In the last 2 weeks something miraculous has been happening. There has been a sudden and amazing coming together of GIs in my community.

I have met about 35 GIs that I had no idea existed. In turn each of those GIs knows 5-10 other people that are preparing. The circle is expanding and growing at an exponential rate.

We came together through an act of free speech and commitment to community. Yet Y2k was NOT the stated reason for the coming together. It just happened that as we began to talk to each other we realized we all have one thing in common. We are all GIs.

We don't have meetings. We have parties. BIG ONES. We don't talk about the evils of the Do Nothing Govt and the spin of the PR flaks. We talk about compassion, personal responsibility and freedom of expression. We don't hold protest rallies or food prep workshops. We dance and sing. There is no money involved. However there is lots of nurturing going on and sharing of our meager material resources.

All of us are stunned and awed by the experience. As one friend put it. "It doesn't matter now. They can take away our equipment, they can take away our preps, but they can't touch this." It is true. Regardless of what happens to us as individuals the true spirit of community is bigger and more powerful than anything else. I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Its a long dark tunnel but there is a glow on the other side and companions to move through the tunnel with.

-- R (riversoma@aol.com), October 11, 1999

Answers

R,

Parties, dancing, singing with a large groups of GI's?!? Where are these miraculous things happening? Do you guys live in Galt's Gulch? It sounds almost too good to be true!

-- Ed Yourdon (ed@yourdon.com), October 11, 1999.

lol Ed : )

R - I can't even bump into another GI in LA. It's pretty tough...lot's of people know *something* but few take the time to really look into the issues. In the last year I've only found one other person who is seriously concerned and they still didn't have much of the information out there.

Community IS the key and it's great that you've found it!

Anyone in the area, Southern California, know of or interested in getting a co-op group together?

Mike

=================================================================

-- Michael Taylor (mtdesign3@aol.com), October 11, 1999.

R,

I'm a little confused. Just last week, you were saying that you had no more money for preps. Now, you are saying that you all are partying hard.

Sincerely, Stan Faryna

-- Stan Faryna (faryna@groupmail.com), October 11, 1999.

That's great R (riversoma@aol.com)!

When in doubt... party.

;-D

The Oakland Y2K Around The Bay gathering last Feb, organized by Tom Atlee, felt like a 2-day workshop party. Wonderful! Hasn't been repeated.

;-(

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), October 11, 1999.

Mike,....me, Orange County. Email's authentic. Significant other and me,... always on the lookout for human beings of substance, Y2K or no-Y2K.

Blessed are those who do whatever they can wherever they are, for no one is devoid of resources or opportunities. - Daniel Quinn

--She in the sheet, upon her hilltop,...

-- Donna (moment@pacbell.net), October 11, 1999.

well, Riversoma....

I usually only lurk here but this is too strange. Didn't you have a long thread going a few days ago about your poverty, joblessness and not being able to prep for your children? It solicited....and got...a lot of sympathy as well. I wondered then WHY no job? Many of us have been in the same boat but we worked and supported our children.

Now I see why no job. Too busy partying.

Which part of "compassion, personal responsibility and freedom of expression" prevents you from working to provide your childrens' needs?

-- Solange (birlady@hotmail.com), October 11, 1999.

Michael Taylor,

I'm in Burbank, and also in the digital media industry. I've always presumed you are a digital media person too (judging by your email name).

I have never bumped into another GI in the area either. Amazing in a population of such thronging numbers, isn't it? I'll email you, and maybe we can work-up some of that partying thing. It's about damn time!

-- (Animatrixx@aol.com), October 11, 1999.

Stan--Remember that thread last week about "charity," and the poster wanted some money to be put together for Riversoma? I asked where she lived (I think she lives somewhere up in the Redwoods in Northern California). Anyway, she never responded to that thread. However, it was nice of you to offer the wheat, but I think you just found out that charity begins at home. Doesn't the Bible say somewhere "be sure your sins will find you out?" There comes a point in time when you need to quit sticking your neck out because it will eventually get chopped off!

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), October 11, 1999.

--R, you sound like a bunch of flower children getting together and eating nasturtiums. I think your true colors have finally shone through. There may be some on this forum that are gullible but I don't think for long.

-- not gullible (notgullible@notgulliblee.xcom), October 11, 1999.

You all missed R's post shortly after the one where she said she couldn't prep, in which she said she is meeting these GIs at bars, where she reads tarot cards for them. Who minds the kids?

-- Sad 2 See (Keeping@to.self), October 11, 1999.

I was really curious about that thread "Y2K Charity," Steve Heller, October 7, 1999 - Stan offered Riversoma a 5 gallon bucket of wheat, an Aladdin Lamp (those are not cheap), and a box of lighters. Stan, did she take you up on your offer? And Steve, did you send her any money? Did anyone send her anything?

