And seat Cass next to the sharks!

How could I forget!

That was the only thing missing from our dinner at Corvette Diner.

Juliana, insent.

I've been putting off saying it: no F2F for me this year - the airfare is out of the question. I've tried to write this post before, but then the big lump in the throat or the blinding tears renders me too pathetic. It's not just disappointment - it's also that the two I've attended have meant more than I can express.

I'm still amazed at how important 2002 and 2004 were in my quest to overcome lifetime crippling shyness. I had such fun, even though I could not always succeed with the gregarious. It was Buffista vibe that made it happen. We are greater than the sum of our parts.

There is nothing like entering the HS for the first time. Taking in Buffista corporeal foaminess is like floating on a glittery, witty, squishy brain-cloud with extra dark chocolate on the side. And then you get the experience again vicariously with each new arrival. Then Prom is not so much with the cloud as with "wrap your legs 'round these velvet rims and strap your hands 'cross my engines."

I wish I could attend this year so I could spend more time in the shy corner. I'd like to hang with Bev and Toddson, who I remember clearly from DC, but didn't spend enough time with. I'd love to meet Buffistas I haven't met, and visit with Buffistas I was too overawed to talk to very much before. I want to see DX's eyes, Scola's smile, Allyson's hair, and other Buffista wonders. And flirt with Trudy and nibble Too Much Candy again. I'll miss hearing new voices to go with screen names.

My point? Well, I'm a big goober. But about overplanning: I suggest being overwhelmed by Buffistas (it's fun!), rather than by activities. It's not the side trips, but the people on them. The fabric outing sounds fabulous, in spite of my irrational fabric store squick, because it's with Buffistas.

I'll shut up now with two observations:

• Anyone who's feeling intimidated? Look around; you're in good company.
  
• I'ma miss all y'all.

Oh katefate! You're breaking my heart. I will miss seeing you so much. Sniff. We have to take lots of pictures for the beloved missing Buffistas.

Oh, damn.

Damn damn damn.

Wish you could make it, love.

Oh, katefate. I'm so sorry.

Nooo! Oh man, katefate, I'm so bummed you won't be there!

katefate, I am so sorry you're not coming! But I have to say, for someone is both terrifically excited and also not a little bit nervous about meeting so many great people all at once, your reassurances were wonderful.

Actually, doubly sorry you're not coming.

Katefate, I'm so sorry you can't come this year! I hope next year is more auspicious for travelling, I look forward to meeting you.

Katefate, I was hoping to see you again! I remember you in your corset in DC! maybe next year?

Oh Kate! I was hoping to see your piratical self again in SF, and am dreadfully disappointed you can't come. I'm so sorry. You'll be missed.