Here's hoping....

[happydragon]

I'm gonna press the "i believe" button and have faith that this year money and vacation time will correspond and allow me to finally make it. I have failed to have the correct combination for several years, but I am meeting too many people who are regulars and tell me I need to be there to fail again this year.

So, in anticipation, an introduction is in order. My name is Wayne, I live in San Diego. The Navy pays my bills but I am really a circus aerialist. I also do some spinning, hooping, juggling, sphereplay and fire. If you do see me out there, feel free to stop by and play on my aerial rig, otherwise until then I am going to read all I can on getting ready....

Also, I am a social scientist, so I would appreciate any info on good social or psychological studies/books/sites on Burning Man, or personal stories, etc. Want to get as much preloading as I can so I can have some expectations to forget about / shatter once I get to the playa

[epic_elite]

start saving now, you got 9 months... or is it 8 now?

start buying the little things that you need. by the time you think you don't have enough money, you will already be to far invested to look back

i just buy 1 or 2 things that i think i will need every month.

for me the most expensive thing was our shade structures. but i splurged on some things that were even more expensive... like a roof rack for my honda. then i spent more money on the bike rack for my car... than i did on the bikes.

you could start a list of luxeries vs necessities.

i.e. food and water, vs bicycle and costumes.

if you dont spend lump sums on festivities and frills, people might call you a spectator...but we're all here to have a good time. i'd rather get called a spectator for going, than not go at all.

[teardropper]

The first year is good to have a look around to see what it may be about for you. You have some great skills, but be sure to make time for the some of the other things. Then again, don't let me tell you how to burn. I love fire juggling.

[Victorian]

Welcome Wayne! This year will also be my first trip. 21 female from Arizona, coming from the desert here to the playa desert.. all by my self... I'm quite excited for the adventure in itself. Hope to see you on the playa!

[AntiM]

I have a friend on the Dubuque who has been trying to return for several years now. Money isn't the object, getting leave approved in the right time frame has been his trouble. But when you're on sea duty, well, your time is not your own.

Welcome Aboard.

I'm ex-Navy, MyLarry is retired Navy. Surprising amount of vets and active duty attend.