MEEBO Takes to the Road

Subject: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 10:18 PM

After much bashing and a few harsh words sprinkled with the advice of a bunch of old farts, Mbo (Meebo) is going to go to the North Carolina Ren-Fair and hopefully meet up with Mario! I must say that I'm proud of the way he responded to the cajoling and I'm sure he'll have a great time. All the pushing and needling came from friends who want the best for him and are old enough to remember what we missed sometimes.........Good on yer Laddybuck!!!

Now let's be sure you have all the stuff you need. Have you checked the oil? Do so when you gas up. Got your map? Have you gotten a good look at Mario's picture or printed a copy? I sent you his real name so you have that.

OKAY GANG.....Anything else you think we need to tell the man.....like take a camera!!! We need pix for bbc's events page........What else????

Drive carefully and again, Ol Spaw wishes you the best and I am glad you're going out among 'em!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Helen
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 10:22 PM

Mbo,

Don't forget your Mudcat T-shirt - invaluable for instant recognition in a crowd. Above all else, enjoy yourself, and then tell us all about it.

Helen

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 10:26 PM

Right-o Spaw! Thanks for all the support, everyone! Like my Grandpa used to say "If all else fails, beat it to death with a hammer." I got the camera, with lots of film, gonna fill up tomorrow morning, got my maps--and as anal as you know I am...have a list of all the town I will be passing through, so I know I'm on the right track, what roads I intersect and overpass...the path to the fairgrounds highlighted in blue. I'm gonna get my ELO collection for the big drive, and I'll be on my way! Thanks for everything gang! I LOVE YOU ALL!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 10:30 PM

Spare strings. And spare spare strings.

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Pelrad
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 10:37 PM

Mbo, this will sound kinda dumb, but check the batteries on your camera, and be sure to pack it where you cannot possibly leave it behind. It's amazing the tricks these little gadgets will play in important moments like meeting cyberpeople. :-)

Have a great time, relax and be yourself! No point in going all that way just to turn into someone else when you meet Mario...To make sure he's being himself, check the inside of his elbow surreptitiously. If he's a pod person, there will be a birthmark there.

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: GUEST,JenEllen
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 10:56 PM

Not all of us giving Meebs a hard time are old Spaw! Some of us were blessed early by knowing the value of a good adventure! 'Nuff Said. So....deep breath kiddo, have fun, and the mallett is at the ready should you need it..Elle

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 11:03 PM

Aye, lad enjoy yourself...

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 11:14 PM

Condoms, Mbo, don't forget to buy lots before you leave. They are terrifically expensive if you buy them at the Fair. :) Have fun!!!

LEJ

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 11:18 PM

WHAT?!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: The Beanster
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 11:24 PM

Mbo,

My mother always packed some snacks for us on a long drive (e.g., any trip over 10 miles) so don't forget the apple slices in a zip-lock baggie, bottled water and Cheetos. Take your sunglasses and don't forget to go to the bathroom before you leave.

Love, The Beanster

And most importantly, HAVE FUN!!

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Willie-O
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 11:33 PM

Don't forget your car.

As for LEJ's advice, if you have to ask...

W-O

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 11:40 PM

Well, that is unless you HAVE to be authentic at the Faire about that, too! Then ya better bring along an animal bladder and some twine!

Have a good time!

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 11:41 PM

Aye, Mbo. Condoms make great water carriers in an emergency, and you can blow them up and make an improvised lifejaket if you stuff them inside your shirt. Remember the boy scout motto "Be Prepared" you never know when you might get thrown into a deep jello pit..

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 11:45 PM

Ahh..Dave..I KNEW those things were useful for something! As for the rest, well...I don't see no ring on this finger yet!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 11:52 PM

Mbo!!

Don't forget when you check your car over that one last time---

Stash all of our love for you in all the leftover corners!!!

Can't wait to hear ALL about the trip!!!

~Susan~

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Escamillo
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 11:53 PM

Have fun, EL MEEBO, and play your brains out (that's how you say?). Make an Argentine-style drive : Don't forget the thermic bottle with hot water, your MATE, BOMBILLA, and two packs of YERBA MATE, your knife for the bar-b-que, radar detector, lots of steel wire for car repair, never carry maps (just ask people), don't look at signs, have fun !
Un abrazo - Andrés

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 11:57 PM

Mbo, congratulations...Don't forget:

1. Money, at least enough to pay your way in if there's a charge, eat, and fill your gas tank on the way back. (And if the crafts booths are good, you'll probably find something else to spend a bit on.)

2. A pen and notebook to write down stuff that strikes you along the way.

And if you possibly can, DO forget your "regular" life for one day, and have a great time!

