Reno 2003 - West Coast Phrends

[attorneymom]

Cshell and I have somehow been nominated to set-up the California, Arizona, Nevada, etc. phrends get-together.

We've decided that Reno is the most logical location as it is within driving distance of the northern Cal phrends, and as it is much cheaper than northern Cal too. Checking airfares, flights to Reno are very reasonable (from southern California, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, etc.) Flights are cheaper this way for the most part.

As for the timing, we will meet on a Saturday and stay through Monday, except for those who wish/need to leave earlier.

We will be staying at one of the casino hotels as they have the best rates - plus by staying on Sunday the rates are cheaper (and offset the higher Saturday night rate). I am planning on sharing a room with someone (NaughtyAngel?) in an effort to save $$. Cshell will be checking for the best rates, and possibly a block discount, depending on the numbers.

As for rental vehicles, we are hoping to avoid the need for them - our northern Cal buddies can help shuttle us from the airport and I'm sure the hotels have shuttles too. We can carpool for daytrips. Obviously, this will all depend on the final numbers.

Right now, we need to know who HOPES to come, and any "blackout" periods in April, May and June (there are several who can't do February or March so we're looking at April as the earliest). We hope to pick a date that allows as many of us as possible to attend.

The Memorial Day Weekend (May 24-26) is out - too expensive to fly or stay at the hotels.

I'll start things off - I will be going to my 20th college reunion June 5-8.

If you prefer to send Cshell or me a PM, that's fine too.

Let's do it!!!!! Reno here we come!

[Naughtyangel]

Hey A-Mom

I already know I can't do May 29- June 1st My son's birthday party will be that weekend. My Husband has a high school reunion this year but I am not sure if we are going and not sure what the exact date is, I will find out.

I don't want to drive but I don't want to fly either. Maybe I can get a bus ticket I will get there some how!
Good luck and let me know if you need some help.

[LisaS]

There you ARE, Naughty!

I wanna go but too soon and I wanna go to San Fran anyway! Waaah, why not CA get together???

Everybody have a blast.

Lisa

[debra]

I am very interested. But my calendar is downstairs and I have 3 kids on my lap. So will be back later...

[debra]

Weekends in April, May, June that DO NOT work:
April 19 (Easter weekend)
April 26
May 10
May 17
June 21

Debra

[Rhapsody]

I would definetly be interested in this…but since we owe money on taxes and are moving at the end of April there is almost zero chance of me going if it happens in April. I also do payroll, and know that I cannot take a Monday off if it falls on our payroll week. I am going back home to Baltimore June 27th-July 3rd; with taking that time off work as well as a couple of days when we move, the only time that I know my boss might give me off on a Monday would be on a non-payroll week that is not close to any of the other days I am taking off…so the weekends that I might possibly be able to do this would be the weekend of May 16th, or May 30th (this one is iffy). Depending on how expensive this is, I might be able to possibly manage a weekend in the beginning of March…the March 21st weekend, the March 7th weekend, or the first weekend in April. I’d rather you guys decide on the dates that are most convenient to you all because of all the obsticales in my way. Whenever you guys have a definite date I can do my best to make it…but if I don’t make it to this one I’m going to have to go to the next one. Does anyone have any prices on rooms etc.? When I get home later tonight I will look at some plane tickets and that’ll let me know if I think I’ll be able to do it money wise. I’m thinking if the plane ticket is cheap, and I don’t have to get a rent a car, and the room is shared with someone that I can probably pull this off. I’ve got my fingers crossed.

[cshell]

AMom, I am on it! Will start collecting dates tomorrow on a spread sheet. As soon as I have a tentitive date I will call around. There is a weekenend in April that I am tied up and will find out exactly when tonight.

[Rhapsody]

Okay...I am getting a little excited now. I checked for a weekend in March...I believe the last one, and I'm looking at only $100 for a plane ticket. As long as I don't have to get a rent a car...and have someone to split the room with I just might be able to do this. Is there anything in particular that you guys have planned to do while were in Reno...just wondering what kind of spending money were talking about....I don't gamble (don't care about that aspect since I live by vegas)...I've never been up to Reno/Tahoe and I'm really getting excited about this. If anyone has more info please let me know!

[cshell]

Rhapsody how far is Henderson from Reno?

PS Lots to do shows, Benihani, slots, shopping, nudie bars , etc. I will gather dates and shop around the casinos tomorrow. I was telling AMom that there is 3 casinos that are combined Silver Legacy, CircusCircus and the El Dorado. We can probably get the cheapest rates at Circus Circus. Once I have a tentitive date I can check on shows and group discounts.

