The Diabetics Take Manhattan.
On Sunday morning, a large group of type 1 diabetics and their loved ones invaded a French restaurant two blocks from Times Square. Although we had to wait a few minutes while the restaurant staff played musical tables, trying to fit in all 14 of us into a space really meant for maybe 12 people, we managed to fit everyone and had a great time getting to know everyone.
For me, there were some new faces to names – namely, Cara, visiting from Tennessee, Brenda and her boyfriend, Frank, a type 2, hailing from mid-Jersey, Amylia, celebrating her birthday in the Big Apple, Chuck, a NYC-native making his diabetes meet-up debut, and Tia, who was visiting her brother. I also met other Type 3s: Jason (Lee Ann’s husband) and Amanda (Cara’s friend).
From the left going clockwise: Frank, Brenda, Erik, Allison (me), Val, Wendy, Tia, Jason, Lee Ann, Chuck, Amylia, Erica, and Cara.
Because our table was so long, it was difficult to catch the conversation around the table. After we made a round of introductions, we ordered our food and got down to business of chatting about diabetes. Down on one end, I overheard conversations about CGMS and other gadgets, while Amylia quizzed me and Erik about how we met. I also got to know Chuck, who was just recently diagnosed with diabetes a couple of years ago. Hopefully others who came to the event will blog about what they chatted about!
Cara, who was our guest of honor (the meet-up was planned specially for Cara’s East Coast birthday trip), had the chance to meet many NYC-area blogger, like Lee Ann and her husband, Jason, and Amylia (who’s not from NYC, but flew in from Wisconsin to also celebrate her birthday) and Erica.
Amylia, Cara and Erica
Jason, Cara and Lee Ann
I also got to show off Erik.
Erik and Allison (me, again)
Have you thought about coming to a diabetes meet-up but are afraid because you’re not a blogger or have quit your blog? Never fear! We even had some defunct bloggers there…
Val, Wendy and Tia
For more pictures, check out the photostream on Flickr.
Up next: Minnesota! If you’re in the Minneapolis area and are part of the online diabetes community in some capacity (whether you’re a blogger, a TuDiabetes member, on Diabetes Daily, a fan of dLife, or just an avid lurker of us crazy diabetes bloggers) you are welcome to come to our meet-up on Sunday, June 14. Please leave your email address in the comments section so I can send you an invite.
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Umm… Frank is T2 (metformin).
Oh, okay! I didn’t know that. Fixed.🙂
Wow! What a great group! Sounds like it was a fun time for all! 🙂
It was, Scott! Almost sounds like we may need to find some time, some place, and some money to have a dBloggers’ convention . If we have to travel, though, I’ll likely *not* be able to splurge on that XO Armagnac…
A conference has been in the works, but unfortunately no one has the time or know-how to put something like that together. It would require sufficient amount of sponsorship and even then, would still probably end up being several hundred (much like the CWD conference is for kids). An organization – with event-planning capabilities – will most likely have to step up before that ever happens.
Looks fun🙂
Can’t wait for the next one.😀
I probably should have checked before I posted my account last night – I gave mine the same title, LOL! Although, I’m not sure if there’s such a thing as too many Muppet references.
Awesome pictures! Although I inadvertently stole your title, I intentionally stole your group shot because it’s a great picture. Was definitely a good time, and I was so happy to see you, Erica and Val – plus meet new people. I couldn’t be happier that my days of being the only T1 I know are far behind me, and the meet-ups are always a great reminder of that.
Thanks again for organizing!
Oh, and that is a great picture of you and Erik – you’re a super cute couple for sure! Looking forward to future opportunities to get to know him since we didn’t really get to talk.
Thanks again for organizing this, Allison. It was great to get together again. If you and Erik want to come upstate for a visit don’t hesitate to get in touch!
And I linked to my software-in-progress site, not my defunct blog, if you want to check it out.
LeeAnn – same title without cheating??? That’s great. We need to photoshop a Muppet into that group shot : )
Late to the game–thanks for posting the photos, Allison. I will get the one of you and Erik off my phone (the sepia toned one) and email it to you. It’s lovely. And t’was lovely meeting you both. Sorry Chuck and I had to dash before a proper goodbye. Hope to meet again in the Big Apple soon!
Ekkk! I just got back home last night, so I totally am just now reading the blog posts. I came to yours first!😀
I had sooooooo much fun and am so glad you thought of this meet up!🙂 I can’t believe I got the chance to meet so many fellow diabetics and some of the bloggers I’ve “known” for so long! I was fantastic.🙂
I hated rushing off, but I’ve made a decision…. less than 48 hours in NYC, is NOT enough. We just couldn’t get everything done! Especially since I was meeting up with all of you guys AND trying to do the whole tourist-y thing. Whew! I was (and am) exhausted!
Next time….at least 3 FULL days are in order….
I’ll be posting later tonight. For now…. off to get ready for work.