Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

Introductory Post

Huushiita — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:12:08 +0000

Welcome to another year at Hogwarts... oh... wait. WRONG CROWD. Let's try this again...

::clears throat::

Welcome to another year at NaNoWriMo. As Karalianne has now moved to Saskatoon, two wonderful and beautiful ladies have risen to the challenge of being co-ML's for the Calgary area. We are Huushiita and Xanataria. If there are any questions, concerns, or you just want to implement any kicking ideas you can come to us.

Huushiita wants everybody to know that this is her sixth year doing NaNo. She's very excited to begin again this year, as always. You may call her Huushi. She was the one that wore that atrocious neon/lime green cowboy hat last year, that later turned into a pink and brown hat. This is her first time being an ML. She likes to take walks in the park while the moon is up high, reading writing books, listening to music, and has never strolled alongside the ocean but would like to one day change that. Huushi likes to joke around but can be very serious when need be. If there is a problem that needs attention, rest assured, she will be there for you. All you need to do is drop her a NaNo mail.

Xanateria is back for her fifth NaNo this year. Though she is hugely excited, she alternates that with spurts of terror because this is her very first year as an ML. You can call her Xana..or any other variation you can come up with. Heck, she also answers to hey you, if you are really stuck. As for which person she was at the events last year, well just think short, brown haired and oh yeah with a dog attached to her wrist. Xana navigates the world with the help of her mobility service dog, Declan. Before she says anything else, she would like to remind the region's participants that even though Declan is wonderful, he needs to be left alone to do his job at events. If you have any dog related concerns though, don't hestitate to drop her a NaNo mail. When she isn't trying to write frantically, or dealing with her share of ML duties, she enjoys reading (especially fan fiction), playing on Live Journal, and day dreaming about taking another cruise some day.

So. What about you guys? Please introduce yourself so everybody can get to know each other!
And how are you guys feeling now that the Count Down has begun? :)

(Ps. I did this wrong the first time, so I'm posting it correctly.)
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Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

Post here when you WIN

Xanateria — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:08:34 +0000

Hello all,

It occurs to me that we need to start lavishing the praise on those who have made it to the finish line. Also, one of the prize draws at TGIO will be for those who manage to finish, but in order to facilitate that, we need to know when you win. And come on, let's face it, you know you wanna tell the world when you finish, and blow your own horn, even if it is just a lil...

I know we have a handful already, but I've lost track of who they are, so please, post to this thread when you win. If you don't you will make your co-ML very sad...you wouldn't want that would you? *makes cute sad face*

Okay, must write now, gosh darn it...

Xanateria

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Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

The best of Tim -- post Tim related excerpts here

Xanateria — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:18:02 +0000

Hi all :),

For those of you who put Tim in your novel, please post a quick excerpt here. We wanna know what he's getting up to this year. And who knows, if there is a truly epic use of Tim...it may rate one of our lovely NaNo prizes...

Thanks folks,

Xanateria -- who just realized Tim has yet to make an appearance

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Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

TGIO Info and RSVP thread

Xanateria — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:26:22 +0000

Hello Wrimotaurs,

This is the second time trying to post this, and it is very late, so pardon any random errors in the following. First, let me extend a warm thank you to all who attended the 12 Hour Write In today. (And it is still today for me, as I have not been to bed yet.) It was great fun and I enjoyed seeing you all.

Second, and perhaps more importantly, allow me to present the details of our TGIO(Thank Goodness It's Over) NaNo Wrap Party Extraordinare (tm)

What: TGIO :D

Where: Ricky's Chinook located at 6262 Macleod Trail SW. For those of you who joined us at Kick Off, this is the same location. It is across the street from Chinook Mall, next to the CIBC. It is a hop, skip and a jump from the Chinook C-Train station

When:Friday, December 4th from 5 pm - 8 pm

Why: Whether you cross the finish line or not, you were still a part of something great this November and that is worth celebrating. Join your fellow novel writers and enjoy the novelty of a social event without a writing deadline hanging over your head. All those who attend may be eligible for one of the wonderful prizes that we have managed to finagle. If you aren't there, you can't win. Sorry, but it's not really logistically possible otherwise. And what are the prizes, you ask? Sorry, but you'll have to show up to find out.

And now, wonderful participant people, I get to collapse into bed. Looking forward to seeing you all at our final event...

