20031011 - Chicago DIS Meet - A Fond Chicago Farewell to an AWESOME DISer--INDEXED

[Brisully]

The masses have voted, and October 11th seems to be the date the majority wanted. We will meet at Stratford Mall (http://www.stratfordmall.com/index2.asp) . Time ???? How about 1:00 P.M., in the Food Court.

Part 2 will commence at Culver's in Schaumburg (http://culvers.know-where.com/culvers/cgi/selection?state-map=IL&country=US&mapid=US&place=&region=&map.x=240&map.y=31) .Don't know when we will make it over to Culver's, but let's plan for 6:00???

Do these times seem OK??? They are always adjustable.

Come and join in our Chicago farewell DIS Meet for Tricia / Dopeygirl!!!!!!!!

[KimRaye]

Brian, can Trish make it?! Didn't know if she voted or not. :confused: :eek:

[Brisully]

I believe she said she would be there. Trish??????

[KimRaye]

;)

I hope so!! :)

[Dan Murphy]

Sounds good, Bri. Thanks for taking care of setting the date!!!!!!

[December99]

So I am assuming that you will be at the mall probably until around 5:30? Our day is mass confusion at this moment and don't know if we will make it but if we have a time that you might be at the mall until that will help. We also have to get in a dinner with dh's mom since it will be a significant birthday and he will be leaving very early the next morning to go on a business trip for a few days. We'll try but I can't promise anything.

Thanks for setting this up Bri.

[BethanyF]

I will know for sure tomorrow night if (or when) I am working on the 11th. Even if I have to work, I should be able to make it to Culver's if nothing else.

[NancyIL]

I'm working on the 11th, so no Chicago meet for me. :(

[daughter_of_amid_chaos]

Ride??? Anybody?!?

[Dopeygirl]

Wahhhhhhhh!!!!!!! You guys, I'm already crying!! :( :( :( Who's bringing the kleenex for me???!

As far as I know, yes, that date works for me. I still haven't heard when (or if) I'll get to see Jim in October, so my availability still could change.

I can't believe I'm really moving away from you guys. :(

[KimRaye]

Originally posted by Dopeygirl
I can't believe I'm really moving away from you guys. :( You're probably not! This is just some ploy to get a Meet named for you, right?!?! ;)

I'll try to remember some Kleenex, Trish. :( :(

[leahannpen]

Okay, I'm out of the loop. Where are you moving to DG??? Well, good luck to you!

I will be at the PACKER game at Lambeau, for the very first time. I will be unable to make it. :(

[BethanyF]

Originally posted by BethanyF
I will know for sure tomorrow night if (or when) I am working on the 11th. Even if I have to work, I should be able to make it to Culver's if nothing else.


Im on call 2-6 for that Saturday. If I do get called in, I will head straight to Culvers after work. That should put me there at about 6:30 or so. If Im not goign to be used, I will probably try to participate in the whole day.

[Brisully]

That's great Bethany. I am sure will be at Culver's for a while!!!

[Brisully]

You know, if there is a Cubs playoff game on the 11th, we could always head over to one of the local establishments, like Rock Bottom Brewery or Game Works to watch the game too. Just a thought.

[cgcw]

I've been thinking about this. DH & DS8 will be out of town -- therefore, DS3 will be with me. I'm not sure how long he'll sit but I will plan to come up to Stratford with him. He does enjoy throwing pennies in the fountain and I'm sure I can tempt him with some pizza. Maybe I'll have him bring his pins and he can show off his collection (probably not, more like he just likes to take all the backs off of them -- he'll have a few new ones as we'll be just back the Thursday before). I suspect that he won't last all afternoon so when he's ready to move on (or I get tired of chasing him, whichever comes first) we can come back on over to Culvers in the evening. I think I can again tempt him with the idea of ice cream.

Brian, if it turns out there is a Cub's Game, we'll just have to pass. Game Works would do me in -- he'd love it with all the games over there. By the way, just down the street from Culver's is the Village Tavern. Very good food and they have the TV's around the restaurant also. Just another idea.

