The Rock of Friendship

So.  We did this Philly Phreak thing.  Seven of us showed up.  And seven of us will be friends like.. forever.

These are the most extraordinary women I've met in a long time.  Complete strangers to each other; and, friends since childhood, all at the same time. 

Of course, we've all bonded here.  On PNN.  We rant and rave at each other; bare our souls and reach out in support.  But, it's always different when you meet someone in the flesh.  First, there's that initial awkward feeling.  Do they look like you thought?  Do *I* measure up to what they expected? 

Kimber and HC; like two schoolgirls, giggling and sharing their gym rat obsession.  Writing, making our mouths water talking about all that yummy Mexican food; her Spanish accent only adding to the mystique.  Hannah; dear, sweet, strange Hannah.  Her beautiful curly locks falling softly on her face.  She kept us all laughing non stop.  Conchita; not feeling her best, but making the appearance.  And all of us were the better for it.  And MoM.  Grabbing the reigns so quickly to make sure our efforts would be meaningful.  And finally, the women from the shelter.  What must have been going through their heads when we first showed up?  Six such diverse women, carrying bags of items that they are struggling to buy themselves.  But they let us embrace them.  They shared their stories and laughed and hugged us all.  They wore their silly boas with pride as we sat at dinner. 

It was sad to see everyone start to leave.  One by one, the party started getting smaller and smaller.  And at the end of it all, it was just Hannah and me, on our way home to Maryland. 

My hope is that the West Coast Tacoma Takedown will be just as fantastic.  More opportunities for others to meet and find out they've known each other forever.  Time to giggle and share and hug. 

And there was me.  Driving home from Hannah's house.  Filled with a sense of belonging.  A sense of togetherness.  And knowing I had just experienced the Rock of Friendship. 

We're Here!! You're Not!! Sucks to be YOU!

We're here!! You're NOT.. It SO sucks to be YOU!!

We've just returned from our dinner with the lovely ladies from the shelter.. they were warm and friendly and a pleasure to talk to.  we dropped off tons of wonderful things for the shelter.. toys.. clothes.. shoes.. we had gift bags for the ladies.. 

We're in the BAR now.. you know.. the place where the ALCOHOL is.. and.. oh.. yeah.. wait.. only writing and I have tiaras.. like the other fucking bitches just couldn't bring themselves to KEEP UP WITH THE PROGRAM.. but.. we gave each of the women boas and we sat at dinner and people were staring at us.. and hipchick actually had a MOMENT of kindness and gave hers away..

Okay.. anyway.. WE ARE HAVING A GREAT TIME!!  So.. we're keeping this laptop up and running so.. we'll see your comments.. POST AWAY!!

Philly Phreak Update UPDATE!!

PLEASE CHECK OUT THE NEW UPDATE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST

Okay.. this is serious stuff here..

Because Leigh likes me best.. yup.. you heard it.. LEIGH. LIKES. ME. BEST.. I just had a wonderful call from her.. so.. get your little pencils out.. these are things you need to WRITE. DOWN..

First.. I'm am connecting with Loews to be the official sponser of PNN.com parties.. MoM is making some arrangements to guilt a newscaster for the local Channel 6 to come and interview us.. as well as reaching out to a few businessess to sponser us.. we might just get a free dinner out of this!!!

As the party is growing in size even as we hit the final days.. we can make arrangements to rent another room.. I can secure it with my AARP membership which would make the room $207.00.. and remember.. no one person will be paying that price.. we'll count the bodies in the morning and all chip in.. that'll take the cost way down.. so.. for you local ladies who are just planning on coming in for the evening.. CHANGE. YOUR. PLANS. and stay!  there's no WAY the party's gonna end when the bar closes!!

Here's the serious part.. PNN.com is not just a silly little website for women who come together to rant and blog about icky veggie dishes or really great shoes or bad days spent drinking Seagrams 7.. no.. PNN.com does have a mission statement... our mug is a perfect example of that mission.. reaching out to women world wide and supporting charities that reach out to women..

