Posting this here for any Jersey bandsters who might be interested. We're talking about a bash to be held the weekend of September 23-25 somewhere in NJ, close to the city. Just something to think about! A weekend of social events close to home with fellow bandsters traveling the same road.

When anything is firmed up there will be a thread in the Lounge with details. Hope to see you there!

Hey don't forget us long islanders. I know, also that there are many excellent and not too crazy hotel deals right in manhattan. Just think of the fun it would be to stay in NYC. If we book a block of rooms early enough, we could get a great deal. I would be willling to check it out. Last month my husband and I got a room at the Hilton in midtown for $129. It was originally $239 but priceline was very cool. The hotel was awesome. Let me know what you think. Any other long islanders willing to jump in??? We love the city and go there often. It is such a blast. Maybe even get tickets to a matinee on the 2fer line??? So COOL!!

sorry I haven't posted here - Penni, I will email/pm you with the hotel that I can get good rates in - apparently it's a nice place! Can't even remember the name now - Alex, can you remember???!!! Sorry, brain melting here.... have had about 5 other major events popping up for september - my sister has announced she's getting married in August, and for a while there it looked like I may have to cancel going - but good ol' hubby came to the rescue and insisted I go! Yay!!! So, looking at booking tickets next week! Excited!!!

Yup, it's the Madison Hotel (see above).

Thank goodness you won't be letting a little silly thing like a wedding change your plans to come meet ME. Good on you, Bright girl!!

DYING to meet you Alex! And everyone/anyone else! foaming at the mouth with excitement!

Bright I would have to kick your arse if you blew us off for some stupid wedding. No I take that back I would just have to come to Ireland and invade your place. LOL!!! I still wanna do that one day. I have always wanted to visit Ireland. Just give me time.

I have an appointment with Dr. Trivedi in Hackensack on April 19th...getting close...then I will set up a surgery date. I have my pre surgery support group meeting on April 21st. Excited but nervous.

I had my psch exam this past Tuesday and that went well.

Any info you want to give me would be helpful.

Maria

I would love to meet all of you. In on Long Island, so NJ is not far at all.

My 26th wedding anniversary is the 23rd, my daughter's birthday the 24th. My aunt might be having a 50th anniversary party that weekend. I can't remember the date. But I so want to come. Even if I can't make the whole weekend, I would catch up with you guys on one of the days.

I'm so excited.

hey penni!!!! It's my adorable little tiny baby sister's wedding! Mind you, how they're letting her get married at 6 is beyond me! Ok, actually, she's 25 but it FEELS like she's only six to me! I'm 9 years older than her, and she's my baby! So the blow off would have been for a good cause!! Sort of! Anyway - I am coming to USA so don't kick my ass just yet.................!!!!!!!!!!!

Well Bright, you take all the fun out of everything. I would have had to excuse you for the blow off. It would be worth it to attend your baby sis's wedding.

Can I still kick your arse anyway?

Any more on the plans for the bash---who's coming, what are we doing, where are we staying?

Hey Alexra,

Congrats on being banded. Don't worry about food now. Keeping hydrated in most important. How about trying some juices?

Hey guys, I'm really interested. If we were in NYC I could definately get Kosher food for myself, a definate plus for me. But wherever we go, I can manage. I would be totally into this. I live on Long Island so NYC is my 1st choice. NJ is managable too.

This would be so cool.

I would love to meet everyone. I have not told anyone about my surgery except for my husband and children. I read every couple of days all of the posts and really would love so much to get together and talk in person ! I am in Jersey and NY is 28 miles from me.

Hey, Kelly Ann, where are you in New Jersey? If you're interested in attending a support group, my doctors' group is open to people banded elsewhere. We meet on the last Wednesday of each month. It really helps to get together with other bandsters in person, especially if no one in your life knows about it. PM or e-mail me if you want directions. We'd love to have you!

Ok gang, we gotta take a vote or narrow down where we're gonna meet. If anyone has connections in Manhatten for good rates, that would be my selection. For those in NJ, how far would that be out of the way for you all? How about Atlantic City, would that be too expensive too?

As I said before, I don't travel often, but when I do, I prefer to stay in a place that's not only nice, (not extravagant), but convenient. I don't want to spend my time riding too and from places, since time will be of the essence, not to mention I don't plan on renting a car and driving in NY.

Maybe if we had a head count we could use that to get better rates at a nice hotel in the city, whatta ya think?