Cindy

[BethanyF]

Hey Cindy...
I will have Sam (5) and his pins with me as well. He wont be able to handle 5 hours at the mall, so we will have to do the same thing you do. Go to the mall for a while, head home, then meet back up at Culvers. Then again, this all depends on whether or not I get called in to work. I amy only be doing Culvers.
I had the same thought about Village, but that place gets really loud and really crowded, so I dont know how it would work out for a large group. Especially if there is a playoff game.


Originally posted by cgcw
I've been thinking about this. DH & DS8 will be out of town -- therefore, DS3 will be with me. I'm not sure how long he'll sit but I will plan to come up to Stratford with him. He does enjoy throwing pennies in the fountain and I'm sure I can tempt him with some pizza. Maybe I'll have him bring his pins and he can show off his collection (probably not, more like he just likes to take all the backs off of them -- he'll have a few new ones as we'll be just back the Thursday before). I suspect that he won't last all afternoon so when he's ready to move on (or I get tired of chasing him, whichever comes first) we can come back on over to Culvers in the evening. I think I can again tempt him with the idea of ice cream.

Brian, if it turns out there is a Cub's Game, we'll just have to pass. Game Works would do me in -- he'd love it with all the games over there. By the way, just down the street from Culver's is the Village Tavern. Very good food and they have the TV's around the restaurant also. Just another idea.

Cindy

[cgcw]

That's great, Bethany. Hopefully the boys will entertain each other a bit and we'll have a chance to relax (probably not!!). Then I'll have a chance to tell you the story behind how Cissy Sullivan came to announce to her parents that she wasn't retiring after this year. I kind of had a hand in that.;)

[Dan Murphy]

We sure are looking forward o seeing everyone. Lady M and I are both ready for a great day of visiting!!!! :bounce:

[Big V]

Finally found a dog sitter!(My Niece) So we plan on heading down on Friday night. Myself, my DW and my DD. Now it's time to try and find a hotel room. Can't wait to see everyone again!
Scott

[December99]

Well it appears that we should be able to make it. I am not sure on the time because I do have Market Day that morning. Sometimes we are done by 11:30 but sometimes it's closer to 1. I will say this, if the Cubs play that day then we will probably not stay long. I'm not a Cubs fan and that will mean that there won't be much as far as conversation going on and I don't have that kind of time to kill. I'm sorry. I have not had a weekend off since the beginning of August and I'm going to be able to enjoy the conversation with friends. Sorry to be a puss but that's just how I feel - oh and not to mention I'M NOT A CUBS FAN!!!!! :p :p :p :p We did change our plans to have dinner with the in-laws on Friday night but Doctor P also is on a pretty strict diet so it will limit our food choices for that day.

[BethanyF]

Originally posted by Big V
Finally found a dog sitter!(My Niece) So we plan on heading down on Friday night. Myself, my DW and my DD. Now it's time to try and find a hotel room. Can't wait to see everyone again!
Scott

If you need some leads, let me know. I know there is a hotel right next to Stratford...I think it is an AmeriSuites??? The town is Bloomingdale.
Of course, there are tons of hotels in Schaumburg too.

[Big V]

Thanks for the offer Bethany but I went onto Priceline last night and I got the Holiday Inn in Rolling Meadows for $30 a night! Not too bad! I think it came to a total of $76.xx for the two nights. It doesn't look like Rolling Meadows is too far from the Strattford Mall? The last time we were down there we stayed right next to the Woodfield Mall and that wasn't too far to Strattford. Can't wait for next weekend!:sunny:
Scott

[BethanyF]

Originally posted by Big V
I got the Holiday Inn in Rolling Meadows for $30 a night! Not too bad! I think it came to a total of $76.xx for the two nights. It doesn't look like Rolling Meadows is too far from the Strattford Mall?

That is a great price. RM is convenient to Rte 53, so you cna get to both Stratford and Woodfeild easily....with the exception of the 53 contruction.
There are ways to avoid 53, but I am terrible about street names and distances, LOL. Im the one that gives directions like 'when you pass the gas station, you go a couple more lights, I think, then turn right.........' I can get anywhere, I just cant really explain how I do it.

