1. Thank you to Nick for putting this together (and picking a great city to have it in).
2. Vibram Five Fingers look even better on people than they do online.
3. Imagine the possibilities: "Karla, David, Brazilian BBQ". It would be epic.
4. A spinning Thai back kick requires more coordination than I currently possess.
5. I am going to start asking people if they are tooth fairy agnostics.
6. Memorable quote: “Given your program and given what you’ve told me I personally want to feed you some cheesecake” – AA. to S.
7. Protein powder would make a nice addition to frozen custard.
8. JP Forumites are super-nice and welcoming to summit newbies.
It was awesome to meet all of you in person! Nick and Co. did a wonderful job of herding us all around. We were a big group. I had a blast and only wish that I could have spent more tme with more people getting to know them better.
Highlights:
Playing guitar with JP and discovering that we are like Brother and Sister in soul. I cannot tell you how cool this guy is!
Meeting Tom face to face. We IM all the time and it was so nice to just be.
Meeting Julie. One of my many heros of JP. She is exactly as cool as I thought.
Seeing Roland and Gayla interact. Cute, cute, cute and exactly like it should be.
Getting to know Jamie Hale. I love his posts but love him even better in person.
Coach Hale's presentation and kick our ass class!
Meeting Big Will too. Always love the gentle giants.
Hanging out with my girls. DanceDiva, Bytsi, Kathy, Elisabeth, CelestialMom, MsTenacity, etc.
Touching Jamie's belly. She looks simply stunning right now. Healthy and happy.
Meeting Alan finally and out eating him that same night. What an incredible (and funny) guy! Confirmed my belief that he is "da bomb diggity" And yeah... I can eat more...
Alan's presentation and Q and A.
Chubbies at 2:00 AM - 'nuff said
Partying all freak'n night and throwing down "bro-style" at da jazz club to end the trip.
Meeting David L. and discovering that this board has another bber! Good luck in your upcoming shows. You look great!
Hanging with my bro-buddy David from Portland all weekend long!
Swiming in the pool on tornado warning day! Re-learning all the dives, cannonballs, etc that we did when we were kids.
Working out at 24 Hour with some of the forum peeps
All the hours and hours of discussion with everyone on fitness (and other) topics. (I learned so much)
Running along the water on Friday morning in the balmy spring weather
The Summit day activities and presentations
I know I am missing a ton of things but this is a good start...
Disclaimers:
1. I did NOT really eat THAT much. My scale is comfirming my claim. I maintained my weight so while it is true that I often ordered 2 dinners, lunches, triple burgers, etc, it really wasn't THAT much food. We only went to eat like 3 times a day. I had to pile it in while I was there.
2. I did NOT attack (or take on) Coach Jamie Hale in class. Seriously, I didn't. I have never done a defensive type class except in the USMC and I don't remember rules about the classes and allowing demonstrations. Coach Hale put his hands on me to demo something and I simply defended myself. This obviously surprised him so he had to take me down. LOL! The second time we scuffled he told me to hold onto him. Both times he had the situation well in control within seconds. He is a kick-ass teacher and fighter.
3. I did NOT instigate ALL of the pose downs this weekend. I am guilty of doing this on occasion but this weekend was simply crazy. it seemed like every hour or so somebody was wanting to do a mini-pose down with me in the pic.
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The BIGGER I get the smaller you look
I just have to say this was the most fun weekend and I can't wait til 2010!!!!
Thanks to Nick, David, Jane, Bob, Bill (and Toby - woof!) and everyone else in KC who went out of their way to make us feel welcome and got us where we needed and wanted to be... you kept us fed, housed, educated and entertained and made this weekend just incredible.
I learned a lot, I laughed, I got an amazing workout with Coach Hale... It was exactly like I had thought it would be - no awkwardness, no shyness - we all just fell into our chatter and friendships that began on this board and had such a great time.
Everyone now knows how severe my Sbux addiction is, and thanks to Celeste & Karen (and my DH) for heading out on daily Sbux trips to keep me from going into withdrawal...
I want to talk about everyone individually, but that would take up way too much room, so let me just say that this is a group of unbelievably wonderful people. Those I chat with all the time online, and those who were "new" friends (and I'll be subbing to some more logs today, I think!) - there wasn't a moment when we didn't feel welcomed and included. I was one of the only people who brought a spouse (the only spouse who particpated in everything even though he isn't a board member or even lurker, I think???), but he was welcomed with open arms and really enjoyed himself, so I also have to thank everyone for that.
