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My observations were:

CLASS ACT: This event was so spectacular! Everyone was in their place early, and they were organized. I also noticed the "leaders" or Board members of FRN, were very actively involved - instead of just sitting around shooting the breeze and expecting others to take care of things for them.

CHARACTER: Yes, character does count. The people I met at the conference were exactly what I hoped for. They were kind, thoughtful, respectful, etc. I was very impressed with the honor given to Jim Robinson ... and it was always spontaneous.

SINGLE LADIES: I am addressing this issue because, as a single woman, I am increasingly aware of the safety issue. I rarely go to events by myself. Now, I may be missing out on a lot, but that's the breaks. What I would say to all the single lady Freepers out there is this: don't stay away from these events because you are single. The men here are very special - they have CHARACTER. I was treated with the utmost respect at all times, and at no time was I hit upon; nor were there any off color jokes or remarks made. I actually only heard one comment about the FR ladies - someone said we were "lovely" - hey, that beats being called an old hag any day.

CHAPTER LEADERS: Where were YOU?? You all needed to be there to network with other Chapter leaders and members, and to hear this information so you could take it back to your Chapter and teach your team how to be more effective activists. Remember who our fight is really with - LIBERALS - these people will say or do ANYTHING - surely we can put aside our petty differences to pull together to get our country back on the right track. Ronald Reagan said, "There is nothing wrong with America that Americans cannot fix".

DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS: On my office wall is a picture of the Blue Angels. It's a picture I particularly enjoy because I have lived near Miramar (Marine Corp Air Station) for 18 years and have watched the Blue Angels perform many times. Underneath the picture is a statement which always encourages me. It says: "When a team of DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS makes a committment to ACT AS ONE ... the sky's the limit". This is what FR needs to realize - it needs to ACT AS ONE. I really think we can do this - we just have to focus on the goal - putting OUR government back the way it should be. We will not be able to do this if we spend all our energy on fighting with each other. We need to learn that ACTING AS ONE does not destroy our individuality.

EXCELLENCE: Everything about this conference was done with excellence. The rooms were very nice. The organization of the meeting was well planned and executed. The FOOD - oh my!! There was no such thing as rubber chicken at this event. My personal favorite was the banquet. I picked an entre of white fish wrapped around fresh spinach - which was then baked in some kind of wonderful sauce. Along with that was a rice dish with fresh peas. This was amazing food. And ... the deserts - well, let's just not even go there - I already gained back the 2 pounds I lost the week before.

My congratulations to the entire Board of Free Republic Network. You deserve a very long and loud round of applause for this event.

OOOOOPS!!: Almost forgot the problems - the first problem I had was with the alarm clock. You had to have a degree in alarmology in order to operate this equipment ... However, ripping the battery out of the back, did seem to solve the problem. Who says women aren't mechanical!! Then, I found myself at the airport with 3 hours to kill. Fortunately, I found a great bookstore. Guess what book I found prominently displayed?? Ann Counter's "Slander". Of course, I snatched up a copy. Needless to say, I kept most of the passengers entertained with my laughter.

Well FREEPERS, it was great meeting so many of you. And ... I am so looking forward to the next meeting - CPAC!!

It was a great pleasure for me to get to meet you as well. Speaking only for myself, I believe that most of the single gents such as myself were wearing our "company manners" for the simple reason that the ladies of FR deserve every ounce of respect that we can muster. If that is character, then so be it. In my case, I believe it was simply because I didn't know you that well, and I generally only talk smack and get rude with those I know well ;)

You were a big part of the reason I had so much fun. Hope we can do it again.

Wow! Outstanding report. Really really good. I don't think I got to meet you. So many freepers, so little time. We'll have to make it a point to introduce ourselves next year. And that's a promise!

Sheeeesh - Counter = Coulter!!

It's the thought that counts!!

What incredible fun and so educational, too. So many dear people and lovely memories! The events of this weekend are still a whirl in my mind!

The training from the Leadership Institute was first rate. It's a wonder my head didn't explode! I especially enjoyed: "The Real Nature of Politics and Politicians" and "Developing a Message that Works". And Chuck Muth - what a character!

Everything at the awards dinner was so nice. The food was good and the room looked great. I think my favorite part was the video presentation - Bravo for Anymouse and lowbridge!

My next favorite part was the Eagle awards, if I do say so myself. Bravo, too, for CCRM and FRiends!

I hope we have ten times as many FReepers next year. Congratulations, diotima, BobJ, et al, for putting on a high quality event!

I hope to see you again at the next event. There was not enough time to sit and talk with you. I would love to hear your stories. It was wonderful to meet so many FReeper women! Until next time...