So.. here's what we're going to do *with all your support of course*.. I think we should reach out to the local food bank (since we're working on borrowed time here) and each of us will bring a bag of non-perishable food items that we can donate to them.. The easel board in the lobby will say.. "WELCOME HIGH HEELED SOCIETY - TIARAS, BOAS AND REALLY GREAT SHOES - PNN.COM - THE GLOBAL WATER COOLER FOR WOMEN - SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL PHILADELPHIA FOOD BANK.. I'm going to try and get in touch with the director of the food bank to see if they can make arrangements to meet us so we can give them our donation.. if not.. I'm sure we can leave it at the hotel for them to pick up.. and.. this is exactly how the Red Hat Society started.. people.. WOMEN.. will see us.. strutting about in our lovely tiaras.. and boas.. and ask what it's all about.. and we can tell them about our site.. our mission.. the charity we're reaching out to.. imagine.. maybe someone will want to donate?  So.. along those lines.. I need you ladies *who have them* to bring your laptops.. we'll keep them open at our table at dinner.. or at the bar.. to PNN.com.. and when someone asks about who we are.. we can show them the front page.. and guess what?? they would be able to sign up right there and then! 

Oh.. wait.. there's something else..

LEIGH IS MAKING PLANS TO SKYPE WITH US AT THE PARTY!!  HOW FUCKING COOL WILL THAT BE??  I KNOW.. I KNOW!! CATCH YOUR BREATH! 

This will also set the theme in place for the West Coast Party!  WE ARE A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH!

I'm waiting for an email from Leigh to let me know when she's planning on Skype-ing with us.. I'm hoping I can talk her into waiting until 8 or so.. *which will only be 5 in California* so that the Banana can be there.. plus.. I'm doing my best to get the Nana to just blow off the bridal shower.. or.. blow it off as best she can while still making the obligitory appearance..

I WAS going to talk to HC.. but.. the silly bitch decided to go to the gym during lunch instead of talking to ME.. I mean.. who the HELL turns down an opportunity to talk to ME! 

Finally.. I've got surprises for everyone.. and I'm not telling!  so.. nanny nanny boo boo!  Suffice it to say.. we are going to have TONS of fun and do good things and promote PNN.com.. and drink alcohol..

Oh.. and Leigh likes me best... so.. there's that 

UPDATE!!

Okay.. so.. we're officially sponsoring both Philabundance and The Red Shield Family Residence for Women and Children (part of The Salvation Army).  If everyone would bring a bag (or two) of non-perishable items, these are what we are giving to Philabundance.  MoM is making arrangements for her local grocery story to donate a cart full of items which will be geared specifically towards the needs of Red Shield.  We are working really hard to get some wonderful things in play and I know you'll all have a wonderful time.. now this is important.. Red Shield suggested we sponsor 4 women for dinner so that they can share their stories with us and have an opportunity to do something they would not normally get to do.. MoM *again* is going to try and get a local restaurant to chip in for the dinners for the ladies we sponsor.. but.. even if we're not able to get that.. I figure it would just be another $10 each to pay for their dinner.. we're keeping the dinner nice.. .but inexpensive.. and the drinking ain't happenin' till later.. we really want a consensus if everyone is okay with this.. and.. personally.. I'm going with majority rule.. if you want.. just message me personally with your choice if you're not comfortable with this..

Now.. I need a real head count ASAP as to how many think they would like to stay.. I can get a second room (and I think Hanna has even decided she will open her room but will sleep in the tub with a taser) to accomodate everyone.. it just seems silly to come for the evening and then go home after drinking and laughing and carrying on.. plus.. we have no intention of stopping just because we go upstairs.. but.. I need everyone to agree before I book the room.. bottom line.. divide the cost of two room.. $414 by 9 people.. and it's well within financial abilities.. I mean.. I'm unemployed and *I* can swing this!!

If anyone has anything they want to add.. or questions.. just get with me.. or hanna or hc.. we're getting close ladies.. I don't want anything to slip through the cracks!!

