I won't be attending this year

[ghoulinagirl]

I regret to inform you guys that I will not be attending the FoF this year. I decided on visiting a good friend of mine and my uncle whom I haven't seen in over 5 years. I just felt like doing something a little different this year and seeing this friend and my uncle is long overdue. Take lots of photos and I hope everyone has a fantastic time!

xo

[Mr. Monster]

Oh Nicole, it won't be the same without you!!

[Melo]

You'll be missed but family comes first.

But we better see ya next year!

[deathmachine]

WHAT? NOooooooooooooooooo! Let me know if you want me to get you an autograph or some merch.

[Nonsense]

Thats too bad. Youre fun to party with:(

[Killah Tomater]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!

But...but...I'll miss you!

:cry:

(have a good time with your friend and family, Nicole!)

[triefy]

Daaaaamn! Nicole! :(

You will be missed dearly.

[protounitv4]

Oh no!! I will miss you a ton! What will I do without you to share a bed with? Man oh man. Have fun with your friends and family!!

[triefy]

Fuck, looks like I have to join Nicole. 2008, I will be there.

[protounitv4]

Fuck, looks like I have to join Nicole. 2008, I will be there.

This better be a joke. Obviously if you don't go I can't go. Crap.

[Mr. Monster]

I'm suddenly starting to realize how unimportant the guest list is.....

[triefy]

I'll give you guys, my other family, a rundown of what happened. Trust me, I'm not very happy about what happened or how it went down in the past 24 hours.

My girlfriend, whom I have been with for over a year, has always been my anchor to reality. I have about $6000 in debt to pay off. Granted I'm paying it, little by little, but if I wasn't going to Toronto, that would be about $1200 towards the debt. Then again, if I were to go...really it's only pushed a month or so back.

So, yesterday...on quite possibly my lowest day since I had to put my beloved dog down, she tells me that if I go to Toronto, it's over between us. She wants to make sure I'll be responsible in my decisions.

To give you a run down of my current status, I don't have a car. I'm paying off on my old one, on which I got in an accident with and my insurance company screwed me. So, instead of them paying it, I AM. I still have about $5000 to pay off on the old car (which I can pay 60% of that any time and they will wipe off the other 40%). Once that is done, I need to save for a new one.

In a way, she is right, but it's not like going Toronto will ruin my payment plan or stint me from paying for awhile. However, her words were "If you go to Toronto, I won't be around". My Texas trip, which now I'm regretting, really threw her over the edge because, to be quite honest, I didn't have the money to go.

I will still debate and fight, but she has found my weak spot. I have weighed the options. I love her dearly, but this really sucks that she did this to me. She has been mentioning this since I got back from Texas, so it's not like she pulled it out on me last night, but she said it with such conviction last night. That is when it hit me.

Like I said, you all are my family, but like one of those distant families. If I go, I wouldn't even know if I would have a great time, knowing that the girl I have spent a year and a half with would be gone.

It's a very hard decision for me to make and, seriously, any sensible advice (especially from Hellfire or Marnie) would be appreciated.

Honestly guys and gals, I want to be there and the fact that I will have to wait another year to see y'all does hurt. I'll keep you informed.

[Killah Tomater]

That's a shitty thing for your gal to do. I understand your decision, and respect you for it, but that still sucks.

[deathmachine]

I think it's a pretty shitty thing as well... I've got credit card debt but I've still got the green light to go because she knows it means so much to me. At the same time, I don't need her permission.

You're stuck between a rock and a hard place.

If you do come and she does leave... you'll be miserable while you're down here and you won't get the full experiance. It's too bad dude, you're always a blast to party with.

[Mr. Monster]

Before HellFire and Marnie jump in here as the voices of reason, allow me to offer some completely unsensible advice.*

deathmachine is wrong. If you break up with her say the day before the FoF, you won't even remember her until the flight back. Trust me. I dumped my girlfriend of one year on the Saturday morning of the FoF 2005. Sure I wasn't attracted to her anymore, and she was boring, but still. We started fighting, it went on with her basically yelling at me for a few hours, then I finally realized that I was missing not only Crispin Glover's autograph session, but the Ichi The Killer screening, so I told her to get her stuff and get out, just so I could get to the con. And you know, I barely even thought of her til Sunday evening as I was sitting there with my piles of swag thinking "Gee, guess I'm single now". Easiest. Break-up. Ever.

As to your debt, money comes and goes, but horror is forever.

*By unsensible advice, I mean that you'd pretty much have to be an idiot to rely on anything I'm saying. I don't know your girl at all, and she may be absolutely perfect for you. I dunno. I'm just gonna miss you is all.

[deathmachine]

Well the differance between you (Barry) and Andy is that he seems to really dig being with this chick. But to counter point this, if Andy doesn't go, will he resent her for not letting him go and would this be the first step in a break up?

[DrPhibes]

Yes - but don't take this the wrong way, I'm just playing devil's advocate...again - perhaps she would like to see him be fiscally as well as just generally responsible. Kind of an act of good faith. It's not about depriving him of this thing he loves but rather his decision being indicative of their future. If he's willing to compromise on his fiscal responsibility now then a person could logically extrapolate that in the future it would only get worse, not better.

Don't take any of that the wrong way trief. I understand you really love this girl and the things I said are not to belittle you but really hit right at the heart of your future together. I kind of had to do a lot of growing up in a very short period of time over a very similar issue.

Of course I still didn't wind up with the girl and have nothing to show for it, so what the fuck do I know? :insert bitter sneer here:

[Killah Tomater]

Well the differance between you (Barry) and Andy is that he seems to really dig being with this chick. But to counter point this, if Andy doesn't go, will he resent her for not letting him go and would this be the first step in a break up?

I agree with Marc. By Andy's estimation, going to FoF sets him back $1200, or 1/5 of his debt. Sure, that's a good chunk of his debt. And, sure, his gal isn't completely wrong in wanting him to get out of debt. But her approach, in a word, suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuucks. Andy, in my estimation, is a helluva great guy. And maybe his gal is an amazing lady. But this will definitely plant a seed of resentment. And it'll always be in the back of Andy's mind. Maybe nothing will happen right away, but eventually (with each subsequent argument) it'll grow. And it'll fester.