We can't wait for next year. If you've never been, try to find a way to come in 2010 - you won't regret it.
Nick, I love your hair!
Greg and Rob, thanks for the help up that hill! What a fun, beautiful walk to share with such good friends. Although, making a pregnant woman laugh after all that Diet Coke is cruel!
Julie, your early bedtime makes me look like a REAL party animal! I'll be your roommate any time!
Alan, impressive that you made it on your own this year without any phone calls! Our little boy is growing up!
Galya and Roland, have a super super fun three weeks together. You guys are soo cute together!
Bill, thanks for making room for me on Saturday after lunch!
Celeste, Karen, Damien, Rob and Greg, thanks for saving me from Nascar! And...back to boobs. I still have a set!
Loved, loved, loved, loved being with my JP friends!! Jack is smothering me with lots of love (we've decided he missed his mama), so it's keeping the pain in my heart low, but you should all know what a special place you have in my heart and how I didn't get to spend nearly enough time with you. But what I got is better than nothing. Great big hugs to all of you...off to wipe the tears!
I had a fantastic time ... sitting in the "family waiting room" at the hospital waiting while Matty is in surgery. I have more specific thoughts on the summit, but can't process right now!!
Thanks Nick for organizing a great time ... and Jamie for being a wonderful roomie. I had a blast meeting everyone and spending some good time talking with everyone ...
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Life's a Journey ... Enjoy the Ride!
Just when I thought I couldn't have had a better time than my 1st Summit experience last year, this one actually exceeded it. It was such a great thing to meet people in the flesh who I've known online for such a long time. The Summit is so amazingly unique in its role as a pilgrimage to this knockout combo of friendship, learning, and, um, good clean fun.
It seemed the audience was almost double that of last year. From what I understand, it was probably triple the attendance of the year before that (evil laugh @ Cosgrove, Waterbury, Berardi, Dos, etc), so great job to Nick & everyone involved with putting it together. I can't wait for next year's Summit. I hope all who missed it this year will make it next year, and I hope all who made it have become hooked.
Highlights in no particular order of magnitude:
Nick's hair = epic. Just epic.
JP & Amy's chemistry was bonerrific.
All the new Summiteers got along great without a hitch. Loved meeting & hanging out with all of you.
Lou got grilled about certain aspects of T-mag, but handled the barrage like a fricking pro. That shit was mad entertaining, woulda made some good reality TV.
Speaking of Summit entertainment, Karla probably provided about 50% of it.
The feeling of pigging out & overdrinking with my nutritional clientele had a special zenlike feeling.
I had (part of) a chicken-fried steak sandwich chased by a large chocolate milkshake at 2am at a place called Chubby's with Karla, Tom, & Tracy. I finished the shake because Karla called me a p*ssy for not finishing the sandwich. Yeah, showed her.
I vaguely remember talking to Celestialmom for a reasonable length at the height of my drunkenness. Apparently, she could tell I was hammered, because she punk'd me hardcore the next day.
Kristen & Paul were soooo frickin sweet.
I looked at Flex magazine with newcomers JT & Nancy, and we pretty much agreed that it was just another form of porn.
Discussed gayness very briefly in the car with Lou & the boys, then discussed how creatine supplementation might possibly be a male enhancement aid, particularly after the loading phase.
Meeting Ryan (longtime bro & co-author of my IF article) & Frances. They literally stayed in & studied Sat nite. Amazing.
Meeting BB.com bro Mike, enjoying my talk with him & Ryan instead of getting pounded by Jamie's workout.
Meeting longtime friend Jamie Hale, hearing him say in his inimitable accent, "as far as genetics are concerned, those folks are kicked in the ass."
Getting up on my own on lecture day without Jamie Wilson calling & peeling me out of bed.
Discussing all things MMA with Mich.
Almost going into cardiac arrest after watching Nick get the text message the Leigh wasn't gonna make it.
Meeting Nick's wonderful family.
Hanging out with all the Summit vets who are so good about making the newer folks feel 100% welcome & comfy.
Celeste, Karen, Damien, Rob and Greg, thanks for saving me from Nascar! And...back to boobs. I still have a set!
