Bash 2003 Reports Page 3

Third-time Basher Bill Frazee:

In a word, AWESOME. A weekend that was so wonderful but altogether too short. My weekend was crammed into two days from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. Arrived at Tampa International Airport around 12:30PM. Found transportation from the airport to Hilton St Petersburg, arrived there around 2PM.

Had to wait before checking in as I was early. While waiting, Corey Pavitt pulled up in front of the hotel. I went out to greet him. We waited a few minutes then checked again at the front desk. They allowed us to check in. We went to our respective rooms and agreed to meet downstairs around 3:30PM. We drove to Lifestyles Gym. We were among the first to arrive as we didn't see any familiar faces. Shortly however, familiar faces started showing up and within a short time we had a large contingent of IOLers on hand. Shaking of hands and hugs were the order of the day with both IOLers from Bash 01 & 02 as well as newbies at 03. Most of those present got in a workout. I didn't as I was traveling light plus I was tired.

After a good workout we went to Toojays for dinner. Spent a pleasant evening catching up with some and getting to know some of the new people. Later that night some of us went to see HULK. Turned out to be better than I thought it would be. After that I was ready to turn in as I had been up since 4:30AM.

Saturday morning came early. Got up, showered shaved and got dressed Met Corey for breakfast. Later Corey, Maggie and I met and we drove out to Desoto Island for the seminar with Dave & Tom and 3 1/2 hours of information and motivation about health fitness nutrition and lifting. Thanks to them to take the time to share with us.

Thanks to everyone who had a hand in the planning, arranging, coordinating and presenting of the weekend activities. And thanks for everyone who came. It takes all these components to make the bash the success it is. I for one am looking forward to next year. Lord willing, I will be there. I hope you will be there too. Bill Frazee

Rockin on the spot:

I’m not going to bore you with all the details. The previous reports gave you all details already. I will say that the Blond Bomber is still larger than life. Like meeting a Super Hero for REAL! He's still in incredible shape, in fact better shape than last year! His biceps are unreal! Still alot better than mine are. (Comparing myself to Dave is a high standard to live up to.) But it makes you strive for excellence, this what the Blond Bomber has done for me! His patience is boundless, even with newbies! Laree is great as well taking time to setup all the events and dinners and never seems to tire. She always has a smile for you and friendly words, like she has known you all of her life. Everyone should have an attitude like hers, the world would be a better place. If you haven't gone to a Bash yet you are cheating yourself out of a great experience! Rockin Ken Kay

Tossed in by Laree:

What happens -- and this is more for the folks who join in the activities as early as possible rather than waiting until Saturday, I think, so let this be a lesson to those of you planning on 04 -- is a group of people who don't know each other are thrown together in an unfamiliar setting. This causes us to settle in to camaraderie real fast. The first few minutes at the gym are a little awkward as people stand around, not knowing anyone, but even that was diminished this year since there were people returning who knew each other and knew they wanted to be outgoing, meet people quickly and jumpstart the friendships eagerly. Within 5-10 minutes, the come-along workout partnerships have splintered off and we're rolling.

Then, over the weekend as we split up to head out to our rooms, people leave with a "let's meet at xyz for breakfast, back here for a morning workout, at the movies at 9" and we become each others' new best friends. Sometimes it's people who write to each other off-list and already "know" each other; sometimes it's people you click with unexpectedly. Like, did y'all expect Rockin (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) to be the class clown? Yep. He is.

By Sunday, people start heading off for planes and highways leading home. The stragglers pull together stronger than ever, and most of us tear up a little as we say goodbye after an impromptu Sunday dinner.

Then we get home to reality Monday or Tuesday and know we need to try to put this into words. The words we come up with don't nearly cover the emotion, so we go back to unpacking and hope to do a better job on the next try. Laree

Jeannie chimes in:

You are so right!!!

It's amazing how the groups form, but they do. One minute you're standing there, uneasy around new people, thoughts rolling around in your head - will they like me? do I look fat? how's my hair? wish I wore something different. And the next, you have met other people that you share so much in common with, no matter what the age, and have forged new and renewed old friendships. NICE!