Selfishly, I hope Andy calls what may be a bluff - Andy was the first friend I made at FoF last year and I want to see him. Realistically, I know that Andy will do what is right for him, financially and personally. But I hope (and I suggest) that Andy sits down with his gal and does some serious talking about this incident and the way it impacts their relationship. Maybe Andy can convince her that he can still go to FoF and it won't impact his process of getting out of debt. Maybe the reality is that he can't. But in the end we have to realize that this is Andy's real life and HIS decision to make, just as his gal has to realize the same thing.

I hope things work out for you, pal. This is a nasty situation.

[Killah Tomater]

Of course I still didn't wind up with the girl and have nothing to show for it, so what the fuck do I know? :insert bitter sneer here:

If it makes you feel better, I still like you. Well, I like you as much as I can like someone I've sworn to destroy.

[DrPhibes]

If it makes you feel better, I still like you. Well, I like you as much as I can like someone I've sworn to destroy.

Well thanks.....I think.

[Killah Tomater]

Well thanks.....I think.

All joking aside, I see what you're saying and agree with at least part of it. I just think she went about things in as wrong a way as possible. Using the relationship and his dedication to it as a weapon is shitty. In my mind, one of the keys is that he is taking care of his debt at the tune of around $1200 a month. It's not like he's paying $50 here and there. By his own admission, it pushes back his finish line by about a month or so. That's not too bad. Also, it's HIS debt that HE is paying for. Unless she's paying a chunk of it (and that's not stated), she really doesn't have much to say about it.

I don't think he should just dump her, but I do think she's more than a bit out of line and there needs to be a serious discussion.

[DrPhibes]

All joking aside, I see what you're saying and agree with at least part of it. I just think she went about things in as wrong a way as possible. Using the relationship and his dedication to it as a weapon is shitty. In my mind, one of the keys is that he is taking care of his debt at the tune of around $1200 a month. It's not like he's paying $50 here and there. By his own admission, it pushes back his finish line by about a month or so. That's not too bad. Also, it's HIS debt that HE is paying for. Unless she's paying a chunk of it (and that's not stated), she really doesn't have much to say about it.

I don't think he should just dump her, but I do think she's more than a bit out of line and there needs to be a serious discussion.

Well now that's more or less true, it was kind of weilded as a weapon. I'm not going to defend her on that. However if you're looking at the big picture this kind of rationalization could legitimately make someone leery of what the future may hold. Dig?

But I digress.

[Killah Tomater]

Well now that's more or less true, it was kind of weilded as a weapon. I'm not going to defend her on that. However if you're looking at the big picture this kind of rationalization could legitimately make someone leery of what the future may hold. Dig?

But I digress.

I diggit...

[DrPhibes]

I diggit...

Someone should retitle this thread Reasons FoF08 Will Be Better.

Not to take anything away from you kids going this year. I'm sure you'll have just as grand a time.

[KISS Fan]

I'll give you guys, my other family, a rundown of what happened. Trust me, I'm not very happy about what happened or how it went down in the past 24 hours.

My girlfriend, whom I have been with for over a year, has always been my anchor to reality. I have about $6000 in debt to pay off. Granted I'm paying it, little by little, but if I wasn't going to Toronto, that would be about $1200 towards the debt. Then again, if I were to go...really it's only pushed a month or so back.

So, yesterday...on quite possibly my lowest day since I had to put my beloved dog down, she tells me that if I go to Toronto, it's over between us. She wants to make sure I'll be responsible in my decisions.

To give you a run down of my current status, I don't have a car. I'm paying off on my old one, on which I got in an accident with and my insurance company screwed me. So, instead of them paying it, I AM. I still have about $5000 to pay off on the old car (which I can pay 60% of that any time and they will wipe off the other 40%). Once that is done, I need to save for a new one.

In a way, she is right, but it's not like going Toronto will ruin my payment plan or stint me from paying for awhile. However, her words were "If you go to Toronto, I won't be around". My Texas trip, which now I'm regretting, really threw her over the edge because, to be quite honest, I didn't have the money to go.

I will still debate and fight, but she has found my weak spot. I have weighed the options. I love her dearly, but this really sucks that she did this to me. She has been mentioning this since I got back from Texas, so it's not like she pulled it out on me last night, but she said it with such conviction last night. That is when it hit me.

Like I said, you all are my family, but like one of those distant families. If I go, I wouldn't even know if I would have a great time, knowing that the girl I have spent a year and a half with would be gone.

It's a very hard decision for me to make and, seriously, any sensible advice (especially from Hellfire or Marnie) would be appreciated.

Honestly guys and gals, I want to be there and the fact that I will have to wait another year to see y'all does hurt. I'll keep you informed.


To be honest the best thing is to not go this year. It probably not worth the headache. There is always next year.

[Rovin]

Maybe nothing will happen right away, but eventually (with each subsequent argument) it'll grow. And it'll fester.

Not necessarily. It's important to point out that the REAL battle here is between short-term and long-term happiness. If he goes to Toronto, blows $1,500 or whatever thereby sinking further in the hole of debt, and has to deal that much more with it when he gets home, he IS less better off than just staying home this year, workin' off that financial hole, and being more financial free in the future. Less money will be allocated to debt, leaving less money to be saved to make trips like Texas Frightmare Weekend and FoF an even better time for him. And best of all, there's no "buyer's guilt" tagalong. When FoF '08 rolls around next year, it's very possible he won't resent her but will be extremely thankful for her. I will remind folks that Andy himself said that the only reason she didn't go to Texas Frightmare Weekend with him was because of the FINANCIAL strain. Don't go blasting at her as so selfish or brusque necessarily. By accepting this, you may just be adding another to the fold for the annual Toronto Horror-and-booze-a-thon.

It's gotta be a financial strain to attend two conventions so close together, and, as someone who's made the trip, I will also attest that the FoF trip is hellaciously fun, but it is HARDLY cheap. Budgetarily it's a vacation in and of itself.