[ January 30, 2003, 06:11 PM: Message edited by: cshell ]

[analyst]

I would definately like to hook-up in Reno since I was unable to make it to the last Reno trip. Not sure what my schedule allows for due to the new job. I know I'm not eligible for any vacation until my first six months are over. So, I'm pretty sure I won't be staying thru Monday.

Remember to keep me on the list. I'm not going to list my black out dates. I'll just hope that the final dates will work for me.

I might be taking my hubby as we enjoy Reno quite a bit (especially him). But if not, debra, ya want to go together? I'm not sure if you've got to pass by me on the way to Reno or not. I think you do if I remember correctly. Anyhow, let me know if you're taking your main sqeeze or going solo. Maybe we could work something out.

[Rhapsody]

Cshell - Henderson is right outside of Vegas so I am a good 8 hour drive from what everyone tells me. There is no way I can drive it anyway, we only have one car and my hubby will be needing to use it if I come. If the hotel isn't too bad I might be able to pull this off...but if not I'll definetly have to do the next Reno trip. I'll keep my fingers crossed...it can go either way since were moving in April PLUS owe taxes. Do we have any tentative dates or things planned when we go yet...I've never been up that way and probably won't get the chance again for a long time; I would love to see Lake Tahoe...I've heard its beautiful. And most importantly...Who needs a roomie?

[ February 04, 2003, 02:05 PM: Message edited by: Rhapsody ]

[attorneymom]

Hi everyone,
I've been looking at the dates and I find that the following are our options right now, with some pros and cons:

April 5
April 12 - rates? Spring Break for many

May 3

June 14

Rhapsody - I didn't fully understand your post as to black-out versus available days. Are you available May 3rd or June 14th?

Cshell, when checking on the rooms could you see how many can get in a room? I know Analyst her her hubby would probably want their own, but perhaps us "single" gals can get a slumber party room like in Nashville - I'm game for it, especially if it's a big savings. I'd be interested to know the rates both ways (for a double with two beds and for a bigger room). Just a thought.

Let's try as tentative dates - April 5, May 3, and June 14 - if there is a huge difference in rates that may help the decision.

I'm getting psyched!!!!!

[ February 04, 2003, 04:07 PM: Message edited by: attorneymom ]

[Rhapsody]

AMom....sorry if I was a little confusing. It comes naturally and I'm not even a blonde!
Since Baltimore is a featured destination at southwest.com this week I'm going to be going back sooner than I thought. I'm going to be flying out on May 30th andreturning sometime during the first weekend in June. That means that June 14th would definetly be a no for me because I would have been out of town the previous week. If its the May or April weekend I could "try" my best. Please don't plan the dates according to me...like analyst said chose the dates for those that are a definite and after the date is chosen if I can swing it I'll come. It's only an hr flight so if I had to fly out late Fri night or early Sat morning and come home late Sunday night it wouldn't be too bad. April is iffy for me because were moving etc...but we'll see. Either way I've got my fingers crossed and if I don't make this one I'll definetly be there next time.

[ February 05, 2003, 04:33 PM: Message edited by: Rhapsody ]

[attorneymom]

Knowing how swamped Cshell has been I did a little checking on the hotels - appears most of them don't allow check-ins for Saturday nights - stay-throughs are okay, which would mean arriving Friday night and staying for the regular weeken- a bit more expensive.
Thoughts?

[cshell]

Ok guys this has to be quick! I checked the dates and came up with the same as AMOM. There are (4) hotels that I would reccomend on the main strip. Pricing is as follows for Fri, Sat, Sun

Circus Circus F-$89 S-$89 S-$55

El Dorado F-$99 S-$129 S-$59

Silver Legacy F-$109 S-$109 S-$65

Golden Phoenix F-$89 S-$109 S-$65

That's for a single room with (2) double beds. For those sharing it would be around $116 to $141 depending on where we stay. Room blocks are for 10 or more rooms so????? I have all the 800#'s and will post the rates for suites tomorrow.

BTW Benihani is in the Golden Phoenix. And AMom I can't wait to go BOOGY with you!!

I've been several times, any questions PLEASE pm me!!

Hugs,
Cshell

[attorneymom]

I'm game for the cheapest - Circus Circus is fine by me. Other than chatting LIVE with my phrends, and posting on the forum (I'm bring my laptop with the internet hookup as they have data ports on the phones ) I plan to be out and about so the room isn't that important to me.