Xanateria

As usual, if you plan to attend (AND WHY WOULDN'T YOU???) please RSVP here so that I have tentative numbers to give the restaurant. I think I covered everything, but if you have any queries or concerns you need addressed, please don't hesitate to NaNo Mail me.
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Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

reasons I think nanowrimo is fun

cindy_lorraine_ — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:49:14 +0000

I want to post this topic because of a fun utube video about nanowrimo that is really awesome
this one : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xhs-yodZJcw

in the song she asks why this is fun(and I am sure she thinks it is, whoever the lovely girl is)....I don't like posting comments on utube, it just doesn't seem to work so I am going to post my reasons that I think that do this contest is fun.

1) I am being given permission to write total cr*p and celebrate
2) I can let my craziness work for good as I write out all my imaginary mind people
3) people I know seem impressed with my word count
4) I am impressed with my word count(you may not be, but fact still stands, I am)
5)being motivated to write gives me motivation in life to do things like clean out my medicine cabinet(and other things)
6)promoting literacy through honest writing and thinking makes me feel like I can make a difference in the world with just my imagination, something I thought only benefited me.(I might even donate if I reach 50k)
7)learning about other people imaginations and stories makes me feel good about myself, because I am not so different from others.(I really think I'm a total freak)
8) I have a chance to do something valueable with my spare time that can literally amount to something.
9)I love writing, it is really just putting all my crazy imaginations and visions into words. I never really tried doing that for such a long time before!!!
10)I can possible improve the overall status of Calgary by being involved in promoting literacy.

I have other reasons, but mainly I hope that by writing I can make the world a better place.
(and really I'll get around to donating soon, I am almost done my christmas shopping)
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Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

Weirdest or favourite place you've written..

Geolojazz — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:19:16 +0000

Hey peeps!

I started my writing yesterday en route from Banff after an attempted trip to the hot springs...sitting in the passenger seat, laptop on my ...lap top...tapping away another load of glorious Wrimo verbal vomit.

That led me to wonder: What's the weirdest place you've written for NaNoWriMo? Or conversely, your favourite place to write?

Cheers,
Jazz
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Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

Regional Word War :: Saskatoon vs Calgary - Friendly Taunting and Challenges!

karalianne — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:32:17 +0000

Hello, hello!

Saskatoon is throwing down the gauntlet and challenging Calgary to a Word War. We have several unique awards that will be given out at the end of November, but I will allow James to do the honours for that, later on in this thread. (That's your cue, James!)

In addition to the regions going up against each other, I am hereby challenging the MLs of Calgary, Huushiita and Xanateria, to individual word wars. We can watch the regional progress in our regional headers; we can watch me kick the other ladies' butts in this post. ;)

Let the taunting begin!

Current Status:

**This thread is posted in both the Saskatoon forum and the Calgary forum. Through the magic of this post, people from one region may easily taunt people from the other region without needing to affiliate with the enemy. How's that for snazzy?**
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-Janna
Moderator, Character & Plot Realism Q&A
ML, Saskatoon
Canadian Overlord

The Book of Tim

Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

Breaking the Tim rule.

maramyfriend — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:02:02 +0000

Sorry guys, but it was the first name that sprung to mind. At the moment in my book Tim is alive and well and is a geeky techy secret hacker/cracker. I am not sure if anything bad will come to him, I don't have plans but you never know if I get inspired.

So, as Tim is a programmer and network guru, and alive and well and currently helping police with an investigation by undeleting stuff and retrieving files etc from a victims computer....should he suddenly be offed?

Lets see the love (or hate) you have for Tim. Maybe the best idea will get in my book. And who knows, if it gets published after the rewrite....
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--
Paul Webber
Don’t settle for shampoo! Demand real poo!

Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

I'm wondering if there are any teens joining this.

hollypaw. — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:36:10 +0000

Am I the only teen in Calgary doing this? D'8 This is bad. I'm just wondering.
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Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

Bragging Rights

Huushiita — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:45:29 +0000

Have you written your daily word count? AWESOME.

Have you doubled it? Tripled it? Written so much your fingers are now no more than bloody stumps? Well, if so, POST HERE!!!!

Seriously, post your daily word count that way we can have fun and urge each other on.

My count so far is 3514!
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Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

12 HOUR Write In and RSVP thread

Xanateria — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:24:51 +0000

Hola Wrimotaurs,

I come bearing news of the 12 Hour write in. Having taken the answers to our poll in account, I can now give you the details you have all been waiting for.

What: 12 Hour Write In of Doom (tm)

Where: The Road King Truck stop located at: 4949 Barlow Trail S.E I know, we had announced that the 12 Hour was going to be held at Denny's McKnight. However, they changed their minds about being willing to give is space for so long. Given the space needs and time constraints, this was our best second option. For those of you who joined us there last year, no word yet on whether Tracy the Super Waitress is going to be there.