[Melo]

My girlfriend, whom I have been with for over a year, has always been my anchor to reality.

Dude, trust me. Hold on to that girl.

Before I met Kim (my wife) I lived in a state of constant debt. I rented. I lived paycheck to paycheck. My credit cards were almost always maxed and I often depended on my chequing accounts overdraft. Not good.

Since Kim helped "got some sense into me" (although admittedly she never gave me any kind of ultimatum) my financial situation has never been better. My credit cards are paid off completely every month and I have more spending money than I ever had before (how? I’m not paying hundreds every month in interest). Sure it was a bit tough getting to that point, but trust me, if she’s willing to help you through it, that’s a good thing. Many girls would walk.

No woman wants to get serious with a guy who can't manage his money (aka manage his life).

That said… I’ll miss ya this year brother.

[DrPhibes]

I second what Rovin and Melo said. It's long term happiness over instant gratification.

[The Gore-met]

She wants to make sure I'll be responsible in my decisions.

Totally armchair quarterbacking here, but this seems to be more a control issue than anything else.

Unless she's helping you out financially, what you do with your money is none of her damned business. Granted, I don't know how entangled you are with her, but this appears to be totally out of bounds.

You only live once, and you need to enjoy yourself along the way. If it isn't going to put you out much and you really want to come for the Festival, there isn't any good reason why you shouldn't make the trip. It's one weekend a year. If she's throwing up roadblocks now over this, then ask yourself what you can expect in the future. Boiling it down to crass elements - don't be a slave to pussy.

On the other hand, it's only a horror convention. The world won't stop turning if you don't come. Keep your priorities in perspective, just don't let them be dictated to you by a girlfriend.

[Velvet Kiss]

I'll echo the statements already made - If it makes more sense that you don't come, then don't. But don't base your decision on her ultimatum.

Hell, I'm in debt too - and have been paying off a lot more than $6,000 (blame a full year without income, or with my impulsive habits...). I still find a way to make it to FOF, even if it means I can't buy as many goodies. Granted, I don't have a hotel to pay for... but there's other corners to cut.

What bothers me more than you not coming because of finances is that she gave you an ultimatum. And where does it end? What else will she inisist you cannot do? If you make sacrifices for her it will only breed resentment towards her. You may not feel it today, or next month... but somewhere down the line.

In addition - what are her motives? Does she really love you? If I were in her position, I would not be willing to give up a relationship so easily. It's not like you're talking about a party at the playboy mansion - any possibility of jealousy being her motive? If not, it certainly sounds like she's after control. And if you were to come anyway, would she really leave? If so, it seems to me that there are more underlying problems in the relationship, or that she just doesn't have so much invested and is willing to walk away relatively easily.




Yeah... fuck the guest list. Without Andy and Nicole, it's almost not worth going.

[The Gore-met]

Dude, trust me. Hold on to that girl.

Before I met Kim (my wife) I lived in a state of constant debt. I rented. I lived paycheck to paycheck. My credit cards were almost always maxed and I often depended on my chequing accounts overdraft. Not good.

That makes perfect sense, but that doesn't appear to be the case with Triefy. He got slammed with one big expense, he doesn't necessarily have to be punished for it, especially if he's working at paying it off quickly. Stretching it out another month or two isn't going to make much of a difference either way.

Mind you, this is coming from someone who's lived a cash existence. I haven't had a cent of debt in 10 years (mortgage notwithstanding). The only expenses I'm incurring for the Festival are 2 subway tokens each day, so feel free to ignore my pompous ass.

[Rovin]

Yeah... fuck the guest list. Without Andy and Nicole, it's almost not worth going.

Careful now, you'll make Barry cry, he breaks down sooooo eaaaasily.

Perhaps you should stop by and give him a hug after his workday, I'm sure that'd make him feel better.

[Mr. Monster]

No woman wants to get serious with a guy who can't manage his money (aka manage his life).


That's funny, I would have sworn you'd met HellFire. And yet, you continue to say these things.

[Rovin]

That's funny, I would have sworn you'd met HellFire. And yet, you continue to say these things.

Maybe he's trying in some sort of underhanded Melo-Like way to deliver you a secret, coded message as to Hellfire's true nature.

[deathmachine]

Careful now, you'll make Barry cry, he breaks down sooooo eaaaasily.

Perhaps you should stop by and give him a hug after his workday, I'm sure that'd make him feel better.

What about me? I've already gone through a whole box of kleenex... oh wait... those aren't tears.

[Melo]

That's funny, I would have sworn you'd met HellFire. And yet, you continue to say these things.

Haahaaha…. Ok I guess I should rephrase that to read “most girls…”

[TheCrimsonGhost]

Hey Andy, I'd love to give you some super sound advice that brings everything into perspective, but I can't. I can only say this, sit down alone and in a quiet place and think. Weigh your goods and your bads associated with the trip and with your lady, figure out which means more to you. I know you love her and you love horror, only one person can make the decision and that's you.

[Killah Tomater]

Don't go blasting at her as so selfish or brusque necessarily. By accepting this, you may just be adding another to the fold for the annual Toronto Horror-and-booze-a-thon.


I'm not blasting her at all. I don't know her. She may be a godsend in every other facet of life. It's the act of issuing an ultimatum that I take issue with. She's using the relationship (and his value of it) as a means to control his actions. Unless they're married, or her money is tied up in him and/or his debt, I don't think she has much say...until the ultimatum gets issued.

The short version: I don't condemn the girl, I condemn the action.

[Killah Tomater]

Yeah... fuck the guest list. Without Andy and Nicole, it's almost not worth going.

Um, excuse me? I'm still going. Got my plane, hotel, and Argento ticket all paid for...

Oh, why do I bother? You don't care...none of you care...

:cry:

Now look what you've made me do...

:cry: :cry: :cry:

[DrPhibes]

Now look what you've made me do...

:cry: :cry: :cry:

Wuss.

[Killah Tomater]

Wuss.

Yo' mama.

[Rovin]

Um, excuse me? I'm still going. Got my plane, hotel, and Argento ticket all paid for...

