To add on to that - I find that invite-only parties are the exception and not the rule with this group. Otherwise I wouldn't have gotten to know any of you, really. Because I've never considered myself the popular type, and I don't actually relish the position of "looking-down-upon" that is sometimes implied by a "popular" descriptor. But I do relish friendships. So I just kept showing up to open events until I got to know people better. And I'm still getting to know people better, and that makes me happy.

I didn't wanna go anyway...

It was also certainly not a swanking in that the LoT crowd was maybe a quarter of the people there.



Just sayin'.

Sometimes I'm invited to a party. Sometimes I didn't even know there was a party. That doesn't make me feel like I'm being snubbed or my friends are dissing me. I don't need to be invited to every event, nor do I need to attend all of them. Lord knows everyone would be sick of me if I did.

As for this particular Halloween party, the owners of the house are a bit cautious when hosting large groups & this one was quite big. I spent more time outside the house than inside simply cause it was too crowded.

It was a fun party but there was no way everyone could attend. Since this was party thrown by Val in her family's house, it was her party, not iSm's. He helped decorate & arrange things but it wasn't up to him to create the guest list. Val didn't want too many unfamiliar faces like the original party in 2003.

This was not some sort of official LoT 'swanking'.
Those are posted on LoT, in public, not through Evite, in private.

Anyway, it was just a party. Not the first, nor the last. Didn't see you this time ? Maybe next time.

I think I've kind of been trying to make a point that EVERYONE gets left out sometimes, though, and we all kind of have to roll with it, because in big groups, not everyone is connecting with each other in exactly the same level. And that's OK, and to be expected.

And to illustrate: I felt like I was missing out on your fun Haunt trips, after seeing pictures on the board. But I was glad you all had fun, and I never brought it up with you because I didn't know you as well, and why would I spoil the good times you had with your closer friends? And now I am very glad that I know the two of you better now and I'm glad to be able to spend time with you on Friday! :)

Actually, it was surprising how little Val had to do with it this time. She was out of the country till a few days before the shindig and was out sick when she finally did come home (but she finally got to visit Euro Disney ... and during Halloween no less!)


Anyway, her parents are way more cool about big parties than she is ... otherwise the hundred person guest list would have also been out of the question.

Last time there were problems from friends inviting friends inviting friends, and before you knew it there were people there whom nobody knew. Val did not take kindly to that.


So I only invited people I trust implicitly.



Also, it just so happens that Isaac and I made up from our most serious falling out, a month earlier than I was going to attempt it ... because I could not imagine having a Haunted Mansion party without him. I'm glad of it. Isaac's a great guy and I will always love him.


Heheh, more than a few of the guests who didn't know him thought he was paid staff ... what with his Jazz Kitchen costume and running the party almost single-handedly. He did not do that to put himself back in my good graces ... but it went a long way toward doing just that.


I was pretty frelling exhausted by the time the party started, and that's why I didn't have as good a time as I might have. Pfft, for the first couple of hours, I couldn't stand to be around that many people and I just stayed outside and got quietly drunk. Heheh.


Anyways, I have a deep appreciation for anyone who helped out with this party, or the set-up, or the aftermath. It was a huge undertaking, and I definitely bit off more than I could chew.

Not that anything went terribly wrong. It seemed to me as if everyone were having a good time. For that, and for all the assistance from many corners, I am very grateful.

Well, thank goodness this isn't school and that we're all adults. ;)

As for pictures and recaps, where is the line drawn then? Should people never post pictures when they hang out with friends anywhere, because not everyone was invited?

I've seen plenty of photos on here of concerts, theme parks, and other outings to which I was never invited. For example, no one called me and asked me to go to Haunt this Friday. So, should I complain if photos are posted and you all talk about your great time?

(And, honestly, I do hope to see the pictures and stories, because I haven't been to Haunt in years, and I'd really love to see what's new. And, I also take joy in seeing my friends having a great time, even if I'm not there.)

So... I ask this:

Should no one ever openly speak of an event or outing that not all of us are invited to?

Or, should we just not look at photos/posts that upset us for whatever personal reason we have?

Sorry, but I will continue to post photos and openly discuss my adventures. And, since this isn't school, and we're adults, I'm obviously not doing it to taunt anyone. It's just like sending a postcard from a vacation. Does it mean the vacationers are only doing to rub it in, or does it mean they're having such a great time and want to share it with those they wish were there?

Now, please pardon me whilst I go spend time with my husband. Maybe we'll even watch a porn tonight. And, just so we don't offend anyone, you're ALL welcome to join us. PM me for the address. However, it's BYOL (bring-your-own-lube). We'll post photos tomorrow. ;)

Thank you. That's very kind.

Everyone, please don't think I'm feeling hurt or slighted, I'm not. I got over that kind of thing years ago. But I can understand and empathize with those who do. It can be hard to think you are part of "the crowd", only to find out you are only hanging on at the fringes. Goddess knows, I've been there!

I perfectly understand Steve's position. But at the same time I understand the hurt of those who weren't invited. And (if I may be very blunt amongst friends) starting a thread about the party, under the circumstances, wasn't the most tactful thing to do. But I know it wasn't done with malice.


Anyway... Love the pictures!


And Steve... I have a stunning costume that would have been perfect for the theme. But since I wasn't invited, you may never get to see it. So there! :p

As for Haunt anyone is invited to go. Matt and i love to take others (Halloween night with Heidi and Tom in tow) They haven't been to Haunt so this is a first. It's funner in a big group. Two years ago Not Afraid and Chris joined us and it was a blast. So it's not like we diss anyone out. The more the merrier. We want those who can go to join us. And we went 5 times this year. The most i've ever gone. I'm uploading my videos onto YouTube.

I wish I lived closer!! I love reading and seeing pictures of stuff I couldn't attend. Please don't stop. Not everyone will be invited, so move on and hopefully you will make the guest list next year.