2015 Birgin got a ticket from a 16 year veteran Burner

[RedManRising]

Okay, I am still a little in shock, but yesterday a Burner veteran sold me a ticket for face value and I am out of my mind excited to be coming to BRC. Still hunting down my vehicle pass but I am sure it will work out so I am prepping, packing and planning my participation.

In the default world I am a builder (of houses) and I hope to build on the Playa, too. Build my camp, help others build where needed, build community, and mostly build a new awareness of myself in response to a transformative experience.

I get that no amount of preparation can truly prepare me for the inward journey I am about to take. I am reading and following all of the advice and recommendations to physically take care of myself on the playa. It is that other piece that I dwell on: how to overcome the shyness I pretend I don't have; how to let go of the mask I wear in the everyday world; how to meet and experience people from a more deeply authentic place. I am excited and nervous and full of wonder.

So, a big hello to the tens of thousands making this journey with me. I hope to learn a lot from those who have gone before me, both here on eplaya and out in BRC.

[lucky420]

Hola and hello...



You're gonna love it!

[BoyScoutGirl]

Hello, and welcome to eplaya (and Burning Man). I think many people will be glad to avail of your skill set.

A caution, however: Burning Man is a just a huge party in the desert. Going to a party (even an amazing one) and expecting a transformative inward journey can be setting yourself up for disappointment. This isn't to say something wonderful won't happen - indeed it may - but that building expectations of the event beyond the heat, cold, wind, dust, and noise is something I suggest every burner avoid as best they can.

This is easier said than done, of course. I did a massive amount of research before my first burn, knew pretty much everything to expect, knew the art that was coming, etc. etc. etc. Everything met my expectations because I'd researched them so well... and yet I almost didn't go back, because it was just what I expected. Just prepare for survival camping and let the event be what it will be.

Enjoy

[CyanEssence]

Welcome, and congrats!

I would parrot what BoyScoutGirl said about expectations. I think that a small group of people have really played up the spiritual/transformative aspect of the burn. While I don't doubt that people have had those experiences out there, I know that they can also happen in hotel rooms, walks in the forest, by working in hospice, all sorts of places, so they are not unique to, or guaranteed in, the desert.

PS. I have a VP, but not a car. Are you driving, do you have space for a passenger?

[Drawingablank]

Welcome.

[RedManRising]

Thank you for the welcomes and words of wisdom. I have been researching, pondering, and talking to people who have gone for years now, and am thrilled to be finally going. You are right that there is a dance on the fine line of being prepared and not being to rigid about expectations. I don't particularly expect to have a life transforming epiphany on the playa but I am certainly seeking to push my comfort zone in new and unexpected ways.

I like what one poster on eplaya said. "1. Say yes; 2. Don't die; and 3. Be safe." I think I can work with that.

CyanEssence, yes I plan to drive. PM me and we can chat about whether that fits with both our plans.

[CyanEssence]

.....I don't particularly expect to have a life transforming epiphany on the playa but I am certainly seeking to push my comfort zone in new and unexpected ways.

Now that my friend, sounds like a good plan!

CyanEssence, yes I plan to drive. PM me and we can chat about whether that fits with both our plans.

Will do.

[Wigwam]

Hey, welcome and congratulations!

Please come by the Wanderers camp located at 3:15 & F. We will be serving toxic tonic and hot dogs every day from about 4:00-6:00 foe weary playa wanderers. We have a special for shy people. Ask for Wigwam. It won't help you, but it will be a great stroke for my already massive ego.

[RedManRising]

Thanks, Wigwam, for the invite. I love hot dogs and I'm curious about the special for shy people.

[gaminwench]

Ride in with CyanEssence. Say Yes. Eat Wigwam's dogs. Say Yes. Chase the blinky lights. Say yes.

You'll be fine.

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

[graidawg]

Every year get a dose if envy for people going for there first time, I hope its as fun as you can handle, you only get to go once for the first time

[RedManRising]

Okay, got myself registered for the OMG sale in hopes of getting a vehicle pass to go along with my ticket. Now researching how to retrofit my RV with a swamp cooler and solar so I don't have to run a generator. Checking out the other boards on that.

Tried to say yes to CyanEssence regarding ride share but it looks like our schedules may not gel (bummer). Will definitely pursue one of Wigwam's dogs and chase the hell out of all the blinky lights.

[squish]

Welcome! I hope we don't end up road-tripping to Oklahoma.

[RedManRising]

Hey, Squish, I hope we don't either. Keep the faith and thanks again!

[tamarakay]

I went hoping to just not embarrass myself and left a budding artist. The burn can change you in very unexpected ways. My husband is pretty socially anxious here in defaultia but on the playa he becomes this gregarious outgoing guy. Fun to watch! The best thing to do is show up prepared to survive and then just flow with it.

Welcome!

[smiffman]

[quote="tamarakay"] The best thing to do is show up prepared to survive and then just flow with it.


Yoink...........

[Savannah]

Okay, I am still a little in shock, but yesterday a Burner veteran sold me a ticket for face value and I am out of my mind excited to be coming to BRC. Still hunting down my vehicle pass but I am sure it will work out so I am prepping, packing and planning my participation.

In the default world I am a builder (of houses) and I hope to build on the Playa, too. Build my camp, help others build where needed, build community, and mostly build a new awareness of myself in response to a transformative experience.

I get that no amount of preparation can truly prepare me for the inward journey I am about to take. I am reading and following all of the advice and recommendations to physically take care of myself on the playa. It is that other piece that I dwell on: how to overcome the shyness I pretend I don't have; how to let go of the mask I wear in the everyday world; how to meet and experience people from a more deeply authentic place. I am excited and nervous and full of wonder.

So, a big hello to the tens of thousands making this journey with me. I hope to learn a lot from those who have gone before me, both here on eplaya and out in BRC.

Welcome, RedManRising!

You may be shy, but your personality leaps off the page nonetheless.

Check out this thread (if you haven't found it already):
Tips for Shy People at Burning Man
viewtopic.php?t=45094

Come to the ePlaya Meet & Greet at Wednesday 6pm of the Event at Barbie Death Camp & Wine Bistro. Address: 7:00 & E Street. It's a potluck, so bring a bottle, some food or ice if you can (but don't stay away if you can't). Most people won't know your name yet, but you can just say "RedManRising--I'm new" and I swear people will still be happy to see you.

[RedManRising]

Welcome, RedManRising!

You may be shy, but your personality leaps off the page nonetheless.

Check out this thread (if you haven't found it already):
Tips for Shy People at Burning Man
viewtopic.php?t=45094

Come to the ePlaya Meet & Greet at Wednesday 6pm of the Event at Barbie Death Camp & Wine Bistro. Address: 7:00 & E Street. It's a potluck, so bring a bottle, some food or ice if you can (but don't stay away if you can't). Most people won't know your name yet, but you can just say "RedManRising--I'm new" and I swear people will still be happy to see you.

Thank you, Savannah! I read your recommended thread and it is great advice. I am planning to have at least one "Say yes to everything" day, which should be fun.

[RedManRising]

Update: I got my vehicle pass in the OMG sale today. I am all set with ticket and pass and am so excited I might have just peed a little bit! LOL

Can't wait to meet, share and participate with all of you lovelies out on the playa.

Transportation: check
Survival supplies: check
Don't be a darkwad gear: check
Outfits: now that still needs some work

[Savannah]

Re: outfits . . . here are three great threads.

Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.
viewtopic.php?f=279&t=53078

Man Clothes
viewtopic.php?t=53511

Goggles - What do YOU use?
viewtopic.php?f=279&t=62405

* A festive or amusing warm coat or fun headgear get the most mileage, as do good goggles and several pairs of well-broken-in shoes or boots.
* Don't forget a backpack or messenger bag.
* You will never be sorry to have extra socks.

[BoyScoutGirl]

Exciting!

I'd like to echo Sav's sentiment: more than one pair of shoes is vital! My first year, my feet swelled so much I had to walk around in socks - and I participate in a nightly parade that's over a mile long!

[RedManRising]

Update:

Thank you to all of the wonderful people here who have been encouraging me on my journey to my first burn. Both here, in the introductions, and on the other topic boards, I have been receiving the gift of great advice for planning.

As you know, I was able to buy a ticket from a veteran burner several weeks ago. Then got a vehicle pass in the OMG sale. I have since joined a camp, have been meeting the camp mates who live locally (most are spread around the country), and am helping with builds for the camp. What was once a wonder about whether I would even get to go has turned into early entry to help build the infrastructure of our camp. I was worried about going by myself and feeling isolated, but now I am getting to participate and contribute before even getting to Nevada. It feels great and I am super excited. All of the preparations are coming together and my challenge is to curb the inclination to have expectations about what I will find on the playa so I don't get in my own way of being open to whatever the playa brings. Leaving for BRC in two weeks and I am both terrified (that I will forget to bring something essential) and elated (that this community I am coming to know is, for the most part, as authentic as I hoped).

[gaminwench]

Yes, you will forget something. (This is okay, someone in your camp will have it).
Someone in your camp will need something. (YOU will have it!)

Leave your expectations in your driveway; it won't be THIS, you will not see THAT, and THE OTHER will happen while you are sleeping.

Say YES, be open to WHATEVER (safety 3rd ) and CLIMB THAT THING!!!

Please come to the Meet and Greet on Wednesday so all of the crusty ones can revel in your playa fabulousness!!!

[RedManRising]

Oh, I am definitely coming to the Meet and Greet on Wednesday ... I have a lot of love to express to the people on eplaya who have nurtured me along as I prepare for my first burn. Am I supposed to wear a red-stained sheet to prove that I was a Burgin? LOL

[RedManRising]

Okay, am I the only one at 11:00PM tonight with a driveway full of crates and supplies trying to organize and pack smartly? Is it time to panic yet? LOL

Working through my to do list. Major things left:

Monday: Install new trailer brake controller in RV;
Tuesday: Grocery shopping;
Wednesday: Load everything but perishables (including equipment of ridesharers);
Thursday: Get on the road at 9:00AM

SO FUCKING EXCITED!!!!!!

[somebodys-mom]

Okay, am I the only one at 11:00PM tonight with a driveway full of crates and supplies trying to organize and pack smartly? Is it time to panic yet? LOL

No, you aren't alone with this. I'm still up trying to figure out clothes and food. My RV is mostly packed though. I just have to throw food and clothing into it and somehow affix my bikes to it and we're on the road come Tuesday.

You're going to do just fine. This is my second burn and I had such a good time at my first one. There's only one "first time" so just let it happen. It's a good happen.

Like you, I'm actually rather shy and inhibited in person. I'm hoping this year to push myself out of my comfort zone and say yes to more than I did last year.

It's never time to panic! You got this!

[RedManRising]

Okay, no panicking then!

[BoyScoutGirl]

It's all part of the adventure, RedMan. Ride safe, and come by Lamplighters in center camp one afternoon - I'll pour you the drink of your choice