I have a couple of thoughts to add to this.
Our "fundraising" was actually a response to many, many requests for tshirts sales. You purchased a shirt and the Dis and
Dreams Unlimited Travel gave the money you paid for the shirt to GKTW.
Dreams Unlimited donated the shirts, donated the administrative work and donated ths shipping charges.
Chat moves at 100 miles per hour. It is not the place to ask serious questions for which you want serious answers. It's also not someplace where I can hold lengthy conversations.
I get really tired of the "clique" references.....the high school referebces etc.
No one that posts on these boards, with the exception of Pete, John, Bob, Corey and myself knew each other when this all started. Julie, Kathy, Teresa and Walter came in later. We all became friends by posting on these boards.
I find it difficult to listen to complaints about people being "left out" or that "the circle of friends is hard to break into". The ONLY way this will ever be any different is if
YOU make the first move and make the effort to put yourself out there.
No one had been assigned the role of Shepard to go out and snatch the shy, quiet folks into the fold. We can not do that, as no one is REQUIRED to be here. People participate at their own comfort level. If you want to be part of the circle.....make YOURSELF part of the circle. This reponsibility lies with no one but you.
No one can attend all of the events. No one. I cant. John cant. Pete cant. There is just not enough time or money to do everything. You are not alone
Based on the above statement....you will have to excuse us for not attending other folks events. Between the Dis Boards, Chat, two podcasts a week, doing our actual jobs (the job that actually pays) family responsibilities, social obligations and whatever else arises.....we're pretty busy. I cant keep up with everything I need to do now...let alone listen to someone else's podcast or attend their events.
My final thought is that we have all been given a meeting place. The Dis Boards are an awesome "tool" to help make new friends. I have met many of you and feel that I have made lifelong friends. But as an example, and not a way of excluding anyone...there are folks that I havent met, but also feel that they are already lifelong friends.
I also have to say that when you post that you feel like this is a "clique" that you can break into....and people respond to your post......you
are a part of the group. Folks gravitate to those they feel an affinity for....whether they share an interest, make you laugh, are willing to support, willing to commiserate...whetever the commonality is....it's here and by posting you are a welcome addition.
If you want to be part of the "cool kids"...be a "cool kid" and make yourself known. Join in. No one's going to do it for you....it's all up to you.