Friday, April 24, 2009

guess what!?

It's official. I'm going to Phoenix for the Second Amendment Blog Bash and...

...I'm freaking out.

I mean, have you seen the list of attendees? Have you? I'm so nervous about meeting these amazing bloggers that I've been reading forever - I'm going to have a hard time controlling the fangirl squee - and I'm nervous about traveling alone, about declaring a firearm at the airport, about going through security with my prosthesis. I'm even nervous about stupid stuff, like "Oh, what do I wear? What if I lose my luggage? I need to find my bathing suit - does it still fit? Should I color my hair? What shoes do I bring? I need a new toothbrush and those little bottles of shampoo! And I can't forget my camera...and my netbook! Ack!"

To make matters worse, I hate flying. Trapped in a metal tube, way up in the air with a bunch of strangers and their germs and probably a screaming baby and holy crap I'll be in the sky (can't look out the window or I'll get sick) and oh my gosh I am so glad I got a direct flight. Thankfully, my cousin will be picking me up at the airport. Family is frequently more forgiving when you're acting like a complete spaz.

Anyway, I arrive on Wednesday and the bloggy stuff doesn't begin until Thursday so I'll have a day to chill out* in hopes of not completely embarrassing myself. I'll be blogging the whole event (media pass! gun porn extravaganza!) and might even be able to do Gun Nuts Radio from Phoenix on the 19th.

Wish me luck.

___________
*feel free to donate to the Breda Beer Fund. Social lubrication, ya know.

34 comments:

Cliff47 said...

Take your time going through the TSA security check, check your firearm in the checked luggage (the airline people will help you with the paperwork, one simple form, check the airline requirements on that). I try to get an aisle seat near the front of the plane. Above all, take your time and try to remain calm.

Anonymous said...

Yum, a big metal tube all packed full of swing flu goodness!

Have fun in God's Waiting Room (aka Arizona) and good luck, Breda.

Shootin' Buddy

Bitter said...

The plane probably won't be that bad. Not many people are flying right now. When I checked last, they were still running crazy cheap fares on both legs of our flights. Not a good sign for the airlines, but fantastic for the travelers. :)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Sounds like loads of fun (besides the flying part). I've flown w/my gun about three times -- no problems. Best advice I received was to print out TSA and airline regulations re: firearms and have them with you (just in case).

Mike W. said...

Good to hear Breda! I'm still finalizing my plans. Should hear back from my boss Monday or Tuesday about PTO and then worry about arrangements.

If I make it there I'll buy ya a beer.

Rachel said...

Good luck and I hope you have an amazing time (including the smoothest flight experience EVER).

Stephen said...

I will be driving there in a minivan with 2 kids and a wife. I envy that pressurized tube and 3 hours vs. 15.

And bringing a piece won't be a piece of cake either, because I'm coming via Disneyland in Kalifornia.

Steve said...

I understand about the flying. We have kids in both Southern Cal and in the DC area, so have to fly to see any of them. I usually just try to nap on the plane, or get a nice big book from the library and don't start it till we leave. Last trip to DC and back I read a Dirk Pitt double book. Kept me distracted sufficiently.

Anonymous said...

Travel with a firearm about 2 times a month. Easy. Just declare, sign, and let the TSA luggage folks know. I also find it helpful to use TSA locks on both the hard gun case and the outside of the suitcase. No problem in 3 + years

Mark Alger said...

Well, I'm jealous -- except for the flying thing.

M

Unknown said...

See you there...

;-)

OrangeNeck said...

I'm so jealous and happy for you at the same time. Say "Hi" to Cam Edwards for me. Hehe.

Eric R. Shelton said...

The one time I checked a firearm, it wasn't that bad. An extra 10 minutes at a maximum. I wouldn't panic too much.

Stretch said...

Ask the nice person at the luggage counter to place the mandatory bright red STEAL ME tag on the inside of the gun case. Tag has to be attached to handle but nothing says it has to be on the OUTSIDE of the case.

Caleb said...

Wait, the list of bloggers attending can't be THAT awesome. I mean, Tam's not there! (or me)

Bitter said...

But we also have almost 20% more coming this year Caleb...so what's that say? ;)

alan said...

No Caleb is a huge plus. Other people will get a chance to talk!

Myles said...

Bring cool clothes and lots of sunscreen, we've already had our first 100+ degree day of the year.

Eseell said...

Indeed, it's expected to be over 100 degrees fairly regularly by the Bash. See you there!

Anonymous said...

Have fun storming the castle!

Jim

Jay G said...

You'll do fine, Breda. We know you will.

Now, remember to breath (except too much on the airplane - eww) and you'll be fine.

Green with envy here, boss...

ExurbanKevin said...

Yay!!

Robert Langham said...

This is a really cool deal- for you and for the rest of us fans.

It's an extraordinary thing to get in a plane up by the Great Lake and fly across half of the country to Arizona. I'd want a window seat on the right side so I could watch this amazing landscape go by without the southern sun in my eyes. It's been frequently said that the best to ways to see the country is by bicycle or by air.

If you are on the left side, wave at us in East Texas as you sail by- your route will be a couple hundred miles North.

Aaron T. said...

You've probably already looked this up, but here's a link to the AZS regulations regarding where you can and can't go with a concealed firearm.
http://www.azleg.state.az.us/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/13/03102.htm&Title=13&DocType=ARS
If I remember correctly, the major difference between here and OH is that you can't carry concealed here in any restaurant that serves alcohol for consumption on the premises. OH I believe you can carry there as long as you don't drink.
Hope you enjoy your stay in our delightful state. Make sure and bring plenty of sunscreen and cool clothes!
Aaron T.

dr mac said...

You'll do great, kid.

Have a great time !

Caleb said...

But we also have almost 20% more coming this year Caleb...so what's that say? ;)That you're going to have 20% more disappointed bloggers when they don't get to see my fine ass.

Tam said...

I'm so jealous!

Have fun! :D

(...and don't forget to get your picture taken under the Breda sign on the show floor!)

Mike W. said...

I agree with Tam - See if they'll let you hold one of the Breda rifles for a pic.

Anonymous said...

I am driving out from Texas with wife and daughter. We would be proud to buy you an adult beverage. We are driving out early to visit the Grand Canyon and do some hiking.
Fred

Wild Deuce said...

I thought more of "The Bash" until I heard there are some persons considered persona non grata (i.e. Gun Rights Examiners,). Then I noticed the NRA is all over this event. I suppose there is such a thing as being too extreme or not pragmatic enough.

No offense, Breda. I hope you have a good time.

Hobie said...

So, did you go? I read on another blog that you were absent and not a word about it here. Was looking forward to your take on the get together.

Wild Deuce said...

Hobie, The Bash has not taken place yet ... May 14-17. Breda, here's more insight on the people you will be meeting with ... in case you missed it. Maybe you can get us their side of the story since you are acceptable to them.

Anonymous said...

What are you skeered of girl?

Just jump up off that bench!

Hobie said...

Thanks Wild Deuce. Got it confused with another get together... I'm so embarrassed...