Hmm...
Nascar or boobs... Nascar or boobs.... Thinking.... thinking.......
In all seriousness. I had an awesome time at the summit and am so glad that I went! My official "post summit thoughts" will follow when I have a bit more time.
Everybody was awesome! There may not have been a more cool gathering of people in one place at one time! Well, except for that Damien guy, he was kinda weird. Oh wait....
Just wanted to take a minute and say thanks for such a great weekend. Thanks especially to Nick! What a fantastic job he did putting this together!!
I feel like the weekend was a blur. Had a great time getting to know some new friends and getting reacquainted with my old friends.
As always, I love to take advantage of the generosity of the experts who come, even as guests. This year, it was Julie. She's given me a lot of help over the years, but I think her hands on session will help. Plus, she was able to run me through a series of tests that simply can't be done over the phone over the internet. She's awesome!
On the purely fun side of things, it was great to meet all the new people and hang out and talk. I wish there had been more time for all that, but things went soooo fast.
KC BBQ is great, and is often the case, the casual joint (adjacent to a gas station, in this case) kicked the ass of the fine dining bbq (not an oxymoron, it turns out). Nick, you should have taken us there last, because everything else paled by comparison.
At the ball game on Thursday, Nick pitched the fasted pitch of the whole day in the pitching booth. Not just our crowd, but all the people at the park who pitched that day. ...and not even warmed up.
It was great to meet Nick's older brother. It's great for Nick to have a role model like David to look up to.
The Q&A on Saturday was awesome. Yet, there are so many questions that remain unanswered from the Summit presentations. I'll have to email them and hope I don't get fat, tiny, and go lame in the meantime.
I wish we had flown out later on Sunday, because hanging out at Nick's for the afternoon sounds like a nice, relaxing way to cap the weekend. Next time...
The summit is like a large crazy family reunion
It was wonderful to meet the core family members that I know from before, hug you and remember how awesome it was last years, and see all the new faces.
I hate to miss someone's name, so I will just say I loved you all and some of the girls were so inspiring to me. I wish we lived close so we could be together more often.
More girl power than ever at this summit, I would love to see that in 2010
Thank you all for being so friendly and welcoming. I came to the summit only having interacted with Nick via email, (By the way, I believe I was the source of the "phantom text" mentioned in the summit picture thread) and posting a few times on here. I had a great time seeing the presentations, talking to my fellow attendees, and talking to the presenters. I stayed with a friend of a friend this year, and while I saved some money I feel like I didn't have the full jp fitness summit 2009 experience, so next year I'm definitely staying at the hotel. Thank you to Nick and the others who put in all the the work to make the summit possible.
Thank you all for being so friendly and welcoming. I came to the summit only having interacted with Nick via email, (By the way, I believe I was the source of the "phantom text" mentioned in the summit picture thread) and posting a few times on here. I had a great time seeing the presentations, talking to my fellow attendees, and talking to the presenters. I stayed with a friend of a friend this year, and while I saved some money I feel like I didn't have the full jp fitness summit 2009 experience, so next year I'm definitely staying at the hotel. Thank you to Nick and the others who put in all the the work to make the summit possible.
Michael
You've been to a summit, so you're probably more of a forum member now than I am (having never been to one). Glad you had a good time!
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Renegade HR: Recruit great people. Inspire them to do amazing things. | http://renegadehr.net
Some memorable moments for me - in no particular order:
Hearing JP and Karla play the guitar - the Bach especially. (I'd also add I'm nowhere near that level of ability on my chosen instrument.)
Actually meeting Karla after talking to her for months on IM.
Meeting Alan after working with him since December. (I swear I'm going to file my daily report today as promised. lol)
Getting a chance to talk to Coach Hale, even if I didn't know enough to ask him any really good questions.
Seeing Kristen's progress pictures as part of Alan's presentation - reading her log and seeing her daily weight posts, you'd think she was making no progress, but the pictures absolutely tell a different story. Keep up the amazing work.
Nick's reaction to tasting the Mardesous 8 - something like "Holy shit this is good!"
The warm and generous reception given us by Nick's family on Sunday - they were most excellent hosts.
John's story about Guido.
Talking some classical music with Bill (though I'm really going to have to research what I'll be writing from now on. lol )
Hearing Tracey sing "My Girl" even if only a line or two - the girl's got soul, no doubt about it.