Oh, why do I bother? You don't care...none of you care...

:cry:

Now look what you've made me do...

:cry: :cry: :cry:

It'd help if you'd tuck your urinary catheter into your pantleg instead of leaving it out just flapping in the breeze for all to see.

[XombiTom]

Wow, quite a little conundrum you've got there...

I guess I would look at the debt very differently. I wouldn't think of it as irresponsible to go and blow $1200 or whatever the trip'll cost you, regardless of how much fun you'd be having. I only say that because the 5-6 grand you're in debt seems to be because of something that happened, not because you're 5-6 grand in debt because you blew it on a new LCD, computer, home theatre and some smack!

I think it's kind of a tough call to make because, as everyone's stated more or less, you have to decide what's more important. I've never been one for ultimatum's personally. If I ever got one like that, it would be it's own answer (but that's again just me). I find that ultimatum's are a VERY last resort and if she's pullin' the big guns out after only A YEAR of being together, then either she's worried that you may be spending retarded amounts of money on stuff and have a problem (as I'm sure a lot of us have when it comes to horror) and she's worried about it and doesn't want to see you get further in debt, OR she just doesn't like the idea of you going (for whatever reason)...

Debt sucks, but so does missing out on something you've waited a year to come back to, but so does having to break it off with someone you dig.

Thanks all I got, you've got some thinking to do my friend.

*Edit - I'll buy you a pint to ease the financial burden of the trip a few bucks!

[DrPhibes]

It'd help if you'd tuck your urinary catheter into your pantleg instead of leaving it out just flapping in the breeze for all to see.

No retort of mine will ever compare to this so I'm just going to let you speak for me on this one, Rovin.

:lmao:

[DrPhibes]

I guess I would look at the debt very differently. I wouldn't think of it as irresponsible to go and blow $1200 or whatever the trip'll cost you, regardless of how much fun you'd be having. I only say that because the 5-6 grand you're in debt seems to be because of something that happened, not because you're 5-6 grand in debt because you blew it on a new LCD, computer, home theatre and some smack!

Regardless of the whys or wherefores, it's there. Debt is debt. And there ain't no such thing as "okay debt".

Savvy?

[Rovin]

No retort of mine will ever compare to this so I'm just going to let you speak for me on this one, Rovin.

:lmao:

Well, sometimes the best help there is can hurt a little bit, but through such struggles we emerge ever-stronger, forged into a harder steel than ever before, like in those Marines commercials but without the strange CGI gargoyles, cyclopses, and hippies.

[XombiTom]

Regardless of the whys or wherefores, it's there. Debt is debt. And there ain't no such thing as "okay debt".

Savvy?

I don't agree at all - Debt isn't always debt. I guess I've got a mortgage on a house, no debt, so maybe I'm not as objective. BUT, even with that mortgage (debt) you can still live a happy life. You can still go out, you can still buy things, you can still do things that you want to do. Granted, not everyone would prioritize the way I have, but I think that when something shitty happens, you can either live in a cave and count your nickels and dimes, or just do what most people do, budget things and spend accordingly...

I guess it's really Triefy's decision, and if he values not being in debt for that extra month or two more than the FoF, that's his call to make. I know which one I would make, but again, that's just me. I'm not trying to steer young Triefenbach into more money problems (as debt does often begat more debt) but you have to put it into the 'bigger' picture of things. If this is like his Christmas, then that's that. If he loves this girl and wants to be responsible, again, it's his call to make!

[Killah Tomater]

It'd help if you'd tuck your urinary catheter into your pantleg instead of leaving it out just flapping in the breeze for all to see.

...wha?

:freaked:

Whoops, sorry. I didn't hit anyone, did I?

[DrPhibes]

I don't agree at all - Debt isn't always debt. I guess I've got a mortgage on a house, no debt, so maybe I'm not as objective. BUT, even with that mortgage (debt) you can still live a happy life. You can still go out, you can still buy things, you can still do things that you want to do. Granted, not everyone would prioritize the way I have, but I think that when something shitty happens, you can either live in a cave and count your nickels and dimes, or just do what most people do, budget things and spend accordingly...

That's hardly what I'm advocating at all. What I'm merely suggesting is that you do need to prioritize. And just throwing out a hypothetical here - let's just totally remove triefy and his girlfriend from the equation and suppose it were two other people in a committed relationship with a mind towards the long haul - choosing a horror convention over financial stability isn't exactly a good portent of the future. After all - brace for it - it's just a horror convention.

But this all coming from a guy who doesn't have a girlfriend and pisses all his money away on concerts. So take everything I say here with a grain of salt.

[Monica S. Kuebler]

I don't know what your skill set is, but maybe you could get some work on the side to fund the trip. Surely, she couldn't fault that. That's what we do in our household when we can't afford something we really want.

[Rovin]

...wha?

:freaked:

Whoops, sorry. I didn't hit anyone, did I?

Not yet but.... could you?

[Killah Tomater]

Not yet but.... could you?

:angel: Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaybe... :angel:

[XombiTom]

That's hardly what I'm advocating at all. What I'm merely suggesting is that you do need to prioritize. And just throwing out a hypothetical here - let's just totally remove triefy and his girlfriend from the equation and suppose it were two other people in a committed relationship with a mind towards the long haul - choosing a horror convention over financial stability isn't exactly a good portent of the future. After all - brace for it - it's just a horror convention.

Okay - I can get behind that reasoning. I do agree that some level of prioritization should be made for a 'proper' budget (whether you're solo or a joint venture in the world)...

And it is just a horror convention, but for some, it's a big highlight to their year. Maybe I'm off on this one, but I think that someone who is going to make the journey here (travelling a fair distance) just for a horror con does probably regard it as a really important event. I guess I'm lucky that my total travel time will be about an hour and a bit, and I'm still possibly getting a hotel room.

Getting into the whole budgeting thing is kind of derailing this thread, so let's just leave it that Triefy has some thinkin' to do. I wish you luck, man!

