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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Dinah on May 22, 2005, at 9:30:16
In reply to Re: Lar, does it look possible for you? » Dinah, posted by Larry Hoover on May 22, 2005, at 9:27:32
Oh drat! I was hoping you could come. Dr. Bob is going to be overwhelmed by estrogen. :)
I think an annual event would be a great idea, but we should make Dr. Bob travel too. A Babble birthday in different parts of the country.
Of course, I think I've used all my Babble points with my husband with this one. :)
Posted by fallsfall on May 22, 2005, at 11:09:38
In reply to Re: Lar, does it look possible for you? » Larry Hoover, posted by Dinah on May 22, 2005, at 9:30:16
Happyflower asked some questions on the Psychological Board (http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20050521/msgs/501108.html), but I'll answer them here.
My understanding is that we will have dinner on Friday night with Dr. Bob.
Then we will decide if we want to "do" things on Saturday. The activities seem fairly low key and hopefully inexpensive. And all will be completely optional. I expect there will be a bit of sitting in a park talking, too.
I'll be around all day Sunday, so if people want to stay later in the weekend, I'd love to have some company.
Happyflower also asked about bringing families. This is a harder question. And I'd like some help thinking it through. My goal in coming is to get some connection to like-minded people, and to have a face and some mannerisms to connect to names on the board. I'm also looking forward to spending time with the people who come - rather than the 15 minutes here, 15 minutes there that get carved out of my day for Babble (OK, sometimes is it 2 hours here, 2 hours there.......).
What impact would others' families have on that? I guess some of it would depend on how in tune they are with the issues of mental health. I guess I see this more as a conference, than as a party. So people who weren't interested in discussing "the topics" would be quickly bored. I'm also expecting to be able to talk as openly as we write here on the boards. So I think about talking about suicide ideation, self-injury etc. But at the same time, I wouldn't have a problem limiting those conversations with people who were comfortable with that (like having a "trigger-free zone" for those who are not?). The group is getting large enough (more than 4) so that we will necessarily break into subgroups much of the time, so it seems to be getting easier to allow us to be open, and protect those who are vulnerable to triggers at the same time.
As I reread this, I see, though, that it is overly restrictive, because I really do want to get to know who you guys are - and we are so much more than our psychological problems. So I don't want you to think that I expect to talk only about therapy and misery and cognitive distortions. I want to talk about family and hobbies and work and goals and dreams, too.
On the other side, I've participated in a Depression Support group, and there were times when people would bring their parents, siblings, spouses to the group. I was always happy to have them there, and found that it was a great time to both give them information about mental illness and to find out how significant people in our lives are affected by our situations.
So, I guess if family were genuinely interested in understanding our world better it would be OK. But if they are just looking for a social outing, it might not be the best place.
I would be cautious about bringing children - our topics can be pretty "mature".
What do other people think? I think this is an important question to discuss. Thanks, Happyflower, for bringing it up!
Logistically, I am planning to stay in the Michigan Ave area of town. But I don't want to publicize just where - in case I need to be able to hide for some reason!
Sounds like we will need to make a reservation at a restaurant for Friday night. Perhaps we can find a restaurant that would have a separate room or area for us (except we are going to have trouble coming up with a firm number!!). Dr. Bob, or someone who is familiar with Chicago, do you have suggestions?
I eat almost anything, except I really don't like spicy things (so Mexican is pretty much out, and Indian is difficult but possible). I'd be happy at Italian (including Pizza), Oriental, Steak (though we should choose someplace that does have vegetarian entrees, I assume - anyone vegetarian?), what else is there? It doesn't need to be fancy. I don't want to spend exhorbitant amounts of money. But the food should be appealing and relatively nutritious. I will want to save my non-nutritious moments for ICE CREAM!!! We have to go out for ice cream... Maybe that is what we have for lunch on Saturday - Ice cream.
I propose that the location of Friday night dinner be the piece of information that is given to us so that we can meet. We can make all arrangements for the rest of the weekend at Friday night dinner. If someone is going to miss dinner, we can make special arrangements to hook them up with us on Saturday. I do NOT want the restaurant posted here on the board. Dr. Bob, did you say that we have a yahoo mailing list set up? What is it and how does it work? What are the "rules" for being on the list (evidence of plane/train tickets, or hotel reservations, or proof that you live close enough to drive, other??)? Who can send mail to the list?
This is going to be a blast!!!!!!