Philly Phreak Update

I've secured reservations for us in the lounge for 8 o'clock.. I figure that gives us enough time to meet up.. pick a place for dinner.. and up to the room to change into your I'D RATHER BE COMFY THAN STYLIN' CAUSE I'M DRINKING NOW clothes.. cause it's WAY easier to pull down/pull up those when you're constantly doing the liquor/laughing pee dance.. although.. the tiaras and boas will STILL be required.. cause.. we're cool like that..

I think Hanna will be the last to arrive.. which.. makes me SO sad.. but.. I understand her previous committments.. well.. that's not true.. I don't.. personally I think she should tell those folks.. "look.. there's your party.. and the PNN party in Philthadelphia.. they win.. period"

Anyway.. she's got my number so she can let us know when she gets there if we're still at dinner.. which.. I HOPE we're not.. I'm imagining way too many bad things if Hanna were to be sitting in the bar.. alone.. with alcohol.. *visual* "HEY.. YOU! BAR BOY! LOOK.. I'VE GOT THIS FRIEND AND SHE... "  *cringe*

T-MINUS 4 DAYS AND COUNTING! 

Philly Phreak Update

High Heeled Society!  We are at T-minus 5 days and counting! 

It appears there are going to be 8.. yes.. EIGHT.. of us! 

If you need a boa.. Spencer gifts has them in all colors for about $10.. and any of those cheap jewelry stores.. where all the teen girls shop.. like Claire's.. will have an array of tiaras.. not too expensive.. I paid about $8..

Clarification:  ALL shoes are great shoes.. I don't want any of you lovely ladies to worry about whether or not you've got *knife you in the back* stilletoes or fuck me pumps.. wear sneaks.. or flip flops.. or slippers.. just make sure your ass is THERE!

I'm leaving Maryland around noon on Saturday.. I should be at the hotel by 3:30.. barring traffic and/or getting lost and hysterical in the city.. remember.. for those driving.. there is valet parking at the hotel and a public parking space right across the street..

Also.. we've got 2 rooms between us all.. and the bar doesn't close until 2:00am.. seems silly to drive home then.. which would be WAY stupid since you'll be drunk as shit.. when you're going to be back in the morning for breakfast!  we'll just camp out and count the bodies in the morning.. the room is only $207.. so.. with taxes and stuff.. it's well within the affordable range.. and the more bodies that contribute to the total.. the less for everyone.. don't feel like you can't stay..

I don't know about you girls.. but.. I peed myself.. just a little.. when I thought about how close we are to the Phreak! 

PNN LADIES UNTIE!   *by the way.. evidently I gave SOME of you way too much credit that you would figure out I MEANT to say UNTIE.. like.. let loose.. it WASN'T a typo that slipped by.. so.. for those of you who didn't get.. first.. slap your fucking face for me.. second.. slap your fucking face for me*  :)

Let's see her ignore THIS!

Good afternoon Leigh:

I know your days are FILLED by you sitting at your computer reading EACH and EVERY blog and comment that is made; but, just in case you actually take a potty breaK or something; I thought I'd give you an update.   

First; our Philly Phreak is fast becoming an event that seems destined to be filled with laughter and bright shiny moments.  I have spoken with the hotel staff and will be getting a "shout out" on that menu board you always see in the lobby of a hotel.  The one on the easel that tells you which event is happening is whatever banquet room. 

I've arranged for us to have those silly name tags since we, bascially, just know each other by our blog names.  And, while I love being referred to as Comic, or CT here, I think "Kae" suits me better in real life!  I'm having the catering service bake a cake for us with PNN Ladies UNTIE written across.  And, finally, I've ensured that the staff is prepared for us; so, there shouldn't be any problem with the local constabulary. 

We'd like to know how you'd feel if we started a society of PNN ladies.  Something like the Red Hat Society; but better.   

After several, um, shall we say, less than stellar suggestions, it appears we have a winner. 

High Heeled Society.  Which, of course, speaks not just to the shoes, which as we all know, makes the woman; but, also, to being high heeled women.  Belonging to this Society is akin to earning The Mug!   

