I feel like I'm studying for a final exam and practicum.

skygnome777 · Post by **skygnome777** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 7:40 pm

I'm trying to gather all the information I'll need in order to prepare for my first burn--and even though I started reading a bunch last summer. I feel like I'm cramming for a murderous final.
Not even considering the fact I'll be flying in there is a lot to figure out!
Craziness!

SilverOrange · Post by **SilverOrange** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 7:59 pm

Welcome to the party. The first time is always the hardest. If you come back you'll know what you brought but didn't need, and what you wished you had. If you didn't have to work for it, it probably wouldn't be as rewarding.

skygnome777 · Post by **skygnome777** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 8:08 am

[quote="SilverOrange"]Welcome to the party. The first time is always the hardest. If you come back you'll know what you brought but didn't need, and what you wished you had. If you didn't have to work for it, it probably wouldn't be as rewarding.[/quote]
mhmmm Pretty much anything worthwhile in life takes a lot of effort.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 8:11 am

Flow with the go.
Go with the flow.
Be the burn. Be the man. Be the man burning.
See the playa before you go there.

Deb Prothero · Post by **Deb Prothero** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 10:11 am

Do the best you can to be self-reliant. Then if you find that you're missing something, you'll discover that your neighbour has an extra. That's what community is about.

Make a shopping list for when you land at Reno (or wherever) and get the basics that are on the survival guide list.

I found the best lesson was when I did forget something, I had to learn how to ask for help. Best lesson I ever had.

Elorrum · Post by **Elorrum** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 10:23 am

I know the feeling. Try to relax. imho: If you have food, shade, water, transportation, keys, wallet, ticket, passport if necessary, your basic necessities... you will be o.k. Being neighborly and willing to lend a hand, are elements some forget to pack, and they take up so little space. Bring lots of that. Deb's best lesson is awesome. I asked for help when my self-reliance wasn't working (I struggled for over an hour before I asked for help on something that was simply not a one person thing... two minutes of an extra hand, and I found it SO hard to ask. But the result is another friend. Not a bad result.) There will be people waiting for your admiration of, and participation in, their projects that they had adequate space and transportation for... they need you! The rest is meant to support and add to the experience, not drain you to a quivering husk. Contribute according to your abilities. It's a camping trip and it is fun. Jettison the murderous final model if you can. Get there and you'll love it.

rob1981sac · Post by **rob1981sac** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 3:35 pm

I know what your going thru, I've been reading everything I can lay my eyes on about Burning Man. Last thing I want is to go unprepared and a become a burden on those around me. I think I have it down, just counting the clock down now, hope to see ya out there!

swampdog · Post by **swampdog** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 3:54 pm

I know it can be intimidating, I was pretty intimidated my first year. If you're taking it seriously enough to worry about it, you'll do fine. Sounds a bit paradoxical, but there it is. I guarantee that you will be underprepared in some ways, overprepared in other ways.

Playa Tom · Post by **Playa Tom** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 7:54 pm

It is not a difficult test. There are no essay questions, it is entirely multiple choice.

You are going to forget something, don't worry you can borrow one from your neighbor.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 12:11 am

Bring good dust goggles.

Anything else is manageable.

Fire_Moose · Post by **Fire_Moose** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:47 am

all you really need is socks and yer ticket...

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:58 am

And it's never too late to PANIC!

Fire_Moose · Post by **Fire_Moose** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 11:41 am

but sometimes it is too early....i mean there is what? 50 some days til the man burns, that mean you have about 40 days to get stuff done without panicking!

skygnome777 · Post by **skygnome777** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 12:13 pm

Ugly Dougly-- Thank you for mentioning the word PANIC in all caps.
It reminded me that I forgot to add a towel to the list of things to bring.

fire moose--
It works best for me to start writign down ideas early on. I don't create or plan logically. My brain works like 100 monkey's at 100 type writers.
Next on my list I'll bring three socks to wear for each day.
It will prevent sunburn.

OnceTheDustClears · Post by **OnceTheDustClears** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 3:45 pm

Bring duct tape.
You can use it for all sorts of things.

H.G.Crosby · Post by **H.G.Crosby** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 3:47 pm

those are exquisite....I especially like the Black Sun Motif, but i am partial to it.

skygnome777 · Post by **skygnome777** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 6:50 pm

I was told duct tape doesn't work as well in the desert.
Was I misinformed?
It sounded like blasphemy to me.

Deb Prothero · Post by **Deb Prothero** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 8:15 pm

Duct tape adhesive does tend to melt in the heat of the sun. But I still use it for the tough jobs, just keep an eye on it if it's holding something important. After a dust storm, you may need to reapply. I haven't yet found something as good.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:08 pm

Get the real duct tape, usually sold as gaffer's tape.

Duct tape is good for almost everything, except HVAC ducts.

Deb Prothero · Post by **Deb Prothero** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:56 pm

Yeah, have to agree with gyre on this one. The real 3M brand original duct tape is what you want to get. When you buy the 99cent stuff, you get what you pay for in the quality of the adhesive and strength of the tape.

I feel like I'm studying for a final exam and practicum.

I feel like I'm studying for a final exam and practicum.

Relax!