[DrPhibes]

Getting into the whole budgeting thing is kind of derailing this thread, so let's just leave it that Triefy has some thinkin' to do. I wish you luck, man!

Well he did ask for our advice.

And anyway, it goes back even further to ghoulina's reasons for not attending. And to that I say unfortunate, but it just gives me that much more justification in not going myself this year. Perhaps next.

[Mr. Monster]

I don't know what your skill set is, but maybe you could get some work on the side to fund the trip. Surely, she couldn't fault that. That's what we do in our household when we can't afford something we really want.

Make her pay you for sex! It's a win-win situation! :evil:

Seriously though, I know it seems like we're all jumping down your girl's throat, and I'm sure we don't all mean to be. It's just that we'll miss you, but I'm sure we'll love her when we see her in 2008 (or this year.. Just start playing lottery scratch tickets!)

[Vampy Von Pire]

I really have nothing to add. It's up to you darlin, how much you value or need the mini vacation or how much you value your relationship (although I'd be wondering how much she values it). If you're otherwise good with your moola, have a plan to pay back everything and it won't set you back too much time, what the hell I say.

[DrPhibes]

Make her pay you for sex! It's a win-win situation! :evil:

I think we have a winner here.

[deathmachine]

This is my highlight of the year. I'd be crushed if my gf would give me that choice.

Side note... just hit 3000 posts. Whoopie.

[Marquis_de_Sass]

Totally armchair quarterbacking here, but this seems to be more a control issue than anything else.

Unless she's helping you out financially, what you do with your money is none of her damned business. Granted, I don't know how entangled you are with her, but this appears to be totally out of bounds.

You only live once, and you need to enjoy yourself along the way. If it isn't going to put you out much and you really want to come for the Festival, there isn't any good reason why you shouldn't make the trip. It's one weekend a year. If she's throwing up roadblocks now over this, then ask yourself what you can expect in the future. Boiling it down to crass elements - don't be a slave to pussy.

On the other hand, it's only a horror convention. The world won't stop turning if you don't come. Keep your priorities in perspective, just don't let them be dictated to you by a girlfriend.


Holy shit, mark it down. Gore-Met and I agree.

Tell you what, I'll shoot you $20 towards your payment to show up. It ain't much but look at it this way, it's showing tremendous financial planning to be able to attend the FOF AND have twenty bucks left over for your payment.

[Vampy Von Pire]

Along with Monica's suggestion, is their anything you could sacrifice for a fews months to help save money & put a dent on the bills. Like cut down on movie/toy/music/clothes buying, skipping the bar on weekends, limit your restaurant visits, etc. This coming from the girl who bought 5 pairs of shoes on the weekend. Heh. But that stuff does add up.

[deathmachine]

Along with Monica's suggestion, is their anything you could sacrifice for a fews months to help save money & put a dent on the bills. Like cut down on movie/toy/music/clothes buying, skipping the bar on weekends, limit your restaurant visits, etc. This coming from the girl who bought 5 pairs of shoes on the weekend. Heh. But that stuff does add up.

Just stop buying condoms. There you go, no more debt.

[Vampy Von Pire]

Just stop buying condoms. There you go, no more debt.

And no more sex. :P

With his luck, she'd get pregnant with triplets.

[DrPhibes]

Hey Andy, I'd love to give you some super sound advice that brings everything into perspective, but I can't. I can only say this, sit down alone and in a quiet place and think. Weigh your goods and your bads associated with the trip and with your lady, figure out which means more to you. I know you love her and you love horror, only one person can make the decision and that's you.

What kinda new-agey crap is that? You taking lessons from Bobby Beausoleil over there?! Anton would be so pissed at you right now.

:lmao:

You know I'm just busting your chops.......I hope.

[TheCrimsonGhost]

What kinda new-agey crap is that? You taking lessons from Bobby Beausoleil over there?! Anton would be so pissed at you right now.

:lmao:

You know I'm just busting your chops.......I hope.

Yea Matt, I know.

Seriously though, it's all about decisions and Andy is the only one who can make the decision.

[Velvet Kiss]

I've been kind of slacking in my assistance lately. But I'll one-up Marquis and offer to take over the web hosting costs for the Disciples page? Would that help cut down overhead until you're paid up?

:D

[Marquis_de_Sass]

I've been kind of slacking in my assistance lately. But I'll one-up Marquis and offer to take over the web hosting costs for the Disciples page? Would that help cut down overhead until you're paid up?

:D

Oh yeah? I'll sleep with his girlfriend.

[Rovin]

Oh yeah? I'll sleep with his girlfriend.

It'll be a struggle for the Marquis, but it's a price he's willing to pay.

[Marquis_de_Sass]

It'll be a struggle for the Marquis, but it's a price he's willing to pay.

Anything for my friends.

[DrPhibes]

It'll be a struggle for the Marquis, but it's a price he's willing to pay.

I've always labored under the old adage "Never let your mouth write a check your butt can't cover". But this isn't me we're talking here, so as you were.

[Mr. Monster]

Oh yeah? I'll sleep with his girlfriend.

Remind me to go home and pay off my debt. :freaked:

[Killah Tomater]

I've always labored under the old adage "Never let your mouth write a check your butt can't cover". But this isn't me we're talking here, so as you were.

I don't think Marquis' butt is going to have to cover that check, but maybe you know something I don't.

[DrPhibes]

I don't think Marquis' butt is going to have to cover that check, but maybe you know something I don't.

You dirty bird.

[Killah Tomater]

Wakka wakka...

[DrPhibes]

Wakka wakka...

Never a head of lettuce or over ripe tomato around when you need it.

[Vampy Von Pire]

Anything for my friends.

Shit boy, I'd hate to see what you'd do to your enemies.

[triefy]

Seriously, I know the decision will come to me. And, who knows...if I give it a few weeks, she might change her tune. I know she called me crying last night and started saying she is mean. Who knows.

She's right, but it's like some people said...it will only set me a month back. I plan on playing the lottery and if that doesn't work there are some things that I can sell on eBay. However, she has even told me that I should be selling stuff on eBay and put it towards debt. So, if I go that route, it's almost like she would say "See, look what you pulled together in a short amount of time. That could have went towards your debt and you would have less debt to look at."