Posted by Spoc on May 22, 2005, at 12:57:23
In reply to Re: Hooray! » Dinah, posted by All Done on May 21, 2005, at 9:12:25
Don’t mean to interrupt the flow of any more serious topics, but the question of a basic itinerary seems to come hand in hand with anything else. So (although this isn't very specific towards the key restaurant issue), instead of whispering in other people’s ears, I am compelled (as in “obsessively compulsed??”) to post one big post of suggestions. Then *hopefully* have it out of my system. I'm obviously not on the planning committee, but thought this might help to at least print and have with.
I’ve tried to think of things that a diverse group of people could probably all enjoy; that don’t require strict (if any) scheduling; that kind of write their own itinerary as you go along; that aren’t very expensive; that can be walked between rather than at disjointed locations all over town; that cover many of the key areas for visitors; that are conducive to relaxing and chatting instead of laboring over firm decisions and directions. At the end I've also placed these possibilities as a blessedly narrative-free list.
Almost all are within walking distance of each other, at least for people who like walking or are familiar with a city-dweller’s definition of “within walking distance.” (Good maps, including walking maps, can easily be found on the Internet. An aerial one that covers all of the following should be easy to find, and these will probably appear on most detailed street or attraction maps.) Otherwise cabs are of course readily available, but you’ll see a lot of bonus stuff up close by walking. Hey, some people originally wanted to do a walk-a-thon anyway, right? (Btw, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is June 4 & 5.)
I’ve listed them in a possible order, assuming a Friday night start and keeping in mind that some will only be staying until Saturday. But these could easily be rearranged. In reality it might be hard to fit all this in unless you focused on staying in motion. So alternately, there is enough here to stretch through the rest of the weekend.
EVENING:
Dinner on either Rush Street or Navy Pier. These are two of the common “must see” areas, convenient to Michigan Ave. Here you could conveniently walk around a bit before and/or after dinner, and get a good feel for the local flavor and enjoy some interesting people watching. Rush Street is in the famous Gold Coast, and is a festive area of restaurants, outdoor cafes and other entertainment. Navy Pier is on the water (duh) not far away. Touristy. But beautiful view, shops, restaurants, huge lake tour boats dock there, sometimes bands playing outside, even a big Ferris Wheel. Day or evening destination. (Another smaller restaurant & shop area is Wells St. in Old Town, between approx. Goethe & North Ave. FYI, Second City & Zanies comedy clubs are around there too. Location might be best for on the way back from Lincoln Park, if you go one day.)
Since the dinner issue is by nature complicated, I just went with great general dining and "viewing" areas. If you shoot for one of the well-known Chicago restaurants that may come up, you would probably need a *really* firm reservation; even then there may be a wait of over two hours; it may be pretty expensive even if casual; and it may not be in an area where you could easily see other things. There are relatively inexpensive places mixed in on both Rush St. and Navy Pier (and Wells), where small groups don’t typically need reservations and large ones might not, or probably wouldn’t need to reserve much in advance (but should call ahead anyway and check it out). But I wouldn’t mind skipping specific suggestions myself, I’d worry too much, no matter what. At least restaurant details for these areas should be readily “surfable.” Could try calling the concierge at your hotels too.
If people do want to hit one or more of the noted Chicago eateries, there are of course countless possibilities. Many visitors – and locals -- find it a safe bet to stick with a popular group of restaurants operated by Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. They vary in style and price. Several are smoke-free.
If you’re up to it and want to cover some key things in just a couple days, you could swing by both Rush St. and Navy Pier on the first evening, to eat in one and walk around both. Maybe dropping into additional establishments as you see fit (ice cream/desert, coffee, a drink, etc.).DAYTIME:
If still desired, start at Millenium Park. Note that the annual Chicago Gospel Festival will be going on there that weekend (it is big, but won’t produce the crowd sizes that Blues Fest does). That will be a plus to some; if not, the park is big enough that you should be able to steer relatively clear.
From there, walk north on Michigan Ave, to see the shopping mecca and beautiful buildings as you go. Best shops are between about Huron and Oak Streets, and I think these freestanding shops illustrate the Magnificent Mile more so than the “malls” along the way. As many of you know, Water Tower Place is usually mentioned, but while it is indeed nice, besides the department stores (Marshall Fields and Lord & Taylor) it largely contains the same chain stores you’d see at any other mall. If you want to go inside something mall-like but a little more unique, might try 900 North Michigan (and 700, I think).