When: Saturday, November 21st from noon to midnight. No, this does not mean that if you attend you must stay for all 12 hours. We would love it if you could, but we fully expect people to come and go as needed.

Why: Join your fellow crazy participants at a marathon write in. Boost your motivation and your word count. There will be a craft for those who wish to participate, but you'll have to show up, if you want to know what it will be. Chaos, mayhem, random explosions will be had by all...at least in the plots, that is. And cheesecake, at least for me, but that is another story.

As usual, if you know you will be attending, please RSVP to this thread as soon as you can. I will need to let them know an approximate number, so the deadline to RSVP will be 6 pm, on Friday, November 20th.

I know, the Road King is difficult to access by transit, but if you want to come and don't think you will be able to get there, please post here and see if a fellow Wrimo might be able to give you a ride. I can't force you to carpool, of course, but I can strongly encourage it. *grins happily*

One other note. Several people expressed interest in having two 12 hour write ins, one the 21st and one the 28th. Out of consideration for the sanity and health of your lovely co-MLs, we have decided that we cannot commit to having two official 12 Hour Write Ins. However, if someone wants to plan and run another unofficially, just drop Huushi or myself a NaNo mail and we will make sure it is added to the calendar.

I think that's everything, and I need to go write some words in my novel instead of the forums, so I will sign off here. But if I missed anything or you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to NaNo mail me and ask.

Looking forward to seeing everybody,

Xanateria

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Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

FREE Seminar about getting Published

KaliYuga — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:22:44 +0000

Hey all!

I apologize for not having met any of you lovely Wrimotaurs in person, but alas, work has kept me busy. I'm so sorry!

But I digress!

I have stumbled across a wonderful bit of information for any Calgary or Area-based NaNo-ers, or anyone who just wants to get some information about getting published!

On Thursday, November 26th at the Central Library in Downtown Calgary (on 7th, by the train tracks) there will a seminar hosted by the library that will be the editors of two Calgary literary publications to learn what they look for in the manuscripts they receive.

The details are:

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
4th Floor meeting room
Central Library

They need you to register and you can do that online: calgarypubliclibrary.com or you can call 403 - 260 - 2620

I am going to register for sure and I hope to see some of you there! Maybe we can meet up and all meet together? have a code outfit or something. (Like in the movies, 'I'll be wearing a white carnation' Ha ha!) I really hope to see some of you there! I really wanna meet some of you lovely people!

Cheers.
Love,
Kai
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"There's no point driving yourself mad to keep from going mad. Best just get it over with and save your sanity for later."
-Ford, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

Writers Block

ABURCH — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:02:58 +0000

Hey fellow Calgary NaNo'ers

This is my first time attmepting to do anything like this and I am suffering from a huge case or writers block...or I would be if I actually sat down to write anything. I'm a procrastinator and I'm easily distracted. I have only written about 1500 words which puts me way behind. Any advise?
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Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

Word count Challenge - for other newbies only please

cindy_lorraine_ — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:08:40 +0000

If you want to challenge me to a word war and are a newbie as well, I challenge you.

I am currently pretty proud of myself and my word count. I currently have ideas for three more scenes that will likely equal 500 words each or so. My secret is that I use as many descriptive words as possible, to the point of being a bit redundant.

ie: The small petite slim sized smooth furred black cats eyes shimmered and glowed like sparkling light-filled precious green jewels as the harsh bright sunlight touched them making them glimmered brightly at her with strange interest.

I know, not my best work, but I try....

So... is there a newbie out their in Calgary that can beat me?? I dare you ;-)

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Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

The Ten NaNoMandments (Again!)

AkitaFallow — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:14:21 +0000

They got some good response last year, so I thought I'd repost them again. These are the Ten NaNoMandments, created by xXSilver-RoseXx and myself at last year's Midway Bash. Enjoy!

I. Thou shall write 50,000 words in one month.
II. Thou shall not edit, lest thou be smited.
III. Thou shall not have any story beside thy novel, for thy November is dedicated to it.
IV. Thou shall not outline thy plot during November, lest thou be unable to proceed due to over-planning or waste precious writing time with nonsense.
V. Thou shall not covet thy neighbour’s word count.
VI. Thou shall not lie about thy word count.
VII. Thou shall honour thy muse, and not allow it to be brutally murdered by real life and non-NaNoers. If this should occur, stab thy interfering infidel with a spoon. Thou shall also forego sleep, study, and any other mundane task when thou art below thy daily wordcount.
VIII. Thou shall include Tim in thy novel, and hopefully kill him in the end for gore factor, in order to gain points.
IX. Thou shall attend local write-ins and chats to meet thy fellow NaNoWriMos and share strange author speak that non-NaNoers shall not understand. And thus, though shall further confuddle the outside world.
X. Thou shall not bring down thy region’s word count by abandoning all hope in Week Two. Or any other week, for that matter.
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[Insert witty comment here.]

Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

Legends of the Chat Room.

Geolojazz — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:44:21 +0000

There is a lowly creature who guards the harbinger of Word Wars. Its name is Cambot, and it's startlingly rude.

Geolojazz - !eightball is anyone here?
18:43 cambot - Geolojazz: It is possible.
18:43 Geolojazz - !eightball but is it probable?
18:43 cambot - Geolojazz: The answer is a resounding no.
18:44 Geolojazz - !eightball do you understand anything about what you just said? The scientist in me is rebelling.
18:44 cambot - Geolojazz: Maybe...
18:44 Geolojazz - !eightball Are you going to be honest with me?
18:44 cambot - Geolojazz: No clue.
18:44 Geolojazz - !eightball Now you're just being deliberately vague, aren't you?
18:44 cambot - Geolojazz: You know the answer better than I.
18:45 Geolojazz - !eightball Do I have to come over there and open up a can of whoop-ass?
18:45 cambot - Geolojazz: The answer is certainly yes.
18:46 Geolojazz - !eightball Are you fine with the fact that I'm going to ignore you and start writing now?
18:46 cambot - Geolojazz: Naturally.
18:50 *** NinjaDuckie joined #CalgaryNano
18:50 NinjaDuckie - It's ten to two in the morning, I've drunk a pint of chocolate milk, and I see Tim.
18:50 Geolojazz - He's ignoring me.
18:51 Geolojazz - I've been having an awesome conversation with cambot.
18:51 Geolojazz - !eightball isn't that right, cambot?
18:51 cambot - Geolojazz: The outlook is poor.
18:51 Geolojazz - oh shut up.

Has anyone else encountered this beast and lived to tell the tale?
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Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

Are you a wuss if you cry when your writing your own book?

Ryan Cartwright — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:58:19 +0000

If so call me guilty...the worst part is I was writing while watching my daughter do gymnastics...my repution (if I even had one) is ruined. Oh well...
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Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

They call him Mr. Piggy

Huushiita — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:11:44 +0000

At the Kick Off party, I unveiled a cute piggy bank that I named Mr. Piggy. He'll be at every official meet that we'll hold. For anybody who cares to make a donation, just come up to him and feed him. Then at the end of the month, we'll make a donation to the Office of Letters and Light on behalf of the Calgary Region! :)

I'll make updates after every meet. Tonight, it's already up at a whopping $46.22. Congratulations guys, that is amazing!!!!
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Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

Show some support please fellow Wrimotaurs

Xanateria — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:26:48 +0000

Greetings all,

It has come to the attention of your ever-so-lovely co-MLs that our member yiyth is going through a very tough time right now. We don't want to go into detail, but we thought she could really use some support.

And keeping that in mind...yiyth, please remember that however bad things might seem, they will get better, both for you and your family. I'll be hoping for better days for you, and keeping warm fuzzies for you in my thoughts.

Please, folks, if you have a spare minute, comment here to share some support.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled NaNo activities...

Xanateria

PS If you have had (badly timed) personal crisis in November, and could use some support, feel free to reply to this thread, or NaNo mail Huushi or myself and we can ask for you.

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Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

Midway Bash Round Robin (#1?)

AkitaFallow — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:19:46 +0000

So Xana agreed to do a round robin at the Midway Bash--as long as I typed it up. ^.^ So here it is!

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Once upon a time there was a large group of rabid squirrels living in the forest. Now, one of these squirrels

felt terrible about their rabid, cannibalistic ways, and decided to protest. He got together with a group of vegetarian wolves, who

like Mudkips.

They agreed that Mudkips tasted delicious, and went well with their

sparkly fur and "MyNameIsTim' name tags.

These squirrels were fans of bringing the Awesome, you see. After much debate, they decided to bring the Awesome

to the tables of Ricky's. Here they have plates of Mudkips, and long hours of arguing. After eating they would discuss

the metaphysical ramifications of the piccolo garlic bread now offered at Ricky's.

These physical ramifications resulted in large pleased burps!

One of the squirrels' burps was so powerful and rancid that it knocked over five others and killed them... killed them dead. So dead, in fact, that they rose again as zombie squirrels!

