Very anxious and excited first time Burners from San Jose!

[mrandMisBehavin]

HI, We are Brandi & Darrell

Within 12 hours of talking to our friends about BM and deciding we'd like to check out we bought our tickets and … oh my gosh I'm nervous about getting prepared!

I (Brandi) have a very obsessive compulsive (addictive) personality and want to get a head start on everything!!

We'd love your suggestions and help, what to bring, where to buy stuff, what to make, how do we find a camp, how do we find groups to join (and meet more friends before the event), where could we volunteer to help others, can we bring bacon, it is possible to create an Art Car without doing permanent damage to our truck, I plan on bringing gifts, what would most Burners like to receive???? OMG, I have a ton of questions.

I have so many lists started, but I'd like to know "What is the most important thing to do right now?"

Thanx so much for your help (taking a deep breath, relax),
Smiles, Brandi & Darrell

[C.f.M.]

Did you even try googling all of your questions?

There is a ridiculous amount of info on getting ready for BM on the internet*. There isn't a single thing I couldn't find, with the magic of google.

Then, when you have specific questions that you are, after you've actually tried, unable to find answers for, come back here.

*There honestly is. Before I knew about this place, I just read and read, every day, everything I found. We're talking "burning man tent" in the search box, and the ensuing ten pages.

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

Start by reading the info on the main site, then start asking questions.

JK

[mrandMisBehavin]

Thanx Jk & CFM

and yea, I have checked Google and these forums, that's how I got my checklists started!

When you knew you were gonna go to BM what did you do first?

[C.f.M.]

When you knew you were gonna go to BM what did you do first?

I googled the fuck out of everything I could think of. I signed up with some groups at tribe.net (cooking, clothing, virgins, shelter, etc.).

I started a blog to help archive everything I found, from fun toys to recipes to first aid.

And then I googled, and read some more. People have wonderful sites, blog entries and more with information on everything from actual packing lists to their favourite travel routes.

[ibdave]

When you knew you were gonna go to BM what did you do first?

I jerked off.....

[AntiM]

The Q&A forum has many, may good discussions on all the topics you've asked about, and in those discussions are even more links! So read, read, read.

As for an "Art Car", sadly, no. Now they are called mutant vehicles and must be modified to the point the base vehicle is unrecognizable. It would indeed, do much damage to your truck. I can provide the links if you can't find them yourselves on the Main Site.

Welcome eHome.

Oh, and never confuse "eplaya" with "the playa".

[epic_elite]

has anyone made a copy and paste formated response to these questions yet?

[Ugly Dougly]

... it is possible to create an Art Car without doing permanent damage to our truck...

Making a Mutant Vehicle is, almost by definition, "permanent damage".
There was a time when an "Art Car" could be just paints and blinky lights. I think that those times have long passed.

[motskyroonmatick]

Ok. I researched Burning Man for years before I went including many readings of the happy mutant's handbook. You have plenty of time. Don't worry but do obsess over making the best decision you can in regards to what you will bring and how you will camp. Tell us your assets. We already know you have a truck. Are you going to buy a RV trailer to pull behind it? Will you be pulling a supplies trailer? Will your truck accommodate a camper? Are you already part of the die hard TENT OR DIE! crew and just know you will be tenting it? Making a Monkey Hut? Running a generator? Do you already own a shade structure? What is it?

As your plans develop run them bye us. We can help you make your camp ideas work out but the concept and style is up to you.

I know you want to dive right in but do not make a mutant vehicle until you have experienced the event once. (some exceptions made for the very talented)

Good luck. Maybe post your list for some constructive criticism.

[AntiM]

has anyone made a copy and paste formated response to these questions yet?

Are you volunteering?

Actually, there are a number of useful discussions at the top of the Q&A forum, look for the "sticky" threads.

[teardropper]

I want some Boscoe. And bacon.

[Elliot]

I plan on bringing gifts, what would most Burners like to receive????

I can truly reply only for myself, but I have a hunch that several others would agree: The best gift I can receive in Black Rock City is music. Real music, played on a real musical instrument by a real human. Or song. Any live human musical performance -- as opposed to recorded and amplified music.

Granted many of us cannot play or sing at all -- including me. But the concept still holds. Give of yourself, perform your art; as opposed to handing out trinkets.

[thisisthatwhichis]

I plan on bringing gifts, what would most Burners like to receive????

I can truly reply only for myself, but I have a hunch that several others would agree: The best gift I can receive in Black Rock City is music. Real music, played on a real musical instrument by a real human. Or song. Any live human musical performance -- as opposed to recorded and amplified music.

Granted many of us cannot play or sing at all -- including me. But the concept still holds. Give of yourself, perform your art; as opposed to handing out trinkets.

I go for just (((Hugs)))), and seeing the sparkle in your eye.......


It's really just that simple................

[Ugly Dougly]

I want some Boscoe. And bacon.