Being able to sit down to a meal (on separate occasions) with each of the presenters. (That impressed me that they didn't hold themselves aloof from the rest of us.)
I noticed it, but John was the one who'd mentioned it - that at the beginning of the Summit it was like a (junior) high school dance... All the men on one side, and all the women on the other. By the time Saturday night rolled around, people mingled much more freely.
How accepting and friendly everyone was to the first time Summit goers. Next year I plan to overcome my introverted nature and initiate more conversations myself.
Everyone looked great and really happy, though I have to mention Karen's avatar doesn't do her justice.
The crowd's reaction to my section of Alan's presentation.
Still standing after Coach Hale's 30 minute workout.
Going to 24 hour fitness with Karla, Dave, Elisabeth and Kathy. Even though we didn't work out together, it was fun being in the gym with like-minded folks.
Going to Chubby's on two separate occasions, late into the night. The first run was a bit more memorable with 80 Cent and Tom the waiter, but they were both great times out.
Tasting Boulevard's beers (KC's local brewery). They do a fine job, and I liked the Maibock particularly.
I'm sure there are others, but that's a good list on its own.
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Tom
No "happy hours" makes for a lot of miserable days. - Mahler
I've got some memorable moments and some shout-outs. Normally, I don't kiss and tell, but:
Nick (ninja): is sweet, funny, and an awesome organizer & facilitator. From the moment I got off the road, called him about the hotel's lack of knowledge of me, and he said it would be taken care of, I knew I was in good hands with Allstate. And in case he tries to deny the sweet, he knows I met his mom.
Bill (RacerBill): Thanks for letting me ride shotgun
Greg (hard_rox): It was just a joy for me to get to know him.
John (Mahler): I see he didn't say, but he literally swept me off my feet when I said hi to him. Good job I fall like a clown.
Alan (Alan Aragon): you'd think I would have met him courtesy of Karla, but Nick did the honors. Alan is Charm with a capital C. But he doesn't listen. I told him chicken fried steak only comes in 3 versions: good, mediocre, and awful and that you couldn't be sure what you'd get. Shamed after only eating the edges, he had to redeem with Chocolate Milk(shake). And then the next day you could see he doesn't learn too quick. He tells me he can't believe Karla picked him up. As soon as he finished that sentence I picked him up.
He did totally have me cracking up trying to convince me I beat up a drunk I kept from running into me; but I know better.
Jamie (coach hale): I have met a kindred skeptic spirit. I had the pleasure of his company at dinner twice. And after our second discussion, I think he has me convinced that this brown girl could actually workout in the sun ON PURPOSE.
Tom (stingo): We met when he was sleepy, and I promise he acted as if he didn't know me -- he's sweetly shy. Got him out of that one, and he didn't tell you, but he has a lovely Baritone (we were singing together).
Sidonia (Kristin): This is my booty-be-poppin' comrade. Tom doesn't know this, but I actually got some bars out of her on Saturday night. I know next time to put my request in early. She and Paul (pjb923) are the cutest couple.
Julie (UConnJulie): was gracious enough to let me strip my shirt off and have her run her cold hands across my back. Give that girl a margarita anytime she wants.
Celeste (Celestialmom)/Galina (galya): our encounters were too brief, but I know we get each other.
Karla (kfisherx): This woman was born to be my sister (although, I'm the sister that's rolling her eyes upward at what she's just about to do). I didn't see her dance, however after seeing her jumping jacks, I'm thinking my sister lacks some rhythm.
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I was blessed to be in the company of these fine people because of a Mahlership. And have memories that I love. I drove to KC and stopped and spent the night in STL each way. Stayed with my aunt on the way there and another aunt on the way back -- both of whom I hadn't seen in 9 years. Also got to spend time with my grandmother, grandfather, and favorite cousin. Just lots and lots of love.
__________________ Just because your mother thinks you're special doesn't mean I do
Tom (stingo): We met when he was sleepy, and I promise he acted as if he didn't know me -- he's sweetly shy. Got him out of that one, and he didn't tell you, but he has a lovely Baritone (we were singing together).
Well, to be honest, I really had just gotten up and decided to walk to the front desk for an apple. I saw you sitting there, and I knew who you were, but for the life of me, I could not remember your name (and of course was way too embarassed to ask).