Lin

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: paddymac
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 12:19 AM

Don't forget the mundane stuff like bug spray, sunblock, clothing for bad weather, maybe an extra pair of sneakers in case of rain, some kind of cap. And, by all means, stash a roll or two of TP somewhere in the car. It's a great comfort not to need it, but a greater comfort to have it if you do. Maybe some antacids, altoids, foofoo juice, etc. Wash cloth, towel, etc. If you'll have access to your car, no problem packing loose, with extra stuff. BUt if you're living out of a back pack, lighten up, literally. And the all purpose utility essentials for any outing: a good pocket knife; roll of duct tape; spool of nylon twine; sheet of visqueen; and matches. MIght want to take a friend along to help tote all the essentials. :>) And most important: bring a good attitude.

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Mbo
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 12:24 AM

Good Heavens Paddymac, I'm going to a Renaissance Fair, not a camping trip! G'night all! It's already tomorrow!

--Mbo (AND DON'T HAVE THE PROM WITHOUT ME OR POW!)

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 12:59 AM

Mbo,

Will you dance with me at the Prom?

~Susan~

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Amos
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 01:17 AM

Proud of you Meebo! Way to go -- breathe deep, smell the open road and celebrate freedom!

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Big Mick
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 01:51 AM

Good man, Meebo, by the time you read this you will have come back. My guess is you will be bubbling over with enthusiasm for having had the adventure. I say this because it was happened when I did the same. Except I had to drive for 12 and a half hours to get to Virginia for the FSGW Getaway weekend. Now that you have your feet wet, why don't you consider coming for that event in October (???Right, Charley??) In fact, why don't all youse layabouts that rode the wee lads arse so hard figure on coming to Virginia in October for the greatest Mudcat gathering ever. Come on, folks, you have 6 or 7 months to save for it. I will bring the first round of the vile black stuff, and maybe cook something special.

Big Mick

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: bbc
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 07:22 AM

MM's the one w/ the cup of coffee in his hand. Hope you both have a great time!

bbc

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Áine
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 09:39 AM

Have I missed him? Is he gone yet?

Mbo -- CLEAN UNDERWEAR!! DON'T FORGET CLEAN UNDERWEAR!!

Dang it, I think I missed him.

-- Áine

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Sorcha
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 09:49 AM

HE BETTER NOT CHICKEN OUT!!

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Caitrin
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 10:06 AM

Where in VA, Mick?

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 10:24 AM

Washington DC area Caitrin.....There are pictures from last year at bbc's and there are a number of threads including one about this year's event.....Put FSGW in the search box and refresh for 6 months or a year.

Spaw

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: BlueJay
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 12:31 PM

MEEBO- a reminder about taking a camera, along with extra batteries, and all the film you'll need. I don't know if your a shutterbug, but film and batteries are very pricey at these events. And PLEASE, don't put off having the film DEVELOPED. I did that once when I was younger, and by the time I took the rolls in, they were undevelopable. I'd give my remaining eye teeth for those photos today! If you don't have a camera, the disposable ones are cheap and put out pretty good pix. Get one, (better two or three), with a FLASH. Take the Guitar, it can be used in lieu of clothing. Have a BLAST!!

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Escamillo
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 03:15 PM

I forgot one: A white towel ! (In Argentine style, a white towel raised up with your left hand, out of your window, signals that you are rushing someone to the hospital, this method is used when the cops are signaling you to stop, thus you don't)
Un abrazo-Andrés

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Biskit
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 03:40 PM

Meebs ol' buddy you've gotten some really great advice on what to bring fer when ya get there, however..wqatch out for the other people,please! expect them to do something really stupid in front of you always leave an escape route in traffic, like don't get surrounded if they've got ya pinned on both sides slow down leave room to escape, I know this doesn't sound like fun advice but it might get'cha there an back safley, and for that,..the rest can just think I'm an ol' poop Take'er easy buddy. -Biskit-

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: ceitagh
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 03:42 PM

He's gone guys...tho who knows, maybe he'll stop at some internet cafe to catch up on all the good advice. All we can do for meebs now is cross our fingers and pray he relaxes and enjoys himself. :-)

pax,
ceit

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 04:26 PM

Did anybody tell him that a ring on the finger does far less to prevent babies than a condom properly applied to the appropriate appendage? Should we have linked this thread to the sex education one?

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Amos
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 04:38 PM

I'm pretty sure ol' Meebs has neither ...

I mean of course, neither ring nor condom....as for appendages, I am sure he knows how to pee standing up.

A :>)

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: ceitagh
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 04:38 PM

Umm...GUEST, I think Mbo meant that the *lack* of a ring was the contraceptive. In other words, no sex is the safest sex. But you can ask him when he gets back.

pax
ceit

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 05:08 PM

Why do I get this feeling that he's walking around the Ren Fair looking for a computer and a phone line?