[Dan Murphy]

Big V is a Priceline pro!!!!!! I think he learned it all from NancyIL, she is great too.

Looking forward to seeing everyone next week. :wave2:

[Big V]

Yes Dan, one afternoon with Nancy teaching you all the ins and outs of Priceline was all it took!;)

[NancyIL]

Originally posted by Big V
Yes Dan, one afternoon with Nancy teaching you all the ins and outs of Priceline was all it took!;)

Awwww, shucks...thanks, Dan and Big V!! :) Too bad I have to work on the 11th, or I'd be getting a Priceline hotel, too!

[Patrick IL.]

:( El and I can not make the 11th, we will be out of town for parents weekend at DD's school. This looks like an awesome meet, with wonderful friends. We are so sorry we'll miss it. Tricia knows, we have seen her recently and will see her again. Even when she does move...we are 'lifers" with Tricia..we will always see her again:sunny: I never say goodbye, I say "farewell until I see you again":earsboy:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/555/3tr1_1_.jpg

Have a blast guys, please take pictures to share:)

Patrick

[Marla Hellwig]

I will be there in spirit - and looking forward to seeing the pictures

[December99]

As we get closer to Saturday, depending on what the Cubs do - if we end up going someplace that is going to be really smoky I really need to know. So if someone could update us on Friday if anything changes as far as places that would be great. I have a wicked sinus infection that I'm fighting and being the a smoke filled area is not going to be good for me (I tend to swell up in my nose when I have an infection like this and that is not fun).

Thanks and sorry for being such a pain.

[KimRaye]

Chris, the Cubs DO have a game Saturday at 6:30.

Sorry it's not the Sox.

[December99]

So is this going to change where we are going for dinner? I know that Culver's was the suggestion around 6. Is that still the plan?

[Brisully]

I don't think there would be a problem with changing the location so we could catch the game. There's a couple of places near Woodfield that have TV's. One would be Gameworks - they have TV's in the bar area. Another would be Rock Bottom Brewery - again TV's in the bar area. There is also a RAM brewery, located near the IKEA store. There may be more, but those are the only places that I know, as I don't get up there that often. Out of the three, I think Gameworks would be the best, so that if there are kids with, they won't get too bored watching the game.

Thoughts????

[Big V]

I'm not sure if we will be going to any of these places Brian, if they are just sports bars. We'll have our DD, Elly, along and she'll probably want to head back to the hotel pool by then. Do you have any idea of how many people are coming yet?

[KimRaye]

Originally posted by Brisully
I don't think there would be a problem with changing the location so we could catch the game.Brian, it was my impression that Chris DIDN'T want to 'catch the game' or, be in a smoky place.
:confused:

[Brisully]

Reading comprehension is not one of my strong points. Culvers at 6:00 is still the plan then.

[December99]

We will not be able to come now so go on with your original plans if you want to switch places. I was just thinking since it was so close and there were no TVs in Culvers that people would want this changed. Sorry I stuck my nose in it!

Also please do not contact me about future DIS meets as apparently I'm not welcomed any longer! You may contact my husband but don't expect to hear from me! I evidentally just sucked the fun out of it!

[December99]

Well I'm not sure if I hit the wrong button or if it got deleted already but I did want to apologize for any problems I have caused with this DIS meet. And this is the final thing I will say before going - I in no way meant for this meet to be done based on what I was asking or suggested. I was making suggestions as I thought all DIS meets were done with that intention. The one post that I posted earlier bout the Cubs and not going because if that was what the meet was going to be based on was done with humor. Not as a means to dictate where and what the meet was going to be done. If you felt that way I'm sorry and so be it. I did ask yesterday because the meet is Sat and frankly, given my family life latel - we can't just plan on where or what we are going to eat at the spur of the moment. Also it was talked that perhaps if the Cubs were playing going to be a bar or an area with a bar so the game could be watched might be on the docket. I just needed to know - as I'm sure some others would have like also - if the dinner time was going to be changed.

