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08-13-2010, 05:15 PM
| #1 (permalink) |
| Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mexico City
Posts: 11,168
  |  CGW questions (and getting some obsessions out of my system)
These are some questions (some a bit dumb maybe, others even more so  ) that come to mind now that I'm going to the CGW...  1. How do people normally greet each other? Hugs? Handshakes? Just saying hi? How do you guys do that the first time you meet? And what about when you come back from lunch for example? 2. For the people who went before; how is the sound quality? I cannot hear very well if there is a lot of back ground noise or a big echo in the room... 3. Where is the best place to sit? In front? In the back? In the middle? On one of the sides? 4. Are we allowed to have a snack and/or some water with us in the room? I tend to get hungry while learning new stuff and paying attention 5. How do you pick the people to do exercises with? Just who is sitting next to you? Alphabetically? Does Steve pick them for us? 6. How casual are people dressed? Sweat pants and t-shirts? Jeans? Business suits? Naked? How important is it to be dressed "alike"? 7. How much walking is involved during the workshops? (VERY important question, related to the choice of shoes to take with me... )8. Is it ok to take my husband (who's not going to the CGW) when I'm invited to share lunch or dinner with others? (yeah, ok I get that I can just ask at that moment... but what if they just want to be polite?) 9. Do I need to bring anything? Notebook? Pen? Pencil? Computer? 10. Am I completely exaggerating with these questions? The neurotic, insecure, shy part of my brain thanks you all for allowing these questions to come out into the open. It will go back into its box now, to not come out and play again for a while  |
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08-13-2010, 05:22 PM
| #2 (permalink) |
| Banned Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 22,520
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Do you always plan your dreams out in such detail? What is it you'll really have when you get these questions answered (what is your heart's desire in your asking)? As for question #1, you better prepare your self for some major hugging from me. |
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08-13-2010, 05:32 PM
| #3 (permalink) | |||
| Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mexico City
Posts: 11,168
| Quote:
Although I do plan them in various different ways Quote:
And getting some answers (especially about the shoes. That's important! And the clothes. And the greeting... and ... euh... all the others... ) so I don't have to worry about it anymore?Quote:
Ok... will do. Already thinking, planning, and imagining it So... when you hug... do you hug left side or right side..? (last question just a joke... )
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08-13-2010, 05:35 PM
| #4 (permalink) |
| Master  Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 5,988
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I think you're getting a little stuck in your head about some aspects of this -- it's really quite simple, so no need to even worry about most of it in advance. CGWers are very friendly. But I can answer these for you easily enough, having been to every CGW so far. 1. It depends on your comfort level. Some people seem more comfortable with handshakes at first while others are very huggy. By the second or third day, most people are hugging since there's more of a bond. We see a lot of hugs goodbye at the end. After lunch or a break, I think most people just walk up and talk to each other. 2. We'll be using the hotel sound system with an audio tech. For the last CGW we didn't need it. Our sound setup this time will be the same as with CGW #2 or #3. That seems to work well. We use hand mikes for people who participate, so you shouldn't have trouble hearing everything regardless of where you sit. Our ballroom is in the back corner of the hotel on the second floor, so it's far from the casino noise. We're in a fairly private but spacious location. 3. Sit wherever you want. It's been said though that people who sit front and center learn and retain the most. We're not in a huge stadium or anything, so any seat is a good one. 4. Sure, bring snacks if you'd like. The hotel provides free water service for everyone (5-gallon jugs with a dispenser). We never go more than about 90 minutes without a break. There are plenty of restaurants and snack places downstairs and elsewhere. 5. Getting into small groups or with partners is basically managed chaos. You can just pick someone at random. We encourage people to use different partners each time, so you can work with many different people throughout the weekend and gain a variety of new perspectives. Anyone who needs help finding a partner is instructed to go to the back of the room and raise their hand, and our staff helpers will help you partner with someone. It only takes a minute or two to get everyone partnered up. 6. Dress in whatever way you feel comfortable with. It would be rare to see someone wearing a suit. Nice casual or even very casual is fine. People wear jeans and t-shirts often. You may not want to wear shorts though because it can get cold in the hotel/casino with the A/C. 7. Not very much walking at all for the workshop itself, but people often walk a ways to hit certain restaurants together, so it's good to wear comfy shoes if you want to go out. The Vegas Strip is very much a walking city. 8. Sure, that's totally up to you. He can meet you at the room if he likes. 9. Everything is provided, including pens. You could show up naked if you wanted. 10. Yes, you do sound rather socially paranoid, neurotic, and insecure. But I'm sure a dozen other people want to know the same things anyway. |
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08-13-2010, 05:44 PM
| #5 (permalink) | ||
| Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mexico City
Posts: 11,168
| Quote:
Quote:
Thought I'd let it loose for this once | ||
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08-13-2010, 05:46 PM
| #6 (permalink) |
| Banned Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 22,520
