How to You Stand Missing a Burn?
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How to You Stand Missing a Burn?
Okay people...those of you who have had the terrible experience of having to miss a Burn after having been, how did/do you deal with it?
Last year was my first Burn. I had heard about it before the Burn previous but didn't have enough heads up to arrange to go (I got to sorta experience parts of it via webcam, though). Now having been, I know that the webcam won't give me what I need, although I'm sure it'll alleviate some of the homesickness (about as much as a baby aspirin for a migraine).
I would try to throw some sort of "too bad we couldn't go" party(ies), but EVERYone I know who's been or interested in going IS going...so I'll be all on my lonesome.
I REALLY wish I could go this year, but there's no way with having just bought a house (read: no extra money) and no vacation time from my new(ish) job. I definitely won't miss next year for anything, but it's so far off! I feel like crying sometimes reading BM stuff (like today's announcement that there's only 100 days 'til the Man Burns) knowing that I can't participate this year (except to perhaps contribute something for my friends to take with them).
So, how did/do you cope?
Last year was my first Burn. I had heard about it before the Burn previous but didn't have enough heads up to arrange to go (I got to sorta experience parts of it via webcam, though). Now having been, I know that the webcam won't give me what I need, although I'm sure it'll alleviate some of the homesickness (about as much as a baby aspirin for a migraine).
I would try to throw some sort of "too bad we couldn't go" party(ies), but EVERYone I know who's been or interested in going IS going...so I'll be all on my lonesome.
I REALLY wish I could go this year, but there's no way with having just bought a house (read: no extra money) and no vacation time from my new(ish) job. I definitely won't miss next year for anything, but it's so far off! I feel like crying sometimes reading BM stuff (like today's announcement that there's only 100 days 'til the Man Burns) knowing that I can't participate this year (except to perhaps contribute something for my friends to take with them).
So, how did/do you cope?
~Cetryn
I missed 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. It was a choice the first, and maybe second times. In the later two years, it wasn't, and I was unhappy.
I handled it by scheduling fun things to do the week of, and rigorously screening out the never-ending litany of burner posts on various blogs and social networking sites. (I wasn't on ePlaya at all then). I found them very torturous to read.
I handled it by scheduling fun things to do the week of, and rigorously screening out the never-ending litany of burner posts on various blogs and social networking sites. (I wasn't on ePlaya at all then). I found them very torturous to read.
- Elderberry
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How do you cope? Is that a serious question? For a two year old maybe. But what adult has difficulty coping with not being able to take a vacation? Now if you were defaulting on your mortgage and your house was foreclosed on and you are now living on the street with no job, I MIGHT be able to understand your coping problem.
JK

http://www.mudskippercafe.com
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me

http://www.mudskippercafe.com
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me
- illy dilly
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WOW Jkisha, You're just all sorts of grumpy today huh? Are you ok, are ya venting frustrations through ePlaya?jkisha wrote:How do you cope? Is that a serious question? For a two year old maybe. But what adult has difficulty coping with not being able to take a vacation? Now if you were defaulting on your mortgage and your house was foreclosed on and you are now living on the street with no job, I MIGHT be able to understand your coping problem.
Maybe go drink something, or better yet smoke something, chill out and give it another shot tomorrow.
Whitemistress,
I have no idea. I figure I'd drink my self stupid?
Or go ahead and be sad about it, its ok to be pissed/sad about some stuff some times.
Or maybe dedicate that whole week, to making cool stuff so that next year you are already ahead of the game.
Why don't ya stick your head in that hole and find out? ~piehole
Plan for the worst, expect the best. Make the most out of it under any conditions. If you cannot do that you will never enjoy yourself. ~CrispyDave
Plan for the worst, expect the best. Make the most out of it under any conditions. If you cannot do that you will never enjoy yourself. ~CrispyDave
- Ugly Dougly
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- Elderberry
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Nope, not the least bit grumpy. Just don't have much patience with someone having issues because they can't go on a camping trip. Not going to BM should not be an issue requiring therapy or special coping skills. Can't go? Too bad. There's always next year, or the year after if you can't make it then either. Thats all there is to "coping" with not being able to go. The end. But thanks for your concern illy dilly.illy dilly wrote:WOW Jkisha, You're just all sorts of grumpy today huh? Are you ok, are ya venting frustrations through ePlaya?jkisha wrote:How do you cope? Is that a serious question? For a two year old maybe. But what adult has difficulty coping with not being able to take a vacation? Now if you were defaulting on your mortgage and your house was foreclosed on and you are now living on the street with no job, I MIGHT be able to understand your coping problem.
Maybe go drink something, or better yet smoke something, chill out and give it another shot tomorrow.
JK

http://www.mudskippercafe.com
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me

