Christmas Season TFP Meetup in Toronto?
 

Is anybody up for a TFP Meeting in Toronto between the 28th of December and January 5th. Just got my flight home from the Rock and I've got a couple of weeks with nothing major to do.

I'm definitely up for a meeting!

checking fundage now

Yes!! I'll be around. Back from Kingston on the 28th or 29th...back to work on the 2nd...so even after work begins for me I could meet in the evening.

are you playing in Kingston over Christmas? I'm flying into Kingston at midnight on Christmas Eve (very Santa Claus-like) to spend Christmas at my sister's house, on account of my mom cancelled Christmas at her house.

Oh Why do you have to torment me ... I'm driving up to Rochester that week... wouldn't make it into Rochester until the 5th or 6th of Jan depending on weather.

I'm always up for lunch during the week and given enough notice, usually free in the evenings

Fuck yeah.

TFP secret Santa anyone? :lol:

I don't think anyone should be allowed to get together anywhere near Toronto or Rochester until you all get your sexy behinds to Chicago.

Sadly, We won't be able to make such a trip as we are already traveling over the holidays. Though I do look forward to making it up that way sometime in the near future.

Nah. My parents live in Kingston (slim pickins' for gigs in Kingston anyway).

Chicago? I'll give you a call the next time my ship is in the Calumet River. That's as close as I get to downtown.

I am pretty sure I can make something during that time frame... I just need a bit of advance warning on the actual date.

That would be awesome...

Now we just need to settle on a date and confirm who's going to be there...

What we need is to settle on a place, so I can start figuring out how to get there. I'm usually pretty good in TO, but I'll be coming in by GO Train, and while I can get from Union Station to the Queen Mum, the Eaton's Center, or Lovecraft, that's about it. I'll be in Cobourg from about New Years until the 6th. That week might be best as it's just outside of the holiday madness.
How would we go about a TFP Secret Santa?

Where are you coming from Lucifer? I'll be taking GO in from Brampton. (Georgetown line) and perhaps we could meet up. I know my way around pretty well for the most part.

Well.. if I can't make it ... I can be Santa :D ... if we did it that way, I'd need a PM from each person planning to attend, and then would PM each of you your Secret Santa. This could also be done by any willing neutral third party.

I was going to suggest that we all just spend X amount on a gift and show up. We put numbers in a hat and we draw to see who gets to pick first. Then the second person gets to either pick from the pile or "steal" a gift from someone who has already picked...

But Amonkie's idea works too...

White elephants are fun ... might be the best way to go considering people may not know what to get their SS, and having to make everyone come up with a list can get somewhat messy.

If it was Saturday the 7th or onward... i'd 99.999% probably be able to join ya.

no go on the 7th, I'll be winging my way back to the Rock for classes on the 9th.

Figured as much from the specific window you gave ... *monkie turns green*

A white elephant would be awesome.

So we just need a date... anything in the time period provided (other than newyear's eve after 3:00 in the afternoon or newyear's day before 3:00 in the afternoon) is good with me.

What about everyone else?

The only difficult days for me in there are the 28th and the 2nd. As for the white elephant; something small right?

To include Lucifer it has to fall sometime between the 28th and the 5th.

The best times for me are between Christmas and New Year's Day (as I am off work and so is my wife). I would say that the best days for me are:

December 29th or 30th.

Either of those days is great.

(I love that so many of the people from Toronto are online right now)

Let's make it on the 30th then, that'll give me the week after christmastime to spend at my sisters in Kingston. How does that sound with everyone?

Including myself, haha

I'm good pretty much any day. And if i'm not, i'll make myself free.

What is this white elephant you speak of? Sounds pricy

The 30th is good for me.

Where and when?

everyone buys a generic small gift, wraps it in white paper and exchanges it with someone else.

It would be good if we could go somewhere that's not too far (i.e. three blocks?) from a subway stop.

I would prefer a midday meeting, as I can be more relaxed with which bus/train I catch back home.

midday on the 30th it is then. C'mon you Toronto TFP'ers, suggest a spot. Something classier than McDonalds, but somewhere central where we can meet for a bite, some brew, and shoot the shit with our fellow members

...processing...processing...

Well, do we want to go to a pub/bar or out for a meal, or what?

If it's midday, then I'll need to eat.

For a pub suggestion, how about the Duke of York, located steps from the St. George Subway stop. It's at 39 Prince Arthur Ave, one short block north of Bloor.

http://york.thedukepubs.ca

Duke of York is good. I've actually been there a couple of times.

