I'll still be tossing some more cash to the kitty with my next paycheck on Thursday.

Kristin, the money is the money. We need to spend X amount - so waste, how?

What's pinging you except the time slot?

Yo, Nicole. Insent.

Deb, not Kristin, and no Prom experience, I think she is just helping to make the most of the time we do have. No waste, but let's have the bar available during the hours of most use.

Yo, Nicole. Insent.

Gots it. Heading over to Y!IM so we can chat.

No waste, but let's have the bar available during the hours of most use.

Yep, that's what I was asking - is there anything other than the time that's at issue? Because the time slot is easily fixable.

FTR, is there any reason at earth why anyone - this is the non-drinker who's been physically damaged by drunk driving asking here - who desperately needs to drink at one in the morning and is staying in the hotel can't do it upstairs in the hospitality suite? I'm curious.

Deb, not Kristin, and no Prom experience, I think she is just helping to make the most of the time we do have. No waste, but let's have the bar available during the hours of most use.

Yes, this is what I meant. Sorry if I wasn't clear.

Deb, it's just the time slot, yes. And I—who has never in my life driven drunk—would like the option to drink late, yes. I doubt I'll be at the Prom before 9, and I'd like to drink slowly over the next few hours rather than feel pressured to drink quickly so as to avoid having to pay for drinks. Honestly, I've had friends and students killed by drunk drivers—if I thought that extending the open bar would cause it, I wouldn't suggest it. But seriously, most of us are staying at the hotel that night, and I really believe that we will look out for anyone who isn't. We're all adults, yes? Not trying to be snarky, just honestly surprised that you think that we'll be drunk driving if we have a later open bar.

Not trying to be snarky, just honestly surprised that you think that we'll be drunk driving if we have a later open bar.

No, no, not later - I was mentally allowing an hour between last call and hitting the steering wheel, but the actual hour doesn't matter at all. If you (universal you, not you specifically) isn't driving until two, one ack emma is no problem at all. It's the distance between last call and lights out, not the actual time. Later is fine.

Would most people prefer 8 to midnight, nine to one, or something in between?

My recollection is that in years past we got started closer to 9. People wandering back from the days activities and then dinner. Primping time allowance. Things don't seem to get going until later.

eta: And you betcha no Buffista is driving away drunk on my watch. There are going to be plenty of rooms available with for anyone in need of crash space.

I'd prefer either 9-1 or 8:30-12:30. Thanks for being flexible, Deb. I hear your concerns as well, and I appreciate your worry for everyone's safety.

It's been too long since the LA F2F for me to remember what time we started the party and I'm not a real big drinker of the alcohol so I have no opinion to voice on this one.