But before I allow you Doctors and Nurses to tend to me, allow me to introduce myself.
Im ChadBroChill, sometimes called Chad Bro, more often Chad, but usually Chris. I was first introduced to burning man about 5 years ago through a mate in a college course. Kept up with it during those years, and grew more and more interested. Last year, a friend of mine, 2 time burner, gave me the What/Where/When guide for 2012. I devoured it and the fever started. Finally, Twenty Thirteen, everything has fallen into(and out of) place for me. A new free year, that is going to be a lot of discovering myself. Free from a recent relationship, free of debt, and (mostly)respect and progession at work. I purchased the ticket, and my fever grew. I began reading as much as possible, i might spend as much time on eplaya as i will The Playa by the time its all done. Ive watched countless videos, and yet everyday I wake up thinking about it, trying to gather as much info as possible. Which brings me to a story id like to share.
I have this coworker who is a very interesting character, hes 66 so he has a lot of great stories from his life. When i first asked him about Burning Man, about 3 months ago, he goes "ive been! I went TWICE!". "Awesome!" I said, "tell me about it!" for the next THREE-ish months, he tells me very short stories, information about it, how he got there, what he camped in. I asked his advice on things, shared with him some of my ideas and plans. It was nice to have someone to talk to in person, who has been. So quite literally, today, 2/28, I see him at work, i ask him more about opinions on my tent, he gave some helpful advice. But.... later on he comes up to me with a slight smirk on his face. I look at him laughing and say "Whats so funny" he pats me on the back as he walks by "well, chris, when i told you before that i went to burning man twice, i lied, i never went" .................................
....... I was floored. I still am. Like WHY would you LIE about going, and for that long! Tell me info like you've been, give me advice like you've been. Get me even more excited about it. And then tell me you were lying about it the whole time!?!?! Like What the FRICK! I have been beyond excited thinking about burning man, wanting to expierence a life changing event. I want this year to be filled with challenge and change, and burning man will be THE turning point for me. So for someone with whom ive shared this excitement to, comes out and tells me that BS. You are a grown man. Sure I lie about stupid shit, im 25, not 66. I broke up with a longterm gf because of lies. Im pissed, i feel stupid, I feel my fever fading... 
So i come here, finally, posting for the first time, after months of roaming. To share me, to share my feelings and thoughts, with hopes that I can talk to people who have REALLY BEEN TO BURNING MAN....
I need some medication, begin the rehab
If you are looking for more local info, since the cross country trip adds a little extra fun in getting to the playa look into the Philly regional group as well as some of the events that are going on. Frost Burn just happened in Western PA. PDF and PEX are coming up in a few months and are very burner friendly events to check out.
