Starting something new...?

[Guest]

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 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"The clock ticks life away" ... Linkin Park ... 'In The End'

 

[Gnusgal]

I'd be there if I could, Cort. But I think it might be a bit of a commute!

I really hope you're able to get a group going. It would be great for all involved.

 

[BDMc]

Hey Little Brother, I have not been around much either, but have missed you and your posts! Whatever you are dealing with, know I'm rooting for you. Your valve bro, Brian

 

[hensylee]

hey, Cort. just checkin in.

I started a couple traditions - sending same birthday card back/forth with a couple friends. went on for years. Then daughter cleaned house and I lost the cards! They are somewhere here, tho. It was a fun tradition. One friend and I swapped the same card on our birthdays for about 10 or more years.

can't come to Chicago. you have been to my town. Imagine me in CHICAGO???? It has more than 3 stoplights and I'd be lost really quick. or run over with all that traffic.

 

[BDMc]

Cort, I'd forgotten this one: For several years I spent Mother's Day with a good friend, his wife, and daughter. We would leave their home and drive about an hour, to get to Plum Island to go birding. We left before dawn, and would stop each year at the same Duncan Donuts for coffee and donuts. One year we pulled up there was a sign on the door saying closed for renovations. The funny thing was, even in the half light, you could see there were no other walls left! Wish I'd had a camera. They did rebuild.

 

[Gnusgal]

We've been TRYING to start a tradition. We wanted Nathan's family and mine to combine on Christmas day so that we won't have to go back and forth between families when the kids are here... Sadly, it doesn't seem to be going over well. His mom doesn't feel comfortable. So now we're stuck.

 

[LUVMyBirman]

We started our Christmas Eve Fondue dinner 9 years ago while living in Memphis. We reserve this date just for myself, hubby and daughter. It's our special tradition and we really enjoy it.

I could make a once a month time out Cort. Alternating...depending upon the schedule
Lorraine and I have tried to match up a few times. My daughters schedule and family visiting put a damper on that. Impromptu works well for me. Say, planning at weeks start. Otherwise, yes, life gets in the way!

 

[Guest]

I'd be there if I could, Cort. But I think it might be a bit of a commute!

LOL! Yeah, Dallas to Chicago ... might be a bit of a jog for dinner or brunch . BUT ... well worth it, ya know .

I really hope you're able to get a group going. It would be great for all involved.

Thanks ... that was kinda my thinkin', too!

Hey Little Brother, I have not been around much either, but have missed you and your posts! Whatever you are dealing with, know I'm rooting for you. Your valve bro, Brian

*nods*

Thank you, Brian ... much appreciated ... probably more than you know.

I started a couple traditions - sending same birthday card back/forth with a couple friends. went on for years. Then daughter cleaned house and I lost the cards! They are somewhere here, tho. It was a fun tradition. One friend and I swapped the same card on our birthdays for about 10 or more years.

He he ... I think Gram and her friends from HS used to do something similar. But, instead of a card, it was a letter. One of them would start it ... send it to another of them, the next person would add to it ... and send it on.....

can't come to Chicago. you have been to my town. Imagine me in CHICAGO???? It has more than 3 stoplights and I'd be lost really quick. or run over with all that traffic.

Well, lucky for you, I'm not IN Chicago ... I'm outside of Chicago.

*pauses*

Though, sadly, Elgin has more than 3 stoplights, too.....

Even so, I CAN imagine you here....would be great to have you visit!

We've been TRYING to start a tradition. We wanted Nathan's family and mine to combine on Christmas day so that we won't have to go back and forth between families when the kids are here... Sadly, it doesn't seem to be going over well. His mom doesn't feel comfortable. So now we're stuck.

Hmph ... we have a similar issue here, too. I just don't GET it ... I mean, if people would just LET themselves ENJOY others ... they might find they like getting together.....

*shrugs*

I could make a once a month time out Cort. Alternating...depending upon the schedule
Lorraine and I have tried to match up a few times. My daughters schedule and family visiting put a damper on that. Impromptu works well for me. Say, planning at weeks start. Otherwise, yes, life gets in the way!

Yep, I know ... which is why i thought something like this would be a good idea for all groups.... This way, if you can't make it one week, you just come another time. I know the possibility is that you'll STILL miss people, but at least we all would know that possibility IS there.....


Besides ... the saying goes "If you build it, they will come". So, "if you schedule it, they will come????"



Cort | 35swm | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker ...MidW Blast = 01/17/09
WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"It's a door that never closes" ... Keith Anderson ... 'I Still Miss You'