Any objections?

Subway access and centrally located... can't go wrong. Might even go catch a film after... What time are we thinking? 1 or 2?

Duke of York sounds good. It's a little pricey (after tax and tip you're looking at about $8 for one pint), but I'll be eating my lunch at home before coming. Just a heads up to those who are monetarily challenged.

Having said that, you can't beat that location and atmosphere. I am in and am writing it down in my book.

1:30 would be best for me, I think.

Lovecraft. Now that's a place from the mist of my past. goddam, I haven't thought of that place for so long... It sounds like a good source for the TFP secret santa gifts!


The Bedford Ballroom is a pretty good place, in the same general neighbourhood, and cheaper. That's where I meet with my old Queen's roomies on a semi monthly basis... But I'll see if I can make the Duke (tentative)

A visit downtown for a TFP pub chat session would be a good way to spend part of my New Years Eve Weekend. I was out of town doing the kid thing the last time there was one of these and regret not making it in. White Elephant works for me :)

Once I looked at the website, I knew where it was. I used to go there for lunch with a friend who was at U of T Music. Sure, then Duke of York it is. 1:30 sounds good and a movie after, Charlatan? The hits just keep on coming! Do we need a Reservation?

A table for larger than 5 or 6 would probably need a reservation. We can leave that until the date is closer and we have a better idea who's going to make it.

I already know what I'm going to eat!

spotted dick?

i would not mind coming

Please do blar! It would be nice to see you.

I'd have to check my schedule but if I can make it I'd love to join in the fun.

I know this isn't what the thread is about, but I just have to say I'm jealous! It's a 5 hr. + drive from my current location, and therefore way out of the question, but I do hope you all have fun!! :) Happy Holidays!

Pish posh, 5 hours is nothing to come see us Torontonians! :D

Fast ferry has stopped for the season (freakin' five weeks early)....Im a no show...sorry

I totally agree with you Siege, but it's my pocket book and babysitters list that are having issues...take it up with them!! hehe I would love to make to it meet any of you wonderful folks. One day...at least until then I have something to dream about! ;)

I'm flying in from Newfoundland...what's your excuse?

Anybody up for going to see "Brokeback Mountain" after lunch? I really want to see this, but it seems to be playing in just 3 theatres in Canada, Toronto, Halifax and Ottawa.

WHAT THE!!


you guys are in town?


Oh and I will not be there...I got my winter rat out and it just makes it to work and back...going to Toronto is to much trouble, I don't feel like replaceing the fan belt 3 times in the winter! and paying 100 dollars in gas for a 1 way trip:(, I will make one of these meet ups...but its gotta be summer!

Alrighty, I noticed that there was no price listing for the white elephant. And seeing as how there are few days left, I assume not going to happen?

And anybody know how to get there by TTC?

How about somewhere in the neighbourhood of $15-20? how does that sound? I was just going to get a gift certificate from Chapters or Lovecraft.

Here is a link to the Google Map for the restaurant:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=39+Pri...&iwloc=A&hl=en

TTC: Get off at St. George and exit via Bedford Road. Go north on Beford to Prince Arthur.

Okay, this is the week! I volunteer to call the Duke on Thursday, to make a reservation once we know the count.

As for the White elephant, I'm up for it, but feeling a bit broke now, so a limit under $20 is good for me.

Just chiming in to add my name to the "fer sure" list. See you all at 1:30 on Friday, Duke of York?

I'm in, just need to know how much we're spending so I can scramble to the mall :)

Oh, and who in the world has white wrapping paper? I seem to have every colour BUT white... :(

I think the paper doesn't really matter Siege. At least, whatever I get will not be in white paper! :)

I'm all for the absolutely-no-more-than-$20.00 limit as well. I'm very broke. :)

Duke of York at 1:30, sounds good!

So, looks like we have agreed on $20 as a general upper bound/goal?

*Runs off to the mall*

i got the pm from cellophane.. looks like it will be tough for me to make this on friday, so don't count on me... (sorry)

At this point I am still in.

I have a suspicion that my wife is planning something for the weekend... I think she is planning a little getaway for the two of us. There have been little hints around the house, a message from a car rental agency and no plans for new year's eve (usually made by now).

If she springs it on me and says we are leaving on Friday I am out... if I am just imagining things and getting my hopes up then I will definately be there.

I will be at Fairview Mall today so I will load up on a gift just to be safe.