This is my Christmas (to quote Leslie Vernon & Xombi). I have $20 of Canadian dollars to go towards the trip as well. I can't make a decision and the advice has helped.

Sometimes, I do feel like there is an jealousy issue with her and I. I also feel like there is a controlling part too.

Worst Case Scenario, if I was to go and lose her..my lifestyle at home would be odd. She comes to Karaoke nights and has made friends with my friends. It's tough. Maybe it will blow over, maybe it won't. I haven't talked to her since last night. We will see how the weekend goes.

I appreciate everyone chiming in on this and I totally didn't want to derail the thread, but it looks like I did. I also, for those that know me, don't like bringing personal issues to the board. But, damn this really sucks. Because, literally, it's like choosing between 2 families/children.

FoF came first, but FoF is just 3-4 magical days in a city I love surrounded by people I really care for that, coincidentally, care for the same interest. I also feel like shit because Jill was depending on me to go and room with her. Jill, I think you could probably find someone to room with, if it comes to me not coming. I would hate for you to miss FoF because of some drama I have at home.

We will see guys. This has been one of the worse weeks I have gone through. FoF was the icing on the cake, dealing with losing my best friend (my dog) was the other.

Either way, I'll let you know once something is set in stone.

[Vampy Von Pire]

Triefy! Clear your damn inbox so I can send ya a PM.

[deathmachine]

I think we all need a group hug...

...

Who in the back row said circle jerk?!?!? You should be ashamed of yourself!

[DrPhibes]

Who in the back row said circle jerk?!?!? You should be ashamed of yourself!

I bet it was KT.

[deathmachine]

I bet it was KT.

HA! :lmao:

[Velvet Kiss]

Rest assured - Jill will be looked after.

We're all family, and families share beds. :D

[DrPhibes]

We're all family, and families share beds. :D

Is this something I should be wary of for next year?

[Rovin]

Rest assured - Jill will be looked after.

We're all family, and families share beds. :D

She could just share Marquis de Sass's room. He could use the bed, she could use one of the pillows.

[triefy]

Triefy! Clear your damn inbox so I can send ya a PM.

Done. Sorry.

[protounitv4]

Seriously, I know the decision will come to me. And, who knows...if I give it a few weeks, she might change her tune. I know she called me crying last night and started saying she is mean. Who knows.

She's right, but it's like some people said...it will only set me a month back. I plan on playing the lottery and if that doesn't work there are some things that I can sell on eBay. However, she has even told me that I should be selling stuff on eBay and put it towards debt. So, if I go that route, it's almost like she would say "See, look what you pulled together in a short amount of time. That could have went towards your debt and you would have less debt to look at."

This is my Christmas (to quote Leslie Vernon & Xombi). I have $20 of Canadian dollars to go towards the trip as well. I can't make a decision and the advice has helped.

Sometimes, I do feel like there is an jealousy issue with her and I. I also feel like there is a controlling part too.

Worst Case Scenario, if I was to go and lose her..my lifestyle at home would be odd. She comes to Karaoke nights and has made friends with my friends. It's tough. Maybe it will blow over, maybe it won't. I haven't talked to her since last night. We will see how the weekend goes.

I appreciate everyone chiming in on this and I totally didn't want to derail the thread, but it looks like I did. I also, for those that know me, don't like bringing personal issues to the board. But, damn this really sucks. Because, literally, it's like choosing between 2 families/children.

FoF came first, but FoF is just 3-4 magical days in a city I love surrounded by people I really care for that, coincidentally, care for the same interest. I also feel like shit because Jill was depending on me to go and room with her. Jill, I think you could probably find someone to room with, if it comes to me not coming. I would hate for you to miss FoF because of some drama I have at home.

We will see guys. This has been one of the worse weeks I have gone through. FoF was the icing on the cake, dealing with losing my best friend (my dog) was the other.

Either way, I'll let you know once something is set in stone.

First of all don't worry about me. I want you to do what is best for you right now. You already know how I feel about this whole thing so I won't go into it too much. I basically agree with David. This is the one thing that you look forward to every year and it is something that you love. I couldn't imagine asking my boyfriend to give something up that he truly loves for almost any reason. I honestly think there is more than money going on with this. If she had the money to attend as well would she have a problem with you going? I just don't like the ultimatum part of it all and the problems that something like that could cause. Why use someone's love for you against them? I don't know. I don't want to get into this to deep publicly. You know I care about you and you are a good friend. No matter what you decide I will stand behind you.

[protounitv4]

Rest assured - Jill will be looked after.

We're all family, and families share beds. :D

Well thank you. Sharing a bed sounds like it could be worth the trip itself!:)

[Velvet Kiss]

Well thank you. Sharing a bed sounds like it could be worth the trip itself!:)


Worst come to worst, I can offer you a place to sleep where you'll be nuzzled, cuddled, licked and massaged.

And that's just from 1 cat. Imagine what the other 2 (and the dogs) will do to you!

[Killah Tomater]

I bet it was KT.

And yet you were still so quick to drop your drawers.

[DrPhibes]

And yet you were still so quick to drop your drawers.

I never drop muh draaawz, I always wear my pants unzipped like Eazy E.

[Bubba_Ho_Kev]

Ok - first off, I need to say one thing....

Whiskey
Tango
Foxtrot

No Nicole? No Triefy? This is sad news indeed.

Nicole - you do your thing girl. We'll miss you alot, but 2008 will be even bigger and better, I'm sure. Like Deathmachine said, you let us know if there are any autographs or swag you want. We'll getcha fixed up.

Andy - do what you think is right. We can offer all the advice in the world, but it is your life and yours to live. I hope you can make it, but if you decide not to come you will be missed alot too. Same goes for you with the offer of swag and autographs.

