Hopefully The First of Many Epi Days- Santa Monica/Los Angeles Jul 15 '07    Write an essay on this topic. Tweet The Bottom Line Everyone should attend Epi Day or a Meet & Greet in their area, or freeway close! Initially I was a tad sad that we wouldn't be experiencing another Meet & Greet like the one we enjoyed in May of 2004 in Orange County, California. We had a really good turnout that day, free drinks/appetizers at a nice restaurant (Dave & Buster's). But I wanted to keep an open mind, and have tried to support epinions in any way I can, in the 7 years I've been involved with the site. It was decided to meet at a local park as it would be easier for the people attending with young children. Though it wasn't my top choice I wanted to see the people I'd met in the past, and perhaps to meet new friends. We decided to meet at Clover Park in Santa Monica. It was a very nice day in the 80's, not too humid, not too dry. Actually it was purrfect! There is ample parking there, so no parking lot or street headaches, no bums, no jerks, a nice playground for the kids, plenty of grass for the epinions' members- the green kind you mow:) I had heard that Garrett would be attending along with his family so that was exciting! People in attendance were Jessica (joyfulgirl91) and her darling little girl, Gaelkm and her son, Garrett also, and his friend, Cody, Mark (carstairs38), Petra (ummmmmmmm, Petra), Jordan & his wife Karen (jordango), Garrett, Carol, Jesus, and their great kids, and of course, me. We ordered food from The Counter down the street. Sure there was a McDonalds a couple of blocks away, but The Counter is more unique, the food much tastier and healthier. They have excellent create-your-own burgers. Garrett also got delicious sweet potato fries as well as regular fries. There was a cooler full of bottled water, soft drinks, etc. Everyone was warm and friendly. It actually was more enjoyable, for me anyway, than the previous Meet & Greet because this was more relaxed and intimate. We got to know each other, share epinions stories. I had mentally allotted an hour and a half that I would stay and then go home and walk my dogs. As it turned out it was difficult leaving after almost 4 hours. It was a great group of people and a terrific time. Anyway, I think a really good time was had by all, and I am hopeful we can do this each year, and have more and more people attend. Thanks to Garrett and his family for travelling down from Northern California, Gaelkm for travelling down from Santa Barbara, California, Jessica & Gael for organizing, *Jordan and Karen, & Petra for driving west from Pasadena area. Thanks to Garrett for the delicious food and drinks and all of his thoughtfulness. If you live in or near Los Angeles and want to be included for next year, please feel free to email me, and we'll ensure we contact you so you don't miss out. Kristinafh, thought we would finally meet. . . next year, perhaps? bonniesayers, maybe we can meet closer to you next year if it isn't too hot. . . http://www.epinions.com/content_146215964292 The Counter *On a side note, for fellow doglovers, Karen Gold (Jordan Gold's wife) sells a great dog leash (wackywalkers and other products) great for those with shoulder or back pain & they have an on/off switch so they will light up at night for safety. They come in fantastic colors & are recommended by chiropractors- http://www.keepdoggiesafe.com Thanks for reading! Suzi

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