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), October 11, 1999.

While there may be some GI's coming out of the closet, I think now is the time to be extra careful about exposing your wares to anyone who happens along. Make a mental note on who may be looking for a warm place to stay if there not really prepared. I'm not trying to be pessimistic, but I've heard comments like "well we know where to go if we need something";(joke now!)

-- Itol D. Youso (mrosscorecomm@hotmail.com), October 11, 1999.

Itol D. Youso--I agree, but there are some out there that want to save the world and there are some that will take advantage of those who want to do it. There are ways to make extra money legally and being a scam artist is not one of them. There are truly some in need and truly some with greed, however, they eventually slip up and expose themselves.

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), October 11, 1999.

Gee, so much judgement,

I spend my days looking for work, tending to my chickens, baking bread and all the other domestic activities a mom gets to enjoy. A couple of evenings a week my ex takes the kids and I hang out with my GI friends. While my kids are at school in the morning I sometimes do chores for my landlord or go for a walk in the woods.

I don't spend any money partying partly because I don't have any and partly because I'm not a big drinker or anything else. I do have some good friends and once in a while we go to the local pub and gossip and I do tarot readings because otherwise I get bored while others are drinking. We have potlucks and I contribute bread which I have made myself. There are a lot of musicians in our group of friends so it doesn't cost us much to get together and dance.

I wanted to share my positive experience but I can see that was a mistake. I am as broke as I ever was. Fortunatly the best things in life are free. Hope the rest of you are as blessed as I am.

-- R (riversoma@aol.com), October 11, 1999.

I never saw the charity thread.

It was kind of you all to offer but that was hardly my intention for the original post. The original post was about why prepping for Y2k is not about $$$. It shocks and saddens me that you are all so mercenary as to assume everyone is out for a buck. I don't want your charity. I just wanted your support and encouragement. Thanks for showing me your true colors. Goodbye and good luck in Y2k. With hearts as cold and suspicious as yours you will need it.

-- R (riversoma@aol.com), October 11, 1999.

Okay, here comes the guilt trip stuff. Christians detest tarot card readers, I don't think your as naiive as you come off to be....just an observation, that's all. Beware of wolves in sheeps clothing.

-- not a freeloader (notafreeloader@notafreeloaderr.xcom), October 11, 1999.

Not a freeloader,

Oh... Its the tarot cards! Duh. I actually am pretty naive in some ways. I always expect the best in people - not the worst. As a result I meet some really wonderful folks. Once in a while I get blindsided but what can you do? I choose to live with an open mind and a willing heart rather than a closed mind and a hard heart.

-- R (riversoma@aol.com), October 11, 1999.

Oh, Riversoma, don'tchoo go getting sensitive here, girl. Those-in-the-know are a bit edgy these days, but it kinda comes with the territory. These are odd times, and odd times produce odd reactions.

But look, it's not an altogether bad thing for prepared folks to be defensive. These are GOOOD people, Riversoma. They spend inordinate amounts of time helping the likes of you and me. They put themselves out here on this site. And remember: it's not without some degree of risk that they do so. They're watching out for those of us trying to figure this thing out.

So don't you go anywhere. You stay here in the fray, and learn what you can, continue to participate and have some fun.

And if anybody becomes suspicious about you partying... your only response should be.... "Partypooper!" ;-)

We gotta keep our feelings light. We might be going into heavy times.

-- (IdProQuo@aol.com), October 11, 1999.

Might? Heck, some people may still be saying "Nobody knows" but we feel there's been enough news, facts, evidence to KNOW
it ain't gonna be NO BITR

And amongst friends, even edgy nervous suspicious friends, it's always advisable to *ask* before leaping to conclusions.

-- Ashton & Leska in Cascadia (allaha@earthlink.net), October 11, 1999.

So your open minded, and yes, you are blindsided. We can only judge you by the stories you tell. Obviously there are several here who are questioning your destitution, and I would hardly call Stan, Mr. Heller, bardou and others who have sympathized with you as being "hard hearted." Didn't you say good bye and good luck? Stan has nothing but a big heart, and it is his right to question because he's the one giving out the goodies.

-- not a free loader (notafreeloader@notafreeloaderr.xcom), October 11, 1999.

"And amongst friends, even nervous, suspcious friends, it's always advisable to ask before leaping to conclusions."

Oh c'mon Ashton or Leska (I still can't figure which one I'm addressing when I write that) ... with all due respect, maybe it was more a reaction than a conclusion ... I mean, just possibly?

-- (IdProQuo@aol.com), October 11, 1999.

