2008 Nationals, St. Louis, Dec 19-21

[aaosmts19]

This is the qualifier for the World Championship, World Team Championship and WC #5 and #6 qualifier. St. Louis, MO.

Doubletree has reserved a discounted block of rooms for the event.

doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/STLSCDT-USC-20081212/index.jhtml

Isn't this the event where the penguins come out to play?

After Michigan, SLC and Vancouver, who's got money left to go?

[Lori]

I'm going! I've had my room at the Doubletree booked since summer - and after room-sharing and ride-sharing, the extra expenses for MN, SLC and Vancouver didn't take too big a bite out of my travel budget. And the bonus is that after I get home from the World Cups, I should have accumulated enough Southwest Airlines credits to fly to St. Louis for free! ;D

'Can't wait!

[autumnsbliss]

That's a really good rate, but luckily I will be visiting the sis and so no hotel for me.

I agree after many speedskating fans hitting the WCs I would say the funds would be drying up, specially since it's so close to the holiday season. Don't worry, we will cheer extra loud for those who can't be there.

[wags]

I'll be there! Got my room already and mailed off for tickets today. Hope to see some new faces. (and more familiar ones also Lori)

I do love me some penguins!

[mtnme]

Mailed away for my tickets today too.
Now, just gotta hope for some deals for airfare!

[debbief]

I'm going to St. Louis too. I needed to cancel a trip on Southwest earlier in the year and had to use the ticket before Christmas or it would have expired, so I thought, St. Louis here I come!

[Mars]

maaan Unless by some miracle I can go, i'm settling on saving for next season *fingers crossed*

[number1fan]

hi mars...you gotta go to an event that's close by or easier on the pocketbook when you have the chance ...st louis is not that far from illinois and this possible trip can be your early xmas gift from your family and to yourself.

[Mars]

Don't i know it! ...but the problem is i'm not exactly in the best standing with the family right now (the phrase "overobsessed" was thrown about) Still...never know, right?

[number1fan]

LOL! during my plannings for this weekend's trip, i heard 'you're crazy' come out of my oldest daughter's mouth several times...a reversal of sorts ...good luck with your pleads

[autumnsbliss]

Boooo, not fun Mars. If you don't mind me asking but where in IL are you at? If you needed a ride or room/board I could definitely see what I could do. I'm most likely will be going down by myself and live in the Quad City area (Moline, IL/Davenport, IA). Gotta do what we can to help our speedskating fans.

[Mars]

near decatur, but then the additional issue of "i'm freaking broke" comes into it. Yick.
..Wait a second...Idea... Tickets are available until Dec. 10, right....? Hmmmm... *Fingers crossed*

[dopeyrn]

I still have my airline tix and my room booked, but I keep bemoaning the fact that we are not going and DH will NOT say yes we are. I KNOW he resents my "obsession" with Apolo and I know he really doesn't want to go and I know finances are tight. But why does he have to choose now to "be responsible"? Did I tell him he cannot have the cyst or mass removed from the back of his neck in a few weeks?? No! That will probably cost close to $1000. He gets what HE wants (ok, needs), why can't I get to see Apolo?

OK, whine over.

[Mars]

Aahh, finances. Yick. I'm probably not going either, but like I said before...planning for next year Hey, who knows?

[Lori]

Oct 19, 2008 17:49:06 GMT -5 aaosmts19 said:

Was that Anthony Barthell as a volunteer on the ice, blue shirt, with the fire extinguisher repairing the ice?

Yup, Anthony was one of several block-chasers this weekend. Someone (maybe Andrew) was in the stands telling about what makes a good block chaser - he said 'be smarter than the block.'