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Ok, I've never been, but here are my answers: 1. I'm an upside-down hugger. I'll hug you both ways, first left arm up, then withdraw, then right arm up. It brings hearts closer. Some people may shake your hand. Some people may not be ready to engage with you at all, or only perfunctorily. It doesn't mean anything about you. If you feel bad about it, I'll hug you for them, and so will a bunch of other people, I bet. 2. Don't know, but I think you'll be free to move around and find a spot from which you can hear well, or tell Steve or Erin if there's an issue. 3. see #2. 4. I plan to have lots of water on hand, and also snacks to eat OUTSIDE the room. I don't enjoy hearing the sounds of wrappers and munching during a seminar, so I don't plan to perpetrate it on others. 5. I don't know, but it will be fun to find out. I'm looking forward to the surprise. 6. Layers -- those rooms get very chilly from the a/c, but Vegas is warm (check weather for that time of year). 7. Comfortable shoes for me. I enjoy the freedom to break into a run at any moment. 8. I think the participants would welcome your husband, but your husband may need a little special attention from you, as he may feel a bit left out of the intimate feelings there. LOL-man may be there, as well, (not at CGW but with me in Vegas) and they seem like they're cut of similar cloth. 9. An adventurous spirit, a willingness to be at cause in the matter of the results you get, and gifts for me! 10. 47! Last edited by Angela; 08-13-2010 at 05:49 PM. |
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08-13-2010, 05:50 PM
| #7 (permalink) | |
| Banned Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 12,690
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08-13-2010, 05:54 PM
| #10 (permalink) | |
| Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mexico City
Posts: 11,168
| Quote:
As long as you don't want him to talk much, eat a lot, and maybe play some video games together? (he's an engineer as well btw. Industrial Engineer to be specific). | |
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08-13-2010, 05:57 PM
| #11 (permalink) | ||
| Banned Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 12,690
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I could take LOL-man and ssandra's husband to see some showgirls. Talk about conscious growth! Quote:
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08-13-2010, 05:59 PM
| #12 (permalink) | |
| Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mexico City
Posts: 11,168
| Quote:
 He's playing Red Dead Redemption now, and online he mainly plays Modern Warfare 2.... | |
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08-13-2010, 06:23 PM
| #13 (permalink) | |
| Banned Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 12,690
| Quote:
 This morning I woke up realizing what that weekend is...what it REALLY is.... October 30th is the anniversary of the day my ex-wife left me. I'd love to reprogram that day to be the day I went to Vegas. (or rather, the weekend I went to Vegas) I got some stuff to work out (inside) to figure out what feels most like a win though in that regard. (i.e. going to just hang out or going to the workshop itself....I actually, for the first time, read the CGW page today and I was inspired by the idea again) But ya know, the whole wishy-washy thing. It could be that I just like exploring the IDEA of going (as in, thinking about what it would be like to go). I dunno. Vegas was actually on my list of cities to experience this year, though. I did the NYC thing and the LA thing. Vegas just seems like the next logical choice. | |
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08-13-2010, 11:02 PM
| #14 (permalink) |
| Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 326
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I do have a question... Who's going to join my dance posse? Where can I hear some good funk and soul (or even disco in a pinch)? I'd prefer live music, but can handle a DJ. PS-No house/techo/thump thump thump thump thump. |
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08-13-2010, 11:04 PM
| #15 (permalink) | |
| Banned Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 22,520
| Quote:
Any salsa dancers going? | |
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08-13-2010, 11:56 PM
| #18 (permalink) |
| Administrator  Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 4,593
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Ssandra, I didn't find your questions odd at all. I am an over-planner who used to have panic disorder and social anxiety. I have to know what's going to happen before it happens (thus my profession) Anyway, steve answered your questions pretty well. I would concur and agree with all his answers. When getting with partners you will grab someone nearby or just raise your hand until another hand raiser comes to you. When people don't have a partner, they end up with me or Dana or one of our other staff members, which really ain't so bad So no one is ever without a partner and I make sure everyone is happy bappy with that. You can also choose to sit out on an exercise instead of participating. we have people that do that as well.At CGW 3 we set up some tables near the walls and plugs so that people who liked taking notes on their laptops could plug in. we'll probably do that again. Before lunch I usually make an announcement designed to get people together in groups that are going to teh same places. So like, "If you're going to whole foods, meet over there. and if you're going to the buffet, meet over there." You're welcome to go alone and you'll also be easily welcomed into a group. I've never heard of any group refusing someone entry into their clique And yeah, dress comfortably but bring a shawl or jacket or sweater. it can get chilly. A lot of people eat an energy bar or something during the breaks, but people can eat snacks at their tables. I'm a hugger so when you meet me, you can hug me |
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08-14-2010, 03:07 AM
| #19 (permalink) | |
| Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Madison Wisconsin
Posts: 258
| Quote:
I preferred the acoustics in the Flamingo (conference room since CGW2) over the acoustic in the conference room at Harrah's (CGW1). The Flamingo room feels grounded to me. Don't worry--it is far from the casino. I am sensitive to echos in a room full of people because my brain works harder to seek out sounds that I am phobic of (gum chewing). The echo amplifies sounds that are similar to gum chewing such as pen clicking or paper shuffling and the OCD in me is checking whether or not people are chewing gum or if I am "safe" because it is a different sound. I am providing you with this level of detail to assure you that if there was an echo problem I would have noticed it and also because you invited me to share my crazy concerns. While the conference room was great--there were times--I believe it was during CGW2 that Steve's microphone was making clicky sounds. I remember mentioning something to the sound guy about it and I don't think it was a problem during CGW3. I always bring my ear plugs with me just in case and I think I was using them for a while during CGW1. You can often dampen certain distracting noises and still be able to hear Steve and other people talking by using ear plugs strategically.Also I have moved all over the room to position myself to stay away from people chewing gum and I have also made dozens of requests for people not to chew gum around me. At CGW1 people made fun of me but by CGW2 and CGW3 people saw that it is really painful for me and were more respectful of my problem. Bottom line--yes there are other people there who may "sound rather socially paranoid, neurotic, and insecure" but we all make it work. I just have faith that when I get there that I will handle the situation and I feel free to move about and make requests so that I can be more fully present in why I am attending the workshop in the first place. It is actually a treat to be in Vegas with all the loud sounds and bright lights which I love. Although I have a problem that is difficult for people to accept or grasp at times, I assume I am welcome wherever I go. You are not alone and you are not an imposition and neither is your husband! | |
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08-14-2010, 03:29 AM
| #20 (permalink) | |
| Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 326
| Quote:
I'm still on the fence about going, but if I do go I have no problem trying to organize a dance night. However, I'm much rather go to a dive bar with live music/DJ than the huge casino clubs with $30 cover charges and velvet ropes. The dance floor is one area I'm not shy. I have no problem getting the party started | |
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08-14-2010, 03:32 AM
| #21 (permalink) | |
| Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mexico City
Posts: 11,168
| Quote:
Besides... I promised a certain someone that I would dance on a table, if he would join me... | |
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08-15-2010, 05:51 PM
| #23 (permalink) | ||
| Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mexico City
Posts: 11,168
| Quote:
I have it under control most of the time, more and more so now that I am feeling more secure of myself... but it still pops up every now and then. Realizing it and giving in to it takes less energy then trying to ignore it And besides... If I cannot be my true self here (and on the CGW) where could I be? Quote:
I have a hearing problem that doesn't allow me to hear a lot of things if there is a background noise going on. So in a bar or something with a lot of noise or loud background music, I cannot follow a conversation. I'm sure it's partly mental and part physical Hmmm... lets make sure we are not sitting too close together, because I always move my pen and click it and stuff.... without even realizing that I do.. If I'm bothering you with it feel free to throw a crop of paper at my head and I'll stop | ||
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08-15-2010, 05:53 PM
| #24 (permalink) |
| Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mexico City
Posts: 11,168
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I'm going alone, my husband and me decided. We will take another holiday some other time this year where we can be 100% together. This does mean that I'm in the market for a room mate to share a hotel with me.... |
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08-16-2010, 06:43 PM
| #25 (permalink) | |
| Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 6
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Thanks for your comments Mabel and thanks Ssandra for asking the questions. I have the social anxiety and panic disorder as well as a sound sensitivity. Most people don't get the sound sensitivity. It is very painful and can take over. As much as I'd love to sit in the front and really absorb the content of the workshop...I'll probably be sitting in the back with noone behind me so that I can focus on Steve and not on chewing, pens, papers and snack wrappers. As far as the anxiety and panic disorder, I'm hoping to get myself in a mental state of "i'm doing this" so that I don't lock up, shut down and hide. | |
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08-16-2010, 07:04 PM
| #26 (permalink) |
| Banned Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 22,520
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I can help you folks with sound sensitivities! Maybe we could have a ten minute pre-talk about a couple of tools that might give you more freedom during the seminar. I've had sensitivities like that, too -- like the gum-chewing thing and people eating with their mouths open -- and cleared 'em up lickety split.
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08-16-2010, 07:05 PM
| #27 (permalink) | |
| Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mexico City
Posts: 11,168
| Quote:
I think you will do great! If you need someone to talk to, to get out of that mindset, you can always find me... (I'm not sure if that would work, but for me, when I used to have that problem, talking to 1 person one on one, would work to get me back into the mindset of "I can do it" and out of the panic mindset....) | |
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08-16-2010, 07:07 PM
| #28 (permalink) | |
| Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 6
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My wife has been very patient with me and love her dearly for it. At work I wear noise cancelling headphones and play loud music, but I can only do that so long without getting a headache making me even more sensitive. I haven't tried ear plugs yet...but I've started looking into them. | |
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08-16-2010, 07:11 PM
| #29 (permalink) | |
| Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 6
| Quote:
:0) | |
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