Quote:
Originally Posted by DanceDiva
Sidonia (Kristin): This is my booty-be-poppin' comrade. Tom doesn't know this, but I actually got some bars out of her on Saturday night. I know next time to put my request in early. She and Paul (pjb923) are the cutest couple.
Well bummer - I did miss that...
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Tom
No "happy hours" makes for a lot of miserable days. - Mahler
Karla (kfisherx): This woman was born to be my sister (although, I'm the sister that's rolling her eyes upward at what she's just about to do). I didn't see her dance, however after seeing her jumping jacks, I'm thinking my sister lacks some rhythm.
HA HA HA! I felt so caucasian during the x-legged jumping jacks. I can do straight up jumping jacks fine but when he added the cross legging thing, I was screwed. I could only do them if I watched him. LOL!
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The BIGGER I get the smaller you look
Alright ... my thoughts are still jumbled with all that has happened SINCE I got home ... but here's a try ...
Nick ~ Picked me up at the airport and was great the whole time. Don't let the Elvis look fool you ... he was sweet as pie and organized to boot. I'm thinking he should go into the event planning business ...
JP ~ Also picked me up at the airport. Great to finally meet in person after our many PM conversations. I hope that 2009-2010 is a better year for you my friend. Amy was delightful ... please tell her that I'm sorry I kept you from her on Saturday night!! (And do your exercises!! )
Jamie (RedWifey) ~ I love your sweet southern accent ... it goes perfectly with your sweet demeanor!! I loved sharing Mommy stories with you!!
Brynda (Bytsi) ~ Great conversation on Saturday night with you and Todd. Please thank him again for walking me back to the hotel on Friday night (when I was so exhausted)!
Kristen and Paul (Sidonia & pjb923) ~ You two are such an awesome adorable couple!! I so loved meeting you and hanging out. Kristen, your progress is amazing ... keep up the great work!
Roland ~ We finally meet my dear birthday twin. I wish we'd had more time together ... but I hope I was able to help!
Galya ~ My friend, I feel like I have known you forever. You are so beautiful and I'm so happy that you and Roland have found happiness together.
Lou ~ I had a great time meeting you and talking ... I look forward to the next book!
Celeste ~ We are kindred spirits ... with eerily similar husbands!!!
Karen ~ You rock!
Tracey ~ I would have loved to hear the singing!! Instead, wonderful conversation about our kids ... mamas unite!!
Tom ~ I wish I had gotten to sit with you at some point ... I felt like we never had the time to connect. Next year!!
Karla ~ You are as energetic as your posts!! It was a blast meeting you ...
Doug ~ (bacardio) Hope the shoulder is better ... give it time. I enjoyed sitting next to you during BBQ!
Ryan, Mich, Mike, and other lurker summitteers ... glad you joined us ... now post, dammit!!
Greg (hard rox) ~ My fellow New Englander ... what can I say?
Bill (RacerBill) ~ Glad we finally got to meet! Thanks for the Sunday am ride to the airport ... I had plenty of time!
John (Mahler) ~ Soooo glad to finally meet in person. Your generosity astounds. Muchas gracias mi amigo.
Elisabeth, Kathy, Michael, and Rob ~ We didn't get to chat much, so we'll have to spend more time together next year!!
David (Nick's brother) ~ Thanks for the great hospitality! Sorry I never got to look at your shoulder ... email me what's going on and I'll try to help (Nick has my email).
Alan ~ Awesome presentation. You gave me lots of food for thought ... next year I'll be a lean, mean, karaoke-ing machine!!
Jamie (coach hale) ~ Loved your presentation. As a person who is naturally NOT skeptical, it was a good lesson in how to NOT get duped by the marketing machines out there. Thanks for the reality check. I was bummed to be sick with strep ... I really wanted to get my ass kicked during your workout! Next year ...
Damien ~ Sorry you got to KC so late ... but better late than never, right? It was nice meeting you in person ... the coffee sure was good, eh?
Alright ... I hope I didn't leave anyone out ... my mind is mush right about now ... off to tend to the invalid ...
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Life's a Journey ... Enjoy the Ride!
Man, I am not even sure where to start, and I pray I don't leave anyone out, but I know my ADD/Alzheimer's will kick in and I will forget to roll the windows up in my car, then I need to go to the grocery store and pick up...... shit, already off track...