I vaguely remember the original thread...but I don't remember R. ever asking for anyone's charity. So...did she? and if not, who are any of you to be playing the big judge.

I don't go to bars myself...but get real! some people do, and some people don't drink much while there....some of you have professed a liking for the brew at home.

Is it the drink, dance, or tarot cards or heck, all three? Geez! so let's start slamming every religion, sport, or past time we don't approve of. Please people...what is the name of this game? When did this group become so holy? And this is the group that calls for community togetherness and compassionate spirit?

there's something wrong with this picture.

-- Shelia (Shelia@active-stream.com), October 11, 1999.

We didn't ask. Riversoma gave the tidbits of information, she's the one on the bubble. Hell, if she wants to go read Tarot cards and party hardy who gives a flying F*UCK? And if she wants to dance in the street naked as a blue jay, who cares? But GAWD, don't come here with the sob stories of poverty, etc. Some people on this forum remember the sad lines, and can see what human nature is all about. Why do you Riversoma get defensive when we start to question your stories? I suppose if dancing and partying is what you want to do with a bunch of GIs, then that's who you should be with. Leech on to them and they will take care of you. But be prepared for the time when one of the GIs tells you "ass or grass, no one rides for free." What about your children? Maybe you should go to where your family is at for the sake of the children.

-- not a freeloader (notafreeloader@notafreeloaderr.xcom), October 11, 1999.

Sheila, before you go flipping those lips, why don't you read the thread by Steve Heller "Y2K Charity." People were wanting to help Riversoma. However, now that he/she has disclosed more information about her/his situation, it has become very clear that he/she found some new GI friends and is into partying hardy. That's all. Stan and others are questioning her/his intentions, that's all. PARTY HARD, BUT NO MORE SOB STORIES ABOUT BEING DESTITUTE! P.S. Go read all of Riversoma's previous posts and come to your own conclusions.

-- not a free loader (notafreeloader@notafreeloaderr.xcom), October 11, 1999.

Notafreeloader - whooooa, babe. Lighten up. Decaf.

Sheila, you're right. Something is VERY wrong with this pic.

-- (IdProQuo@aol.com), October 11, 1999.

IdProQuo, are you Riversoma?

-- curious (curious@curiousss@.xcom), October 11, 1999.

Curious,

Geezusgawd. This is amazing. NO, I'm not riversoma. Ask a sysop if you need to. But no, I'm not.

Paranoia must have its own rewards. I'm simply not familiar with those rewards, so I'm WAY out of context.

Either Shiela is getting more right by the moment, or I'm missing something.

-- (IdProQuo@aol.com), October 11, 1999.

Paranoia must have it's rewards? Ask a simple question and then you get called a name? Whose paranoid now? Are you Sheila too? Guess we can play the name game......

-- curious (curious@curiousss.xcom), October 12, 1999.

Some of the best parties I've been to are pot-luck 'n jam sessions with musical friends.

Thank you for sharing Riversoma.

Diane

(BTW, I like to work with the Tarot cards upon occasion, but prefer the Angelic Messenger cards. So there... for the intolerant ones in the crowd. *Some* people have a real gift when working with the cards. And many don't. Excellence can be found in all walks of life. Or not. Recommed one refrain from judging. Not wise).

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), October 12, 1999.

Let me see if I've got this straight:

No parties if you are poor Unemployment equals Freeloading Being in a bar means you are a bad mother A post that indicates the richness in life doesn't equal the dollars in you pocket is a solicitation for pity If you are moved by that same post you are gullible.

Have I got it right?

-- Dawn Jones (dawjones@yahoo.com), October 12, 1999.

Nah, Dawn. (But your post made its point quite well.) That's just "the world according to notafreeloader, solange, notgullible, and sad2see." And nobody takes that world terribly seriously.

I hope riversoma recognizes that.

-- (IdProQuo@aol.com), October 12, 1999.

I'm all for a good time and I haven't jumped to hasty conclusions. R didn't ask for help, I offered help if it was needed (and it *seemed* like she could use help from her previous posts and especially her reply to me). R didn't take me up on it-- as far as I know. I did get a laugh, however, with Bardou chiming in. Bardou, I think you like me -- especially because I wear my heart on my shoulder. (laughing). Other points are also well made. If Steve Heller, I, or anyone else are going to set up a little Y2K charity for Yourdonite GIs, we'll need to proceed with some caution. Perhaps, a Yourdonite can visit some one in need and evaluate the situation. I don't know. Just some thoughts way past my old bed time. Christian or whatever, I don't really care who needs help as much as if they really do need our help.

Sincerely, Stan Faryna

-- Stan Faryna (faryna@groupmail.com), October 12, 1999.