Jill - Marnie and I have 3 suites reserved at the Suites at 1 King West. One for us, one for Hellfire and Mr. Monster and one for Deathmachine. Now - Marnie just told me that Deathmachine is bunking with Hellfire and Mr. Monster (need to confirm on that). The suites run around 150 - 160 bucks a night. How much was your portion of the shared hotel for this year? Didn't you pay close to 150 bucks or so last year? If so, you are more than welcome to have one of our reserved suites and only pay 150 bucks a night for your own private room. (they're very nice, by the way) I'll confirm with Deathmachine and keep you posted. edit: Just spoke to Deathmachine. The room is yours if you want it! Just let us know and we'll pass along the booking number, etc.

Now - for the rest of you brats. NOBODY else better say they cannot make it, or Kev is gonna start bustin' some heads. Ya got it? :bludgeon:

[jaysaw]

Rest assured - Jill will be looked after.

We're all family, and families share beds. :D

I thought you lived in canada, not the DEEP SOUTH!:lmao: :lmao: (Sorry lara, just had to) (gentle humour)

Though my debt's not as bad as triefy's, i WAS actually gonna go to FoF this year. Yes you heard it, i WAS gonna go to canada for my holiday this year, and freak you crazy diamonds out!

But, the small debt and the fact that i don't know what's happening with my job, (i'm meant to be out of one in september, but the HR people haven't been to us yet. they still got another FIVE sites to do).

All i can add to the mix is andy, you know it's your decision, either way you'll be unhappy(more so if you go and she does leave, but you get it). Talk to friends, family even, but if you really want BOTH things( and i can see you do) you'll make it work some how.

[triefy]

Well, I have talked to my g/f and I think i'm making some headway. ESPECIALLY, since she wants to visit California this fall to see some of her folks. I told her that I might not be able to afford it if I can't afford Toronto. Well, we talked and, while the discussion isn't over, the ultimatum got weakened from "I'm leaving you if you go" to "If you go, we'll have problems". We might get to talk more about it tonight, but keep your fingers crossed. I'm going to give her a budget plan that I will work on today and basically say that if I can stick to that, if everything will be ok.

It's still a possibility!

[triefy]

And it is just a horror convention, but for some, it's a big highlight to their year. Maybe I'm off on this one, but I think that someone who is going to make the journey here (travelling a fair distance) just for a horror con does probably regard it as a really important event. I guess I'm lucky that my total travel time will be about an hour and a bit, and I'm still possibly getting a hotel room.


You hit the nail on the head. It is more than just a convention. FoF was my first con, but it had something more special than anything else I have been to. Not only was everyone friendly and city was gorgeous, but the Mortuary Members are some great people. People at the con don't look at you crazy or oddly if you love horror movies like they do here in St. Louis. It's very rare to find people that share the same interests. It has been my highlight of every year. I really don't want to miss out this year. Hopefully I will have a definate answer about me coming up, or not, by the end of the weekend.

[deathmachine]

Well, I have talked to my g/f and I think i'm making some headway. ESPECIALLY, since she wants to visit California this fall to see some of her folks. I told her that I might not be able to afford it if I can't afford Toronto. Well, we talked and, while the discussion isn't over, the ultimatum got weakened from "I'm leaving you if you go" to "If you go, we'll have problems". We might get to talk more about it tonight, but keep your fingers crossed. I'm going to give her a budget plan that I will work on today and basically say that if I can stick to that, if everything will be ok.

It's still a possibility!

So she wants to go to California but you can't go to Toronto?

C'mon dude, that's messed up. I there being problems if you're not allowed to go...

If there's no Toronto, there's no California. Now you've got to put your foot down.

[triefy]

So she wants to go to California but you can't go to Toronto?

C'mon dude, that's messed up. I there being problems if you're not allowed to go...

If there's no Toronto, there's no California. Now you've got to put your foot down.

Trust me, I know it's messed up. She knows now that I know something else is behind Toronto. I think if it's not a control issue, it might be jealousy on going out of town. She hasn't had a vacation in 6 years. So, now with her planning on flying out to LAX (which is cheaper than me flying to Toronto - WTF?), she realizes that maybe she was crazy after all. I'll keep you all up to date.

[XombiTom]

I told her that I might not be able to afford it if I can't afford Toronto.

Nicely played!

[Bubba_Ho_Kev]

I am using my 3000th post like Obi Wan used the force.

"You need to go to the FoF..."

:D

[Killah Tomater]

I am using my 3000th post like Obi Wan used the force.

"You need to go to the FoF..."

:D

I need to go to the FoF... :crazy:

Wait, what?

[Bubba_Ho_Kev]

"You will buy Kevin a beer at the FoF"

[Mr. Monster]

I am using my 3000th post like Obi Wan used the force.

"You need to go to the FoF..."

:D

Oooooo. Best use of a landmark post ever!

Congrats and nice one!

[Driftwood]

Unfortunately, I won't be going to ANY conventions or festivals(except Cinema Wasteland in Oct. - if only to give Charles Band a fruit basket mooning) this year due to my custom t-shirt business...next year we'll be more stable although we will still be booking weekends so chances will be better of me being able to go to some conventions/fests. :D

[Killah Tomater]

"You will buy Kevin a beer at the FoF"

I will buy Kevin a beer at FoF... :crazy:

(Psssssssst! Secretly, it didn't work this time. Don't tell him though...let the Ho Kev win...)

[Bubba_Ho_Kev]

Ha!

No worries bud. The first poutine and ceaser will be on me. ;)

[Rovin]

Nicely played!

Agreed. Snappy logic at its finest.

[triefy]

Well. It's brings me to much sadness to say this...but I will not be there this year. The good news is that I will have everything paid off by next year, so there should be no doubt of me being there next year. I love you guys (yeah, I fuckin' said it) and have a great time. Take as many pictures as possible! Even though it might hurt, I will just imagine me being there. :)

[Mr. Monster]

Well. It's brings me to much sadness to say this...but I will not be there this year. The good news is that I will have everything paid off by next year, so there should be no doubt of me being there next year. I love you guys (yeah, I fuckin' said it) and have a great time. Take as many pictures as possible! Even though it might hurt, I will just imagine me being there. :)

That fucking sucks Andy. Allow me to be man enough to say, we all love you too. It won't be the same without you. I mean, who's gonna go out of the poker game before me now? ;)

Seriously though, you will be missed.