I just ran a search for my airfare through Expedia and connected with Circus Circus - they allow four adults per room, $10 extra per night for #3&4. I bet we could get some rollaways if people don't mind a bit of crowding - I am fine with this if it will mean more people can come! Certainly NO ONE should let the room cost keep them from coming - we can work that out I'm sure!

I need to do my taxes and see where I stand - but once my refund comes in, I'm ready to book.

So I'm just going to take the bull by the horns and say - how about May 2-4 (3/4 weekend)? I know some folks can't get Friday off, but maybe they could come that night....

[cshell]

Ok my brain is swarmy (is that a word) with rates and dates. I second on Circus Circus and May 2/3!Also, Circus Circus didn't have doubles for the June 13/14 dates. Since I'm bringing hubby, I'm going to try and convince him that we "NEED" a suite. If he says yes, then we'll have a general meet-up/get together place.

FYI With Reno reservations they will charge you the first night when the reservation is made.

I sent my taxes in two weeks ago, so HOPEFULLY I'll be getting my refund and can go ahead and make my resv. before they run out of suites.

I'm so excited I'm about ready to wet my pants.

[ February 06, 2003, 02:03 PM: Message edited by: cshell ]

[Rhapsody]

Alrighty....now that we have a set date at least we can make some definite plans. I won't be able to commit to anything until the beginning of March though....it depends on a couple of factors and I won't know till then. We are moving (our lease is up at the end of April) and the apartment that we are interested in only does a 60 day hold. The third weekend this month I am going to them to put in an application...if they have an apartment available in the last weekend of April I "might" be able to do this but if it won't be ready until the 1st then I definetly won't be able to come because I'll be moving. I'm still waiting on a 1099 to come in before I'll know exactly where we stand on taxes and I should know that by March. There is a chance that we might only owe around $200 and if that is the case then I can definetly come money wise. Airfare is going to cost me about $110...I could get in either late Friday or early Sat...but I won't be able to get off work because I need to take a day or two when we move so I'd have to fly back on Sunday. I'd definetly want to room with someone...I don't care about sleeping on a cot...its only a night or two. Am I right in my calculation that a room (if it has 4 people) will only cost about approx $70 per person? I can definetly do it if that's all if we only owe $200 on taxes cause including airfare, room & spending money I'd only need around $300 bucks. I'm getting excited... I really hope I can come! I want to meet all my phrends!

[debra]

Wow, you guys have been busy...I hadn't checked in a while. Anyway, the date looks great to me!

Analyst -- When it gets closer let's look at transportation.... I have Mondays off from school so I might not return until then. So happy to see that you might come!

[Phoenix Artist]

I really, really want to come and the first weekend of May would be great. My only hang-up may be Tiger Lily. All depends on how she is doing then.

Also not sure I can stay Sunday night. It may be hard to convince my boss to let me have Monday off. But for now, tentatively plan that I am coming Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon.

HUGS to all!

[attorneymom]

Okay - so I guess we've got a date! The first weekend of May. (Geesh I forgot to check the vacation calendar at work for Fridays!!! - I'd better do that tomorrow first thing!)

We've got a hotel - Circus, Circus, which has a gym, (and you can get a daily pass to the more luxurious spa in the Silver Legacy for a discounted rate of $10 per day).

So now we need to make our transportation arrangements, and figure out the rooms.

I will be making my flight and hotel reservations once I finish up taxes and get my refunds - as I do this online and have direct deposit, we're looking at about a week or two. I welcome roomies, up to three are permitted. If the same flights are available, I will be arriving Friday around 1:30 in the afternoon, and leaving Sunday evening at 5:30 (not sure I can swing the extra day off on Monday). I will not be renting a car and will be taking the courtesy shuttle from the airport to Circus, Circus.

PA - does your vet have a boarding service? That is what my dad did with his "baby" (also needed medication) when he came out to visit me last year. Dad felt very comfortable leaving Peppy with his doctor. The vet even called him at my house just to let him know Peppy was having fun.

And anyone concerned - as I mentioned before - if the room rate is the only obstacle to your coming, don't worry, we'll figure it out.

Reno - WATCH OUT - the PHRENDS are coming!!!!

[Naughtyangel]

This all sounds great to me! The date works, the hotel and I hear that my travel time will be a piece of cake. (3-4 hours)

with that said....I still CAN'T say 100% (yes)
There is a very small chance that I will be moving this summer. With my husband being in the military we don't really have a choice when it comes to when and where we move. To make matters even worse, they don't have to give us notice. I have no clue when we will find out so I will just have to keep you posted.

