Have a 43Things Meet in Los Angeles July 27, 2008

I got online in the morning before heading to the convention center to confirm the place, and planned to get back online around noon before heading from San Diego up to LA. Unfortunately the business center at the Marriott was closed for lunch and I wasn’t able to get online to see CropTillDawn’s explanation of why the link she provided said “New Tony’s” instead of “Old Tony’s”. I had tried to use 43Thing’s new message utility to send my cell number to everyone, but the internet service at the hotel wouldn’t open the window for anyone except ToddieM who I had already had an open conversation with. So he was the only one who got my number.

When I arrived at 4:30, I went inside and checked the bar as well as with the host. No one else from 43 was there yet, so I decided it would be best to stand outside wearing my “Squirrels Gone Wild” shirt. I’d seen pictures of everyone except Robio, so I was sure I would recognize them as they approached.

Toddie M and his wife were the first to arrive, and then DanT1999 showed up a little bit later. At one point a woman resembling CropTillDawn walked by us and I asked “Dawn?” and she said “no” and kept walking. There was a tall guy who lingered for a moment too, but not knowing what Rob looks like I didn’t know if I should ask him if it was him or not.

After waiting until 5:20, we finally went in and were seated. It was great getting to know the two of them in person, and as they both have noted elsewhere, they are very much the people they come across on here. If I’m ever in the LA area again, I would love to get together with Toddie and DanT again.

My biggest regret though was not connecting with Robio and Dawn. I’ve been a fan of Rob’s for as long as I’ve been on 43Things. He was one of the people I subscribed to during that first year, and I was thrilled to make the credits of his one movie from having donated to it. CropTillDawn and I have cheered each other off and on, and joined each other on different goals as well. I really had hoped to talk to her about her son, as I have such empathy for her.

I will definitely look both of these 43ers up if I ever get back to the LA area again.

I met Todd Schoonover along his friend Bob from Erie, PA (the movie buff) and ToddieM and his wife at Tony’s Fish Market on the Redondo Beach pier at just before 5 PM late Sunday afternoon. It was a pleasant day at the beach, and the general atmosphere was alive with the summer crowd. The five of us spent some time getting acquainted and waiting a while in front of the restaurant for CropTillDawn and Robio, the other expected guests, before going in and being seated at a window-side table with a great view of the beach and the pier. Due to an unfortunate gap in communication, we never ended up getting together with Dawn or Rob, who incidentally had their own separate meet-up at the same location, which Dawn had recommended (thank you for such a great suggestion, Dawn!).

This was a seafood restaurant, so obviously we all ordered seafood of some sort, and I thought the food was pretty good (although ToddieM did complain about the taste of his chowder). Over dinner, we talked about a surprisingly diverse set of topics ranging from exercise, to movies, to global warming, to earthquakes and to fish that eat away dead skin from people’s feet. Of course, I was one of the more quiet ones around the table, but I did enjoy the conversation. It’s interesting the way people are quite like the way they write, or at least I found that to be the case on this occasion. Also, during the meet-up Todd had me and ToddieM add our signitures to 43 postcards he was sending to 43 users on 43 Things. I recognized some but not all of the names.

ToddieM commented, and I concur, that Todd is just as warm and generous in person as he seems to be online. Todd even picked up the entire tab for dinner for all five of us (thanks again, Todd!). The meet-up ended around 7PM as Todd and his friend had to go to the airport for their flight which was to depart a little after 9PM. I ended up lingering around the pier a while before I went home since I hadn’t been to this place for a long time, and it was just kind of nice being out around all the people having fun at the beach.

I’m happy I had the chance to meet four such easy-going, engaging, and above all interesting people!

Rob and had a very nice time getting to know each other.

I’m looking forward to going to his film premiere and seeing his other films as well.

We both like the same drink, cranberry juice and vodka.(aka Cape Cod) YUM

I probably need to go to different places anyway. I can add Redondo Beach to my list at 43P.
I’ll be there are the suggested time.
Old Tony’s it is…

Old Tony’s upstairs in the bar with the great views.
We can walk around or stay there and hang out and have dinner downstairs. Whatever.
LAX is not too far away so Redondo will work out better for Todd.
_{sorry Toddie} Head out to the beach, it’s supposed to be 72 degrees tomorrow.

ToddieM suggested Claim Jumper’s in Brea. CropTillDawn suggested Old Tony’s on Redondo Beach Pier. I’m open to either one. Robio or DanT1999, do you have a preference for one or the other?

I’ll check my email one last time at noonish to learn the final location.

have we decided on a location for the meet?

Old Tony’s on the Redondo Beach Pier.
Live entertainment

Santa Monica Pier
Pacific Park, Arcade, Carousel, Ocean front walk

can’t wait to actually meet some 43Ters in person!

I do bite, but there are known vaccines.
I recommend going to Claim Jumper’s in Brea.
It’s where I met my second 43Ter (the great R8), so it has good vibes for me.
It’s in the Northern part of the Brea Mall.
How does that sit with our two known participants?