To new WISHers!!!!

[Hockeychic]

I have read on quite a few boards now where people have seen WISHers and have been to shy to approach the group. I am also a very shy person but so glad that I have met the wonderful people on this WISH team.

Please don't ever feel shy, intimidated, nervious etc....just walk up and say hey I am???? Probably use your username first most will recognise that. You will never regret it, to be part of such a awesome, energenic group of people is the best feeling and then to finish the race and have your teamates high five you is the best.

So please.....just say hi....

Kim

[princessrunner]

If only shy had been my problem...I don't think anyone has ever called me shy before. :confused3 My DF got motion sick on the flight down (Thursday), slept until the NSSHP that night and we had to leave that early too. No riding, etcetera. Then Friday, the DHs did Richard Petty and she slept in again. Went to EP around 11 and walked the worlds where she had a glass of ice wine in Canada (superb) and got sick again, so back to the room we went. Sat, we picked up our packets at DTD and her DHs back went out (my running partner) so by the time the race came around, I was ready for some social interaction. :dance3: Saw you all walking by but was with DF as DHs were at the potties and could not leave her there alone and then....I could not locate you again with the throngs of people waiting...:mad: So color me very unhappy that I did not meet anyone, I really wanted to and had great hopes. ToT 2008, I am going alone so I can enjoy the WISH company!!!!!!!!!!!!:grouphug:

[Hockeychic]

OMG, that is horrible....getting sick is bad enough but to get sick on holidays really suck.

Look forward to meeting you at the next event

Kim

[princessrunner]

And to miss my new friends was even worse! :love: Top it all off with it was my b-day on race day and it was just a very long weekend for me. I did enjoy the race since I was not being serious about it, knowing that my DFs back was out and he is really not a runner (hockey player) but he agreed to run with me which was HUGE. I would LOVE to do the Minnie but just cannot due to DD being a gymnast and Northeast Regionals are that same weekend. It will be ToT 2008 and really hoping for Goofy 2009 for me....unless anyone wants to see the wilds of Maine!!!!!!:laughing:

[princessmomma]

Kim, I am so glad you wrote this, I was thinking the same thing when I read those comments.

Please, please, please, come and introduce yourselves. We were ALL in that position at one time. I am pretty sure that most, if not all of us didn't know each other before the WISH board was created.

Special thanks to ANNE (Maharae):goodvibes who has such a wonderful ability to make everyone feel welcome and included at WISH meets!

[Lan]

I will approach the group during the 1/2 in Jan. I kept pointing WISHers out to my sister:) I don't know why I was so shy because when I post on the board everyone is so nice.

[goofyinohio]

OK I'm one of those people. Guilty as charged. :rolleyes1

I'm just not the type of person who will go up to someone I don't know and talk to them. Even when it's a friend of a friend I usually don't talk. Weird I know.

I post quite a bit, but wonder if people would recognize my username because I have difficulty remembering people's user id's let alone names. :guilty:

[scoolover]

I am staying at Pop and will be hanging around the hotel on Friday evening. I still most likely won't attend the meet at the food court. I don't know why I can't but it would just be very uncomfortable for me. I will have no problem approaching people on the course, however. Go figure.

Last year I sat 10 feet from 4 people wearing wish shirts before the marathon and didn't go say hi. Not sure why.

Scott

[westcliffemom]

I tell my family, "If you see me go up to someone & say hi, they're from WISH!"

After RFTT, I saw Roxy @ Norway. It was hard, but I went up & introduced myself. I figure, anyone wearing WISH gear wants to be identified as WISHer's & should be approached.

[Hockeychic]

I agree, it is tough to just walk up to someone but like westcliffemom said, if you didn't want to be approached you wouldn't wear the WISH stuff. I think I was lucky I met alot of people at the Minnie which was a fairly small event. I am still a bit shy and tend to be oh the outter part of the circle but getting braver each trip:grouphug:

I have yet to meet anyone who I wasn't glad I got to know, everyone is so friendly and you will never be part of a more fun and supportive team.