Well, first Nick: Damn fine job, you did everything but find a karaoke machine for Alan, and honestly, he probably would have been able to read the words on the screen anyway. Also the rest of the planning and event committee David, Bill, and Mom & Dad (Jane and Robert) great job
Rob, Mahler, Micheal, & Greg: A blast as always
Neil: Thanks roomie, regardless what anyone says about you being quiet, we had some awesome conversations
Jamie: glad the better half of the Wilson family was able to make it. It wouldn't have been the same without one of you there.
Julie: Thanks for the PT help, I bought a lacrosse ball from David and have been using it and trying to remember to rotate my shoulders back. I still have no idea what you said when you were describing the problem to me, so I have just been telling people I hurt my shoulder..
Couple #1 (Roland and Galya): You guys are great together, it was a pleasure talking to you guys again and I appreciate all the advice you have given me.
Kristen and Paul - Great meeting you folks... Kristen keep up the great work and Paul, it was a pleasure, geeking-out with you and talking about photography, which reminds me I need to talk to you about your Zenfolio setup..
Karla, Elisabeth, Kathy, Tracey: you girls are a wild and crazy group and it was a blast hanging out with you folks.
Andrea: eat something would ya! I was great talking to you and learning that there was more to ice cream than it would just make me fat!!
Celeste and Karen: Saturday night was a blast, and I really enjoyed the conversations at the first bar, and the second bar, and, oh when we were just drinking around the hotel, and..... Oh, you the the picture.
Couple #2 (JP and Amy): JP, as always it was an honor talking to you and Amy, you are a doll. You two are far to happy together.
Brynda: Ok, you convinced me, I ordered a GWF for my wife and myself. It was awesome talking martial arts with you and your husband Sunday.
JT and Nancy: Pleasure talking to you guys at breakfast, if I ever get to San Fran, I'll give you a call.. Had a hard time not laugh out loud, listening to you guys and Alan talking "BodyBuilding Porn"
Tom: you have made incredible progress, and thanks for all the tips you have given me. It was great finally meeting you in person.
Alan, Lou, and Jamie: You guys made the Summit what it is. Lou, it was a true honor sitting down and just alking about different topics with you. You truely are the "Rock Star of Fitness" Alan, you are the man, the myth, the legend, not only as a nutritionist/researcher, but as a professional party-animal. Jamie, its not wonder you are "The Coach", I look forward to your help in the future, I am already planning my "Max Condition"ing program
Oh, I know I have forgotten some people..... Damion, David "the HUGE fireman", and others... I look forward to meeting you folks again and talking to you on the boards.
I had a great time as always. Will post more when I get back into the land of the living... I left the hotel early Monday morning and have just arrived home (Wednesday morning).
Nick you're a superstar but I missed that flight by 2 mins, waited all day on standby at the airport only to resort to a night stay in the KC Encolodge. My international ticket was non transferable so was worthless, after an hour at the check in desk and several calls to head ofice I managed to get American down from $1500 to a $200 charitable donation.
Home safe and sound, had a blast in KC. Thanks!!!!
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Walk on
With hope in your heart
And You'll Never Walk Alone
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There's no free lunch, especially when it's served with special sauce (lostdog)
***************************** My Log - PC Plod
Alas, another missed summit for me. I am glad that all of you had such a good time. Though I did not attend, I would just add Kudos to Nick for pulling this off so successfully. Many of you do not know this I suppose because Nick is a modest guy, he put an incredible amount of time and effort into this, and also assumed some personal financial risk (signing contracts, etc for the venue) to pull this off.
Serious Kudos to you, Nicholas!
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Peter
After all, diamonds are a girl's best friend…
I had a great time as always. Will post more when I get back into the land of the living... I left the hotel early Monday morning and have just arrived home (Wednesday morning).
Nick you're a superstar but I missed that flight by 2 mins, waited all day on standby at the airport only to resort to a night stay in the KC Encolodge. My international ticket was non transferable so was worthless, after an hour at the check in desk and several calls to head ofice I managed to get American down from $1500 to a $200 charitable donation.
Home safe and sound, had a blast in KC. Thanks!!!!
Wow - glad you got home safe and sound (and somewhat less expensively than outrageously exorbitantly).
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Tom
No "happy hours" makes for a lot of miserable days. - Mahler
I think I say this every year, but this may have been the most fun I've had at a Summit.
