SwampLog: Blogathon 2005

Fin.

This was much harder than the 2003 'thon.  Not just because of the obstacle course, but also because the subject matter was so much closer to me.  I really haven't written about my bout with cancer, and it brought back so many memories.

To everyone who was a part of Blogathon 2005, thank you.  Thank you for staying up.  Thank you for making a difference.  Thank you for not being spectators.

To everyone who pledged money for the American Cancer Society, thank you from every cell of my body.

I'm going to sleep now.  Good night / morning.

You Did Something

I just emphasized this point on the Radio Free Blogathon broadcast, but I want to say it again:

Each and every person who stayed awake for 24 hours for the only purpose of raising money for their favorite cause is a hero.

You are a hero because you didn't just give lip service to a cause.  You didn't count on someone else to do the work.  You didn't wait around for the problem to fix itself. 

You acted.  That's what heroes do.  And I am damned proud to be one of you.

Tally Of Stimulants and Blogging Fuel

Venti caramel macchiato (with very little caramel)
Grande house coffee
Cinnamon roll
Medium Coke
Big-ass fajita burrito (from Tacomole)
Regular Coke.
Classic Star burger w/ bacon (from Carl's, Jr.)
Venti caramel frappucino

...and that's all that has fueled me for the last 22 hours.  You have GOT to be kidding me.  How have I not passed the fuck out?!?

Shifting Gears

Alright, with the Cancer thread worked to its conclusion, there's one more story I want to tell tonight. The 20th anniversary of Live Aid (and the Live8 shows) have made me think a LOT about my own foray into Big Charity. Had I not done this, I probably wouldn't have been doing the Blogathon events.

I need to gather my thoughts, but after our final Guest Post of the night, I'll tell youse guys about my experiences with Hands Across America. May 1986 was a great time to be Devin...

...Okay, So Where We?

Team SwampLog is living up to its name.

When the AC adapter for my Powerbook decided to poop the bed, I thought I was royally screwed.  I should never underestimate my friends.  Lola and Marty did a great job making sure I had enough time to get a replacement adapter, get to the 24-hour Starbucks and get ready for the home stretch.

While I'm glad to see each and every pledge up there, we're only about halfway to the goal of $1000 for the Tarrant County chapter of the American Cancer Society.  If you're waiting for the end of the event, DON'T.  If you want to program the hour of DAMradio but want to make sure you don't ge outbid, QUIT IT.

All three Schwag items are still up for grabs.  I'm really fond of each item, and if you aren't, you should go take a look again at each item (one) (two) (three).  Once these go off the block, they won't be offered again.  Period.

We're now on Ventura, east of Sepulveda.  If you're out and about, come by and say "hi."

Up For The Down Stroke

In all of the frenzy to get the technology at bay, I completely missed the halfway mark for the Blogathon.

Yippee.

You'll pardon me if I'm not entirely enthused, but the technical difficulties have sapped me.  I won't be able to finish the "50 in 50" series until I can hop on my server at home and get the master document, and I won't be able to do that until I get a machine of my own.

There are plans in place.  Plans within plans.  And I'm counting on everything to fall into step so I can fulfill my obligation to you, dear reader / listener.

There are groovy things planned.  The last four hours of Radio Free Blogathon are mine to shape and mold as I see fit... if you're taking the ride with me to the finish line, I invite each and every one of you to roll "The Last Mile" with me, from 5:00 am - 9:00 am EDT.

Happy thoughts... happy thoughts...

The next voice you'll read is Lola Getz.  Don't let her resigned aire fool you -- she's a hot minx.

Murphy's Law of Tech

You have GOT to be kididng me.

My trusty Powerbook G3 -- the road warrior that has been a bastion of dependability for five years (you see where this is going, right?) -- gave up the ghost in the last hour.  I'm holed up at an internet cafe on La Brea, hoping that I can get a replacement Powerbook in the next two hours.

Once again, Mike G has busted eight miles of ninja ass to keep the SwampLog posts coming.  Thanks to him, and with luck, we can finally break the $500 barrier due to his efforts.

In other news... you cheeky bastards had better start pledging and bidding.  I'm not screwing around here.  If one of the two items we have on bidding blocks would appeal to any of your friends, bid for them.  What, you're too cheap to get something good for your friend?

I'll get back on track with posts, including Part Three of Devin Gets Cancer.  I swear, the story does have a happy ending.

At least now I don't have to worry about adrenaline.

Boingy, Boingy, Boingy...

Okay, The last time I did this (in 2003), the only time I ventured out of the Swamp was to go to Starbucks for a few hours, then head back to the Swamp.

Well, Phart.

I have no idea where Jess ran off to. I'll spank her later.

Thanks to Mike G, who stepped up to the plate to fill the post void. I've said just this week that Mike is pure genius on so many levels... but his damned humility keeps getting in the way.

The next mini-meme should make up for the whole disjointed bit. I hope.

Quickie Post

The next voice you hear is supposed to be Jess, from Beautiful-Geek fame.

Except I haven't heard back from her yet.  She said she was fine with the time...

I'll post something more substantive in a bit if she remains off the radar.