[Killah Tomater]

That fucking sucks Andy. Allow me to be man enough to say, we all love you too. It won't be the same without you.

Yeah...you were a huge part of what made last year (my first in Toronto) such a great time, Andy. I'm bummed out that you've decided not to go, but I respect your reasons and look forward to seeing you in '08.

I mean, who's gonna go out of the poker game before me now? ;)

Marc.

[Bubba_Ho_Kev]

Sorry to hear that, Andy.

We'll do it up proper in '08.

[deathmachine]

Marc.


I can't wait to disapoint you.

[Mr. Monster]

I can't wait to disapoint you.

I bet you say that to all the girls. ;)

[deathmachine]

I bet you say that to all the girls. ;)

I do. I tell them I'm taken by someone else and they all start shedding tears and tell me that she's a lucky gal.

[Mr. Monster]

I do. I tell them I'm taken by someone else and they all start shedding tears and tell me that she's a lucky gal.

Damn you and your snappy comebacks!

[Velvet Kiss]

Well shit... now I'm depressed.

Cancelling guests, friends not coming.

The parties this year will be more like funerals.

[Killah Tomater]

Well shit... now I'm depressed.

Cancelling guests, friends not coming.

The parties this year will be more like funerals.

If so, I'm making damned sure that they're Irish funerals!!!

[deathmachine]

Well shit... now I'm depressed.

Cancelling guests, friends not coming.

The parties this year will be more like funerals.


Fuck that. Those who can't make it have their reasons. I'm painting the town red.

[Marquis_de_Sass]

Fuck that. Those who can't make it have their reasons. I'm painting the town red.

What shade of red, I need to bring swatches.

[slayerfan1975]

Fuck that. Those who can't make it have their reasons. I'm painting the town red.

I'll be painting my fair share purple! So there :)

[Rovin]

Fuck that. Those who can't make it have their reasons. I'm painting the town red.

Will there be wet paint signs?

[deathmachine]

Marquis - Poppy Red.

Rovin - No signs but I'll have a town cryer advising people not to sit on the red paint.

[Marquis_de_Sass]

Marquis - Poppy Red.

Rovin - No signs but I'll have a town cryer advising people not to sit on the red paint.

Will he be wearing red? If so, he might look like a disembodied head and that would freak smaller children out.

[Vampy Von Pire]

Marquis - Poppy Red.

Rovin - No signs but I'll have a town cryer advising people not to sit on the red paint.

POPPY red? Ugh. At least pick a blue based red.

Well it's a damn shame some of you cool cats can't join us. But I can promise to you that I'll have extra fun on your behalf, sound good? It better. :P

[triefy]

Hey everyone! I might have some good news!

Instead of teasing you, I'll let you know what is happening.

Bad News-My mom got laid off from her job due to another company acquiring hers (Wachovia bought out A.G. Edwards) and they have been laying people off left and right.

However, she is getting her retirement fund. She has offered to pay off my debt, per my negotation to only pay 60%.

My debt will be clear after this. Now, my g/f still doesn't know about this yet. I haven't told her because I just found out about this last night. There is no doubt in my mind that she might not favor towards me still going to Canada. She could basically come back and say that I could be using that money towards a new car, but honestly - that's a bit much. If she says that, I honestly think there might be some other problems other than my financial issues.

What do you guys think?

I want to thank everyone that chimed in before. Now I'm all super giddy, because I might actually make it this year!

[Vampy Von Pire]

What do you guys think?


I think you're coming and that's that. Seriously, consider this a sign, the universe wants you to come.

[Killah Tomater]

I think I'll buy the first round, buddy! This is great news. GREAT news! I hope you take your mother up on her generous offer and come up to Toronto.

[triefy]

I think I'll buy the first round, buddy! This is great news. GREAT news! I hope you take your mother up on her generous offer and come up to Toronto.

I should clear that up. I have talked to the bank I owe the money to and I have negotiated with them to pay 60% of the total amount due, not my mom. My mom is basically footing the bill, because she had a hand in getting me into this financial mess - but that is a longer story. I might be able to talk to the bank down to paying 50%, but it's unlikely. Luckily, I have some negotiation skills under my belt from a previous job, so who knows.

I will let everyone know what is happening soon enough!

[Vez]

I realize that nobody on this forum knows me or even likes me, but if it makes you feel any better i'm not going this year either.

This will be the first time i've ever missed the event.

I am going to Vancouver/Victoria to see family I have never met and to attempt to get a job in TV since I cannot get one in Toronto.

So in saying that, I was curious to know if there are any horror events in BC ranging from August 20-August 30?

Somtimes life gets in the way of living, ya know?!

[Driftwood]

After really looking ovr the guest list etc I REALLY wish I could go now...:cry:

[triefy]

Questions are now finally answered:
I WILL NOT BE ATTENDING THIS YEAR.

I WILL BE AT FoF 2008.

Looking back at this thread after some attention from home, I have said some questionable things.

I don't want it to be a one-sided view, so let it be known that like Dr. Phibes and others have said, she is really just looking ahead for the both of us. I need to take care of my financial status first before I go anywhere.

Also, the California trip she is going on...it is to see family she has never met before, including her biological father. I have been on a emotional roller coaster the past month and I know she has been with me the whole way. I love her and always have. While I have felt bad about the situation, she is right. I need to get stuff straight and make sure that I'm financially secure before I go.

I will be there for 2008. I will have plenty of time to save.

I also don't want her to feel uncomfortable if she comes next year, so I wanted to clear some of that up.

[Mr. Monster]

I support your decision triefy. We'll see you next year.

[Killah Tomater]

QUIT PLAYING WITH MY EMOTIONS!!!

I kid, Andy. Your presence will be missed but I look forward to seeing you at FoF '08, if not sooner.

[Tomb Dragomir]

I regret to inform you guys that I will not be attending the FoF this year.
xo

We'll miss you GG!

[HORRORHOLIC]

This is my first and I hope my last year of missing the Festival Of Fear