A second intro...

[Blurry]

I did introduce myself on another board here, but I'll do so again and add a bit more. My name is Nicole (again, call me Blurry) and I'm 26, living on the U.P. of Michigan atm but moving to New Mexico soon, going to my first burn next year.

I'm noticing the habit of veterans around here to purposely or inadvertently attempt to sway newbies from going to BM by either telling exaggerated horror stories, or just being downright assholes...

Being a rather adventurous, independent, and un-timid individual, I find it mostly hilarious, but there are a few things that I've read that have raised an alarm (albeit only in the smallest, darkest back corner of my mind). SO, to remedy this, I'm going to attempt to ask only what I consider to be intelligent and pertinent questions (when they arise), and beg your pardon if my questions have already been asked and answered. There is quite a bit of information around this place, and it is difficult to find just what you are looking for sometimes. That being said, I'll quickly outline some of my concerns -- I plan on attending my first burn solo in order to leave myself open to any kind of experience that strikes my fancy, and I know the basics of protecting myself, but I am slightly concerned about being a lone female amidst so much organized chaos. This is not something that q&a's can alleviate, but is a concern nonetheless. Other than that, some questions have popped into my head -- what to do with my thick, long, and outrageously curly hair to keep it as tame and frizz-free as possible, what kind and size of tent to bring, what foods to bring so that I can avoid having to cook the entire week (and if this is even advisable). Many of the other preparation-type things really seem (to me, at least) to be common sense, but I'm sure I'll have a million more questions in the next year, and am glad to have found this online community, as it looks to be an excellent resource, despite all the snark :D .

[theCryptofishist]

Black Rock City is not a particularly dangerous city for women alone. As far as I can tell, if you do get harassed by someone pretty much anyone else will come and help you if they are aware of it. (Yelling is a good strategy from that view.)
I can't help with tents or hair. For food, I"m in the jerky and trail mix camp, although due to middle aged concerns I have to rethink that.
We're not a real "Rah-rah, you can do it!" group. We'll do our best to help you, but we don't count doing it for you as help.

[Ugly Dougly]

I'm noticing the habit of veterans around here to purposely or inadvertently attempt to sway newbies from going to BM by either telling exaggerated horror stories, or just being downright assholes...

Blurry, half of that is genuine assholiness, the other half is good-natured jibing, but the rest is a desire to make sure everyone who comes to BRC really wants to be there and is prepared to live by our principles. We're really a cult, in some ways.

But every newby is our young daughter's new boyfriend, asking her for a date. We just don't want to see our Burning Man spoiled by anyone who doesn't get it.

And I think that you do.

1. Use a sippy cup and follow the buddy system.
2. Cover your hair.
4. Your appetite will be less than it is now, but generally eat what you like and is worth the trouble to prepare.
3. Find a shade structure that won't blow away in the wind, or accumulate dust, or become an oven at midday.
Elsewise, you have plenty of time to search around.

[Blurry]

We're not a real "Rah-rah, you can do it!" group. We'll do our best to help you, but we don't count doing it for you as help.

Understandable. I'm not here looking for "Rah-rah, you can do it!" encouragement, just advice from those who are familiar with what I am not. I'll be making the move to New Mexico in six weeks, and it will be the first time I've ever been in the desert (I grew up in Wisconsin), so I will take all of the (good) advice I can get to prepare myself for my first burn. You want to know how to survive in sub-zero temperatures, hit me up and I'll return the favor.

[Nitevenus]

Hey Blurry, my offer that I had already sent to help on private message still stands. There is another avenue of information for us girl burners, be sure to check out Tribe.net, there is a board for burning women that is pretty involved on the feminine issues such as hair and being solo.

Hang on to your humor with the snarky remarks, it's all in fun......and then just move on to the next post. Remember that what people post is what usually works for them. You need to learn how to cultivate what you need.

[Ugly Dougly]

She'll be snarking with the rest of us before long.

[Blurry]

Thanks, Nite I appreciate your help, and I'll definitely check out that other site.

[Blurry]

She'll be snarking with the rest of us before long.

You got it.