Some personal highlights:
1. Learning "Gesselberty" is pronounced with a hard G. I've been saying it wrong for the past six years. But when John tried to claim it was a mistake a journalist shouldn't make, I had to disagree. Print journalists just need to spell it right.
2. Talking soccer with Neil and Nick, and sports in general with Doug.
I had no idea Nick was so deeply into soccer -- we've talked about baseball, and I know about his passion for NASCAR. But Nick is reading (and shared with me) a book called Inverting the Pyramid, a comprehensive history of soccer strategy since the invention of the modern game.
After soccer practice last night, when I was talking to a parent of a girl who's going to be on my team next year, I started a conversation with, "You know, this weekend, I discussed soccer with an actual Englishman. He's from Liverpool! And when I asked him about what strategy we should use ..."
I'm pretty sure she was impressed.
(Doug, thanks for that link. I referred to your friend's coaching handbook before last night's practice.)
3. Speaking of moms, I feel like I spent three-quarters of the weekend talking about raising kids with just about all the women who attended. I'm not sure if they were just being polite, but no one seemed obviously bored. I appreciate all the anecdotes and advice.
I'd try to list the names of everyone I chatted with, but I know I'd forget as many as I listed.
When I was showing Kimberly the pictures on the other thread, I was identifying everyone by the number of children they have and what we were eating or drinking when we talked about them.
4. Tom: great to meet you, and congratulations again on your remarkable success -- 158 pounds, I think you said. Awesome!
5. Alan, I can't believe you walked all the way to the custard shop with us and didn't actually have any of it! Also nice to meet young Ryan.
6. It was really nice to meet and chat with J.T. and Nancy (I hope I'm spelling all these names correctly). Nancy told me she did a set of 5 rack pulls with 335, IIRC. She has a ways to go before she catches up with Hard G, but she has youth on her side (unlike our man John).
7. As much fun as it was to meet the new attendees, it's a special treat to catch up with the regulars -- Rob, Greg Not Wilson, Bill, Mike, Roland, Galya. I'd say it's like a class reunion, but do any of us actually have any class? (Other than Galya, of course ...)
8. I had a couple of great conversations with Jamie Hale about college sports and paranormal investigations. That's probably my favorite part of the Summit experience: Where else can two fitness professionals sit down and talk about UFOs?
9. It was fun to see JP in a foreign city, and Amy is a hoot.
10. I don't want to get into the long list of people who attended previous Summits but couldn't make this one. All are missed. But I'm continually amazed at how many people I keep in contact with after meeting at one or two Summits.
For me, that's the best part. The weekends are terrific, but the permanent connections with people are what really make these special and memorable.
I had a great time as always. Will post more when I get back into the land of the living... I left the hotel early Monday morning and have just arrived home (Wednesday morning).
Nick you're a superstar but I missed that flight by 2 mins, waited all day on standby at the airport only to resort to a night stay in the KC Encolodge. My international ticket was non transferable so was worthless, after an hour at the check in desk and several calls to head ofice I managed to get American down from $1500 to a $200 charitable donation.
Home safe and sound, had a blast in KC. Thanks!!!!
Why didn't you call me?!?! We could have done something Monday (and you could have had a roof over your head for free) and I could have helped you at the very least get a flight to Chicago so you could have hit your international flight.
__________________
Quoth David Banner: "Like a pimp"
It's not a beer belly. It's a gas tank for a sax machine.
Before it gets too far off, I'd like to say that I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with the forumites at the Summit. To be honest, I wasn't that enthused about this year's summit for a variety of reasons related to the home front. However once Nick & Julie glided into a parking spot to pick me up at the airport, that all changed. Scores of smiling faces, hearty handshakes and hugs made me realize why I'd attended four previous Summits and still stop by the forum every day. This is a great place filled with great people. I enjoyed meeting all the Summit newbies and catching up with the veterans. Plenty of conversations to reminisce about over the coming months. Thanks to each of you for making this year's Summit one of the best yet. I'm already looking forward to next year's event.
Thanks again,
Greg
PS - Special thanks to Nick for spearheading this Summit and thanks to Bill and David for their supporting roles in making the event run smoothly.
Post Summit Thoughts
We only went to eat like 3 times a day. I had to pile it in while I was there. 
Linear Mode
