Hello again, soloists! Way back when I did a diary about
Flying Solo at YearlyKos. It was inspired by the concern of some people about attending Ykos by themselves. C'mon, we all know that all of our friends and families aren't quite as passionate about Democratic politics as we are. In fact, the other day my housemate said in a conversation with some of his colleagues that he would never take an activist tourism vacation, but he knew I would. (And yeah, it isn't my first one....)
Some brave souls have decided to attend YearlyKos solo. Maybe the spouse needs to stay home with the kids. Maybe you are in a mixed relationship, and your significant other is a Republican {{{shudder}}}. Maybe, like me, you simply revel in your autonomy (and wow was I pleased to hear about many of you out there).
Ok, so my point with this image is:
- I own a pretty old and crappy camera
- The sign exists, and will appear at YearlyKos
- It should be large enough to see from across the room
- I must have at least one friend, because this shot would be impossible if I didn't....
- I am not afraid to hold a large orange sign in public
- My neighbor does have a better lawn. But he has other issues.
I know there have been some other diaries about people who consider themselves to be wallflowers: YearlyKos: Calling all wallflowers. And the wallflowers may or may not also be solos--but I would say that I welcome the wallflowers to join the solos! And by the way--I want to thank those of you who remembered the Flying Solo entry and mentioned it to others on other threads like the wallflower ones.
I don't have any special insight about the events, or what specific sessions I will be attending. But I promise to be at the major group sessions--such as the Thursday and Saturday Evening Receptions, with the sign. What I hope is that people will be able to meet other solos, and maybe find others who want to do the same external events--sightseeing, shows, dinners out (maybe some of us are veg, some carnivores, etc.)
I have no formal agenda. And there is no pressure. I don't care if you say anything. I don't need you to be clever and charming (totally showing me up!). It is not designed to be a dating event--that is not what I intended this to be. And I should stress that these opportunities/events to meet other solos are NOT official YearlyKos functions.
Last thing: for those of you with your own entourage, you are of course welcome to stop by and talk with us. I don't mean to be excluding anyone from this--just making sure the solos have a place to meet with others like themselves.
Please feel free to suggest things that might help you feel more comfortable, solos! Let's work together on this.
And folks, remember to bring your business cards or contact cards (easily printed up on your printer, buy them at the office supply stores). I really think we'll be making some great new friends who we will want to be in contact with later as well.