Two things that aren’t in this guide, or the packing list.
- Bring a big fluffy robe! When that late night/early morning bathroom urge hits, and it’s 25 degrees outside, and you don’t have time, or want to get dressed for the sprint to the bath house or closest Johnny on the spot, having a Robe on the ready is a real game changer. Some folks swear by the keep a large gatorade bottle in your tent and don’t worry about a bathroom run, but not me. Also a robe is nice to slip on for shower times, hopefully there’ll be a few of those for everyone.
- High fives are real. If you haven’t been maintaining a proper high five workout routine, now is the time to start getting ready. In TP and across town during TBF, expect to receive dozens of random high fives. You will also be expected to deliver several unexpected high fives to complete strangers. Depending on the individual circumstances these high fives should be accompanied by at least one of the following phrases; Woooo, Hell Yeah, Fuck Yeah, Nice Shirt, or Feeessstttivaaallll.
If you are not fully prepared for excessive high five activity, you could be facing serious injury and even embarrassment! Always be on the lookout for a potential high five, you never know when one may come for you, or when the urge to high five a complete stranger may over take your better judgement. A missed high five can lead to an awkward encounter. And a properly executed power high five has been known to lead to long term friendships, and has even created a few children. Poorly executed high fives can lead to injury and even death. Monica suggests to keep your eyes focused on the others elbow, and to always follow through for the possible full circle low five (when dealing with a professional).
The best way to prepare yourself is to practice. For the next few months while in public places, start practicing giving high fives to random strangers, and be ever on the lookout for potential incoming high fives, there’s usually some eye contact just before. As you progress, add more and more strangers per day. When you have left your neighborhood grocery, and just gave 10 random high fives you’ll be ready for anything!