Whoa, that's a heady combination.

[Elliot]

I go for just (((Hugs)))), and seeing the sparkle in your eye.......
It's really just that simple................

...says the man who will probably have a Grand Piano in his bar, for everyone to play.

But yes, of course, the sparkle in your eye is what everything else is based on!

[theCryptofishist]

Trinkets. Trinkets all the way. Pretty trinkets. Sassy trinkets. Trinkets to make an Indian who just sold Manhattan weep in frustration for not holding out for something better than beads.*

*Yes, I do know that could be seen as offensive. I have an understanding of how important trinkets are to the human animal. Do you know that the oldest kind of human made artifact not made of stone are ostrich egg beads? And besides we were conned on that transaction. It wasn't theirs to sell. I love the rich layers of human history.

[TomServo]

A head start is always best! Go with NO expectations! Just absorb the strange shit around you.

[Elorrum]

I have so many lists started, but I'd like to know "What is the most important thing to do right now?"

Right now, is still a long way from the end of summer. I don't think you are in crisis territory if you do nothing. Keep an eye out for the serendipitous acquisitions, clearance, garage sales, etc. Trust me, eventually everything gets viewed through playability lenses. Watch your wallet. If your basics are solid: transport, shelter, food, water, sun protection... camping basics, then the rest is embellishment and when you run out of time, just go knowing the basics are solid. Many suggest that you try to keep it simple your first time.

If you want local connections: South Bay burners has a website, various forums, and a newlsetter. Jackrabbit speaks is a good resource newsletter as well.

[mrandMisBehavin]

Thanx for all the great ideas, we are joining groups, reading and starting our search for our needed items.

I love all the helpful tips!

Mis Behavin

[CLARKcon]

Hello Mis Behavin ! We are still abit out (bout' 6 months) so, if you're thinking of any long term projects (making a ton of gifts, designing a MV, etc.) now would be the time to start (as opposed to waiting two days before you leave (whiiich is some advice I need to heed myself ) keep rockin!

[TwoHott]

[quote="Elliot"]:D
[quote]I plan on bringing gifts, what would most Burners like to receive???? [/quote]

I can truly reply only for myself, but I have a hunch that several others would agree: The best gift I can receive in Black Rock City is music. Real music, played on a real musical instrument by a real human. Or song. Any live human musical performance -- as opposed to recorded and amplified music.
:D[/quote]

One of the sweetest gifts we ever received was a simple song from a young woman. She sung it to us and played on her ukelele (no idea how to spell that) at center camp. It was so genuine, so sweet, from her heart, from her childhood.

Another favorite was a beautiful fire dance given to us by an amazing woman whom I will never forget. She became one with the fire as she looked into our eyes and performed a beautiful dance just for the two of us. These memories are burned into our souls... Ahh, I can feel the heat and smell the dust again... :)

[motskyroonmatick]

Welcome to ePlaya TwoHott!

[mdmf007]

has anyone made a copy and paste formated response to these questions yet?

No, because they are all in the Survival Guide, and there is a kick as search function right at the top that will pull stuff up by author and better yet - keyword.

Id pass on an artcar for your first burn, just enjoy the burn and get out there and do all you can without worrying about the car.

[convenientlust]

Welcome MrandMisBehavin!

I have to agree with what everyone is saying. I found out most of my information via Google before I bought my tickets. Then once I absorbed general information and survival information, I joined Eplaya for help with other things that I wanted first hand opinions and advice for from people who had experienced BM.

I'm not sure if anyone suggested that you join the Regionals for your area. You can find out lots of information about BM related events and meet-ups in your area. Since I joined, I've found out about so many events going on. You can meet other virgin and veteran burners and most importantly, get involved.

[theCryptofishist]

Assuming it's San Jose California, I think Burning Silicon would be the locals. With the inevitable "we don't have a regional because the Burn is our regional" caveats.

[Elorrum]

http://southbayburners.org/events pre-compression in June. Lupin Lodge is in the santa cruz mt., foothills? on the Los Gatos side.

[EmilyD]

Where would a virgin find this "happy mutant's handbook" that was mentioned above? Thanks.

[gyre]

it is possible to create an Art Car without doing permanent damage to our truck, I plan on bringing gifts, what would most Burners like to receive???? OMG, I have a ton of questions.

I have so many lists started, but I'd like to know "What is the most important thing to do right now?"

Thanx so much for your help (taking a deep breath, relax),
Smiles, Brandi & Darrell

Yes, an art car can be done that way, but it adds another layer of complication.
It's the only option for many people coming a long distance, which you aren't.
Or for vehicles too wide.

Most important?
Good dust goggles.

Then a good headlamp.
Flashing lights to wear, so you don't come home rolled up like a carpet.
And a good tent and shade.

[mrandMisBehavin]

Our tickets are here! Now the excitement is really hitting!

Thanx for the great ideas everyone!

Mis Behavin