Morning RF and others,
First of all...a big thank you for hosting our gathering. Your hospitality was unbelievable and we all felt incredibly welcome and 'at home'....too 'at home' in fact LOL...I could have curled up on the your couch listening to the stories all night long...a great big THANK YOU to you and yours, and a Happy Birthday to "J"!!
I have to agree with what you say about left over behaviour patterns amongst ex dubs. I have been to many JW gatherings and have hosted many...some as big as the entire congregation turning up for square dancing (yes, no swinging of the hips was allowed ) in our double garage at one stage. At these gatherings there were always a certain handful of sisters whom you knew would bring food aplenty...and then there were some who you knew would bring their initiative and would get into the kitchen and help the host - right to the end when the last dish was put away and rubbish put out. I think we had those 'ex' sisters (and brothers) at our gathering LOL.
I hope last night set a precedent for things to come...we have broken the ice and I for one look forward to the next one. I have to say, I had mixed feelings and wondered how it would go...but then I figured I could just go home if its a bit of a flop. It turned out that I didn't want to go home but HAD to due to kids etc - bummer!
I must say the following about everyone:
Marilyn - beaufiul woman with eyes to die for...a woman with a wealth of experiences which we never got an opportunity to tap into...loving affection lady and someone I am looking forward to getting to know better...absolutely lovely person.
Chezza - what can I say, the type of gal you want at your gathering...if you're the host and you're busy with other things....you will find Chezza in the kitchen making "your" job easier...great lady and one of my best friends - just wondering how come she had a blue tongue all night LOL.
Hellraizer - not a poster on the forum but an ex dub all in her own right. Great lady...with the most appropriate log on name I might add .
Cuteguy68 - not a frequent poster, but I'm sure that when he does he likes to cause some mayhem LOL. I have decided that if I am ever invited to someone else's apostofest, that I'm going to bring Cuteguy68 as entertainment instead of food...a funny guy...with exceptional powers We have yet to see these professed powers of his tested LOL.
Prisca - an absolutely lovely person...Prisca is the type of person I would have felt sincere to call my sister when a JW. I felt very comfortable with Prisca and we enjoyed having a few laughs and I'm so glad she came down to Melbourne. Hopefully we will meet up again...or maybe have a combined Sydney and Melbourne gathering. Prisca too has many stories and experiences that I never got to enjoy in detail...but hopefully next time.
Papusan - not a poster on this board but goddamn am I glad to have met this guy. Not a word was spoken by this man without all heads turning his way and eyes fixed on him....I'd say the JW's would be sorry to have lost this guy with sensational speaking abilities HA HA to them...their loss and our gain. A very intelligent man with some well researched topics relating to JW, exJW and cults which I am looking forward to hearing more of....oh and funny as hell too...oh and cute...oh and 'married' ...what am I saying? *slaps self on face*
Refiners - what can I say. Hosting a gather with semi strangers as guests comes with a few apprehensive moments...but not you oh wise master...your cool and calm manner certainly helped us all to feel relaxed and welcome. You opened your home to us and showered us with kindness....it was so much appreciated. I can now say that I have seen where you sit when you post...I have even sat on your 'throne' and posted from your computer...what more can a girl ask for? To break bread with you was an honour and I thank you sincerely for your friendship. Love you heaps.
Beck