Anyway, many, many thanks to you, Dave, Tom, Len ... and everyone else who helped make this another success. Best regards, Jean

From Bob B:

Thank you so much for the Florida Bomber Bash. I will treasure the memories for the rest of my life. Everyone I met was fantastic. The seminar answered all my questions and then some. The food was great. (I can't believe that you served steak with all the trimmings and more.) When I left my stomach was full and my head was full of information. It was great!!!

I also appreciate how thorough the questions were answered at the seminar. This will always be a highlight in my life. I will never forget the kindness from all. I feel renewed. So many people came from all over. It’s amazing. I still can't believe I finally met you both. God Bless and thank you for giving me the courage to move forward with renewed vigor. What an honor it was meeting you.

From the heart, thank you. Your friend and fellow Bomber in training, Bob Burgess

From Barry first, and then Cami Richardson:

After the Friday afternoon workout, several of the IOL members met at TooJays for an evening snack and mingle. I got there a little early and had time to talk with Tim and Colleen and Cajun John and Dorothy. Dan, Aimee, Maggie and the rest were shortly behind. I had a chance to talk with Tim about his church for a little while until we noticed that Len had gathered several tables out on the platform in the square and was guarding them as diligently as possible. I talked to Len and he thought that if we all sat outside we could remain together, where we may be broken up in small groups if we were seated inside by the staff. Since the restaurant had no loud speakers or outside wait staff, we ordered our meals and went back later to pick them up.

I found a seat at a table with Len, Maggie and Bill Neylon. Corey joined us later. Bill is a very interesting person to talk to (as are all of the IOLers). I found out that he now lives on the same street in West Palm Beach that I lived on back in 1983. Small world, isn't it? Bill was a competitive bodybuilder back in the ‘70s and still competes and also judges the contests now. He shared with us some hints that judges may look for. He said that smiles are important, (Corey has that one locked down), and get on and off the stage in a timely fashion. Don't give the judges any more time to find your weak points. Bill related a little story on Bill Pearl's last competition after having come out of retirement to answer an unfavorable story written by Joe Weider. I won't tell that one because I couldn't do it justice. Perhaps Bill could share that one in the future. Bill is also the comedian. Ask him about the bodybuilder brain transplant.

There was a live reggae band playing throughout the evening, so I had a difficult time hearing other conversations at the other tables. I wish I had more to share that night but I was really enjoying myself just lurking (kind of like I do in the email group). I left the festivities a little after 9 after saying my good-byes. I mentioned to Laree that my wife and daughter would be with me tomorrow morning for the picnic and she said "Lindsey right." How impressed I was that she remembered my daughter's name having never met her before. Laree is very special.

After returning to my in-law's home in Tampa, my wife, mother-in-law and I sat around the kitchen table and I shared with them my experience at the gym and at dinner. Cami asked if I had the chance to ask Dave some of the questions that I prepared and I said yes. Dave is great to spend time with everyone but I didn't ask questions. I was like the little kid that had his wish list ready for Santa Clause but forgot everything when he was placed on Santa's knee. Maybe, next time I will write a note and just hand it to Dave to read. Barry

Cami:

The trip to Florida this year was unlike any other. I was going to attend Bash 2003 and meet Dave and Laree Draper! The drive from North Carolina was charged with a nervous anticipation. It's the kind of feeling you'd get if you were asked to wear a blind fold and step off an extremely high dive. Not really knowing what to expect, inwardly, I scrutinized myself restlessly. What were they all going to think of me? I'm extra, extra large. Got lots of weight to lose. Don't really like myself - how could I expect others to?

