Ashamee

It will last for eons, because it's just that awesome. You're quite talented.

They're capping it at 3,000, last I knew. And it only counts if you've registered AND paid.

I just did a bit of research and found some info for you near where you used to live that I think can help you. Send me a message or find me on IRC and I'll fill you in.

*yells from across the hall* HAAAAAAAAAAAAPPY BIRTHDAY!

They're finally bringing this over, huh? About time! I hope it's good, because Parasite Eve 2 got extremely boring after the first area. Too boring to finish, even, which was disappointing, as the first game was spectacular. I'd be willing to give this one a try.

True that. I spent about $100 just on food and drink for the week. That's not counting other stuff like gambling or other necessities. I know others spent way more. We tried finding coupons and stuff, but in most cases, there weren't any, and depending on where you go, stuff isn't always cheap. Going to MAG this year, factoring in hotel and airfare and such, will likely run Neko and I well over $1,000, just to get an idea. :T

When it comes to gambling and stuff, there are so many casinos and we don't NEED to necessarily plan to always be together. When we were out there back in December, we got together for dinner and obviously my and Neko's wedding, but as far as gambling, we really did our own thing. If you want to gamble, do it! Everyone will be off doing their own thing, most likely. Nothing wrong with that.

Psh. You look like a total hobo. Sorry, but I'm not a fan of the hobo-chic look. Well-groomed goes a long way. <3

Favorite cake? Carrot, as shown here. Monobrow made it for me, entirely from scratch, complete with trick candles on my birthday this year: I also enjoy ice cream cake, as what was eaten at my early birthday party in San Fran, also this year. It doubled as Nekofrog's going-away cake, and it was delicious:

FOR FIRST-TIME FLYERS --Ashamee's Guide to Flying I've been on planes plenty this year. Last Thursday was my seventh flight in just 2010 alone. Likely to be eight if I end up visiting Neko in Mississippi again. Anyway, for starters, before you leave, read your airline's policies on what you can take with you. If you're putting stuff in your carry-on, make sure any liquids are in approved containers. You can put entire containers of toiletries (like shampoo) in your checked luggage. Since that goes under the plane, they know you won't be able to get to it anyway. I usually do this, since it's more of a hassle otherwise. As far as what you can bring, check to see what's on the "approved electronics" list. Netbooks are fine. I usually take mine with me, it's just that my battery will last six hours, on average. Also, some planes have wi-fi. Sometimes it's free, but sometimes they charge you extra for it. Most planes have NO wi-fi, so don't count on that. You can usually have one carry-on and one personal item with you (like a laptop bag or purse). Also, be sure that if you have a phone, once you're on the plane, to not use it with the antenna enabled. They can and will bust you if you're texting, making calls, anything like that. I usually turn my antenna off on my phone and use it to listen to music on the plane. Also, I recommend chewing gum during landing, mostly. It's sometimes applicable during takeoff. The change in air pressure will make your ears HURT if you can't pop them on your own, and chewing gum helps. It's no fun to have them not pop, as your eardrums can rupture (totally happened to my mom back in 1986 after a plane ride), but that's not entirely common. I always chew gum right before landing, because my right ear always acts up and feels like it's going to fall off my head. Just follow the rules and don't act like a fool and you'll be fine. Plane rides are really fun. (Obviously ) Anyone else who has flown, feel free to put in your two cents.

Monster was amazing and I usually am more than picky about what I watch anime-wise (read: next to nothing, honestly) Excellent story, great characters, and by far, the best villain in any series of any kind I have ever seen. It's brilliant, and unlike most anime, it doesn't end like shit. Be warned though, it's long, but it's so worth it. It had me screaming at my TV at a few points.

I can't wait to see this. Planning to catch it in a couple weeks when I travel to Biloxi, MS to go see Nekofrog. Would it make a good date movie? Also, he hated the second one mostly due to Joan Cusack's voice. Is he going to hate this one for that reason, too?

Total day one purchase, obviously. Given that there hasn't been an ACTUAL Kirby console release since Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards in 2000, it's high time that one happened. Kirby is my favorite, so I'm totally all over this. The fact that it's got an adorable art style akin to Kirby's Dreamland 3 has me squealing like a little girl. I'm pretty damn excited.

