless steel.

How's that for grateful?

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Your righteous indignation is noted.

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I'm thankful that someone at the last of the pie before I got done at the gym and went down for dessert. Neither my stomach or my waistline needed it, and now I don't feel like I missed out!

I'm also thankful for amazing Alpine chefs, who put on a delicious holiday meal - even if we were missing green bean casserole!

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I'm thankful for my friends and my family, even if most of them are drunks. (cue awwwwwwwwwwwwww)

Oh, and Josh, of course (I think I have to say this or else he kicks me out of the house).

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Your contractual obligation is fulfilled.

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Its a bit late but I didn't bother looking at the internet till after I got home from the thanksgiving trip.

I am actually thankful for a fair bit. I have a good new baby who treats me nice and is cuter than the other babies, at least I think so, and sleeps through most every night and didn't complain a bit on our whole 1000 mile journey this last weekend.

I'm thankful for random Federal housing acts that allowed us to buy a sweet house.

Thankful for all the family who flew down to help with the house, and help with the baby. And friends who have been equally helpful, and if not helpful then fun when I get the chance to get away.

And lastly I'm thankful Katy still puts up with my shit and I'm still putting up with her shit as well. Its been a pretty good year.

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It was good seeing you back in September, we're already trying to plan some sort of winter excursion (ie, something involving snowshoes and overnight camping) for when you're up later in December. Good times!

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Does this imply I should perhaps bring up some O/N gear? Cause sure as shit I'll be bringing my AT ski setup and snowshoes.

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What dates are you coming up? I will do an overnighter with you if I can swing it, and Mike/Josh seemed interested as well.

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dec 17-jan 1. I think something could be arranged... let me know and I will bring gear.

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Definitely! Hopefully it is not too much of an issue to pack up a tent.

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I can find a way. Anything else I can get from my dad.

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"[JD] will find a way.
Darlin', [JD] is gonna find a way,
Find [his] way back to you.
[JD] will find a way.
So look around, open your eyes.
[JD] is gonna find a way.
[JD] is gonna, [JD] is gonna find a way.
[JD] will find a way.
[JD]'s gonna find a way back to you, yeah,
I know. I know. I know. I know."

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This may be a bit crazy, but do you think an overnight of crow creek pass trail is possible? 12 miles for two days?

#3832, MrFood, +13Y | root latest up search | latest
...which was started +3 days after this thread...
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I could have a pretty sweet tea party if I wanted.

(Unpacking dishware I had in boxes.)

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I'm extremely impressed that it all matches! Mine looks like a conglomeration of hand-me-downs, ikea splurges, and target dollar bin purchases. Mostly because that's exactly what it is...

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Could have? Had.

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Why are we not having a tea party?! I can make us delicious pastries for said tea party! We should probably make some coffee while we're at it.

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Josh is too good for coffee these days. My intake has increased to absorb Josh's lack thereof. So this sounds like a great idea.

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CAN I COME TO THE TEA PARTY!?? AM I TOO LATE? My, what a lovely tea party. MMMM so tasty.

#3799, CatLady, +13Y | root latest up search | latest
...which was started +2 days after this thread...
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It's been a ghost town around here...

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No kidding.

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I've been spending every single night for the last two weeks painting and moving into my house. And for some reason my free time to wander the internets is been missing at work as well. Not that I post a lot

Soon... Particularly after I get internet and a computer set up at the house again.

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Well, congrats on the house at least! I assume I'll crash there at some point in the not too distant future. My favorite couch...

#3796, Scrotor, +13Y | root latest up search | latest
...which was started +1 week after this thread...
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Happy Veterans Day to all the IDKFA-ers that have served or are serving in our Armed Forces! We appreciate all the sacrifices you make for our nation.

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Seconded.

#3785, kaiden, +13Y | root latest up search | latest