Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Hey people. Sorry for the delay, but my weekend turned out to be busier than I thought! First things first, here's the link to my temporary fotoblog: Fotoblog!, so you can ogle and drool at the goodness that was Saturday morning. I may even upload the pics to the Kotaraya group if need be. (added later: there's a wiki page already up and running, so have a looksie!).

So where do I begin? Do I start with a comprehensive report-like thing? Do I delve into what went on in my noggin as I was nervously waiting for the meet to start, peering and (tryin) to lurk outside Dome's? Maybe I'll do a bit of everything.. hmmm..

9.30 am
Arrived in KLCC after estimating (correctly) the amount of time needed to wake up, bathe, iron shirt and also get into car to drive from Klang Lama (Johan's) to town. Drive was v. pleasant, even though was constantly checking in mirror to see if no major blemishes appeared on face during intervening time between traffic light change. Went to lower ground floor, where a small amount of time was spent ogling v. long legs of Dior models for launch of new perfume. Of course, said models did not bat eye, since are used to weird guy stares. Bought a paper (in order to look nonchalant) and spent approx. 10 minutes not reading it.

9.40 am
Started to peer in Dome's. Just opening, and preliminary recon did not turn up small female in red tshirt or sunflower. Apprehensive, took refuge near pillar while still pretending to read paper. Walked outside a total of 5 times feigning interest in (mostly empty) tents for AXN Adventure Challenge. Heart rate: 70 bpm. Took 2 pointless photos of said tents.

9.50 am
Decided to walk in and be first, since still did not see anyone remotely resembling Sarini. On the way, noticed chick in black T-shirt working her way to escalators. Filed piece of info away for later usage. Tucked tummy in and walked as purposefully to Dome entrance requesting booking for 15. Was shown in by slightly blurry staff member, and led to little nook. Still apprehensive.

A few minutes before 10
Said chick walked into nook. V. pleasant surprise, and was introduced as being Meesh. Although brain processes still scrambling to remember which blog she belongs to, fortunately struck some vague recollection and managed to exchange pleasantries. Whew! Turns out to be one of a few surprise entries that day. Very good. Less nervous since have someone to talk to.

10 onwards
Bloggers started coming in one by one. Adi, Hani, Racheal, Grace, KaZ, Sarini..among others. Apprehension quickly dissipated as self started to find out that these people were nervous too..not to mention very very cool. Here are some impressions:

Meesh: First fellow blogger I met. Confident, smart, intriguing and well traveled. In a word: cool.

Adi: His deep, thought provoking posts reveal much about his character. Definitely a source of knowledge and one I'm glad to have on our team. Likes jasmine tea, too!

Hani: Well, everyone knows Hani. Do I really need to tell you what she's like? Another smart girl, and I'd hate to ever have to piss her off. In fact, I'd hate to piss ANY one of them off.

Najah: She was there for only a short while..but she oozes confidence and professionalism! Am totally awed!

KaZ: Cool brother techie. Looks like Amir Yussof also! May be hooking up for paintball one of these days.

Sarini: My junior at uni. I threatened to pull up her results if she's not nice to me..mwahahah! Lives in Subang also, and definitely cool.

Aiz: The sifu himself. Warm, friendly, and definitely the best person to be in charge that day.

Prema: She came a bit late, but also a tech-savvy, straight-to-the point person. Word!

Sajen: Quiet, but lethal. Never underestimate the one and only Sajen! Yeah!

Empress: I only started reading her blog a week ago, but now she's also one I quickly added to my blogroll. Her discussion of the bumiputera issue with Aiz and Adi was one I hope I had joined earlier.

Grace and Racheal: Along with Empress, these two were like triplets! And who said techy-, blogging girls can't be hot!

Irene: Finally I meet one of the people who inspire me to write better..and also think. Kudos to Irene for her always reflective posts.

Khalil: What can I say? He's funny, he's cool and he likes to read!

Jennemede: The mother of Raeven appears, and she's one of those warm people you just like.

Maria: I didn't get to talk to her much, but I hope we'll be seeing more of you!

Errrgh..have I forgotten any? I hope not, and if I did, am very very sorry! I wish it was longer. I wish I could have talked to each and everyone of you all at once..but like all good things, the meet came to an end.

It was smashing! And here's hoping that we'll have another one of these days..keep on blogging people! And did I mention our group has Hot Blogger Girls?

Cheers!

Newly added: Hani said some very nice things that made me blush. Ahem.