Pvt. Angie's Report:

My experiences the weekend of the Soiree were unforgettable to say the least. After I arrived at The Sportsmens Lodge, everything was terrific. Getting there was another story! Let's just say that this was my first plane ride, and not an enjoyable one. I may not have anything to compare it to, but I can tell you that it was extraordinary.

I arrived at the hotel at about 5:30 am on Sunday to join my roommates. They weren't Brigaders, but one was a friend of Stacey's (CurlyQGrl). I didn't really meet them at that point though, I had to hit the shower and head downstairs for my first official meeting with the other Brigaders. I had breakfast with a few of them that morning. Among them was Quinn, who kept the conversation interesting, her boyfriend Devon (sorry if I spelled that wrong), Joanna, Kathy (Benni), and Jackie. There were others, but unfortunately their names escape me now. I saw Stacey walking around alot, but never actually met her.

Then, it was on to the Soap Boutique to find the mysterious Boo. I saw her sitting at Becky's table, read her name tag, but still couldn't believe it was her. My mental picture was WAY off. I waited for Kathy to say something to Boo before I did just to be sure I didn't make a fool of myself. I bought a couple of things and then introduced myself. I have to say that I pictured her in her late 30's but that is all of my mental picture I am willing to divulge! :) She was so friendly right from the start, I was impressed.

Then, I joined Becky's fan club. Her aunt Ginny was taking the money, she looked at my information card and said "I remember that name, it is so nice to put faces with the names". Now I ask you, how cool is that? Becky's aunt knew my name!

After looking through the boutique, I headed back to my room for a nap. Fate intervened, however, and I ran into someone in the elevator looking to unload a ticket to the long sold out Fan Club Luncheon. Of course she had to twist my arm to go (yeah right!). I headed back downstairs to register for the Luncheon and chat with a few of the Brigaders. I still hadn't slept, but who needs sleep at a time like that?!

The Luncheon was great. I sat with several people I didn't know but quickly befriended. I listened to each one tell her own story of a fan encounter and listened to them reminisce about Luncheons of the past while we ate.

Boo told you quite a bit about the Luncheon, but I will try to tell you some things she didn't. Steve Burton was asked who he thought Carly's baby should be with, Jason or AJ? He basically said that the kid couldn't belong to any of them, he looked like Opie! Everyone laughed and someone said that he must belong to Bobbie then. Leslie Charleson was talking about the wildlife preserve she supports. She said that they take in wild animals because people foolishly think they can raise them. Of course, this was right after Becky said she had two squirrels at her house. Several people laughed while Leslie explained what she really meant. Everyone was great, and Brad Maule was hilarious! You just have to see the tape to see what I mean.

After the Q/A, the actors headed for the autograph tables surrounding the room. The first line I headed for was Wally Kurth and Nancy Lee Grahn. Both were gracious and she personalized all of the autographs to people. Brad and Patricia were funny, she seems really sweet in person. There were many others, but I won't bore you with all of them. The last line I went to was Becky's and Amber's. Becky took a few seconds to speak to me, she never seems rushed. She is such a trooper! I met up with Boo again and we chatted for awhile before I headed outside for air, it was really hot in there.

Now, who do I see outside? Becky's significant other and her sister! Jonny is great, and has a sense of humor. I said hi to both of them and talked for a couple of seconds. A few of us gathered in my room to talk about how great everything was. Then it was time to get ready for Becky's Soiree. The real reason I flew across the country!

Boo pretty much gave you all of the details, the Brigade was very vocal and Quinn did keep the good questions coming! The auction was great. I was a high bidder on the GH tour to be done later and several Brigaders went home with items. It really amazed me how relaxed and informal everything was. I can't even describe it really, I still think I dreamed it all!

After the auction and the Q/A were over, Becky and her family mingled among the people. She was letting everyone have pictures taken with her, no matter how late it was. When it was my turn, my camera wouldn't work. She and Boo tried, but six photos later the flash still wouldn't work. So Becky did the best thing, she called Joan over, who was taking the official photos, and had her take one of us. She said that it would be sent to me later. Again, I have to say, "How cool is that?".

I spoke with her mother for about 15 or 20 minutes. Then she introduced me to Michelle and we talked for awhile. Both of them were so sweet. Jonny was walking by and took off his necklace from Maurice Bernard's event and handed it to me! Don't worry, I won't say "how cool is that?" again. (oops! :)

Boo and the rest of the troops decided to hang out in the lobby until about 2:00 or so. We spotted Becky and her family several times then. Her mother walked over to us and said something, but I was to tired to remember exactly what.

The next day I had lunch with Boo and LCiam at the hotel and we found a place to watch GH on a big screen TV. We had drinks and food by the pool and walked around looking at the scenery. Then, Boo had to leave and LCiam and I took a little walk down the street before she left to have dinner with a friend. While waiting in the lobby, I met a strange man who had been at the GH Luncheon and told me all about how he had just gotten out of prison and saw his boss shot and killed. Thank God LCiam came back to save me! We headed for the airport then, the fun was over! I did meet the black man from Night Court in the lobby though, that was kinda neat.

Well, now that I have bored you all to tears, I will just say that this was the most fun I have had in a long time and you should all start saving your pennies for next year!

Angie
LuckyLiz_99
NNN Regiment