If I am still here or close enough... I will be in Reno for sure

I am so excited!

[cshell]

Wooohooo doing the happy "We're going to Reno and be wild ladies" dance!!

Rhapsody, Naughty and PA I do hope you all can make it. Like AMom said "we will work it out". If there's a will, there's a way.

Now, who's in for Benihani?? You sit around a teppanyaki style grill, group style while the chef performs/cooks in front of you. They have steak, chicken, seafood and it's a blast. They have bargain selections for I think around $17 dollars. They have the a wonderful array of yummy tropical drinks served in a Geisha or a Buddha and the best deep fried banana's with strawberry ice cream. You all can check out their website at www.benihana.com I'll need to know eventually so I can make reservations. Oh and you get a ton of food.

We can always go dancing, karaoke (sp) afterwards.

[ February 07, 2003, 01:00 PM: Message edited by: cshell ]

[Rhapsody]

Okay....I would like to say that I am 90% sure that I am coming. I won't be able to definetly commit and buy my ticket until I know about the apt and that wont be till the end of February. As long as our apartment will be available the last weekend in April and not the first weekend in May I'll be there. I will definetly want to room with someone, and I'm up for the 4 people in a room to keep the cost down. I'd love to go to Benihani's and dancing & karaoki sounds like a blast! I won't be able to take Fri or Monday off work since I will be taking a day off for when we move (hopefully April 25th and not May 1st) and then am going back to baltimore the first week of June. Southwest only has one flight available after I get off work that Friday and it would have me arrive at 10:45 pm, and the latest flight that is still available on Sunday to return is at 12:20 pm. I was hoping on getting in earlier on Fri and leaving a little later on Sunday...I've checked Delta, United, America West, and continental and they all want almost 200 dollars. Southwest only wants $110 - I definetly can do that but can't afford almost $200. Anyway...count me in as long as we move the last weekend in April & southwest still has those flights available. I wish I didn't have to wait until the end of February to know definetly. About that shuttle...is it free or is their a cost? Reno...here we come!

[ February 07, 2003, 02:19 PM: Message edited by: Rhapsody ]

[attorneymom]

Cshell - Benihana sounds like fun, count me in. And Rahpsody - usually the shuttles are free if you're staying at the hotel - but I'm sure Cshell can confirm that or what the cost is (probably only a couple of dollars). I just heard a special saying the real cost is in the tipping. Sigh. I'll be as nice as I can afford. Period. When we get closer to the date we may even arrange to pick up some of us. And the Friday night flight you mentioned isn't so bad - get a nap beforehand and then we'll do up the town right on Friday night/Saturday morning! We might as well all be hungover together on Saturday morning as we work out (right?). I've never worked out with anyone I knew before - other than my daughter - anyone game for that? Just no JELLO comments, okay?

[QueenDivaBaby]

WHATEVA YALL DO, HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE!!

[Phoenix Artist]

Hi Ladies!
I am so psyched to do this but...
once again, a lot hinges on my little Tiger Lily.

AMom - I have a great pet sitter (very close friend who lives here in the building) who will take excellent care of her, meds and all. My problem is how much I need to spend to get her stabilized between now and then.

The chemo drugs are $75 for ten pills which alone is not really too bad. But the ACTH tests have to be done each time we think she is stabile and those are another $75 each time. I took her in for one Thursday because her water intake had reached the right level only to find her cortisol is still too high. So now stability will be gauged by appetite. Which means I have to take her back in for another test next week whenever she stops eating like she hasn't seen food for a year.

Once she actually is stabile the tests need to be repeated in 1 week, if okay then 2-3 months, and if still okay then every six months thereafter unless she exhibits a major change again. Meanwhile, the chemo drugs are for life. The only thing that will change is how often she gets them. Right now it is twice a day. After she stabilizes it will be 2-4 times a week...just depends on her reactions.

So as you can see my major hang-up right now is finances. Especially since I am also committed to the Phen Cruise 2003 and making payments on that.

Did check flights though and SW has some great fares. I can do round trip from Phoenix for $136 (as long as seats are available). Like Rhapsody I would be taking a Friday evening flight but I would get in about 10:45, which isn't all that bad. Then would leave around 2:00 or so Sunday afternoon.

Will definitely need to room with someone if I come. Warning though...I have sleep apnea and sleep with a CPAP machine going all night. Not real noisy...more like white noise...and way better than snoring, which is what I do without it.