Kim

[jeanneg]

Well said, Kim. Nancy and I were looking forward to meeting you and never realized you were right near us! Of course it would have helped a whole lot if we had names on our race bibs. There were so many WISHers that did not look familiar I just assumed they were with the speedy running group. We were the morons in the witch hats!

[andromedaslove]

Ok.... have to admit I am one of the shy ones too, but I found a way to fix that!! Whenever I am at a WISH event, I just walk up and stand with the group. I don't really talk until someone talks to me, but eventually someone does and then you can't shut me up. You gotta love Anne, she ran up and hugged me, and introduced me to everyone!! How she remembers everyone I have NO IDEA!! If there isn't a huge group of WISHer's hanging out then I just wave whenever I see one of our shirts. That I can do without talking, so it works out well!!

Dana

[crzy4pooh]

I am definitely one of the shy people, and I've been WISHing for a while. :blush: I agree with Dana - just go stand at the edge of the group and people will start chatting with you. (Although it helps to have WISH gear on, so they don't think you are just some crazy person tagging along. ) ;) Anne is AWESOME about making sure everyone is introduced. Also, the more you come to the WISH events, the more outgoing people will come find you and make you feel included! I think Cam spotted DH and I first sitting on the ground before TOT, and a whole flock of WISHers followed. Thanks everyone!!!! :hug:

--Lynnda

[Maherae]

You all are too kind. I LOVE, LOVE meeting WISHers!! :love: You may be shy in person, but if you have posted on the thread, or lurked and just read..we really want to meet you. We've had DISers whom we have never met, come up and introduce themselves simply because they know we're from DIS. The WISH presence at ToT was just AWESOME, and I still didn't get to meet everyone! After I posted the Race Reports thread, it looked like there were the same number of WISHers at ToT as there were at Marathon Weekend..wow!!

Scott, I HAVE met you before..and if I see you, you'll get a hug!! AND I'm at Pop Thursday and Friday!:rotfl:
goofyinohio, please say "hi." Hey, just get a WISH shirt or hat or bracelet and you won't have to say a thing..we'll come to you!:rotfl2:

Everyone who has posted has helped me on this remarkable journey. I don't know enough to be an advice giver, but I can encourage!! :goodvibes

[MouseDogMom]

My DH will tell you that I am the WORST about going up and speaking to people I don't know. Yet at the 2006 Minnie 5K, I walked straight up to someone in a WISH shirt and introduced myself, then dragged DH to the WISH meet at Downtown Disney and had such a great time. Once again, it was Anne who made me feel welcome!

Then when I joined my Galloway running group locally, imagine my surprise at one of our first runs when I saw a WISH shirt, so once again I went up and introduced myself and met Wendy (getnthinr). It was so much fun to meet someone local, but I would never have known without the WISH gear.

It definitely works to just hang out on the edges - please come join us!

Jackie

[corinnak]

For myself, I was surprised to find that the night of the race, I was a nervous wreck and just felt like I needed to focus inward, so that's my excuse anyhow. I hope to be less of a DISaster at the next Disney race I run - hopefully the Minnie!

Oh, I was also afraid that if I introduced myself, people would run the other way because of what I posted on that tips for a first race thread....:laughing:

[windwalker]

Well I'm glad I didn't have to meet anyone. Darn scary bunch, yes they are. I was nearly drowned just trying to play mini golf around them.:eek:

Party Panda:hippie:

[Tiger Lily 03]

You know we need everyone here. Please step up and help us to help each other.

I've certainly enjoyed meeting so many people from all over. It is such a rewarding moment to be able to have that face-to-face opportunity.

Please don't be afraid to share. What is the worst that you would imagine could happen? I know that fear and if you practice overcoming it you will be amazed at all the doors and opportunities that open.