Along this route you’ll also be close to Giordano’s Pizza, as mentioned by Dr. Bob I think. Other nearby pizza joints of note are Uno and Due. Will also pass Ghiradelli for chocolate or ice cream, as mentioned by Poet. End the (window?)shopping leg by turning left on Oak Street, to see another noted boutique area. (FYI, you will be right around Rush St. now, about the midpoint.)
Michigan turns into North Lake Shore Drive around here, a gorgeous stretch of historic brownstones and condos you’ll get to see if you continue walking to the next destination. Which could be: the area of Lincoln Park that Poet posted a “tip” about previously. This “leg” would be a plenty interesting but more peaceful park area, exceptionally so if you want. Navigate from Lake Shore to a pretty winding street called Stockton that cuts through Lincoln Park, to arrive at a central location of it, the Lincoln Park Zoo entrance.
You’ll see a stunning garden right there, with the greenhouse/atrium to one side. Could then walk around the zoo; or nearby you can observe or rent swan paddle boats on the pond. You should be able to see the lake and beach from around there, if you want to walk over there. See this post of Poet’s too, for a little more detail on the area: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20050417/msgs/498364.html
After that, you could swing by a nice, more mellow festival that will be very nearby, The Park West Antiques Fair. It goes on the 4th and 5th (ends at 7 & 6 PM, earlier than the big fests). There will be other things for sale too, like jewelry and art. Will also be live music of varying types, but not a real rowdy fest.
Could then hit Wells St. to eat on the way back... But as you navigate all of the above over the weekend, specific restaurant or snack suggestions may not be crucial, since you’ll see so many choices right on top of each other. You’d still end up getting fed decently that way, but of course many may not want to be that freewheeling. And it again assumes that the focus isn’t on having a noteworthy culinary experience in particular.
For anyone still around Sunday, there is a fun Gospel Brunch at House of Blues (used to be two seatings, so may require reservations); or a few jazz brunches. Speaking of HOB, Dr. Bob mentioned that, although I don’t know what time he meant. True it could be interesting to see during the day too, and there is even a bowling alley. Just note that in the evening, it could be very crowded, smoky and loud, and tickets may be expensive (or sold out) to see a band you may not even be familiar with. Also, in the evening it wouldn't be *as* convenient for walking to other things/killing a few birds with one stone.
To name a bunch of other options: culture -- MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art); Art Institute; Field Museum of Natural History; Museum of Science & Industry; Shedd Aquarium. All those are downtown-ish. Ethnic dining areas -- Greektown, or Taylor Street (Italian restaurant area). Both have several pretty outdoor cafes too. Random ideas: Wrigley Field. (Greektown, Taylor St. & Wrigley would require cabs, or in the case of Wrigley, a train is easy.)... Chicago is of course well known for its blues bars and there are even blues bar tours, but I don’t know if everyone would be into that scene... Horse and carriage rides around Michigan Avenue (note there are also double-decker tour buses)... Many check out the view from the top of the Hancock Building... The comedy clubs... Stage/theater scene (but figured that would be too complicated and expensive)... River North is off of Michigan Ave too, and is a bustling touristy area (Hard Rock Cafe, Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Cafe, and several high-tech, gaming, and other types of attractions)...
The architectural cruises can be nice, but depends if you want to use the limited time to instead see many things. On the other hand, if relative peace and quiet in which to just talk is the objective, it may be perfect. To get a taste of that too without committing to it, you could detour down Wacker Drive as you walk north on Michigan Ave., to run into the river and walk down to water level, and see the pretty area those boats depart from and several of the buildings they’d be pointing out. FYI, House of Blues isn't far from where they depart.
LISTS OF ABOVE (should be anyway, may have missed some...)
Ordered roughly south to north:
-- Millenium Park, Gospel Fest optional.
-- Michigan Ave. & browsing/shopping
-- Giordano’s, Uno or Due, for pizza
-- Navy Pier (Located off Ohio St.)
-- Rush Street (focus between about Walton & Division. Division itself is a famous cheesy party area, so could skip detouring down it, though it can be funny to see)
-- Lincoln Park (+ zoo, gardens, atrium, paddle boat, beach/lake options)
-- Park West Antiques Fair
-- Possibly Wells St. to eat on way back south.ETC. IDEAS (in no certain order):
-- Museums & art galleries
-- Greektown or Taylor St. restaurants
-- Blues tour
-- Horse & carriage rides
-- Hancock Building (near Water Tower)
-- River North area
-- Wrigley Field, home of Cubs (well, there's U.S. Cellular Field/f.k.a. Comiskey Park, home of Sox, too. But for seeing from the outside/on foot, Wrigley is much better)
-- Architectural cruise (HOB nearby)
-- Second City or Zanies (Wells St. area)
-- Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
-- Sunday HOB Gospel Brunch, or a jazz brunch(I assume no one really wants a list of bar and nightclub suggestions.) Should be easy to Google further details on any of the above. Hope that didn't present too much info to even be useful towards zeroing in. Any combo of just a couple/few would be fine in reality.
