Charas-Project
Off-Topic => All of all! => Topic started by: Zerlina on September 19, 2012, 09:47:36 PM
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It is a definite possibility that our purple, Swedish charasian may be in Toronto this December!
I know there are (or were) a couple of you around Ontario, and possibly some who may want to come into the city for a vacation. Thought I'd put the feelers out there and see who would be interested in taking advantage of this and having a Charas meetup. Depending on how far away people are coming from we can determine the length of the meetup.
For those of you who are geographically challenged, Toronto is here:
(http://www.justtoronto.org/toronto/images/maps/toronto-canada.jpg)
It's quite close to the U.S. Border for any Americans that might want to come in (it's about 2hrs from the Niagra border). It's about a 10hr drive or 1hr flight from Manhattan. Since I know some of you live in nearby states to each other maybe you could do a carpool?
For those in Europe, it is a 6 hr flight from Paris if I remember correctly.
If there's serious interest I'd be willing to try to find deals around the city (have some hookups with some tour companies) for us to do fun things on the cheap.
So who's up for it?
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Not a chance. That's a long drive from Houston, and I don't really have the funds to pull it off, so it's a no-go for me.
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Be sure to take lots of pictures! :D
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Hmmm...Need to think about this. I'll probably be vacationing in Canada this December, but we'll see. I don't do so well when it comes to huge social gatherings. >.>
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Which means that I would be there, too. But we'll indeed see considering I also don't do so well when it comes to huge social gathering...
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Hm... when in December?
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I'd love to do it so much, and it's just the price that would stop me. All the way from England is a bit of a trek... :(
Having said that, I'm not writing it off completely. Depending on how many people are up for it, I might sell a kidney or something.
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Michigan is near there... I might.
Then again, no one likes me.
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I especially don't like you. Thank goodness I won't be there, so I run zero risk of being in-contact with you.
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Michigan is near there... I might.
Then again, no one likes me.
I like you. :(
*Hugs*
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Yeah, sorry, I won't be able to.
Sadly, because otherwise **** yeah.
It's just a bit of a drive from the west coast.
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I'd love to do it so much, and it's just the price that would stop me. All the way from England is a bit of a trek... :(
Also Moose, if it comes down to it, you should follow the googlemaps directions and take a kayak across the ocean. If you set off now, you might reach North America by December. XD
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I'm seriously considering going to this, but I'll need to know the dates far in advance so I can plan when to take my vacation from work. My job requires a 30-day notification and days off around the holidays can often be hard to get because other people snatch them up first. So yeah...if this goes down, I need dates. :P
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Well, the time set for my trip is the 18 november to the 1-2 of december so to speak. I think I mentioned that earlier. And yeah, I doubt it would be a huge social gathering. Feels like we'll only attract those who live near.
I might sound stupid being all European and all. But why are people considering driving to Toronto rather than flying?
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Because airfare costs an arm and a leg. Sure, the gas in your tank is expensive, but driving is still much cheaper than flying.
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I might sound stupid being all European and all. But why are people considering driving to Toronto rather than flying?
MW3 Terminal wave 68 Epic Survival Moments! Strategy by TheRelaxingEnd & ChristianR87 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIvdjzrWhZ4#ws)
XD XD XD
Seriously though, last time my family and I went on vacation something set of their damn alarms. They simply took our bags and tossed everything on the ground. When they didn't find anything they simply turned around and walked away. They didn't even apologize or attempted to put anything back in the bags. _sweat_
This whole thing about getting together does sound like fun, and I'm pretty close (Chicago). But...
(http://i48.tinypic.com/dwqbrq.jpg)
...let's just say I have some mental baggage that makes me not so people friendly these days. XD
If this works out and you plan on having a reunion in a year or two, I'll probably be down for that. :D
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I'm seriously considering going to this, but I'll need to know the dates far in advance so I can plan when to take my vacation from work. My job requires a 30-day notification and days off around the holidays can often be hard to get because other people snatch them up first. So yeah...if this goes down, I need dates. :P
Pretty much this. Though, it's usually easy for me to request days off because I rarely ask. Money will be a huge issue, though I don't much mind the drive. I drove to chicago back in May and actually stopped at Niagra. Coming from Massachusetts, that's a straight shot on I-90 west. Question for all you Americanos, do we need passports to go into Canada? I don't think mine has expired but I'm not sure and I know it can take a long time to actually get it once you buy it.
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Yes. We do. (passport)
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Freddie, flights within North America are incredibly expensive. Also if you have to pass through any American airports (which those in the states certainly have to do), it's an incredibly long process. Canada's pretty bad to depart from, too, but at least from my experiences in New York, Americans get it pretty rough when they fly.