I'm going to call around 4pm today, and here's the list I'm working from:

Fer Sure:
Cellophanedeity
Simon
Lucifer
Aberkok
Siege
blar
fresnelly
Kramus

Maybe:
M0rpheus
Charlatan

Bummed:
amonkie
Tecoyah
Leto
Pain Train
Hash_browns

Let me know if your status has changed by then. :thumbsup:

I'm still going for sure, however, I will not be able to stay long. I'm having an early dinner with one of my friends around 5-6pm.

*Still Bummed * :( Have fun guys!! :)

Reservation has been made:

Place: Duke of York Pub - 39 Prince Arthur Ave.

Date: Friday, December 30th, 2005
Time: 1:30pm

Table under the name "TFP"

Be there, or be hungry. :D

Excellent!

I'll see you there! :D

I'm in... my wife was planning for next weekend.

Still not sure about making it for a movie after; I will have to see tomorrow.

I was invited and appreciate the thought. However, business is down for the season and with Christmas just being past, I don't think I can afford it.

Sorry, guys. I swear that I will make it to one of these things some day.

Dinner has changed to breakfast, so if anything, i'll be late. But at least I can stick around longer.

Sorry about not getting back about this. I've been kinda crazy busy this week and havent even had a chance to log in to TFP. Seeing as how it is now almost 5pm I hope lunch went well. Next time I guess.

So we all met for lunch yesterday and I think it's pretty safe to say we all had a good time... I know I did.

I've posted some shots in my Phone thread here: http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthr...58#post1970558

It was great to meet Lucifer, Simon and Madly for the first time and to meet everyone else again. I hope you all have a Happy New Year's eve!

See you all in the new year.

Yeah it was a fun time. Proving once again that the Toronto chapter of the TFP is much better than anywhere else. Although I will say that I feel lucky not to have been shot on the way there.

It was great to see everyone and I hope I don't have to wait another 6 months to do it again. Fresnelly and Madly, it was great to meet you for the first time. To the rest of you...once again I felt at ease among such like-minded individuals.

Charlatan, now that I know where you live you'll be seeing much more of me... (muhahahah!). Actually, with Cellophanedeity's gift of mucho chocolates, I expect everyone'll be seeing more of me.

Sorry to miss you, and just by minutes too. I popped in at 1:20 (approx) between shuttling my oldest son to MacDonald Block for a driver's test, and my middle son to a birthday party. I asked the waiter/host guy to say hi to you all from me, as nobody had arrived yet.

Happy New year to all!

Yeah, Lucifer told me that the waiter told him that you popped in. Pity you couldn't stay. Hopefully next time :)

Photos!
 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_3708.jpg
Madly, Kramus, Aberkok

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_3709.jpg
Siege, Lucifer

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_3710.jpg
Lucifer

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_3711.jpg
Siege opening his white elephant prezzie

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_3712.jpg
Siege with his prezzie: A framed Kramus original! :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_3713.jpg
Kramus and Madly

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_3714.jpg
Charlatan opening his prezzie

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_3715.jpg
Charlatan and his new Guiness Book of World Records

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_3716.jpg
Siege, again

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_3717.jpg
Madly

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_3718.jpg
Aberkok

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_3719.jpg
Charlatan and Fresnelly

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/STA_3706.jpg
Siege and Lucifer. In the background you can see Fresnelly

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/STB_3707.jpg
Lucifer. In the background you can see Kramus walking towards us, Fresnelly, and the side of Aberkok's head.


Simon and I had a great time. It's always nice to see all of you, and it was great meeting Lucifer and Madly in person! :D

It looks like i'm choking on my tongue or something when i opened that gift. What happened there... :confused:

Man, do I need a haircut! :rolleyes:

I really enjoyed the afternoon. It was great to meet new faces and reconnect with old ones. The atmosphere was relaxed and jovial right from the start, and I'd have been happy staying on for dinner.

We'll have to hold another meetup to get us through winter, and tide me over until Rochester. :)

I was so glad to make it that afternoon - it felt real good to walk into the Duke of York and see Charlatan sitting at the bar waiting for TFP'ers to stroll by :thumbsup: It was also special because my friend Madli came along. I enjoyed seeing some familiar faces and got to meet new ones. There is almost a magic for me, having people you have met online sitting around a table enjoying the season together (not to mention the prezzies ;) ).

Since this meetup has taken place and pictures have been posted and it's been about 2 days since there has been a reply in this thread, I'm going to unstick it. Feel free to continue responding, it just doesn't need to be a sticky anymore :)