Hey guys...
Sorry I didn't post earlier, but I was unconscious! Got home safe and sound Monday afternoon, and just collapsed. Decided to pay an extra day on the trailer rental so I wouldn't have to unload. Then called work and told them I would not be coming in today. I fell asleep at 5 PM yesterday and slept until 7 AM this morning! Still a bit tired, but I can function now. (Don't know how I made it this far!)
SELEM was awesome this year! I have so many people to thank... DZ - for all his help in the auditorium, Chris - for all the work signing people in and leading the many "guest" tours, Steve Roberts and DSLI-Jon - for all the work done in the Ion room (including a valiant effort to resurrect my Laserscope!), Brad - for the incredible gear he brought this year that made Club SELEM (and the public show) into something truly epic, Julie and Andrew from X-laser - for their tireless assistance in tearing down all the gear (I was overjoyed that you stayed around; we really benefited from your help!), Rick and Tiffany - for bringing the "road case from hell" that contained a 3-projector laser show system that added an extra punch to Club SELEM, RGB-gas - for supplying all the power, water, and support infrastructure for both the auditorium and the public show (not to mention a lot of extra hands to help with setup and tear down), and Swami, dkumpula, and countfunkula for the awesome conversations at the Trotthouse over breakfast.
I know I'm forgetting people here, but I can perhaps be forgiven since I'm coming off a 5-day stretch of only getting 3-4 hrs of sleep each night! But even with all the sleep deprivation (not to mention a sore back!), I would do it all over again starting tomorrow if I could. I think this year's event was one of the best ever. We are really getting things together now.
EDIT: As noted below, I forgot to thank Bill Whitcher, who has tirelessly provided the black-out sheets for "Club-SELEM" every year we've had the Cafeteria. This is a *HUGE* help.
I am really grateful that so many people were able to come. I haven't done an official count yet, but I think we had close to 70 waivers signed. So not quite a record-breaker, but really close. For sure we had more guests this year. I'm happy that the event has progressed to the point where whole families are becoming interested!
I only wish I had more time to talk to people. As it was, things moved way, way to fast! Also, the change-over from SELEM to the public show was done at break-neck speed. I'll have to re-think that for next year. Without the help of everyone who participated, that public show would not have been nearly as nice. So thanks again to all those folks who helped make that happen.
Hmmm... If I lay back down now, I could catch another 3 or 4 hours of sleep before I have to unload the trailer... I think I might just do that!
Take care my friends! And thanks once again for making this event really special.
Adam
PS: Newlin: I'm going to find a way to get you back for the "Grandpa" kit one day! But I have to admit that the hemorrhoid doughnut was actually pretty comfortable to sit on...