Virgin - trying to step out of my comfort zone...

kittyhat · Post by **kittyhat** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 10:37 am

Hello... I'm kind of like Vicky in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" - very self-preservation oriented and was raised to be a "good" girl and do all the "right" things. Well, now I'm 47, mom of 2 teenage boys, married 20 years and live in a conservative suburb of Denver...

PLEASE HELP ME! How did this become my life?!?

I would love to attend Burning Man. I have a good friend from SF (not going this year) who has gone several times so I'm somewhat familiar with it. I've read quite a bit, watched some podcasts, etc...

So my big question is how do I find a camp to belong to? Or should I just load up my car and go by myself? It all seems a little overwhelming but I really want to have an ADVENTURE and get out of my box...

Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Post by **Elderberry** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 11:23 am

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

Continue spending time here reading past posts--most every thing a new person could ask has already been asked and answered here. "Search" is your friend.

Regional BM events is a good place to make acquaintances and possible find a camp that fits. Also, don't worry about going on your own--I hear it can be lots of fun too!

JK

Elliot · Post by **Elliot** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 12:59 pm

Welcome aboard, Kittyhat!

Are you familiar with the comic strip "Rose Is Rose"? Rose is a happily married mom in a traditional neighborhood and lifestyle, and sometimes she daydreams of being a reckless party-girl in black leather and flying down the road on a motorcycle.

All very normal!

You sound like a perfect candidate for what I call my "First Definition of Burning Man". This dawned on me after I returned to "the default world" after my first burn. I found that BM was the first-and-only vacation I had ever had in my 54 years (in 2006). REAL vacation. Totally different from everything in the other 51 weeks. On the Playa, nothing exists other than Black Rock City. Not even your usual thoughts, as there is too much new stuff to leave room for usual stuff.

Yes, it is supposed to be a bit overwhelming. Not to worry! You will have a fine adventure no matter how you go about it. Once you arrive in BRC there is no way not to!

But yes, you can also join a camp. Some camps are informal groups, and some are official Theme Camps. Theme Camps have a reasonably well defined artistic or service theme, and reserved space. Some are recruiting new members -- some right here on ePlaya.

I believe we have room for some more people -- and we are eager to receive their fresh input -- in Camp Apokiliptika. We have people from kids to old coots like me. And we are one camp in a "village" of several camps, so there is much intermingling between a variety of themes. Apokiliptika has a good web site, and if you don't come across it soon, I can dig up the link to it. We would quickly put you to work making costumes and decorations! (Preparation is a good year-round hobby.)

Your healthy and rejuvenating vacation is waiting for you. Next year your family will want to go with you, and it will be even better.

kittyhat · Post by **kittyhat** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 1:35 pm

JK - Thanks for the encouragement. I'm honored by your reply as you usually are very short in your responses.

Yes, I will continue perusing the past posts and I have also registered with the Colorado Burning Man Community.

Elliot - You brought tears to my eyes! You understand me!! I totally relate to the description of Rose! I will definitely check out the Apokiliptika web site. Thanks so much for your motivation and support.

love and hugs,
kittyhat

djnormanj · Post by **djnormanj** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 10:39 pm

Welcome to the world of burning man Kittyhat! I can't top what Elliot wrote, but he's right, so I'll just agree with him! Enjoy the ride!

Post by **Sham** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 12:45 pm

I would like to add a few cents to this exchange.
I think many of us are in the same boat of having a normal, boring, suburban life. I found that Burning Man allows me to step out and be a different, more outgoing person. I can be whatever I want to be and still be able to go back home and be content that I had my fun and will get to do it again next year.
You will have an awesome time and you will feel like the weight of the world is lifted from your shoulders.

WELCOME HOME!

kittyhat · Post by **kittyhat** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 1:14 pm

Awwwwwww. I'm getting all chocked up again. Thank you all for making me feel so welcome.

I believe this will be quite an experience of a lifetime. I'm so excited about soaking it all in and exploring all the possibilities!! It sounds amazingly liberating.

I've so been searching for a way to experience more passion in my life and connection to my authentic self. Thanks again!

love and hugs,
kittyhat

Post by **AntiM** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 3:32 pm

Apogaea is the regional Colorado burn, held in June this year. I've heard it is a most excellent event. Great way to dip a toe in and see how prepared you are, and to meet other burners in your area.

http://www.apogaea.com/

Daddy-O · Post by **Daddy-O** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 11:04 am

Ahh kittyhat load up the car and drive on out to BRC for the time of your life. Don't worry my dear there will be upwards of 50,000 of your new friends there to help you with anything that you may need help with. Come by and I will cook you up some bacon. Nothings better than beer and bacon sprinkled with playa dust. And welcome to eplaya.

Barbie · Post by **Barbie** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 11:17 am

Welcome HOme Miss Kittyhat!! Sounds like your Ready for some adventure!
GO Left when you get to the part that You HAVE to decide! and Stop by and have a drink at 9:15 and the second to the last ring... Blackie's Bar & Grill!

kittyhat · Post by **kittyhat** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 11:44 am

Thanks so much for all the suggestions, support, greetings and especially the invitations!!

My adventurousness is most definitely being inspired and I am ready to leap fully into the abyss of surrender... and a few drinks! Blackie's Bar & Grill - here I come!

And Daddy-O, I wouldn't miss your bacon for anything!

love and kisses,
kittyhat

Thecatman · Post by **Thecatman** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 4:18 pm

kittyhat! WELCOME! It sounds like you're in the default world like everyone else is for the other 51 weeks. Load up your car, bring yerself lots of water and food, and wind proof, dust proof accomidations and you'll do fine

PavementBlues · Post by **PavementBlues** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 6:09 pm

kittyhat wrote:Thanks so much for all the suggestions, support, greetings and especially the invitations!!

My adventurousness is most definitely being inspired and I am ready to leap fully into the abyss of surrender... and a few drinks! Blackie's Bar & Grill - here I come!

And Daddy-O, I wouldn't miss your bacon for anything!

love and kisses,
kittyhat

Bacon? Booze? Hell, you're a Burner already! Come by Above the Limit sometime for beer - you sound like a fantastic addition to the community and I would love to meet you!

BlackRockCowboy · Post by **BlackRockCowboy** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 8:26 am

Virgin burner here too. 5 years of hemming and hawing has come to a head...I bought my ticket today!!!

My advice - JUST DO IT ALREADY!!

What I have found so far, is that as long as you are coming to BM NOT as a user/taker and ARE willing to participate and contribute, you will fit right in.

I have found open arms and plenty of advice - I can not wait to get there.

Don't wait - let's be together in the Virgin Class of 2009!!