Starting something new...?

[x]

I've been scarce for a while and probably will be scarce for a while longer. Lots of things (some not so good) still need my attention, but I try to "keep up" and stay in touch as much as possible.


That written, a current television commercial was the basis for a conversation with some friends the other night. The commercial, for Olive Garden (if I remember correctly), is centered around a tradition of a night out with friends. My friends and I were discussing how hard it is these days to start a tradition and, for that matter, keep it going ... mostly because of how busy life is.

So ... the question is ... have you tried to start a tradition with family and/or friends? How successful were you at keeping it alive?



To go along with this ... yes, life these days IS busy. In some cases, we are lucky to get people together for scheduled events, such as ones I'm spearheading in 2009, including...

...the ValveReplacement/Adult Congenital Heart Association Joint MidWinter Blast, including a visit to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Schaumburg IL (01/17/09) ... for which we have only ~15 people attending; ironic considering I secured a group rate of $6 per person (versus the regular $19 per person);

...the Chitown MidSummer Gathering #2 for several auto-related groups/boards (07/25/09) ... 65 people attended the 1st Annual gathering, 07/26/08;

...and the Drive along Route 66 (09/05-09/16/09).


However ... at all sorts of events throughout the year, a recurring discussion is that the time together is "not enough". So, with that in mind, if I would designate 2 times a month for time "out with friends", would you be interested? I envision this as an informal time where we'd pick a Chicagoland restaurant and, whoever has time and can visit, will join us.... One of the two gatherings could be a Friday night dinner; the other could be a late Sunday morning or early Sunday afternoon brunch.... Whatdya think?



Cort | 35swm | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker ...RT 66 drive = Sept '09
WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"The clock ticks life away" ... Linkin Park ... 'In The End'

[twomanymontes]

You know Cort, I totaly can see where your coming from. Doug, Joe and I have been trying to keep things going on with our local car club, It becomes harder and harder to be able to get the members to show for get togethers and such.

The only tradition I really have with my family is one weekend a year we go to my Sister and brother in laws place in the sticks and spend the weekend, snowmobiling, sleding, ice fishing and just plain goofing off.
And Actually it's next weekend, so I won't be around much either.

[bigrepp]

well personally i didnt really have any traditions... just like the usuall have a family holiday get together... well that is untl 3 years ago.... me and my fiancee started a pumpkin patch thing with her brother and sister in law and their kids... now we would all meet up and go to a local farm and take a hayride for the kids and go and pick some pumpkins for carving.... well my sister in law....(fiancee's sister in law) kinda has a thing for girls as well as men... she meets a girl online and she diecded to have her come down around the time that we usually go to the pumpkin patch... well basicly our only tradition that we tried started gets thrown away b a selfish person and my fiancee was crushed that she was willing to sacrifice her family for some random girl.... my fiancee was really crushed cuz she doesnt have any family... mother is a psycho and her dad isnt much better... the only family she has is her semi abusive brother who half the time i cant stand... but i tolerate for her.... basicly for me i dont think that its how busy my life is... i just dont think people have the paitence anymore.... do the same thing every year... people in this day and age are more adventureus... rather play it by ear.... not plan ahead cuz that takes patience and self control... just my 2 cents on the subject...

[twomanymontes]

Mike, That sounds like a plot for a Lifetime movie. I hope things get better for you 2.

and your right, it's hard to plan things, Everyone is busy and has families of their own. But all you can do is just try.

[rj]

We've kind of made a tradition out of going to Columbus Goodguys, The Rebel Run, and some other car shows.

Debbie likes going to October Fest for the giant Tenderloins they have.

We try to go shopping for Christmas the weekend following Thanksgiving. I'm not sucker enough to go on black friday.

[x]

Jan 8, 2009 21:03:45 GMT -5 twomanymontes said:

You know Cort, I totaly can see where your coming from. Doug, Joe and I have been trying to keep things going on with our local car club, It becomes harder and harder to be able to get the members to show for get togethers and such.

Glad to know I'm not the only one who thinks this way. I still don't understand why it is so hard to get people to attend gatherings. Once they arrive, they (usually) have a wonderful time ... and wonder why we don't get together more often.... Irony rocks .

Jan 10, 2009 18:28:55 GMT -5 twomanymontes said:

Mike, That sounds like a plot for a Lifetime movie. I hope things get better for you 2.

Ditto from me.


Sometimes ... trying doesn't seem to be enough .



Cort | 35swm | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker ...Chitown #2 = 07/25/09
WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"Could everyone agree that they should not be left alone?" ... Filter ... 'Take A Picture'