If you're in agreement with this suggestion; I would be honored if you would unveil this at the next PNN GNO on Thursday.  I think it's very important for everyone to know they don't have to be at any physical party; our monthly "do" is just as fun.  Especially now that the chat venue is up and running.   

Oh, and just as an aside, we really MUST think of another acronym for our Girl's Night Out.  Every time I see GNO; my mind's eye sees GYNO and that's JUST not the visual I want!

Your input and suggestions would be most appreciated.   

Oh, and swag.  We really MUST have swag! 

Thanks!

GOT IT!!

Well.. I'm going to email Leigh to make sure she's okay with this.. but.. I think we have a winner..

High Heeled Society!  I LOVE this..

It speaks not just to the shoes.. which.. of course.. is top notch.. but.. to the euphymism.. of being "high heeled".. like we're all society bitches or something..

So.. unless one of you completely protests.. I'm sending that email right now..

Which.. sort of defeats the purpose of you saying anything right now.. since I won't be here to read it.. so.. maybe I was just being rhetorical..

Suggestions??

Okay.. so like carmie just made a valid point.. which.. I'm sure.. given enough time.. I would have thought of myself..

Oh.. wait.. hipchick and I TALKED about it on the phone yesterday! 

Look.. there's that Red Hat Society thingy.. and.. with these parties being set up.. and we're all like.. meeting in person for the first time.. we need a real NAME for ourselves..

And I swear.. if ANY of you comment with "PNN Ladies" .. I will delete it and then come find you and slap the color right off your face!!

We need a snazzy name.. I.. personally.. haven't thought of one yet.. but.. something that identifies us as a GROUP.. a FORCE to be reckoned with..

C'mon Leigh.. jump in on this.. I mean.. this IS your baby.. we need your input! 

Anyway.. then Oprah will wanna be our friend and wanna have us on her show.. and then we can be all standoffish because she's gotten SO sappy.. but.. then we'll show up and she'll talk about our lovely little blog site.. and we'll have MILLIONS of women here.. intelligent.. sensitive.. snarky woman.. and our voices will be heard to the ends of the earth!!

But NOT Dr Phil.. we will NOT do his show.. 'cause.. well.. there just aren't enough adjectives to describe his "holier than thou don't you wish you could solve the world's problem with your pithy remarks like I do and make millions of dollars just because Oprah needed to release another ton of emotional sewage that she sprayed all over your television" attitude.. no.. we will be FAR better than that..

So.. c'mon.. let's think of a name that fits us all..

Philly Phreak Update

Okay.. so.. I've talked to the hotel staff.. they are prepared for us.. *pfft.. like ANYONE could be prepared for us* ..

Writing and hanna.. you'll want to disembark at the 30th Street Station.. the hotel does not have a shuttle (what's up with THAT?) .. and the local shuttle service does not pick up from the train station.. however.. it's only about a 10 cab ride from the station to the hotel..

There is valet parking at the hotel.. and if that's too expensive.. there is also a parking garage right across the street.. somewhat less expensive.. I'm sure that's where I'll have to park..

I am setting up several little "surprises" for us.. I mean.. if Leigh can't bring herself to make the ORIGINAL PNN PARTY a priority.. then damnit.. I will!!!  That West Coast thingy will PALE in comparison.. plus.. it's like sloppy seconds anyway..

More to follow..

But.. only if I feel like it..   *sweet smile*

By the way..

Evidently everyone's rather surprised I have some level of intelligence and can speak/type without cussing.. which is exactly why I DO cuss.. because I CAN express myself without it.. I don't rely on cursing because I'm without words.. it's fun.. and sometimes shocking.. and well.. that's me.. remember.. a quick wit is the sign of an intelligent mind.. and sarcasm is the anger that lies beneath it..

And damnit.. I am just one synapse firing away from complete soul crushing psychosis..

So.. be glad I don't own a gun   :)

PPP Party Update

Okay.. so.. here's the thing..

FIRST..  room is booked.. upper floor.. high falootin room.. 2 *delux* double beds.. 24 hour room service.. check in at 3 on Saturday.. 6/6 .. check out is.. well.. not sure.. usually around 11 or so.. but.. because I have a membership with the Loews YouFirst program.. I think we can extend the checkout time.. I really can't imagine having to LEAVE at that hour.. I wanna still be DRUNK at that hour..

