I could be wrong about this, but so far I have gotten a sense that between babies and finances and being out of the country and other general life stuff, there may be fewer people there this time.

I've gotten the same impression (so, clearly you're not wrong. ahem.)

What about a quick poll, with the options of yes, no, maybe to get a rough headcount?

The problem is that I think a lot of people are away this week. If I approximate 50 people and 25 rooms, that should cover us, I'd think. Sound good?

Also, thank you to -t, who sent me the contact information. I'm on it.

Kristin, I have a lot of the information on the computer at home. I may also have some suggestions about the food for prom and something else. You can e-mail me at your leisure.

I am kinda swamped, but I also wanted to wait for talk about other F2Fs to die down, but considering the pull of buffistas toward one another, that's never going to happen.

Heather, I totally hear you. Insent.

Whatev. Just a thought.

It's a good thought. I was hasty, I'm sorry. I'm just trying to make sure I can take care of this this week before I head back to work.

My apologies, Jen.

Back at you Kristin.

I'm thinking of getting there early though I may not stay at the hotel for those extra days.

Just my own opinions here:

Would it be acceptable to reserve the HS only for Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon?

Yes.

If the choice is full dinner or no food, however, are we okay with going no food?

More than okay.

I think a more important question than how many people have been at each one is how many hotel rooms did we end up booking? I don't know offhand if the number of people sleeping along has been balanced by the number of people squeezing 4 to a room or not.

I think that ND is getting there early as well, though I don't know when exactly. It might be worth emailing him to ask. It can't hurt to have several of us there ahead of time in any case, right?

Since I'm using my credit card to reserve the space and therefore have to sign the contract, I'm planning on getting in on Thursday night just in case. I'll be staying at the hotel the whole time, obviously.

I know (though I've now touched base with -t, Heather, and ND in email, so I know all is well between us) that anyone bouncing into a planning thread like this has the potential to step on toes and cause feelings of resentment, especially when it will only be my 2nd annual F2F. I hesitated to volunteer for that reason. However, I do have the time off right now, and I wanted to be helpful given that I know how incredibly busy the three organizers are. I hope that everyone sees the spirit intended in this and doesn't think I'm trying to take over.

You folks have done all the hard work; I'm really just here now as the loose-end-tier.

My apologies, Jen.

No apology necessary, though thanks for offering anyway; I was not offended. 'Twas a neutral "whatev, just a thought," meant to signify that I was not particularly invested, no snippiness intended.

Agree that number of rooms booked compared to number of people who attended is a good standard to use to get a decent minimum number of rooms reserved.

Kristin, we should do lunch or dinner or something when we're all there early to get a break from planning and preparing. The hotel is really close to the shop where my friend works, so I could easily hitch a ride with her and wander down the street.

Are there any extras that need to be brought/stored/shipped?

Heather, sounds like a plan!

Thanks Jen-I'm just being careful.

Extras...I'll have to see. Right now I'm just in contact hotel and firm up details mode.