[ultramickeymouse]

Well said, Kim. Nancy and I were looking forward to meeting you and never realized you were right near us! Of course it would have helped a whole lot if we had names on our race bibs. There were so many WISHers that did not look familiar I just assumed they were with the speedy running group. We were the morons in the witch hats!

You both looked marvelous in those hats.

I was the same way in Jan as I was at Pop on Fri but not having met anyone before, I didn't say hi. Like it was mentioned, if you wear the WISH shirt, you want to meet and talk to new WISH'ers.

Just got home:eek:

How many more weeks before we meet all our new members???

[ultramickeymouse]

Well I'm glad I didn't have to meet anyone. Darn scary bunch, yes they are. I was nearly drowned just trying to play mini golf around them.:eek:

Party Panda:hippie:

Dave didn't mention that while playing mini golf, he hit is ball into a pond on another hole. While trying to retrieve his ball, the non graceful Dave almost fell in twice and went swimming. He does have rythmn as he lead us and cast members at the ToT in Y-M-C-A. CM's even came up and asked for his autograph:scared1:

I heard he and his band will be back at F&W next year!

[goofyinohio]

I will make an effort at the Marathon to indroduce myself although I'm not making any promises. :rolleyes1

I will say I stood next to many of you and you all seemed very friendly. I thought it was cool when people would pass each other in Wish shirts they would talk to each other and know each other by name.

Honestly 10 years ago I'd have talked to everyone, but the fat guy in me that likes to hide is still there and I'm still trying to squash him. :rotfl:

[jeanneg]

Dave didn't mention that while playing mini golf, he hit is ball into a pond on another hole. While trying to retrieve his ball, the non graceful Dave almost fell in twice and went swimming.


Yes, I believe that was the hole he gave himself a "2" on.......need I say more:rotfl:


Robert: did your friend Mark from the other board (the one at mini-golf) make his goal of 75 minutes? We met him while walking over to Fantasia Gardens and he was very psyched about setting a new PB. Please let him know we were asking about him.

[nepatsfan73]

What is the worst that you would imagine could happen?

Although I did walk up to Dave, Erica, Robert and Linda when I saw them in the parking lot near the registration tables (I could recognize them from pictures they have posted in the past), my original plan was to try to finish the race first and then look for WISHers. To be honest, my first concern was letting the team down by not being able to finish. I knew I was under-trained for ToT given my physical ailments, even though I tried to get my walking in. Unfortunately, I ended up with more strength and cross training than actual walking. That is why I went WISH-less in my clothing, but I am very happy that I switched my original plan as meeting so many people at the start was great.

Only because you asked Lily, some of my concerns included possibly being bitten by WWDave (and I'm not sure if he's had all his shots) and Robert trying to talk me into buying more DVC points or sign up for another Disney race (which I would be likely to do without my DW being there to slap me at the thought). Thats why I tried to stay in sight of Big Vic at the start gathering in case cuffs were needed to subdue any overzealous WISHers.

Anyway, as a new WISHER, I have to say that everyone I met was very welcoming and supportive, and I look forward to seeing those I've met and have yet to meet in January. As the Country Bears sing in the movie, its time to Kick it into Gear.

[jeanneg]

Great job, Bill! I was so glad I got to meet you.....and you did awesome!

Give yourself a big pat on the back and wear that medal proudly. And don't forget that the circumstances you had to deal with regarding getting there on time had to have taken a toll on you. When we saw you in the parking lot before the start you looked like you had already run the marathon. The next time you have an event, give yourself plenty of time before and you will see what a difference it will make. You finished.......so be proud!

[princessrunner]

I think all us "newbies" just need the WISH shirts with a badge that says "Hi my name is....." so everyone is comfortable. Me, I probably have the opposite problem of everyone else......:upsidedow

[Hockeychic]

We had name tags at the Minnie and I believe they have had them at the marathon weekend but honestly can't remember who brought them but it was a awesome idea.