Exact dates are in Freddie's post on p.1 (actually works out to late November). 18 Nov-December 2
And Nat and Cerberus, you guys should come up! You'll be together, and I doubt it will be a huge gathering. Besides, if you find it uncomfortable there's plenty to do in Toronto so you guys could just go sight seeing and enjoy your vacation by yourselves.
For those who are having trouble with cost, maybe you guys could work out a carpool if you're coming from neighbouring states, and split on gas and accomodations?
Speaking as someone who does a lot of sci fi conventions with other poor students, you also can't forget that a 4 person hotel room can TECHNICALLY hold 8 people, and a 2 person room can technically hold 4...
That being said, there are some cheaper hotels than others in Toronto. Googling "Hotels Toronto" will probably give you the more expensive ones.
From just a quick search I found this place which is not bad, especially if you split with someone. Or as the con kids do- multiple people.
http://www.canadianhotelguide.com/ca/Ontario-hotels/Toronto-hotels/Bond_Place_Hotel-hotel.html (http://www.canadianhotelguide.com/ca/Ontario-hotels/Toronto-hotels/Bond_Place_Hotel-hotel.html)
And MIC, you might be surprised. We might all get along great in person.
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Also, the States have this wonderful little TSA thing.
That kind of puts a damper on any flying.
And, unfortunately, I think I'm the only Charasian besides Ben who lives on/near the West Coast.
And he doesn't really live anywhere near me, so...yeah.
This just won't work out for me.
ed: And he doesn't even live NEAR the west coast.
my geography is all fucked up
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Question for all you Americanos, do we need passports to go into Canada?
I bet you need to to get back into the US after crossing the border.
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I bet you need to to get back into the US after crossing the border.
(http://i46.tinypic.com/5dkx9d.jpg)
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Sadly, what green posted is true. The Canadian border police are laidback while the American ones treat you like a criminal right off the bat. It's very unnerving...and it's the main reason why the drive to Canada stresses me out. 7 hours of driving? Sure! That's relaxing. Crossing the border back into the US? Not so much.
Better get started on that passport soon if you don't have one. Even expedited, it takes a couple weeks to receive it.
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In Canada we have a rush passport that takes 3 days- is that an option in the states?
Looking into some geeky things to do for everyone..you guys fans of Scott Pilgrim? I could take you to the places where it takes place :) Most of them are real!
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XD new fave comic and yeag ima look into whether or not i have my passport. I'm pretty sure i gotta renew it. and if so then blaaaaah
Also no we dont have speedy passporta available. too many fbi files and surveillance info ans background checks to sort through in only three days.
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In Canada we have a rush passport that takes 3 days- is that an option in the states?
I don't think you realize just how paranoid this country has become about it's borders. TSA and Homeland Security are just one stepping stone away from being SS DeathSquads. :x
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I don't think you realize just how paranoid this country has become about it's borders. TSA and Homeland Security are just one stepping stone away from being SS DeathSquads. :x
...so should we make this a "Charas MOVE to Toronto" thing instead?
Come to Canada. We have free meds and maple syrup.
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I don't think you realize just how paranoid this country has become about it's borders.
Not only at the borders, man. It's like... in their blood. Natako's a living proof.
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...so should we make this a "Charas MOVE to Toronto" thing instead?
Come to Canada. We have free meds and maple syrup.
im down
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...so should we make this a "Charas MOVE to Toronto" thing instead?
Come to Canada. We have free meds and maple syrup.
If Mitt Romney wins this presidential election I may just very well make a run for the northern border. XD
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What he said, but I think it'd be more likely for me to move to Vancouver.
Closer and whatnot.
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Not to get too off topic, but I remember there were a bunch of protesters holding signs saying if Obamacare got passed they were moving to Canada.
...like...seriously...
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You guys have poutine as well.
[spoiler=And for shigs and gittles...](http://www.harkavagrant.com/history/samsteelesmall.png)
Courtesy of Kate Beaton and her Hark! A Vagrant.[/spoiler]
As for a visit, ist nicht eventuell. I have school during the week, work on the ends...
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Not to get too off topic, but I remember there were a bunch of protesters holding signs saying if Obamacare got passed they were moving to Canada.
...like...seriously...
Those must have been Tea Partierers. (Yeah, A Tea Party, that's a real political thing.) :x
Jon Stewart Makes Fun of Clint Eastwoods Empty Chair Conversation at RNC HD (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDWOduw-Rnc#ws)
Chuck Norris - Warning for America! Make Sure Your Vote Counts! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg14hRntRpg#ws)
This is the pinnacle of American politics in this day and age... we are so screwed! _sweat_
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<3 jon srewart *swoon
anyways ahem. this would probs be the best time for me to make said trip because I'm not in school this semester. also I'd actually like to see canada
but on a serious note how does one move to canada. ive looked at european immigration laws and they are damn strict. how are canadas?
