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Post by Genetic Mishap on Mar 16, 2007 7:07:14 GMT -5
My sister wants tickets to see a band that she really, REALLY likes. I am in such a position that I could get her meet-and-greet tickets for this band. This would neatly coincide with her birthday.
This probably means camping in line overnight. Which I've never done. What kind of geek am I? So, if you ever waited in line overnight for something, I need advice.
What must you bring for camping out in line? No-Doze? Sleeping bag? Should you bring a friend or can you go it alone? Most importantly, where do you pee? I'm certain that what I'm thinking of can't be legal.
Helps?
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Post by Head Mutant on Mar 16, 2007 15:18:14 GMT -5
Pampers are your friend!
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Post by pfrsue on Mar 16, 2007 16:40:19 GMT -5
Yep. Pampers - Nine out of ten psycho astronauts choose Pampers brand! Made for babies, approved by NASA! Also, dress in layers. |
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Post by Al on Mar 16, 2007 17:06:42 GMT -5
Friends tend to be key in maintaining your sanity while waiting in long lines. Getting someone to go whole hog and stay all night will make things way more bearable, so if you have buddies who owe you favors, you may want to call them in. If you don't have any old friends who will stay the course, be prepared to make new ones. Bring playing cards, board games, or a stack of magazines. Music can be fun, too, but some people are touchy, so if you're not comfortable playing your own selections aloud, bring some headphones. During my own excurisions, we've been known to pack some DVDs with a laptop and some spare batteries. Definitely make a point of introducing yourself to the people around you,too. If you do have to leave your spot during the night, you'll be recognized when you return. Food is another way to win temporary companions, but you need to be careful about that (see below). If you are on your own, also be sure to bring some books or a Nintendo DS to keep yourself occupied. Most of the time, people are friendly enough and willing to share what they have, but no one likes a mooch.
As far as sleeping arrangements etc, I suggest you come prepared with some patio furniture, a blanket you don't mind dragging on the sidewalk, and a pillow. With friends around, you can always also sleep in your car for an hour, but if you're going solo, that's risky. In my experience, there is a geeky comraderie among those people willing to brave the elements together and line cutters are guarded against pretty strictly, but don't take chances. Some of this will depend on what your surroundings are: a good rule of thumb is the more urban your campground, the more likely you'll want to stay in one place.
I'm not sure from whence you hail, but if you're above the mason-dixon line and have to wait outside, warmth will be important 'cause it's gonna get cold at night. If this applies, bring a few extra blankets to sleep under and remember that layers are your friends. I usually wear two pairs of socks, an undershirt, a long sleeve shirt, a hoodie, a baseball cap, my leather jacket and a pair of gloves. And if you do get to sleep in your car, make sure you take off your coat, hat, gloves, shoes, etc while you doze and put them right back on afterwards (it'll make you feel warmer). Hand warmers are also a good idea if you have spare ones. Also, stomping your feet will keep the blood flowing when it gets really chilly (Thanks, The Untouchables!).
As for food and drink, it's obviously gonna be important but you need to be sensible about it. Unless you're lucky enough to be waiting outside a 24-hour Wal*Mart, bathrooms will be tough to come by so watch what you eat and how much you drink. Before settling in, check out the surrounding area for what places may be open at 3am (gas stations, Dunkin Donuts, some supermarkets ). Make sure (of course) that you go before you leave the house and make a trip into the store just before closing time to give yourself the chance to flush the system. One more trip to see a man about a horse should be scheduled either around the closing or opening times of local businesses. By that time, you should know the people around you well enough that they'll save your spot should you be without friends.
The best way to avoid embarassment, of course, is to minimize the risk altogether. Keep your meals to 500 or 600 calories each and try to eat only every 4 hours. This regulates your blood sugar and keeps your stomach full without a lot of excess that the body will just want to be rid of thirty minutes after you're done. If you are outside and have permission of the building security, bring a hibachi and a cooler with some burgers and other cookables so you'll have warm food. Making your own food is always preferable (and cheaper) than constantly running out to Subway.
That's all I can think of at the moment. Just keep your mindset positive and remember bringing more than you need and things you may not use is always better than not bringing enough and getting bored three hours in. Good luck!
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Post by Head Mutant on Mar 16, 2007 18:48:14 GMT -5
Word Count Time!
Justin: 4
Sue: 22
Al: 743
Winner: AL!
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Post by pfrsue on Mar 16, 2007 19:54:52 GMT -5
Word Count Time! Justin: 4 Sue: 22 Al: 743 Winner: AL! That does it. Next year Al has to do NaNoWriMo. I figure he'll be finished in about... oh... forty-five minutes. |
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Post by Genetic Mishap on Mar 16, 2007 22:09:11 GMT -5
I AM INFORMED!
Although it may not be necessary; for lo, this very noon sis informed me that if she can't find anyone to go with, she won't want any tickets.
Regardless, I am now an INFORMED! Thankee!
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Post by Al on Mar 17, 2007 1:28:28 GMT -5
Heh, yeah, I've done this a few times. To be more specific, I've done it wrong so many times that I've figured it out. I've spent too many nights freezing cold, bored out of my skull, or desperately needing a lavatory. I still manage to screw up sometimes, too. Just this past December, I was waiting outside Target overnight and I forgot to bring gloves. Who in New England forgets gloves in December? Oh, well.
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