Bill: You did awesome, any finish is a success regardless of first, last or somewhere in the middle. You have overcome so much with your back be very proud, can't wait to see you at the finish line after the Donald.....just wait for me OK:thumbsup2

Kim

[andromedaslove]

I know at the Marathon (1/2 and full) the bibs had our names on them. It made it a lot easier to know who I was talking to, and feel more comfortable. I told someone at the race Saturday that we all needed to find a way to put our names on our shirts like WWDave did. He was impossible to miss!!

Dana

[princessrunner]

Funny, I picked WWDave right out too and laughed when I saw his shirt. Easy to know who you were talking too....if I could have caught him....which I couldn't due to the masses! :lmao: I don't have a shirt (yet) so it would be harder to identify those who were just milling about :rolleyes1 but I agree with the names on the shirts. :idea:

[ultramickeymouse]

Yes, I believe that was the hole he gave himself a "2" on.......need I say more:rotfl:


Robert: did your friend Mark from the other board (the one at mini-golf) make his goal of 75 minutes? We met him while walking over to Fantasia Gardens and he was very psyched about setting a new PB. Please let him know we were asking about him.

I just checked and Mark did a 1:27:14 . I haven't seen or heard from him since mini golf. He was a fun guy to play golf with.

[Steffwalks]

Bill!!! I am so proud of you! YOU DID IT. :woohoo: Unfortunately, I wasn't able to keep my promise of buying you a beer, but I promise two next time!

I loved meeting all of you. Did I hear someone say that Ann has a vocalgraphic memory?? How did she do that amazing trick??? :confused3 I was so impressed, that I even remembered HER name! :lmao:

I will be wearing more WiSH green in the future and at every race. I hope that anyome who sees it will stop and say hi! :cloud9: I plan to use a Laundry marker and put my name on my shirt! If you see it, speak to me anyway, would you? :rolleyes1

[TnTsParty]

I didn't wear my WISH shirt because I only got a tshirt and I don't run in cotton shirts. I did have my WISH shirt with me and wore it as a night shirt!! I only came across one WISH group that I introduced myself to (Cam's DH and his friend) I saw a group before the race by the registration tents but I didn't go over and introduce myself. Sorry I promise I will try better for the next race (Minnie)

GoofyinOhio - I just have to say CONGRATS on the weight loss!!

Were can we get WISH bracelets?????

[Honeibee]

We had name tags at the Minnie and I believe they have had them at the marathon weekend but honestly can't remember who brought them but it was a awesome idea.
Kim

Kim - I made name tags for the Half/Full/Goofy PC WISH meet. I brought the ones I had left to the Minnie. I'll try to make more for January.

Bill - So, what you're saying is....you didn't meet anyone else, like at the starting line or anything? Is that what you're saying?? popcorn::

[nepatsfan73]

Bill - So, what you're saying is....you didn't meet anyone else, like at the starting line or anything? Is that what you're saying?? popcorn::

No, not at all Mighty Queen of Skimming Posts. As I stated later in my post:

"That is why I went WISH-less in my clothing, but I am very happy that I switched my original plan as meeting so many people at the start was great." (Emphasis added.)

Although I did fail to mention that I also met more WISHers at/after the finish. That was great too.

[wtpclc]

A hint to those who have not meet WISHers IRL yet:

Go to teh W family met tent after teh half or the full. A great way to meet people in smaller quantities. Plus, you get soem ofthe post-race excitement. That's how I metmy first WISHers, exxcept Cam who came over and hugged me on Main Street :cloud9:

Also, BW bakery is a quieter adn less intimidating event. Whatever you do, do not leave WDW w/o meeting someone!!!!

[Honeibee]

No, not at all Mighty Queen of Skimming Posts. As I stated later in my post:

"That is why I went WISH-less in my clothing, but I am very happy that I switched my original plan as meeting so many people at the start was great." (Emphasis added.)

Although I did fail to mention that I also met more WISHers at/after the finish. That was great too.

I humbly apologize. :snooty:

"Mighty Queen of Skimming Posts" :lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl: