Hello and Welcome... What's your name? Tell me about You...

rosemaryww · Post by **rosemaryww** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 8:05 pm

Hi -
I'm Rose - Virgin, but I almost went last year so feel i've been a long time in mental preparation for this maiden voyage. A Painter, i'm still working on some ideas for camp art, but am excited generally about the whole amazing creative project of building a city in the desert. Also a bit of a nerd, I have a thing for really bad fashion and cant' wait to jump into my 75c thrift store 70s pink-purple-red MU-MU (with pockets!!) on the playa. Wearing that's gotta help me overcome initial introversion/shyness!

Happily married to my favorite camping buddy (also an introvert and nerd) who was a little skeptical about having 50,000 people as campmates.. That is, until he decided to build a steel geodesic dome. It's become the envy of our neighbors - can't wait to get the roofing finalised so we can move onto our shower structure.

Love to hear about what people (especially virgins) are most looking forward to, and maybe also what they're most tentative about? I'm looking forward to being in a place where it seems like people will be more open to connecting with others. I'm a little tentative that there might be people who aren't as friendly as i've imagined the BM community to be, and about how i'll cope with the heat.

red arrow · Post by **red arrow** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 5:44 am

my name is brendan
im 23 year old and live in ireland
i am coming to burning man with three friends this august for the first time, i used to live in new jersey and also in new york (when i was 19/20)

i love all music espicially drum and bass, reggae/dub and various styles of rock music as well

every day is a day off my count down list for burning man, time is ticking by really quickly... im going to greece in two weeks as well so august is lining up to be possibly the best month of my life SO FAR! :D :D

looking forward to meeting loads of new random nutcases at burning man and experiencing what its like. OH YEAH

ant80 · Post by **ant80** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:23 am

Hi, my name is Ananth. I live in Columbia Missouri, and will be coming to burning man for the first time in my life. I am very excited for it. I am counting down the days as well.

I have been lurking in the forums for a while learning. I first learned of burning man from the internet. The concept of a desert city that vanishes after a month sounds really interesting to me.

I am an engineer by profession, and this represents everything that my life has lacked. I guess that's why I am so interested in this. I look forward to meeting a lot of interesting people out there. Here's to new friendships!!!

tinkerbelle90 · Post by **tinkerbelle90** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 4:50 pm

My name is Leslie and I go by tink or tinkerbelle with all my friends. I am a Registered Nurse and I work in a rural hospital in Monteray county. This is my first time to BM and I am trying to get my act together after the RV dude found out I was going to BM and kicked me to the curb. New plans, guess this is radical self reliance in real time! I have three grown kids and my son is coming with me to BM and he has been spinning fire since he was 15 yrs old. I just like to watch.
can't wait, working extra shifts for all those little amenities that desert living requires.
My talents revolve around fiber arts and cloth. I am a designer and have sewn professionaly for over 30 years. I used to specialize in costumes and period clothing. I hope my talents would be well received by all the cool and groovy people I will meet!
cheers, tink :lol:

Zulegoona · Post by **Zulegoona** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 8:31 pm

Welcome Tink, Iâ€™m sure your talents will be well appreciated, there seems to be kind of an Edwardian / Elizabethan / Steam punk , style gaining popularity (on this board anyway) so period costumes will fit right in.

Ant80 Welcome to e-playa thanks for registering and beginning to join in. Burning Man really is an amazing thing surreal and hyper-real, a oneness and isolation .

Iâ€™m one of the e-playans who always warns about having expectations, so forgive me if youâ€™ve heard this one,..... there are all kinds of strange exciting things and people at burning man if you are at all like I was itâ€™s easy to feel youâ€™ve finally found your people that â€œ thingâ€

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 11:32 pm

You might want to stop off at the Med Stations at 3 and 9 o'clocks. My husband volenteered for them for 8 years or so; there are lots of emts and nurses, some doctors. If you want to talk shop on your vacation that is.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 11:43 pm

Great place to help if you can.
The medical folks do an extraordinary job out there.

Joshatdot · Post by **Joshatdot** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 10:22 pm

Hello my name is Josh, 2008 will be my 1st BM w00t! I found this forum from Google, searching for a ride share.

LeadingMan · Post by **LeadingMan** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 8:01 pm

My name is Tedford (yea... I know... never heard that one before) - and this is my first Burn. A close friend went last year, and after hearing... my wife and I have decided to join you all at Black Rock City. We both turned 50 this year... and thought it a great way to celebrate the 1/2 century mark. My wife (Cal) and I will also be coming with two friends (including the friend that went last year. The four of us are members of an A Cappella group, and we plan to sing our way through the playa.

CLARKcon · Post by **CLARKcon** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 8:31 am

Welcome LeadingMan! Get ready to sing your heart out buddy

LeadingMan · Post by **LeadingMan** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 11:51 am

Thanks for the welcome. Yea... can't wait to be singing my heart out. We will be at "Snowflake Village" - but I'm not sure where on the playa that will be yet. (how do you find that out by the way)?

Post by **AntiM** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 12:09 pm

LeadingMan wrote:Thanks for the welcome. Yea... can't wait to be singing my heart out. We will be at "Snowflake Village" - but I'm not sure where on the playa that will be yet. (how do you find that out by the way)?

Theme camp placement is generally announced the first week of August. Generally.

ludeless · Post by **ludeless** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 7:12 am

Hey! Finally have made the decision to FINALLY make the trip out to the playa this year. Been lurkin on the site for a while but it's time to come out and play.

I've been wanting to check out burning man for many years, but got distracted by music festivals instead. This past year, at each of the big event's i've been to there have been very strong signs that this was the year that i needed to finally do it. I met some of the BRING IT crew at bonnaroo...the hooping wasn't for me, but they were cool peeps and got me thinking a lot more about it. Then i saw fire performers/fire spinners show also at 'roo, and was blown away by it! Made everyone else in camp come to check it out again the next night!

then to top it off, the spinning monkey machine was at the Rothbury Festival up here in MI this month. All hail the monkey machine is all i have to say about that!

and to top it all off, got a friend out in the phoenix area that's going for the first time too with a group...some vetrans some newbs...

So i figure all the hints have been dropped, i've seen very small parts of what could be out there, and loved every bit of it. and having a group to go with makes it easy as flying out from detroit limits what i can bring.

No more excuses... this is the year!

(probably the first of many....)

YourFlyIsOpen · Post by **YourFlyIsOpen** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 9:47 pm

At my job, I wear a uniform, am responsible for obscenely expensive company assets, must adhere to some two thousand governmental regulations, am constantly monitored by a co-worker as well as tape-recorded, am dictated by the second hand of the clock and every utterance and action is regimented according to standard operating procedure. It takes the coordination of five people to go to the bathroom.

Funny how I crave something that is the polar opposite of all that...

...this will be my third burn.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 10:13 pm

I predict you end up working because you don't have to.

JassenB · Post by **JassenB** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 6:10 pm

First timer, can't wait! Will be coming from the Denver, CO area. Not going with anybody at this point, so I'm just gonna show up, park somewhere, and see what happens. If you need clean socks come Friday of the event, come find me. :)

I'm hoping to meet some cool people, listen to some good trance, and see stuff get set on fire. Pyros-R-Us. :)

Peace & groovy times,
=Jassen=

CLARKcon · Post by **CLARKcon** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 2:21 pm

Welcome Jassen

! Sounds like you've got the spirit already, so no prep encouragement here

I'm hoping to meet some cool internal feelings, drink some good coffee, and see stuff get set on my inspiration & foresight

fenwick · Post by **fenwick** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 3:49 pm

Hello and Greetings Fellow Burners and Burgins

Not my first burn by any means, but each and every August as I look east in the evenings, I see a glow that excites the spirit.

Small group, and a small camp, and typically we invite nieghboring camps to share at least on Monday night for a unofficial get together.

Although a small group of us make the pilgrimage each and every year, we rarely see eachother at the camp site during the week. Too busy seeking our personal bliss on the playa. I see many make plans to do all kinds of special events for immediate surroundings - and advice has been offered that although expectations be high - expect the unexpected.

I use no watch, no calander, no guide - I just let things happen.

Monday is typically set camp and get acclamated to the local environment.

Typically crawl from my tent shaded by the RV around 10 AM. Liesurely breakfast, fill up on water and the ever important trip to the potty.

Load up the box on the bike for a days adventure(This includes lots of water and emergenC and dust storm survival gear). This includes packing my congo drums as well as other percussion instruments to share and joining impromptu drum circles at center camp for a few hours - creating a rythmic vibe to empower the city.

On your way to the Burningman - do yourself a favor! Purchase a mug with a lid!!!!! You will really appreciate having your own glass for offerings from the various bars. This will save them from using a glass - and sadly create moop. Each year many bars are no longer providing glasses for beverages - afterall it is personal survival. Do not expect your 32oz mug to be filled - but you will receive enough to quench any thirst. I hit Costco and acquire a few cases of cranberry cocktail juice and gift the bottles (unopened) to bars in exchange for beverage service.

Then its off to enjoy the playa offerings.

A word of caution and advice - do NOT expect to see everything during this week of organized chaos. It never fails, I get home - start looking at a few videos and ask - "where the hell was that display?"

Just after actual sunset - head back to camp - fuel up on protein (food and water) and repack the bike for night time needs, like lights (lots of lights).

Typically Friday or early Saturday is an organized meal as we get ready for the major burns. Nieghboring camps invited - potluck style.

Just before hitting the pillow we gather and share limited ventures, things to see and experiences to look out for to fellow campers. Nothing is set in stone - each chases their own bliss.

We have a rather limited camp site with a motiff that fits this year's theme. Our interpretation of the American Dream. Should be a great conversation for tourists as they pass by....

I also will be gifting close to 3 thousand special items this year so maybe come Saturday might run into a couple of folks appreciating my gift.

The journey to the dessert is perhaps one of the most scenic drives in the country except for Highway 1 up the west coast. We take it slow with many breaks over the Sierras for leg stretching and engine cooling. The trip North from the Interstate an hour before sunset allows for the desert colors to really be viewed and further enhance the impending arrival "home". Again - this is the one strecth with limited breaks due to the highway, but we stop at a designated spot for a fill-up on gas.

Just after Gerlech, one can look north and see in the distance the source of the glow I been seeing the last few days - the man - shining bright.

The trip home is ussually a bit faster as the RV is not wieghed down with water. Again - it might only be a 8 hour drive, but many breaks to keep the mind fresh. I am always amazed at how nice it is too see trees and greenery again. As we unpack and clean the RV and its contents the camp participants are filled with a sort of euphoria that we cannot really explain - but its effect is obvious. The next day I have classes at college.

Many ask - "How was Burningman?" to which I replied - if you really wanted to know - should have gone. We as a group do not share stories with spouses, parents etc - what happens at BM stays at BM - with a smile!.

My first indoctrination was by two vet burners - one I still travel with, the other a default world nieghbor and contact dancer. I was mercelessly teased about my burgin experience much like navy sailers go through the first time they cross the equator or dateline. Although a little concerned - had the time of my life and appreciate the ability of creating a playa-based persona including name and being someone else for a week. One thing I learned each year is something I don't like about myself - and as the man burns - that charachteristic is burned with it. The Temple Burn is more solemn as I say my final goodbye to some whom have crossed over.

Each person has their own experience. I know couples whom go and they don't really get a chance to experience burningman because they are chained to eachother. Sometimes this works, sometimes it causes negative issues and happy divorce attornies. I know that I desire and demand my solo time on the playa - and make the best of it seeking my bliss. I just might be far out on deep playa with my bike (and water) and a personal MP3 player "letting go". What amazes me is the few whom see, and visit me offering more drinks

and a short discussion on what I might be doing and then they leave as a more enlightened person on how to "let go". Who knows, the next evening they might try it as well.

That is one os the special things about burningman - stepping outside yourself and letting go.

I hope that each does the same - follow your bliss - make memories experience the moment.

To the burgins - specially the burgins - if you are the recipient of negative "cat calls" or witness a person with a bull horn yelling obscenities - DO NOT TAKE THIS PERSONAL - its part of the experience. Sure there are many with bull horns whom go about picking fun on people - "to tall, to short, or other physical charachteristics..." They mean no actual rudeness - they just getting your attention to perhaps maybe see something about yourself - and perhaps make changes - not incite you to anger.

Cut loose have fun - but remember "No means NO!".

To all the volunteers - thanks in advance for what you do to make this week special!.

Have a good burn one and all - look forward to cutting loose for a week with 49,999 other like minded fools.

Peace,

Fenwick

PlayaPunk · Post by **PlayaPunk** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 12:40 pm

Playa Punk here, a burner virgin for 08. I'm an artist at heart being a photographer and after many years of saying "someday" that someday will be this year. So, I hop into my steed on Sunday afternoon for an adventure beginning in Seattle.

I have signed up for the photo project WDYDWYD? (Search is your friend) and have a project of my own I will be working on. I will finally see all I have read about on eplaya the art, costumes, shirtcockers in the wild, etc. And instead of this unfamiliar thing called Burning Man consuming my thoughts for the past two weeks, I will finally be there with 40,000 other crazy humans camped in the middle of a scorching desert...

mikesieben · Post by **mikesieben** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 12:39 pm

Hi there, Mike in NYC here.

I'm gonna be a virgin this year, going with some experienced friends.

We're flyin into Vegas and hauling up an RV from there on Monday.

So fricken excited!

I've been lurking, and decided I should waste more time at work by actually posting on this board too.

W00t!

abnormallook · Post by **abnormallook** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 7:16 pm

PTO got cancelled. Have to wait til 3pm 8/28 to sneak out. Long drive but, I'll be there!

--AL

CLARKcon · Post by **CLARKcon** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 2:36 pm

So now that 08's been did, where's all the 09' Meet-N-Greets?

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 3:43 pm

I'll be on the playa first week of october.
What's doing in reno?

hsdavis · Post by **hsdavis** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 4:11 pm

gyre wrote:I'll be on the playa first week of october.
What's doing in reno?

I will hopefully be on the playa as well the first week in October. I am planning a stop on the way east with my art car. I think it would be amazing to see the playa with nothing on it. I'll look for you there!

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 4:37 pm

Email me and we'll make arrangements.
There's some interesting stuff going on.

pinemom · Post by **pinemom** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 7:27 am

Hey Guys....The Re?No! Decompression is Oct. 18th!!!! a Major dont miss....we totally KNOW how to party here...compared to S.F. that shuts the party down at 11pm....we rock it till the next day!

jets · Post by **jets** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 12:48 pm

Ben here. Playa name = Jets.
Get it? Benny and the Jets.
Playa name came unexpectedly while relaxing during a dust storm with my fellow campmates at Stag Camp this year. Gotta love it :)

25 years old, living in SoCal, formerly from the East Coast. T'was my first Burn in 2008 and certainly not my last. Gotta love that too!

CLARKcon · Post by **CLARKcon** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 11:44 am

Hello jets

! Glad to hear ya made it out this year. Pop around on ePlaya more for word-of-mouth information/entertainment. DIG IT--- see ya out in 09'

Post by **Elderberry** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 11:59 am

Hey jets--welcome to eplaya!

JK

marimbachick · Post by **marimbachick** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 2:09 pm

Hey Ya'll. My name's ZoÃ« and I'm a burning man virgin. I'm really looking forward to this, but so far I have no idea how I'm getting out to the playa and how I'm going to get home again. I'm going to be there though! *determined*

Hello and Welcome... What's your name? Tell me about You...

Virgin, Painter, Nerd

Hello out there....

Hi!

Thanks

Re: Thanks

Sock faerie descening upon the playa

Playa Punk here

Going to Playa on 8/28