Attention! Meet-Up Time!

Well, Shakers, it's that time again! We're planning a meet-up here in Chicagoland for Saturday, October 8th (2011). The current plan is to go to our favorite Celtic pub in the early afternoon, take over their party room, and while away the afternoon and evening. Board games, movies, and good conversation are currently on the list of activities before dinner, but feel free to suggest others.

At this point, we want to get a handle on how many people will be there, so please drop a line in comments or email Liss or me, Misty, if you're planning on coming and want the specifics.

To answer some frequently asked questions...

* There is no community participation threshold one has to meet to attend. We've had lurkers at every event, and all are welcome.

* There's no age limit. It's a restaurant and pub, so you don't have to be 21 to enter; if you're old enough to read the blog and get yourself there, you're old enough to attend!

* You can come anytime and stay as long--or as briefly--as you like.

* There's no fee to get in. Most people who attend have something to eat and/or drink (they do separate checks for us). It does help offset the cost of the room rental for us, but it's certainly not required.

* It is a bully-free zone. Come as you are!

* The meet-ups have ranged in size from 12 people to around 50.

* Don't be intimidated! If you're shy, or have social anxiety, you'll fit right in! At every meet-up, someone has said they almost didn't come because they're shy, or because they thought they wouldn't be clever enough to keep up with the conversation—but they're so glad they did! It's not an academic event; it's casual, mellow, silly, and fun. More than anything, we laugh.

We hope to see you there!