SECOND.. due to the fact that I'M OLDER THAN FUCKING DIRT.. I got the AARP discount.. room is $207.00 for the night.. obviously taxes and whatnot will take the price up a bit.. still.. even *I* can afford this.. and I. AM. UNEMPLOYED.

THIRD.. here's the deal with the room.. I booked it for 4.. but.. it's a goddamn hotel.. there are no rules about going back up to the room when the bar throws us out.. and we're gonna make sure the room is STOCKED before the evening festivities.. and.. like I said.. 24 hour room service.. if the party moves upstairs and we don't get thrown out.. we'll worry about who "stayed" and who didn't in the morning.. and.. to those NOT staying.. I sure hope you know we'd LOVE to have you return for breakfast.. I SWEAR I'm finding footie jammies and I am SO wearing them to breakfast.. with my tiara.. of course..

FOURTH.. and this is coming as news to everyone.. I booked it as a smoking room.. MotherOfMany is a smoker.. as am I.. and I'll lay dimes to donuts.. (ooo.. donuts!  I LOVE donuts!  only sweet thing I LOVE) she's just like me when it comes to being polite about smoking.. so.. look.. we'll have to see how the room is laid out.. I'm sure there are windows.. hell.. that's the biggie sell point of the room.. corner room with panoramic views of the city.. anyway.. point is.. it's not like I intend on turning the room into some kind of smoke chamber.. but.. if it is possible to light up and keep everyone's sensibilities in check.. I. AM. DOING. IT. 

FIFTH.. while I would rather train it up with hanna.. she's not making the trip until 5pm from DC.. so she won't be there until around 7 or so.. I'm probably driving up and checking in around 3 or so.. that way I'm there when everyone starts pouring (see the funny way I used "pouring"?) in.. then I'll go sit in the bar.. if you think you'll be there before me.. let me know so I can come find you IN. THE. BAR.  We can make our plans from there.. dropping stuff off.. buy kitschy crap from the souvenir shop.. dinner.. you know.. all things preparatory to the main event.. which is.. of course.. D R I N K I N G..

AND FINALLY.. well.. fuck.. I can't think of a FINALLY.. and.. you know how I like to wrap things up.. so.. um.. well.. fuck it..

THE END

East Coast PPP Party

Okay.. so.. I'm sitting on the computer.. hitting the refresh button like a crazed whore whose vibrator batteries are going dead.. when.. the phone rings..

I don't recognize the number.. and.. you know.. it's SATURDAY.. so.. I'm all like.. FUCKING TELEMARKETERS!

But.. this little voice says.. answer the phone..

And there.. at the other end.. is this pensive voice.. "um.. is there someone there who calls herself comictragedy?"

Stupid bitch doesn't even know my name.. and it's right there in the profile..

HipChick! 

Okay.. listen.. she sounds JUST like she types... and I'm STOKED!  I'm meeting this chick in.. like.. just a few weeks!

Still.. stupid bitch doesn't even know my name..

Anyway.. I thought we could use this little section for the details of the party.. but.. more importantly.. the evidence pictures afterwards..

Um.. ladies? 

We are gonna have SO much fun! 

And.. for those NOT attending the Philly Phreak.. yeah.. you know you wanna be here..

Still.. stupid bitch doesn't even know my name..

Hotel Accomodations

Okay.. just a couple of things..

And I swear.. to.. GOD.. if even ONE of you make some nasty crack.. I will CUT you..

Hipchick found a place.. Loews Philadelphia.  I actually have a membership to their YouFirst program.  Nothing spectacular; we'll get a paper in the morning or something.  BUT; if I book the room with my AARP membership, I can get the room for $207.00! 

PLEASE try and get in touch with me ASAP.  The price of this room has already gone up from $204.00 since this morning.  I'll book the room on my card and we'll just settle the bill in the morning. 

I think this'll be perfect. 

And I mean it.. one crack about the AARP membership.. well.. you know..