I will keep you updated about how things are going and give you a definite yes or no in early March, if not sooner.

[LisaS]

You know what's ironic about this whole thing?

THE PEOPLE I CONNECT THE MOST WITH ARE ON THE WEST COAST!!!!!! (No offense, East Coasters and I do connect with you too..lol)

I wonder if I can get some Delta passes from my dad.....Problem is, we flew standby to Vegas a few years ago and it was HELL getting home. (We ended up bouncing a few states for 24 hours in order to get home!!!)

Hmmmm...

I'd have to leave 2 teens behind, as school doesn't end til the 23rd.

Hmmmm.....

Who's bringing spouses/SO's and who is not? Got a list up yet? An agenda? I haven't been in this forum much.

Hmmm.....

Lisa

[attorneymom]

Hey Lisa,
It would be great if you could make it!!!! We're still in the early stages as to who is coming. I believe Analyst is bringing her hubby, but I'm not sure of anyone else right now. I'm coming solo, as is Debra - our hubbies are staying home with the kids. I'm trying to work it so I can stay through Monday, Debra plans to do so, and possible others. I'll be flying in on Friday. We'll be staying at the Circus, Circus as it is centrally located to everything, eliminating the need for rental cars (there are shuttles for the airport from Circus Circus). Cshell is checking into group discounts for entertainment and meals so the itinerary is still up in the air as yet. I'm bringing my laptop and internet hookups so we can all keep in touch with the forum. If I can learn how to do the digital camera/download/posting bit we may even be able to share our weekend with everyone as it happens. (I will definitely need help as I rely heavily on my hubby for technical assistance - why should I figure it out when he already knows?) As more details are known, they will be posted!

Sure hope you can make it!!!!

[cshell]

Lisa! I just saw this. Oh please tell me you can come. You can share our room/suite and we can have a pajama party!! Of course you know hubby is coming, but he won't mind. We'll talk more.

Hugs,
cshell

[Rhapsody]

Just a quick update...I won't be able to definetly commit until mid-March. Very good news though...I checked southwest again and they've added some flights. I'd like to be able to manage that Monday off but thats ify, but I can get in earlier on Friday (around 7:30 pm) and come home later on Sunday (depart at 5pm) with their added flights...the price would be around $125. I'm pretty sure I'll make it...I'll know definetly on the apartment by mid-March. It would be great if you could come Lisa and PAartist...this is going to be so much fun!

[LisaS]

I'm gonna try! But mine won't be decided for sure yet either. Too soon to commit when it's during the school year. I'll check into things in the spring. Hopefully there will be a room left in the hotel. CShell, we gonna shack up together WITH hubbys? What will people think???

AttorneyMom, I've got a camera and a very savvy hubby...he could help with your camera or we could put our software/camera on your laptop and upload from there...

Thanks Rhap.

We shall see...

Lisa

[cshell]

Ok gang. Finally checked on shuttle service to Circus Circus. The have a free shuttle from the airport that leaves 1/4 to and 1/4 past the hour until 12:15 am at the baggage pick-up.

I also have started looking into entertainment/shows and the books aren't quite out for May yet. I will check again at the end of this month.

Lis- I won't tell if you won't.

[attorneymom]

I'm sitting back waiting the 10-14 days for my refunds to be electronically deposited in my bank so I can make my reservations!!!! I'm coming for sure - hubby insists! As long as the flights are still open, I'll be coming in Friday afternoon and leaving Monday afternoon.

I am going to go ahead and reserve my room through Sunday night.

It's too bad my hubby couldn't come - then we could have crashed Cshell's and Lisa's room and really started tongues wagging.

Lisa - you have to come, PLEASE - you're an integral part of this group! And bring your techno-hubby, I can't begin to figure out how to upload pictures. Heck - I still have to send my photos to Debra to get them on the forum.

Cshell - did you say they had free drinks in the casinos (if you're playing slots, etc.)? With alcohol? What about diet sodas and bottled water? Are there clubs for DANCING? I want to kick up my heels (maybe you and LisaS will share your hubbies on the dance floor for a few dances...)

Oh, and most important - who's bringing the gigantic bottle of tylenol for hangovers?

I am so ready for this!!!!

[cshell]

AMom- Yes free drinks in the casino's!! There are dance spots and yes, we have to go get jiggy with it. I LOVE to dance. Hubby doesn't, but he doesn't stop me. Lis has to bring her hubby to keep mine company. If not, mine is an all round good sport. Can't wait!!