FABAIC......so who's going?

Still searching for maybe an extra roomie or 2 thats staying from at least Thursday night: Ok So far its me and Danielasodero (new here) from San Diego. We are staying from Tues-Monday. Let me know if anyone still needs a roomie.

Hey all! I'm going to be putting together the phone # list on Sunday. If you wanna get in on it, put it here or feel free to PM me.

For those who don't know it's so that those of us arriving early can get in touch with one another or share info or whatever...

Also a reminder about the dinner on Thursday. We will be meeting in the hotel lobby at 4:30, wearing green to identify each other, and then going to dinner from there. I think I am almost looking more forward to this than the workshops. lol

hahaha I am excited too...to meet everyone!! And to take classes from the best!! And get painted on!!! And to paint!!And to learn!!! and........

As if this trip and having the opportunity to meet so many of you wasn't totally fabulous and over the top on it's own........... I just got an outstanding and completely unexpected surprise in the mail yesterday.

OK just to preface I think some of you may remember me mentioning some time ago that I adopted my kids. Well there is an organization that grants requests for children. Anyway long story short, months ago my daughter wrote a letter about her being a beginner balloon twister and being able to work with her Mommy and how much she loved it. She told them about the convention and how she wanted to go. This was before I had even let her know that I had made the decision to go.)

Wellllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

I got a check in the mail covering the cost of the registration for the both of us, so we could have a "Mommy and Me" experience as they put it.

OH MY GOSH WHAT A BLESSINGGGGGG, GOD IS GOOD!!!! I was blown away because I had no idea she had done that. She is super excited that they responded to her letter. We are more excited than ever to go now.

The kindness and generosity of people never ceases to amaze me.

[quote="
I got a check in the mail covering the cost of the registration for the both of us, so we could have a "Mommy and Me" experience as they put it."
[/quote]

T - that is just WONDERFUL on so many levels...you BOTH deserve it! Looking forward to seeing you! Jamie

Congratulations T!!!!!! How exciting!!! Look forward to seeing you guys!

There is no way that I can go (or even think about going) this year... But I would like to know for ya'll - how much does one really need for FABAIC? Honestly what would be your best estimate so I can begin planning for next year.

it can be up to a $1,000 depending on how you will be getting there and how many people/room plus food and registration not including extra perks while youre there (buying stuff). I suggest you do a monthly installment with sillyfarm. Thats how I was able to do it (hotel and registration). I suggest buying the plane ticket as early as possible. I could have saved $100 if i did, but i didnt have the $ to do so (i love you return tax $$)

Flights need to be booked outside of the 8 week time frame of your date of departure to get the best price. Once you get to 8 weeks then 7 then 6 and so on, the prices will continue to escalate.

You might not think a week could make that much of a difference, but just to give and example:

My tickets I purchased were $208.00 at the 9 week mark. About a week and a half later those same tickets were $289.00

Yup, can be pricey....
Travel fees (from out of state) $250 + (daily parking fee at hotel)
Rooming ($99 + taxes and fees - PER Night) if you stay at designated hotel (possibly cheaper if you stay elsewhere or get roomies).
Convention registration fees (daily or pkg deal)
Meals (for x # of days)
$ for Vendor room shopping
$ for drinks and entertainment (local attractions)
$ for misc (forgot to bring items/gift shop goodies, etc)
It adds up quickly!

Tamara,

That's so awesome!!!!!! I can't wait to meet/stay with you and your wonderful daughter.

I've just made the hard decission that I'm not going
This is just not a season I can plunk down that much $. Once hubby is working full time teaching, I'll pic a con & go.
I'll miss ya'll a ton!

Oh Linda, I wish there was some way to make this possible for you even if for just one day, it just won't be the same without you there.

Psalmbook wrote:I've just made the hard decission that I'm not going
This is just not a season I can plunk down that much $. Once hubby is working full time teaching, I'll pic a con & go.
I'll miss ya'll a ton!

Is it around a 2 hour drive for you? Is there any way you can at least come up for the 4:30 dinner on Thurs and the Mad Hatter that evening?

That's it. I need to figure out how to teach ya'll to get art funding.

Linda, So sad you won't be there you are very talented. I was looking forward to meeting you. I understand and it was a tough decision I am sure. We will miss you.

"ears perk up"

I'd like to know how to get art funding?????

I''m with Changing....

*sits up straighter*
Art funding?

Wow Changing!!! That is an amazing blessing!!!! I love hearing things work out!!!!

Listening for the art funding... lol... I can't come either... I can barely afford my paints and stuff let alone $$ to go to FABIAC... I am striving to go next year!!! I have been dreaming of going for a very long time, but still haven't been able to...

Here's to seeing you all next year!!!

LOL, I'll see what I can do but the hubby needs to be in agreement w/ me to go for a day 1st...
I'm definitely interested in the Art Funding part. Maybe I can go to one of the other cons on art funding!

I so wish I was able to go, but can't justify the cost right now! It's so much fun, I hope everyone going has a great time

I'm trying to figure out how to convince con organizers to let me explain how to get things like grants that are meant for art funding. I became a certified grant writer years ago and have used them to pay for things from photo shoots to convention travel. Even Sean Avram has said he would take the ws which I was surprised by but so far, no bites.

To write it all out sounds really confusing. I've tried. (Sorry Linda! lol)

If Linda and Paintedyou stay in my room, its only about $25/night! Still lookind for a 3rd and 4th if possible

I'll only be going Thursday for most of the Daytime... Couldnt afford the whole trip, and I'm also squeezing in 4 days at disney with my hub that week as well.
*sigh*

I'm still looking for a place to stay.. I cant really afford much more than $25 a day...I'm perfectly fine with rollaway or even just the floor...

Tracy, BluAngL83 is looking for more room mates to split it down cheaper. You two might want to PM one another.