We arrived at the Bash before Dave and Laree so that gave me a chance to collect myself and meet Autumn and her daughter, Carissa. Barry also introduced me to a few of the guys that he met at the gym the night before. Nice folks! So far, so good. I take a deep breath and hold it when I heard someone say, "There's Dave and Laree!" Gosh, she is cute! And there he was! My hero! I've been reading about him for eons. Way back when I was really young and the only girl around who knew anything about the bodybuilding world. Dave Draper and Bev Francis were it for me! I wasn't interested in the pop singers or actors of the day. Never was a "fan" of anybody unless they happened to be an elite athlete of some kind.

I watched Dave warmly greet the folks that were standing around. When he turned in my direction, looked me in the eye and reached out his hand, my knees went weak and I couldn't help but giggle. I embarrassed myself by pointing right at him and telling Barry that it really was "him" and there "he" was! He smiled. I went red from my toes to my head. He shook my hand as thoughts ran through my head. I had so much I wanted to say to him. A steal trap door located just at the back of my throat kept it all inside. I wanted to tell him how much I admire him, what an honor it was to meet him, I have all his books. For goodness sake! I walk down the grocery isles asking myself, "What would Dave be putting in his cart?" His poster hangs carefully framed on the door to my home gym. Autographed, of course. Not a day goes by that Barry and I don't mention or discuss Dave or Laree as if they were members of our family.

Once again I let shyness rule over me and I took a seat to watch and listen to the others around me. The conversations were so interesting and I wished I could have been in twelve different places at once. But the best was yet to come. Dave and Tom answered questions of all sorts. I couldn't write notes fast enough. And when the food was ready and Lindsey (the teenager) had just told me that she had a bit of a crush of Tom, Tom asked if he could sit with us to eat! You should have seen the smiles on our faces! Wow, what a great guy!

I left with lots to think about and consider. It's still milling around in my mind. I've got a great fire within me now and I've revved up the after burners. Gotta go now, the gym is waiting! Thanks Dave, Tom and Laree! You're the best!

Hugs, Cami

Another third-timer, Corey P traveled to Florida from Alaska:

As Laree, wrote after the Bash, there is so much to process after such a busy weekend combined with being busy back home makes it hard to write a Bash report right away.

I got back in time for work Monday and then on Saturday I caught an early morning float plane to Tenakee, a small (60 people) community in Southeast Alaska. I worked for half a day on Saturday and Sunday morning we (my 8 year old and I) went out fishing. What a day! 2 Kings, 3 Coho, 3 Chums, 1 Halibut, and 2 Rock fish in a little over 3 hours. Anyway, I digress from my Bash report but the point is I've been busy

This was my 3rd Bash and I had more time at this one than the others. This was nice because I got to connect with the same people at several different venues over the weekend. By Sunday brunch we were old friends. If I tried to name everyone it would take too long and I'd be sure to leave somebody out. Virtually without exception, I genuinely enjoyed meeting everyone I came across the whole weekend.

It was also great to see old friends. This was the third time for some of us. Henrik, Len, Bill F, Dave and Laree of course, and I'm not sure who all else. Rockin Ken I met last year in Vegas and I noticed right away his bigger arms this year. Henrik also put on some impressive size this year.

The Friday workout was a blast. A huge amount of camaraderie as we circulated through the gym and then congregated at the Top Squat station.

Others have already written about the dinner and movie after, the seminar and BBQ, and the brunch on Sunday. I enjoyed them all and found the seminar to be particularly useful and motivating. I go to a couple of seminars a year for my continuing education and I take ones on nutrition as often as I can. Tom I. is the most knowledgeable on sports nutrition I have encountered and communicates very effectively.

This year’s Bash was a little early in the summer and I hadn't done too much fishing yet. Next year's in September so it will be a good time to bring some salmon again. I think this time I will bring it smoked because it will be easy to travel with all the way to NY and ‘cause I just like to smoke it. Now all I have to do is convince Cajun to come up and help me catch it.

Well, I'm not sure this was too informative of a report. The entire weekend was filled up with fun and exciting events and meeting dozens of people I really liked and connected with. It is just one long happy memory that would take too long to describe in detail.