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If you're actually serious, it's not that hard to immigrate from the U.S.
Had a customer in the store the other day who said he got sponsored by a company to work for them. I think there are other things you can do too. I would suggest taking a working vacation first so that you get used to the country and see if it's really a move you want to do.
This is a good website:
http://www.travelcutsus.com/work-abroad/ (http://www.travelcutsus.com/work-abroad/)
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Unless you're trying to immigrate to Quebec. They make you jump through flaming hoops if you're moving there...probably something to do with the Frenchies. >.>
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Yeah, you have to speak French to work in Quebec.
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Yeah, you have to speak French to work in Quebec.
Darn francophones!
Immigration laws are screwed over here in Sweden. We take in a whole bunch of refugees who usually just want a place to stay to avoid death in their chaotic homeland. Usually turns out that the conflict isn't over as quick as they expected it to and they're stuck somewhere without having been arsed to learn that country's language and whatnot. Their kids grow up and the parents have issues with the new contry's school system ect ect.
Immigrants who want to come work here or get a better life on the other hand aren't usually allowed to become residents unless some sort of company vouch for them. So instead of letting people in who actually want to become part of the country - we let in people who just need refuge.
It's a flaw.
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Not entirely true. Most people at my job speak only English. You are more limited, but you can still find jobs.
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In my case, driving is still cheaper, but my car gets 37 miles to the gallon. I can get up to Canada only refilling on gas once, which is much less expensive than bus fare around here. Also, we're not talking about taking a bus around the city, here. The cost rises exponentially when you go further distances.
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Yeah, costs me more than twice what Natako usually pay on gas for the whole bus trip.
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Plus if you two go together you can split on gas. If you take the bus you'll both have to buy tickets.
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The glory days of affordable bus fare are gone...
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Well, over here it's actually worth the extra cost to take a flight. We're not talking big numbers in the difference between a long train/ buss or flight trip. Flight is fastest, then train and then busses. You should get more train to canada,
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We have a lot of trains in Canada- actually our country was formed specifically to build a railroad that would cross the continent. But trains are kind of a luxury here, so riding them is very expensive.
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Hey, don't talk to Zerl like that.
Canada uses the metric system like a normal country.
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We have a lot of trains in Canada- actually our country was formed specifically to build a railroad that would cross the continent. But trains are kind of a luxury here, so riding them is very expensive.
Kinda the complete opposite here.
(http://blog.brillianttrips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/chicago-subway-train.jpg)
Our internal transportation system is vast and affordable. Especially in Chicago and New York. Almost everyone goes to work by train in those two cities.
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We have a Go-Train that's affordable and goes between cities, as well as a subway and light rail system.
In terms of traveling long distances, trains are quite expensive, though.
And, yes, we use the metric system.
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I might be able to get up there during my thanksgiving break. I'll have to look into it.
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Damn, would be so nice to be there... have always dreamed of visiting Canada!
I'm just a little too much slightly incredibly (etc..) far, sigh!
However, about 2 times per year I'm in the States. It could be nice to see if other meetups will be possible, in future.
In the meanwhile, best luck for this one!
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Let us know the next time you're abroad, it'd be awesome to meet you in person.
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Agreed!
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Shortly in October (but with already superbusy schedule). I'll be attending the SGIA show in Las Vegas, Oct 18-20.
Then on March 2013 (surely Las Vegas because I'll have a tradeshow there, with step by in New York OR Chicago OR Tampa area in Florida)
Another one should be October 2013, but that's still too far!
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So just to confirm so far-
Confirmed
Prpl_Mage
Zerlina
Unconfirmed
Natako
Cerberus
AFL
Drenrin
Low Possibility but Possible
Moosetroop
MIC
Also, can someone please kidnap Lucas and bring him from Brazil too?
My recommendation is to convene with others who are coming and work out a hotel situation, since you can save a lot of money by sharing rooms. Unfortunately my apartment is only two rooms including the kitchen so I can only house Freddie :-/ Otherwise I'd totally let you guys stay on the couch. If it's just for a couple nights I might be able to take one more small person on my couch, but it's a small couch.
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On the floor, not in the floor. I mean, unless you can phase through matter, in which case I am ultra-jealous.
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So Freddie is going to be here November 18th-December 1st.
Who all is coming up?
PS: I found a $49 per night hotel near central downtown! Probably not great, but if you are looking to save money, it can be good.
My old suggestion still stands, though- talk to each other and stuff a room if money's tight. I do it at cons all the time, and it's really not bad.
