The Bash – There is Too Much

Let me sum up.

When my flight to the Bash was delayed in Chicago, I kept thinking, “What the hell am I doing flying from Seattle to Nowheresville, Pennsylvania for a party?! There is no way this is going to be worth it.”

It was. In spades.

Everyone always says these gatherings are about the people and not the event. It’s so true. Sure, there was poker. It was almost inconsequential. Sure there was a Pub Olympics. It was, well… it was debauchery of the highest order. 20 years from now people will still be talking about it. We were there. It’s impossible to put into words. Every time I try I just keep saying, “Wow.”

Since it’s really about the people, there are a few I want to highlight:

Bam Bam and Pebs – I have all these things I want to say, but I think I’ll just sum it up and say, Bam, you are my brother from another mother. You are as lucky to have Pebs as I am The Wife. We are the same person, you and I – just in different countries. You are both welcome at Casa Chako any day of the week.

Spacemen – In this case I’m referring to both. We had a long ranging conversation about journalism, teaching and life. I walked away enriched. Who’d have thought such a thing could happen in a crowded pub in Pennsylvania?!

The Rooster – Sorry we didn’t get those 5 minutes together. I too would have liked to just sit and chat. Still, I loved looking across the room at you as were decidedly were trying to show me that you weren’t touching The Wife in any way that could be deemed inappropriate. I thought I heard someone say to her, “I wish you weren’t married,” but certainly that wasn’t you, right?

Al – What can I say that hasn’t been said? You are a legend for a reason. Very few people could appeal to this variety of different souls and bring them all together. You sir, are the man.

The Oddcouple – Having actual skillets (as opposed to the “skillets” we’ve have later in the event) was a true pleasure. I knew we’d find that diner eventually!

Otis – One of my top highlights was standing shoulder to shoulder with you over the shuffleboard game. You told me that prior to coming that you were thinking of me and had a thought that it would be cool if we could find two guitars and just jam. You have no idea what that meant to me, buddy. This is going to seem over the top, but I don’t care. Have you ever heard stories of the old great writers who used to get together with the unwashed masses and just socialize? I’m talking about Twain, or Hemingway or their contemporaries. Now imagine that when you met them you find out that they wanted to see you just as much as you wanted to see them. Priceless. We will eventually have that jam session. It’s inevitable.

Katitude – You. You, you! I thought about writing something pithy and coy here, but I can’t think of anything clever, other than to say that you are the best kisser on the planet. Unfortunately, I lost the ability to say that The Wife is the only one in our relationship that’s kissed someone else since we’ve been together, but at least we did it right out in the open in front of her. I don’t think she minded, because she was engaged in a little kissing of her own.

Drizz – You are a man on a mission, and the mission is to have a good time. Of course, I’m losing my hearing a little bit and you are worse than me. Having a conversation in a crowded pub with Crystal Roxx blaring in the background is less than productive, yet somehow we said what needed to be said. People, you just can help but feel good when talking with Drizz. He never stops smiling – even when partaking in a tasty skillet.

The Wife – Yes, I’m including The Wife in my list of interesting people I met at the Bash. Why, you ask? If you were there, you’d know. After seeing her with CK I suddenly looked at her with new eyes. I think I was clutching my face at the time, too. Who is this stunningly beautiful woman? Where did this hedonistic streak come from? Who the hell kisses like a wild, hungry animal?!

There’s more, but I must rest. I’m still digesting it all.