Thanks again Dave and Laree for hosting such a wonderful event. Corey

Jim Bryan at Cyberpump.com writes:

Dave and Laree Draper had their annual get together in St. Pete, Florida, this year at Fort Desoto Park. In spite of the unending rain we have had in Florida the last weeks, on Saturday for the Seminar and Picnic the weather held off.

Just a small amount of rain showed itself. Not enough to even slow things down. Dave and Tom Incledon had a question and answer session for more than two hours. Dave is very honest and humble. He answered everything asked of him. Tom also handled all questions with thorough and complete answers. The presentation was like talking with your best friends. Laree was never far off making sure everything went smoothly. Now and then she could be heard saying "microphone!" This meant someone wasn't speaking into the microphone. Wonder who? I can tell you after sitting and listening to Dave talk, he's a great motivational speaker. He's had more impact on other bodybuilders than anyone I know. I can remember soooo many "Blond Bombers" running around, but I don't remember any other bodybuilders having that effect before or since. Dave has remained a down to earth guy who continues to inspire with his quiet unassuming way.

After answering all questions put to them it was time for the BBQ. All this was FREE! Who do you know that does that? Laree and Dave posed with anyone who wanted pictures to show their friends. They are great ambassadors for weight training and its benefits! Two super people and it was very nice to finally meet them! Jim B

Dan responds to the comment: The heart of IOL is the integrity of the congeniality of its members.

Just coming from the bash and meeting some of this group, I can vouch for this...Everyone was so cool, we all had lots in common as you can imagine and even more so, we were all alike in a lot of different ways. I thought the bash was going to be great but it was way better then I could have imagined. Dave and Laree, it can't be said enough, thank you, thank you, for this group and all that you do for it. Dan C.

Dan’s wife Aimee tells her side of the story:

I am posting for the first time! I attended the bash this weekend with my husband, Dan. I had an awesome time meeting all of you! You totally inspired me to start lifting weights to obtain my goals.

My weight loss journey started last June! I tipped the scales at 196. I felt tired all the time and often I came home to sleep during the day! I decided to start working out and watching what I ate. I should add that another reason I decided to get healthier is also because Dan was diagnosed with diabetes. I started mostly to support him to help him get healthier without medication. It in turn motivated me to get healthier myself. From June 2002 to Jan 4th 2003 I lost 17 pounds. I wanted more! I had a friend who was very successful on weight watchers and after continually seeing her sizes drop I joined to see what it was all about! From Jan 4th to present I lost another 19 pounds totalling a weight loss of 36 pounds.

My husband Dan has always supported me and my efforts to lose weight. He joined this IOL group and always tried to get me to join. I just listened to different posts he would read to me from time to time. At the time I was content with my weight watchers support group. Dan also brought up the bash on many, many, many occasions. He wanted to go desperately! He wanted to meet Dave Draper and his IOL friends.

Business for me was slow. I kept telling him we didn't have the money. I told him this many, many times. Then, out of the blue my business took off again. It always does. It's just an up or down business (real estate). A little more than a week before the bash Dan was looking at his IOL mail as he always did every night. He hinted around that he wanted to go to this IOL bash. I kept trying to think of a way I could surprise him and take him but I didn't know anything about this group or the trip. So I told him that we could go. If you could see the look on his face and the tear in his eye. He was soo unbelievably happy that we were finally in a position to make the bash.

So we made the plans and along the way we made some GREAT friends who have inspired us to continue this journey of a healthier happier lifestyle. Thank you to all we met Laree, Dave, Tim, Colleen, Rockin Ken, Jean, Len, Lon, Lisa, Maggie, Debbie, Bill, Cajun John, Dorothy and I am sure I left out some names and I am sorry for that if I missed any of you! You have all truly made a lasting impression on our lives and we are grateful for the friendships that we made and look forward to seeing all of you again at the next bash or sooner. For those of you who didn't get to go I suggest you try as hard as you can to make it. You will have an amazing time and I promise it will change your life! Thank you and I love you all! Aimee C.

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