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If I wasn't down in southern California I'd be down.
On another note, what the **** happened to the layout?
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If I wasn't down in southern California I'd be down.
On another note, what the **** happened to the layout?
Yeah we updated the forum and stuff, it was all white and blue facebooky. Ed did a great job restoring the original colours though.
Still a bit wonky but that's to be expected
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Looking improbable for me to do this. Just don't have the cash really, but i will keep you all updated.
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I won't be able to come to this, unfortunately. Too much crap going on right now and I didn't get my vacation request in anyway. Sorry guys, was looking forward to it but it just didn't come together for me.
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That's too bad, but unfortunately we can't always control life.
So there's not gonna be a meetup now will it? Can't find anyone who said they'd come
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Yeah. So it's just us. And maybe Lucas in the floor.
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Where he belongs.
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Ahoy there. I MAY be able to make this. It's less than a four hour drive from me, coming up from Windsor area. I wouldn't need a place to stay either, as I have friends in the area, and could just visit them. However, I can't absolutely confirm this quite yet, due to work reasons. If this is still gonna be happening, I'll look into taking maybe a day or two off of work to come on up.
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Freddie's arriving Sunday and staying til the first. I don't think other charasians are coming up, but if you want to come to Toronto, we might as well all hang out :).
I've asked for evenings and weekends off while he's here, so weekend would be best so we can all hang- otherwise I can join up with you guys after work.
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Ah, I can't take weekends off (working for Domino's Pizza kinda screws that up haha) but I may be able to make a Monday and Tuesday. But since we just got new owners, I can't 100% confirm until probably next week-ish.
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Yeah, my final say is I won't be able to afford the time or money to do this. Sorry guys =\
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Yeah I'm kinda going to Toronto for business so I will most probably be occupied during the day. Evenings and weekends should be dandy though.
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I wish I could meet up with you lot. But I live in not that place.
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And I'm packed and ready to visit the other great north. Won't be as active these two weeks I suppose so take care fellas!
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Have a safe trip!
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the other great north.
Russia: awwww
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Yeah I'm alive and everything. No internet at Zerl's place so I was right when I said I wouldn't be so active. Enjoying my time here, shame you guys couldn't show up.
Laters!
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Rub it in our faces why dont you
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On a side note, am currently looking for something to do tonight, to show Fred some more Canadian culture.
Apparently the big event in the city is the Swedish Christmas Festival.
Go figure.
*continues search*
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That's pretty hilariously appropriate.
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What's prpl like in real life? What's Zerl like in real life? All I can imagine is it being almost impossibly awkward XD
"So hey. Yeahh. Charas."
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What's prpl like in real life? What's Zerl like in real life? All I can imagine is it being almost impossibly awkward XD
"So hey. Yeahh. Charas."
This.
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Sounds about right. Then again, that's basically us online...
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So yeahh...
How about them Charas?
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Basically my favorite local team.
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Good lord we should have a team of something. We could have T-shirts.
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Yeah! On the front, it can have this big-ol' Charas logo of sort, and on the back, it'll just read "So how 'bout them Charas?"
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The only awkward things is that he now knows how much I fail at 2D platforming.
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At least you've played the original Super Mario Bros....
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Who hasn't? only some kind of drenrin would have never...oh...wait...
Also to be fair I only had trouble with Ice King, and Lumpy Space Princess. They just happened to be the only battle Fred watched.
As for what we're like in real life, it's what you'd expect but a little different. For example, Fred has three ears, and I have a tail growing out of my shoulder.
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I'm into tails.
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I'm into shoulders. Let's do this.
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Charas three-way is go?
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Im ignoring you both
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You're just mad because you're not in on the love triangle.
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So yeah, Zerl in real life is awesome. And I'm also awesome. It's like two awesome stuck in the same awesome place.
Best of all, it is more awesome than akward. Yay us!
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What luck!You're not a couple of misanthropes!
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So yeah, Zerl in real life is awesome. And I'm also awesome. It's like two awesome stuck in the same awesome place.
Best of all, it is more awesome than akward. Yay us!
This. :D
Update: Fred has now had poutine. His trip has officially been worth it XD.
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What kind? I say, smoked meat poutine is the best thing!
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So, despite my best efforts, my new boss would not allow me to have any time off. I would have really liked to have been able to meet up.
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Hey guys, so Fred is currently on his way back to Sweden
Couldn't have asked for a better house guest!
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Sounds like a fine adventure for the both of you.
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And I am back home, it was -9 degrees when I landed and lots of snow to greet me.
I had a great time visiting, Would've been awesome if we had all been able to meet up and play some pokemon stadium minigames or something. But that will just have to wait for the future