http://www.mudskippercafe.com
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me
- illy dilly
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- Location: Denver, CO
No worries, just looking out.jkisha wrote:Nope, not the least bit grumpy. Just don't have much patience with someone having issues because they can't go on a camping trip. Not going to BM should not be an issue requiring therapy or special coping skills. Can't go? Too bad. There's always next year, or the year after if you can't make it then either. Thats all there is to "coping" with not being able to go. The end. But thanks for your concern illy dilly.illy dilly wrote:WOW Jkisha, You're just all sorts of grumpy today huh? Are you ok, are ya venting frustrations through ePlaya?jkisha wrote:How do you cope? Is that a serious question? For a two year old maybe. But what adult has difficulty coping with not being able to take a vacation? Now if you were defaulting on your mortgage and your house was foreclosed on and you are now living on the street with no job, I MIGHT be able to understand your coping problem.
Maybe go drink something, or better yet smoke something, chill out and give it another shot tomorrow.
And I do agree with you. But keep in mind, you've been a bunch of times, right?
I've only been twice, and I'm in the same boat as WhiteMistress, I'd be pissed if something kept me from the burn. But it would take a lot to keep me from the burn.
Maybe after you've been a bunch of times, it is just a camping trip again. I have 'camping trips' that I try not to miss each year, but if I do O well.
I figure, to us experience newbies its more than just a camping trip.
Why don't ya stick your head in that hole and find out? ~piehole
Plan for the worst, expect the best. Make the most out of it under any conditions. If you cannot do that you will never enjoy yourself. ~CrispyDave
Plan for the worst, expect the best. Make the most out of it under any conditions. If you cannot do that you will never enjoy yourself. ~CrispyDave
- Elderberry
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The number of times I have been has nothing to do with it. Don't we go to BM in part to learn how to live in the moment? Life is what you make it. Just like getting old...you can't do anything about it, so you either embrace it and enjoy each new decade and all it has to offer and be happy, or you don't, and be miserable. She can't go, she can't change that based on other choices she made, so she needs to use the time to maybe enjoy that new house...fix it up or redecorate a room or work on the yard. Otherwise why did she even bother to buy her house if that decision is going to make her so miserable because she now has to "give up so much"? You make your choices in life, hopefully they should make your life happier.illy dilly wrote:No worries, just looking out.jkisha wrote:Nope, not the least bit grumpy. Just don't have much patience with someone having issues because they can't go on a camping trip. Not going to BM should not be an issue requiring therapy or special coping skills. Can't go? Too bad. There's always next year, or the year after if you can't make it then either. Thats all there is to "coping" with not being able to go. The end. But thanks for your concern illy dilly.illy dilly wrote: WOW Jkisha, You're just all sorts of grumpy today huh? Are you ok, are ya venting frustrations through ePlaya?
Maybe go drink something, or better yet smoke something, chill out and give it another shot tomorrow.
And I do agree with you. But keep in mind, you've been a bunch of times, right?
I've only been twice, and I'm in the same boat as WhiteMistress, I'd be pissed if something kept me from the burn. But it would take a lot to keep me from the burn.
Maybe after you've been a bunch of times, it is just a camping trip again. I have 'camping trips' that I try not to miss each year, but if I do O well.
I figure, to us experience newbies its more than just a camping trip.
If all this doesn't make any sense to her, my advice would be to sell her house and go to the burn.
JK

http://www.mudskippercafe.com
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me

http://www.mudskippercafe.com
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me
- maryanimal
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OH MY GOD how I miss Burning Man*fist thrusting into the sky and shaking* Why OH Why can't I cope with missing all that is sacred*falling to knees with head in hands* What will I do?? Where will I go?? wha.....oh yeah...*blush* I haven't even gone yet. Just practicing my non-coping skills.
Sometimes I'm confused by what I think is really obvious. But what I think is really obvious obviously isn't obvious.
- illy dilly
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Jkisha, you make a good point. But the mount of times a person has been plays a huge role! It changes how you feel about it. Your second burn is not as new as your first. And after you have been 5 or 6 times you might not think that it is so important to go each year.
Though, I agree. We were close to buying a place this year.... then realized that we wouldn't be able to make the burn this year.... So we'll keep renting for a year. But to each their own.
Maryanimal, its never to early to start practicing! Now, also don't forget to work on your "Its the last day and I don't get to come back for 51 weeks" cry!
Though, I agree. We were close to buying a place this year.... then realized that we wouldn't be able to make the burn this year.... So we'll keep renting for a year. But to each their own.
Maryanimal, its never to early to start practicing! Now, also don't forget to work on your "Its the last day and I don't get to come back for 51 weeks" cry!
Why don't ya stick your head in that hole and find out? ~piehole
Plan for the worst, expect the best. Make the most out of it under any conditions. If you cannot do that you will never enjoy yourself. ~CrispyDave
Plan for the worst, expect the best. Make the most out of it under any conditions. If you cannot do that you will never enjoy yourself. ~CrispyDave
- maryanimal
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I'll get to that right away ill dilly!illy dilly wrote: Maryanimal, its never to early to start practicing! Now, also don't forget to work on your "Its the last day and I don't get to come back for 51 weeks" cry!