Posted by Shortelise on May 22, 2005, at 12:57:31
In reply to Ok Then, so so far it's, posted by Dinah on May 22, 2005, at 7:39:47
Posted by Shy_Girl on May 22, 2005, at 13:27:27
In reply to Re: Lar, does it look possible for you? » Larry Hoover, posted by Dinah on May 22, 2005, at 9:30:16
> I think an annual event would be a great idea, but we should make Dr. Bob travel too. A Babble birthday in different parts of the country.
Hehe, what about out of the country?
I think the next Babble party should be in Toronto, Canada :-) I won't have to travel so long to get to Toronto from Ottawa. Toronto is a wonderful city to tour.
New York would be ok too :-)
Posted by gardenergirl on May 22, 2005, at 14:13:46
In reply to Re: Making Dr. Bob travel next time » Dinah, posted by Shy_Girl on May 22, 2005, at 13:27:27
I would go to Toronto...I hear it's a great city.
gg
Posted by gardenergirl on May 22, 2005, at 14:17:20
In reply to wish I could be there (nm) » Dinah, posted by Shortelise on May 22, 2005, at 12:57:31
sigh
Darn that business meeting of my husband's. Why couldn't it be scheduled one week earlier? He does want to do as I suggested and spend the weekend before in Chicago--which means I can't come to the get together afterall. It's just too much. If only I could just stay the week, but I can't take that much time off of work with this short notice at this point.
I wish he would have decided sooner so I didn't get myself all looking forward to going.
I'm sorry gang. I was really excited about coming.
Sulking a bit now...
gg
Posted by Larry Hoover on May 22, 2005, at 15:52:55
In reply to Re: Making Dr. Bob travel next time » Shy_Girl, posted by gardenergirl on May 22, 2005, at 14:13:46
> I would go to Toronto...I hear it's a great city.
>
> ggYes, it is. There is no place on Earth with more diversity of ethnic heritage.
The Rolling Stones spend a few months here (I'm in the Toronto region) preparing for every tour. It's their home away from home. I'm not going to argue with that.
Lar
Posted by fallsfall on May 22, 2005, at 17:34:36
In reply to Re: wish I could be there............me too :(, posted by gardenergirl on May 22, 2005, at 14:17:20
We'll miss you a lot, GG.
Posted by Dinah on May 22, 2005, at 19:09:08
In reply to Re: wish I could be there............me too :(, posted by gardenergirl on May 22, 2005, at 14:17:20
I was looking forward to meeting you.
I tell my therapist all about you guys. It'd be nice to be able to picture you too.
Maybe next time.
Posted by 10derHeart on May 22, 2005, at 20:00:34
In reply to Re: wish I could be there............me too :(, posted by gardenergirl on May 22, 2005, at 14:17:20
...we could sulk a bit together, if you like..'cause I am pretty frustrated, too.
I live well within driving distance.
I love driving trips.
Practically ANY other weekend would have been okay.
Grrrrr. I'm sulking, too.
Posted by Toph on May 22, 2005, at 21:19:39
In reply to Thanks++, Dr Bob Happy Birthday PB!, posted by Fi on June 6, 2002, at 4:45:01
Not to evoke negative carma, but has the committee considered a plan in case a participant experienced a psychiatric event?
Also, how does one get on "the list?"
Toph
Posted by annierose on May 22, 2005, at 22:14:53
In reply to Re: PB Party » Fi, posted by Toph on May 22, 2005, at 21:19:39
Can most people make a 6 p.m. dinner reservation?
I've been working with Party Cloudy, and have a place in mind.
Posted by Larry Hoover on May 22, 2005, at 22:35:46
In reply to Re: PB Party » Fi, posted by Toph on May 22, 2005, at 21:19:39
> Not to evoke negative carma, but has the committee considered a plan in case a participant experienced a psychiatric event?
With all the Babble experts at hand, what could go wrong?
> Also, how does one get on "the list?"
>
> TophOne gets on the list by correctly answering question 9. Sorry, old bean.
