I had turkey bacon last week. It tasted great, and I could pretend that it was healthier.

It's at least way less fatty, isn't it? I buy it, but in small enough amounts that I'm more attracted to the way it cooks really crisp and ungreasy in a microwave than the health benefits.

Looks like we've got a lot of folks who've made it to past F2F events that aren't making it to this one. That's a bummer. However, I'm sure we'll gain lots of folks we've not seen before.

On a strictly financial front so far we've not raised much into our event fund. We have a signed contract with the hotel, so one way or another we need to pay for this now. Also, there have a been a few requests for financial help making it to the F2F but as of yet we've got nothing in that fund. If you are thinking about sending some money and don't have it right now, pop me a note so that I know that we don't need to panic quite yet.

Thanks.

I'll be chipping in to the kitty after the 15th, but I don't know how much right now.

Chip in what you can afford, that's the point of doing things this way, we all have different finances right now. It's mostly just my early worry system since we've only had a handful of donations so far.

If you are thinking about sending some money and don't have it right now, pop me a note so that I know that we don't need to panic quite yet.

We'll kick some into the fund next paycheck.

A few things, as I am not much at the computer this week:

1. Heather, you should send the check to ND since he is in charge of money collection. If you email him, I'm sure he'll give you his home address.

2. I, too, am a little concerned about the lack of funds coming in as well as the number of people who may not be coming. We have a bigger problem than just the minimum food/drink payment; as I explained when we were first finalizing the contract, if we don't fill 90% of our room block, we become liable for the difference. I've been told that typically many people decide they can make it last minute, but I'm wondering if we might want to do a Mr. Poll to get approximate numbers of how many people are coming and plan to get rooms. I don't know if I have any wiggle room with the hotel (as ND said, the contract has been signed, folks), but if it looks like numbers are significantly low, I might be able to renegotiate the room block down a bit at least. The longer we wait, the harder it's going to be.

3. All will be well. I know this.

Keep in mind that last year we didn't even have hotel reservation information until March 31. That was rather late, but I think that for a lot of people, now is still too soon to make plans.

Yep, like I said, I know I'm mildly freaking out way too early. I'm sure it will be fine.

Yeah, I'm still trying to figure out my financial situation for this month. Several months from now is a bit too far in advance to plan. (As of right now, I'm probably not going, but that could change within the next month or so, depending on a whole bunch of factors.)