Last week I had great hopes of having a super-cheap Christmas via the Netroots Nation Auction. But people ignored my plaintive requests and went and bid anyway. Now some things are bidding at half their retail costs. HALF? Don't you know there's an economic crisis on?
Unfortunately, I went into teaching instead of plumbing and in Bush's economy I haven't got much of an IRA left, so I think my retirement plan probably involves buying great jewelry and political collectiblesat the Netroots Nation auction, holding onto them for 20 years, and reselling them on ebay to buy catfood. Or dogfood--which is cheaper?
Either that, or I suppose we could keep organizing, have a Democratic landslide and try to fix the economy. And of course, with 74% of the items having bids, raising over $12,000 to help support the costs of this annual convention and keep registration costs low for everyone, maybe, just maybe there's a shot to do that. But I'm only 36. There isn't much time.
There are a few things you can bid on, if you must, because I've already been outbid. I was a little annoyed when "DarcyBurner" outbid me on cookies, especially because I've given her money! But I suppose she thinks getting amazing cookies (probably for her volunteers) and supporting progressives learning, mingling and recharging their batteries is a good deal.
Unfortunately, I've been outbid on the suites at the Westin and the Omni for Netroots Nation. The Omni is only going for $650 for the 4 nights, for a suite. Unfortunately, I can't justify a suite because I'm staying by myself. But someone who was staying with someone else could save a bundle!
And, I've been outbid on two nights in the Heart's Desire suite at Point Reyes. It's only $240 for 2 nights, which is an amazing deal, but I live in NY. I wanted to surprise my aunt who lives in Berkeley, but by the time I pay for my plane fare out there, it is too much for me. But evidently there are people who live in California! What New Yorker knew?
But people, the once in a lifetime events, those were supposed to be MY once in a lifetime events. Coffee with Wes Clark is bidding at 1600 dollars! Which is cool because that helps lower the costs of attending Netroots Nation for the rest of us, so you can bid on that if you want because I can't. But Lunch for Two with Don Siegelman is an amazing deal at 155 dollars. What an opportunity! Meeting with one of the true martyrs (and I don't intend hyperbole) of the Bush/Rove regime is an amazing opportunity. Not to mention Lunch with Lawrence Lessig. The issues surrounding copyright are so out of control, I had to cut any quotes from songs, even 10 words, from my dissertation. I would LOVE the chance to talk with him about reforming and circumnavigating the copyright system. Or meeting Rick Perlstein(and an autographed copy of Nixonland)--way cool.
But that's where I draw the line. Don't look at that customizable, on-line training offered by the Alliance for Justice on advocacy for Non-Profits. Why would you want to donate such a course to your favorite non-profit when I want to donate it to my church? Besides, in this economy, you're better of saving the money for a subsistence farming course. Who has time to care about justice and fairness and the law? Just close this diary and go shopping. At Wal-Mart.
And whatever you do, don't bid on either of the cool pictures of Joe Biden that have been autographed by him!
Also, don't bid on my SAT consultation and college admissions essay help. With college applications due between Nov 1 and Jan 15, my regular clients are freaking. And the money I earn there is the only way I can afford to go myself! (I have a number of students from the schools featured in Gossip Girl, but unlike the TV characters, my students often work for a year and see score increases in the hundreds of points. OK, I did have time to watch Gossip Girl on DVD last week and I always love working with progressive students as they work out their plans for conquering the world, but that was for research! Yeah, research!) And while you're at it, stay away from the Small Business Advisory Service. I work with a tutoring company that takes over $100 an hour off what they bill the clients, so I really need that help.
And the guitar Trey Anastasio of Phish autographed? My best friend's son just started guitar lessons, so don't consider it.
And finally, stay away from the jewelry! There's still a few good deals out there, but if you think I'd highlight everything I'm hoping to win, you are crazy!