Lar
Posted by partlycloudy on May 23, 2005, at 5:17:14
In reply to Re: wish I could be there............me too :(, posted by gardenergirl on May 22, 2005, at 14:17:20
I was so looking forward to meeting you!
pc
Posted by AuntieMel on May 23, 2005, at 9:13:47
In reply to Re: Activity ideas to keep on hand, posted by Spoc on May 22, 2005, at 12:57:23
Posted by Toph on May 23, 2005, at 9:19:17
In reply to Re: PB Party » Toph, posted by Larry Hoover on May 22, 2005, at 22:35:46
Posted by Dinah on May 23, 2005, at 9:26:29
In reply to Those hounds must be relieved anyway (nm) » Larry Hoover, posted by Toph on May 23, 2005, at 9:19:17
Dr. Bob's going to feel like a sultan with his harem. :)
We need a guy or two.
Posted by Dinah on May 23, 2005, at 9:27:05
In reply to Re: Activity ideas to keep on hand, posted by Spoc on May 22, 2005, at 12:57:23
Posted by Toph on May 23, 2005, at 10:35:24
In reply to Do you live close by? » Toph, posted by Dinah on May 23, 2005, at 9:26:29
Yes, relatively, I live near the Illinois-Wisconsin border, but please don't ask me to bring cheese. Consider me for the "leaning towards coming list." As far as the gender thing goes, I hope I wouldn't ruin things for Bob if I made an appearance. ; )
Posted by Dinah on May 23, 2005, at 10:36:33
In reply to Re: Do you live close by? » Dinah, posted by Toph on May 23, 2005, at 10:35:24
I'd love to meet you.
And Dr. Bob could use a few males around to balance the testosterone.
Posted by Dinah on May 23, 2005, at 10:50:53
In reply to Ok Then, so so far it's, posted by Dinah on May 22, 2005, at 7:39:47
So that makes those who have posted that they are definitely coming:
Partly Cloudy
Poet
Dinah
Fallsfall
Auntie Mel
AnnieroseAnd possibly coming: (fingers, toes, and eyes crossed)
Rainbowbrite
All Done
TophSorry again if I've missed someone.
Does everyone have their Babblemail on? If Dr. Bob doesn't actually set up a Yahoo group, so far there are few enough of us that we could Babblemail.Of course, he STILL hasn't announced it. And there may be those who haven't said anything yet.
Posted by Dinah on May 23, 2005, at 10:51:38
In reply to Re: Hooray! » Dinah, posted by All Done on May 21, 2005, at 9:12:25
Posted by Spoc on May 23, 2005, at 13:06:17
In reply to Re: So will you be joining us? Please? (nm) » Spoc, posted by AuntieMel on May 23, 2005, at 9:13:47
Thanks Mel & Dinah! Complications as of now are: I will have family passing nearby after a Memorial Day trip, and they are threatening... er, I mean, considering detouring towards me that weekend. And, ok, I was also born without the part of the brain that allows one to be sure what they will do more than about 8 hours in advance (including when it regards my favorite things).
But it WOULD be a shame not to at least say hi at some point. So hopefully I can do at least that, more if possible. So if details get sent out at some point, please send a copy my way. :-)
Was thinking about what you said Dinah, about some people possibly still being in the decision making process. I wouldn't be surprised if some will decide pretty darn late, primarily if they live fairly close. While in typical RSVP situations that is often discouraged, here it would be nice if there will be a way for people to opt in late (though they may have to miss out on at least the dinner reservation) and get info. Some may genuinely not know yet how they will be feeling then and what they can handle.
FYI: this 10 year-old PC I have been making do with is tormenting me with some new and threatening sounds as of today. In case something goes really wrong soon, sometime before the party weekend I'll try to find a way to get up to speed on things. And, email/babblemail I can read from my cell phone (couldn't reply to babblemail from it though)... and/or I may send someone my contact info...
Posted by Dinah on May 23, 2005, at 17:47:38
In reply to Re: So will you be joining us? Please?, posted by Spoc on May 23, 2005, at 13:06:17
If you send Dr. Bob or (if you trust me) me, your info, I'll let you know what is planned Saturday if you miss Friday. Or you can always decide to come Friday before Friday evening, and have the info sent to you. It might even be that a more detailed itinerary will be available by then. There is less than two weeks, but that's longer than two days. :)
I know people might decide at the last minute, but I'm still concerned that Dr. Bob didn't announce it more widely. For many people it isn't as easy as a short drive. :(
Oh well.
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