Having a cookout sounds like an excellent idea. I'm up for buying/bringing things like veggie burgers, etc, since I am vegetarian. Is anyone else? Any particular brands anyone likes, if so? I'd be fine helping take care of the food for anyone who doesn't eat meat, since I know that I'll want vegetarian stuff anyway.

Have fun, guys, wherever you decide to meet! I remember the 2007 Louisville meetup. That was such fun! If Nekofrog and I weren't living in Mississippi and Arizona, respectively, at the moment, and still lived in Northern Indiana, we'd totally have gone to this. Enjoy yourselves!

To the lovely Eddie "Spaghetti" Voss: May today be a wonderful day, full of happiness and sunshine and most of all cake and booze, but also may today be a fucking kickass first day at your new job. <3 Happy birthday! Love, Ashamee

Jimmy, Nekofrog and I are hoping to donate sometime next week. Just waiting on hearing back from him via snail-mail as to if that's okay (which, knowing him, it definitely is, as I know he's donated before). It's just that I want to make sure before I just go ahead.

Mirby, Neko's in Air Force bootcamp for the next month-and-a-half. However, I happen to be his wife and I write him quite often, so if you want to ask him something, let me know and I'll see what I can do!

Actually, you may be absolutely right about that. I remember him using my computer to mix it, and he used to listen to it quite a bit before he left a few weeks ago. I remember, it was playing in the car one day, and he says, "Whoa, where the hell did that recorder part come from?" Maybe he forgot? I think it grew on him eventually, though.

Nekofrog's been waiting for this game for quite a long time now. It used to be--and probably still is--the only reason why he wanted a PS3.

So I played the first chapter of the DLC this afternoon, and it seriously was terrifying. I was on the edge of my seat, frantically swearing under my breath. No matter how many times I replayed it, it was still just as scary. I recommend it only if you enjoy getting the shit scared out of you. The only downside is that it's a bit short, and I'm not sure if the $4.99 they're going to charge for it is entirely justified, but it's great otherwise.

I finished my first playthrough about an hour ago, and I was so very impressed with the entirety of it. Never have I gotten so emotionally involved in a game until now, nor have I been left quite on the edge of my seat, out of breath, and cringing until now either. I will admit, I didn't expect much of it at first. Nekofrog and I got the demo early, and he played it and wasn't impressed with the controls, or the English voice acting. He managed to complain so much and reinforce the point over and over that he was NOT going to be buying this game. After playing the demo myself, though, I was rather intrigued. I went against his wishes and bought it anyway, and boy am I glad I did. Visually, it's stunning. The details are amazing. The controls, while annoying at first, get easier with time. Tasks in and of themselves, while mundane, are still fun. You feel like you're living as these people, and it makes it all the more satisfying. I will admit, I wasn't a fan of the English voice acting (Lauren, especially) and I played most of it in French. Madison's English voice actor was superb, however. I'll admit, I teared up and cried at the beginning AND at the end, and I only really do that during movies. I plan to buy the DLC. Anyone else plan to also?

Happy birthday, Amy! Hope you have an awesome day! Eat lots of cake!

Versus night, eh? I'm usually up to play whenever, and I'm sure Nekofrog would be as well. I guess shoot me a PM if you ever want to play or something gets going. I'm usually on IRC, though, so it would be easiest to get my attention in there. I haven't played in a while, so I'm a bit rusty.

Look, this whole fighting back and forth is pointless and goes against everything a meetup should be. We're all here to have fun. We are also our own individuals and are free to go do whatever the hell it is we're all going to go do. It's Vegas. There is plenty out there. Of course, some of us are going to want to go do more adult things, but to each his own. We mean no disrespect and we're not about to come to your house drunk, Jade, or upset anyone. We're all wanting to go and have fun and hang out with people and do things we can really do a lot of in a place like Vegas. And I totally get that Stevo was wanting to spend his birthday out there this year. That's great. It's just that Ari was asked at MAG by Stevo and Jay to plan this out since he did such a great job planning out my wedding/meetup in December. While it might have been talked about in August, now comes the actual PLANNING part, and this is where we really need to iron stuff out. So, please, can we just get along and figure out how to make this trip as awesome as it possibly can be? I'm not into drama and hard feelings or anything like that. Everyone just needs to let people be as they will. I'm ready to plan a great trip, and I totally agree with starla's list idea.