[TinkTink]

2011 will be my first burn as well.I saw on some other post about the hair problem. I have the same kind of hair as yours, so i looked into. Some of the answers were doing fake dreads(wool thingers you braid into your hair),covering with a scarf, and/or a hat. I also plan to bring a leave in conditioner as added protection. Hope I helped a bit. :D

[AntiM]

Moderator note: These are not separate "boards", the board itself is rather small. We have several forums, and posting in more than one is cross-posting... not cool. In fact, you had to use a word from the section on not cross-posting to register. You're new, you'll figure it out. No need to cross-post, we all get around to all the forums.

Sorry, I'm a little grumpy as the board had become very messy while I've been away.

[Blurry]

Well damn, thanks for putting me in my place.

[AntiM]

Well damn, thanks for putting me in my place.

LOL, no problem, it is what I do.

[C.f.M.]

I'm going to attempt to ask only what I consider to be intelligent and pertinent questions (when they arise)... what to do with my thick, long, and outrageously curly hair to keep it as tame and frizz-free as possible, what kind and size of tent to bring, what foods to bring so that I can avoid having to cook the entire week (and if this is even advisable).

There's at least one thread for every single one of those questions, already.

[Eric]

I'm noticing the habit of veterans around here to purposely or inadvertently attempt to sway newbies from going to BM by either telling exaggerated horror stories, or just being downright assholes...

Blurry, half of that is genuine assholiness, the other half is good-natured jibing, but the rest is a desire to make sure everyone who comes to BRC really wants to be there and is prepared to live by our principles.

If you read the posts where we seem like assholes, you'll notice they trend towards ones where people are looking for either a free-ride (be it ticket, camp, whatever) or the lazy way to do something. The only other topics that raise that "quality" tend to be blatant acts of stupidity that deserve the response (lack of common sense with drugs, biking up 447 etc)*

As for the horror stories- if you know what the worst that can hit you is, and you prepare for it, you'll be ready if and when it occurs. This isn't a picnic, and, as even I've learned this year, a stupid mistake can cost you time, money and health, and only that if you're lucky.

You sound like you'll do just fine.

*please note the use of "trend" and "tend". All posters retain the right to be as big of assholes as they wish on any topic that pisses them off. All other posters retain the right to call them on it

[Artemis]

Blurry -

As CFM mentioned, there are many threads in this forum that answer the questions you've raised. Try using the "search" function.

Here are some thoughts on your concerns:

* Camping alone
This was my 3rd year and I have camped alone for 2 years running. I like being alone and feel safe at BRC. But then again I live in NYC, grew up in ghettos and have been on my own since I ran away at 16. Even with all these skin-thickening experiences behind me, it can be a little daunting when I arrive.
I do make sure on my first day to meet all my closest neighbors and in particular those neighbors that are prone to stay near camp. This year they let me know about the dude who was stalking my tent when I wasn't there (and offered to deal with him if I needed help).
My first year I camped next to a loosely formed camp of veterans who took me under their wing before we hit playa, which I recommend for the first year. It lets you get used to things at BRC before you try it on your own.

* Food
There are tons of threads with people asking about food. I lean like Crypto towards snacky foods. Coming from a high humidity climate to the desert, I crave lots of salty foods out there. Electrolytes (coconut water, crystal lite, gatorade) are also great. My appetite is much lighter out there than normal. On one day I realized I'd only eaten 500 calories and try as I might I couldn't get myself to eat any more than that. Some people have the opposite experience and are hungrier. I always pack more food than I need.
Fresh treats that can be kept in the cooler are also wonderful. Romaine hearts were so fabulously good. Blacbkerries are also nice.

* Hair
I have curly hair too and the curls seem to love it out there - no humidity, no frizz! But then again my hair isn't that thick and playa just makes it thicker. I use a spray-in conditioner that can also be used as a body lotion. I spray it on 5-10 times a day. I found it from googling burning man suggested packing lists. It rocks!
Melted cooler water poured over head while leaning over a bucket, followed by stay-in conditioner, in the heat of the day works great to cool off and help keep the hair from getting as crazy.

Best of luck