But alas, it was all but a dream of our true hero, the one armed, one eyed, one legged bandit who lay deep in his forest home with his band of leperous warriors who unfortunately often left parts of themselves behind.

The leader of the bandits, Tim the Intrepid, ordered them to attack the 7-11 for supplies. As they hurried to comply,

the ground began to shake and a great chasm opened up. From the bowels of the earth came dinosaurs. Angry about their imprisonment, they

decided to eat the bandits. And as they used its bones to pick their teeth, they decided that this was the life.

Suddenly, Tim the Intrepid drew his sword (from the 7-11 supply run, naturally), and began to fight the dinosaurs, and anyone else nearby, when out of nowhere

there was a huge explosion that knocked him to the ground, missing a few non-vital body parts.

Tim the Intrepid stood valiantly, raised his now one-and-a-half arms above his head, and proclaimed "I'M ALIIIIIIIVE!!!" before falling to the ground, dead. Far away, a novelist laughed evilly.
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[Insert witty comment here.]

Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

The Team A Thread - Team B not allowed on pain of ridicule

Ryan Cartwright — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:38:17 +0000

First off we need an identity...Any suggestions? Here's some off the top of my mind...the part that is still somewhat grounded in reality.

Anti-Joyce (As in James Joyce...he was known for writing at a snail's pace)
Shakespeare's Cast-offs
The Ghosts of Dickens.
The Caravan of Fools

Secondly- How about that team B? Are they even trying? Even without Trinity we would still be beating them. Remember to mock them mercilessly whenever you see them.
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Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

EVENT: All-berta Write-in, November 15th

Canoegirl — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:00:19 +0000

The Edmowrimo Literary Ninjas cordially invite you to the First Annual All-berta Write-in!

All of the Wrimos in Alberta are invited to attend a write-in located in Red Deer’s Gasoline Alley. It's time to end the rivalry and transition to a more collegial attitude towards our fellow Albertan wrimos.

Date: Sunday, November 15th
Time: approximately 3-5 pm
Location: Glenn's Restaurant (the one with the tea pot beside the Donut Mill)
37424 QEII South, Red Deer
Who: Wrimos from NaNoWriMo::Edmonton, NaNoWriMo::Calgary and NaNoWriMo::Elsewhere regions of Alberta.

Come out and beef up your word count with your fellow Albertan wrimos!

This is a restaurant so please make sure you plan to buy food and tip well!

RSVP here please! We have a reservation under NaNoWriMo - Karen.

Note: This thread is located in all three Albertan forums, so you might see some unfamiliar names in here. Please make them welcome!
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Canoegirl
Clan QWERTY
EdmoWrimo Literary Ninjas

Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

Posible place for write-in

yiyth — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:02:54 +0000

We have an large basement area in which we can hold a meeting in. It's large enough to hold around 10 to 15 people comfortably. We have chairs of different types. Tables. I've talke with my family and we can posibly hold a 12 hour thing here. It's be a bring your own stuff mind you. But at least here, you can talk or anything as loud as you wish and not have it disturb anyone else around us. One thing though, Absolutely NO alchohol. Since there will be minors in the house and it's the rule of the house.

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Book of Tim - http://chatnano.net/Tim/index.html

Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

Cambot Functions!

BecksTrinity — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:29:05 +0000

Gather round for the one and only,
Cambot!

So basically it came up tonight at the meet about 'Cambot's Functions' tonight.

Alrighty! So post any functions that you know Cambot to do (or anything that annoys him) and then everyone can join in, in the annoyance!

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Actual picture: xKimJoan

Canada :: Alberta :: Calgary

MIDWAY Bash Info & RSVP thread

Xanateria — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:29:50 +0000

Hello my fellow Wrimotaurs,

I hope everyone is still excited about their plots, or lack of plots, if that is the case. I hate to interrupt the creative flow, but I thought you would all appreciate knowing the details for our Midway Bash :D My apologies for not posting this sooner, I have been experiencing technical difficulties.

What: Midway Bash

When: Sunday, Nov 15th from 5 pm - 8 pm

Why: Whether you are ahead, or behind, or even if you cross the finish line before then, join your fellow participants in a celebration of all that we have accomplished so far. Get inspiration to keep going, or just get a fresh dose of the insanity that fuels us all. (No trust me, it does)

Please RSVP to this thread if you know you will be attending by no later than 10 am Nov 15th. If you do not RSVP, we cannot guarantee that you will get a seat, but as a concession for how long it took me to get this up, I'll give you til the morning of to do so. Remember, I need to let the restaurant know how many of us to expect, so RSVP as soon as you can.

Thanks peoples,

Xanateria

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