Sorry if I stepped on any toes - as I've heard I had and I just wish those people would have come to me. When this meet planning first started it seemed no one was getting anything going - then I put my two cents in and was told not to do that. So now I'm being told that people are upset because I was dictating the meet. I was simply giving my opinion and suggestions and if you wanted to go with it - fine and if not - fine. But instead of being hurt this way all you needed to do was tell me that wouldn't work and perhaps there was something we could do. Rather than taking my humor to heart and not as humorous...well - never mind.

I know you want me to shut up but I do have one more thing - My opinions are mine and not my husband's just as his are not mine and I do hope that you don't automatically reflect my opinions on to him - he's really not a bad guy and he shouldn't be drug into this problem I caused.

[Mary Jo]

<font color=navy>Wish I could be there to join you all -- I heard those Chicago meets are a heck of a party. :teeth:

[glo]

I wish I could be there. I know I really tried to make it to this one, because I really wanted to be there for Tricia. Hugs Tricia, I wish I was able to be at this one....

hugs

[Brisully]

I just wanted to thank everyone who are trying their hardest to make DG's last meet a fun one. You are all doing a super job!!!

No one wanted to step up to the plate to organize this final meet for DG, so I stepped up. I understand that there are people with commitments. Hell, I have missed DIS meets before due to family emergencies, work, and family comitments too. But I sure as hell didn't make other people feel bad because I couldn't make it. And I didn't "dictate" that a meet had to be at a certain place or time.

But you know what stinks even more?? This is Tricia's last meet in Chicago, and some of the people who she cares very much about, are fighting with each other, and are putting a dark cloud over the whole meet. To those people - Thanks a lot. Tricia is one of the kindest and most sincere people, who I have ever met, and this is just breaking her heart. I only hope that if I had to move away from all my friends, and have the possibility of my spouse leaving for the other side of the world for a year or two, that all my friends would get together one last time. I'm so glad that this meet will be her lasting impression of all of the "friends" she has made here.

[Dan Murphy]

:confused: :(

[December99]

Sorry but I did speak to Tricia about me not being able to make it earlier today before I posted. Didn't know I had to let everyone know of my every waking moment. Didn't know I had to ruin the day by letting her know why, which I didn't. It was an up in the air thing anyway. So I'm just staying out of the whole mess. People apparently don't care for me to being with so I will see Tricia off on my own. That way no one has to see me or not go because I'm going to be there.

Sorry Tricia - but I was made to feel this whole thing was my fault. I did try to step up to the plate and then was told to not do what I had suggested - that was back when the thread was started in July after the last meet. So I backed off because it wasn't up to par with what others apparently wanted although I was trying to follow some suggestions that were given to me and since no one was really getting anything done then I tried and then was told not to. Then my aunt died and I decided it was too much for me to take on at the moment. And then Mike was diagnosed with a disease that we needed to get a handle and now our lives revolve around it. Sorry I was trying to get a handle on what was happening and was basically told I was the one that was telling everyone what to do so I tried to step away and came and knew what I would read. So beg my pardon!

No one wants me around so I won't be around. That way it will be much more enjoyable for her to be around people that want to be together and not around someone they don't want there. Just sorry people couldn't tell me it to me personally. I was trying my hardest. DG has been one of my best buds here as I thought others were. Because I'm hurting I don't feel it's nice to go and ruin someone else's day because I got hurt. It's NOT fair to Tricia and I recognize that. I guess I can't win here.

I was trying to get ahold of what was going to happen since it was getting close and another thing got dragged into it. And as usual I'm the ***** because I've put a damper on everyone. Sucks to be me! And I'm NOT asking and I DON'T want a ****ing pity party! JUST END IT! I made my apologies public because I was told I bothered several of you.

[Brisully]

If that's the way you feel, then that's fine Chris. If I see you on Saturday, great. If not, then maybe the next time. If there is a next time. You have to do what you need to do, and I don't have a problem with that.

