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Due to the extensive nature of the following, this will be an evolving entry.
It's nearing midday here, and I, having recently awoken from a short, but peaceful rest, find myself travelling through autumn-colored hills of central Pennsylvania. My thoughts return to the events of this past weekend.
There is a slight rain falling as we stop here in another town that perhaps once had a name. And I realize my task, the goal I will set forth for myself, will be to prevent time from washing my memories of this weekend away. so many beautiful things occurred to me, and around me, and I hope that listing them here, followed by a short review of them will suffice.
I would like to recount the following: the events, how being in Pittsburgh/environs made me feel, the historic nature of this event, and the people.
Aside: Drizzle turns to snow. I love the snow.
Friday
Arrival into PGH airport
Drive into Pittsburgh downtown
Hotel Check-in, Aaron, room 1111
Deciding to sleep Friday afternoon instead of lunching
The initial meeting - chips, cheese, and pricey beverages
Smalltalk, making acquaintances - Carolyn, JenWade, Scott, Amy, Ryan, Beth, Columbine
Dinner at Dowe's on 9th
Conversation with JanB and her dream of owning a bookstore in Seattle
Carolyn and I similarly employed
Smithfield Cafe and Karaoke
Conversation with John Scalzi
Talking with 'goth' Jen from NYC
Emily, Carolyn, the guys from 416
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Saturday
Initial Presentation - Carolyn, Diane
Diary-x : Version 2.0
Lunch, no lunch, and a parade
Sleeping through readings 1
Carolyn calls - goal: organize a smaller dinner arrangement
Medium, though smaller group
Conversation with Scott and Amy
Dreama's room - talkings and readings ; the EKDFH !
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Sunday
Sessions in the morning
Lunch at the 7th Street Grill
Con basically over
Carolyn's uncomfortable departure
Pizza on squirrel hill
Amanda Page buys me a drink (non-alcoholic)
BareNaked in America - ironic, and inspiring
Beth and my ride back, and a warming conversation
The Mets win... the yankees win!
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Monday
Driving Beth to the airport
- Hertz neverlost GPS system takes us to a 7-11 store
- getting her there with 15 minutes to go
Taxi-ride back
Nearly being mugged at 6am
Trains delayed in Chicago
Walking over to the Greyhound station
- A good conversation with a surprise guest - Amanda
Finally departing
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Summary
I had an extraordinary time - to be done again!
The people were wonderful and I am so glad I came.
Regret#1: I wish I read my March-community finding entry during the readings.
Made many friends in new locations.
Learned how to speak Canadian and, most importantly, Australian.
Todd and Jon will never believe all this.
I think I should take up acting/comedy, or at least get my band going.
People I met and had a more than an average profound affect on me:
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