Sometimes I'm confused by what I think is really obvious. But what I think is really obvious obviously isn't obvious.
I think you need a little more of the hand on the forehead action. If you are going for the dramatic effect, there you go.
Is there a listing somewhere of the local burns that happen over BM for those that can't make it. I know the website has the regional websites but at least the Texas one doesn't have any info on Orphaner. That might be handy for those that can't make it.
Is there a listing somewhere of the local burns that happen over BM for those that can't make it. I know the website has the regional websites but at least the Texas one doesn't have any info on Orphaner. That might be handy for those that can't make it.
We break to remind us how to mend.
- theCryptofishist
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Anyone who wants to can start a thread in one of the 2011 sub-fora for that.
Possible titles: Camp Envy, 2012; We Like to Watch; or Yeah, Well, I Don't Need to Go to TTITD (Sub-Text: I'm Too Cool).
Possible titles: Camp Envy, 2012; We Like to Watch; or Yeah, Well, I Don't Need to Go to TTITD (Sub-Text: I'm Too Cool).
The Lady with a Lamprey
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
- theCryptofishist
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The Thing in the Desert. Most of the people who I've seen use it seem to use it as a tool to, not necessarily be "burnier than thou" but to put a little distance between themselves and some of the more enthusiastic and/or stereotypical members of the *community*.
The Lady with a Lamprey
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
- Elderberry
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LOL Hey you'll like me when you meet me.Sensei wrote:I remind myself that at least I'm not spending the week with asswipes like Jkisha.So, how did/do you cope?
In addition, we have the 'Burn Without The Bother' camp out 'round these parts. Saved my bacon in '08 when I had to take a year off after 8 in a row.
JK

http://www.mudskippercafe.com
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me

http://www.mudskippercafe.com
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me
- Elderberry
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- Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 10:00 pm
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I finally decided to google it a few weeks ago.FaeTora wrote:TTiTD? I am so not cool.
Love ya Fishy.
JK

http://www.mudskippercafe.com
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me

http://www.mudskippercafe.com
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me
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wow... way to read the melodrama... Well, I guess going back to read it, I can see how you can read it that way. I was actually seriously asking for ideas to either keep my mind off the fact that I won't be out there or else let me enjoy some semblance of it.
While I agree that many of the experiences and lessons of Burning Man are transferable to the rest of the world, many are not. Those ones which are unique to the time out there are the ones I know I will miss.
And, yes, I will be able to go next year, but that doesn't make missing this year much less of a sting. Burning Man is more than just a camping trip--even for my campmates who've been 10 years. If it was just a camping trip, I could do that on my own.
So if anyone has any serious ideas...I would like to hear those. Thanks to those of you who have made recommendations. I doubt there's a white-out party around here...I literally live in the middle of nowhere, hours from any real city, but I'll see what I can find; might be fun to take a few hour drive for something like that for the weekend...though that still leaves the rest of the week.
While I agree that many of the experiences and lessons of Burning Man are transferable to the rest of the world, many are not. Those ones which are unique to the time out there are the ones I know I will miss.
And, yes, I will be able to go next year, but that doesn't make missing this year much less of a sting. Burning Man is more than just a camping trip--even for my campmates who've been 10 years. If it was just a camping trip, I could do that on my own.
So if anyone has any serious ideas...I would like to hear those. Thanks to those of you who have made recommendations. I doubt there's a white-out party around here...I literally live in the middle of nowhere, hours from any real city, but I'll see what I can find; might be fun to take a few hour drive for something like that for the weekend...though that still leaves the rest of the week.
~Cetryn
- neon tetra
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I'm missing one of my favorite festivals of the year this weekend & it's not easy. 
I had much more fun there last year than Burning Man.
http://binarystarfish.blogspot.com/2011 ... mp-10.html
I need to save $ and miles on the car though, so much other stuff going on this summer.

I had much more fun there last year than Burning Man.
http://binarystarfish.blogspot.com/2011 ... mp-10.html
I need to save $ and miles on the car though, so much other stuff going on this summer.
[img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c336/earthfragments2/bug.gif[/img]
- theCryptofishist
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I couldn't go last year, car trouble, so I found out on the morning I was going. I chatted on the board a bit, and with other people I knew in "camp envy" and I survived it. At this point, it doesn't really sting at all. A year from now it will be in the past. A little detachment, a little meditative watching of how you run around in a maze when you don't get what you want... good for the spirit, really.
The Lady with a Lamprey
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
- Ugly Dougly
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- MyDearFriend
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goathead wrote:I would have to go to work for Bruno's gas station and steal all of their gas caps and sell them back to them.
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or just party with DPW at the Black Rock
I would come and join you in your life of crime, if I had to walk the whole way barefoot.goathead wrote:mine was serious, but then I live here.
"Burning Man ruined my life as I knew it, and I have never been happier." -mgb327
"BTW I'm not your wife so don't lie to me." -Ratty
"BTW I'm not your wife so don't lie to me." -Ratty