[glo]

Not my board, so feel free to ignore anything I say here, but at this point this is not going anywhere, and posting isn't making anyone feel any better. Maybe everyone needs to step back and take a deep breathe. Please, remeber that this meet was set up to say goodbye to someone who has always been there for those who are not agreeing right now. For her, and only for her I think this needs to stop. Please, lets not make this goodbye harder than it has to be for a good friend. I live in Massachusetts, and I really did try hard to make this meet. I do not see eye to eye with some people at the meet, but for Tricia I would have done what was needed. Take a deep breath...step back and think...no one wants to leave friends and home like this. Think People......

[Big V]

I sure don't know what's going on here?:confused: I know I'll miss seeing you and Mike Chris.:( I hope you will change your mind.

[Mackey Mouse]

I do moderate this board along with NativeTxn and the purpose of this board is to organize meets and to post the pics from those meets here.. I see there are a lot of hurt feelings going on, but I think we need to keep in mind that this thread is to organize a farewell meet to a fellow Chicagoan, Tricia.....I am sure she appreciates all the effort put in by those organizing...and hopes you will all put your personal feelings aside and be there for her..

[Doctor P]

I feel I probably need to post here to make some things clear. First of all, I view this meet as an opportunity for Tricia's Chicago DIS friends to say a fond farewell, and as such I could/can put aside any other issues (whatever they might be) for the good of not losing that very key purpose. Even if Chris did not choose to come, the importance of being able to say goodbye to Tricia and to see our DIS friends would normally have been enough draw to have come alone to the DIS meet (as I have several times before). Unfortunately, I don't think I can make that happen and I feel terrible and guilty about that. I need to go on a three day business trip Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, and I need to leave no later than 6:00 am on Sunday morning. Normally, that would be a minor bump in the road, but with my illness my life's planning has been turned somewhat upside down and this is the first overnight trip I have gone on (even for pleasure) since I was diagnosed. I found that I was beginning to feel stress regarding packing, planning for contingencies (including packing lots of things I have never packed before), and managing the need to eat the right things and exercise on a much more rigid basis than before. My family and friends are very, very important to me, and I was feeling very guilty about letting you all down by feeling that I might need to stay home from the DIS meet for my ultimate well being. I have now become convinced and comfortable with needing to stay home to take necessary care of myself. I hope my friends know that this is not any kind of personal statement or protest, and can respect my decision to do what I think I need to do for my long term health. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. I care deeply about my DIS friends and value our friendships immensely. I hope we can get together in the near future and repeat the many fun times that we have had in the past. I very much look forward to that. It is highly unlikely that I will see you guys on Saturday, but if there is a chance for me to work it out, please know that it is important for me to do so. Thanks!:)

[Big V]

Sorry you can't make it to the meet Mike, but it's important to take care of yourself! We'll be leaving later this afternoon and are looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow at 1:00!::yes::

[WDWLVR]

CAn't wait to see the pics everyone. Hope you got to see some of the game - it's been a good one!

[Mackey Mouse]

Me too.. we want pictures and I hope you all had a wonderful time... Good luck to Tricia.. :D

[Dan Murphy]

Good time at the meet, however, no pictures taken that I can recall. Smaller than some of our big (okay, HUGE) meets here in the past, but that seems to be true of most meets around the country recently.

We all got together around 1 in the afternoon, finally broke up around 9 in the evening or so. A nice Fall day with friends, though sad a bit too, knowing Trish will be moving on from the area soon, but great reminiscing over some wonderful years we all have had together here in the Chicago area, knowing our friendships will continue on.

Sure seems a lot longer than just 4 years ago that Tricia was emailing me, shortly after her move here from Indiana, asking about things here in the Chicago area. Over the past few years, so many meets, so many new friends, so many laughs, a few tears thrown in along the way too. And all through this little place on the Net, the DIS. Thanks, Pete, for providing so many people the means and common link to have made many good friendships and casual acquaintances over the years, we do appreciate it. And thanks, Tricia, for being part of our lives these past years, looking forward to continued friendship, regardless where you and Jim should relocate. Again, good wishes follow you both. {{Hugs}}

[Mackey Mouse]

Nice post Dan... I am sure all that were there will be sad to say Tricia move on. I know she was an important part of your Chicago Family.. Hugs to her and Jim and those will miss them.. :D