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Sorcha
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 05:13 PM

I don't care if he's looking for a computer and aphone line, HE JUST BETTER BE THERE!(and not in Winston-Salem, or some other damn place without a quarter to call home! :) Oh, shit--did we remember to tell him to take a quarter to call home???

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: ceitagh
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 05:13 PM

'cause you know meebs to well, LEJ......

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 05:20 PM

I'll tell you all the truth..........I've been thinking about the kid all day and I'm not gonna' be too relaxed til he gets back and checks in. I'm sure he's having a great time, but if something were to happen to him after all that damn pushing I did ................ Always after the fact, there are a lot of times I wish I'd kept my big mouth shut. Wonder what his parents thought of the whole thing?

Screw it, he'll be OK and is probably having a great time and an adventure............but I'll feel better when he's back.

Spaw

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: GUEST,me again
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 05:24 PM

He's twenty-one not sixteen. He'll manage. I remember being terrified on a transatlantic flight when I was fifteen. The only thing that got me on the right train at the other end was seeing a poor lad of twenty-three who'd never been out of his hometown before in his life. In helping him I helped myself and got to where I needed to be.

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Bill in Alabama
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 05:48 PM

Catspaw--

It's no help, I know, but I know the feeling. In this instance, I believe you did the right thing, and you certainly had a lot of folks agreeing with you. Sort of like what my grampaw used to call "peckin' the young'uns out of the nest."

Bill

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Amos
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 05:58 PM

Spaw -- from all the signs I can see you did him a fine, positive service and the pressure was only just enough to overcome inertia and habit. He is 21 and it's only 100 miles, isn't that right? Perfect practice run for something more adventurous like shipping out to Hong Kong on a tramp steamer or joining a camel expedition to Fez...

Naw, I believe in my heart you did a right and good thing, so no worrying -- if he breaks his ankle on a streetlamp we can do hail Mary's then. I appreciate the good you did for him, getting him out into a horizon more than 24' deep. It'll wake up his soul. If it scares him, he'll survive.

Don't beat yourself up before it's time! :>)

A

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 06:05 PM

He'll be okay, Spaw. He is not stupid, by any means, and needs to practise using his brains in the real world, too.

If you're really worried, dare I say it? Just visualise him surrounded by the Light and see him home, safe and sound, driving us nuts by posting a small book about what a grand time he had.

I DO know the feeling, though. My sister called me last night at 1030p from Colorado. My youngest daughter, at 22, was driving down to her place after work. A four hour drive. Had a friend with her and a cell phone she had turned off. We both got a little concerned, then I couldn't sleep, until finally about 11p I got her on her cell just as she was pulling into my sister's driveway. They got a late start but hadn't told anybody. The drive was mostly over lone prairie, two lane highways with nothing in between except one town of about 15,000 and a couple of bumps in the road, plus LOTs of deer in headlights! I still didn't get much sleep...too keyed up.

So, now, repeat after me, so ya don't suffer the way I did **BG** aaaaaahhhhh ooooooommmmmmm>/i>!

kat

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Sorcha
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 06:27 PM

aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhoooooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmm>/i>! x5!

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Dave Swan
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 06:54 PM

'spaw's worry over Meebo makes me think of my favorite H.L. Mencken quote:

Sin is a dangerous toy in the hands of the virtuous. It should be left to the congenitally sinful, who know when to play with it, and when to let it alone. Run a boy through Presbyterian Sunday school and you must police him carefully the all rest of his life, for once he slips, he is ready for anything.

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 06:59 PM

LMAO!!!!! Well thanks to all, I know you're all a bit worried too, and I would expect that from all of you. Bill, Sorcha, Amos, kat, and Dave.......El Swanno, I believe I'll throw that one into my favorites stack too!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Sorcha
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 07:02 PM

GREAT quote......but ya'll KNOW he is gonna read this when he gets back..........he reads EVERYTHING!!!

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: paddymac
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 07:17 PM

Maybe there's an "alter Meebo" yearning to break free of conventionality. I've never done the ren thing myself, but from younger friends who do, I get the impression that there's a healty amount of licentiousness about the grounds, and many's the adventuresome wench to help a dacent lad through some of life's great transitions. I'm sure he'll have as much fun as he wants.

Meebo - all your surrogate parental types are waiting for a report. (Just remember, you don't really have to tell all. Half the fun for vicarious olde farts is the filling in the racey parts for our selves. Sorry, I meant "themselves")(tee hee).

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Sorcha
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 07:21 PM

Several of us hope so!!!!

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 07:28 PM

HE JUST SIGNED IN AT ICQ!!!!

Subject: RE: MEEBO Takes to the Road
From: Sorcha
Date: 25 Mar 00 - 07:31 PM

KOOOOLLL!!! Will go there!