2011 Countdown to National Conference

[raebates]

Today is June 15. There are only 22 days until the start of National Conference.

Okay, so you have your list done. Gather together the clothes you're planning to take. Check each one carefully.

•Does anything need a good cleaning? Check for spots and stains.
•Is everything in good repair? Check for dropped hems, hanging threads, and seams in need of repair.
•Do you have everything you need to complete each outfit? Don't forget any special undergarments (slips, strapless bras, etc.). [Sorry guys. I'd include any special undergarments for you men, but I just keep picturing KG, John, Keith, Scott, Bobby, and the guys in strapless bras.]​

You don't want to be at NC, in the process of getting ready, and realize that you've forgotten something or that something needs cleaning or repair.

 

[chefa]

What a visual! ROFLMA!!!!

 

[DeannaK1022]

I have a question on shoes.. this is my first conference and I have plantar fasciitis (sp) if I do alot of standing or walking I need to wear my tennis shoes with inserts.. I know denim is out.. but can I wear my tenni's?

Thanks!!

 

[NooraK]

I have a question on shoes.. this is my first conference and I have plantar fasciitis (sp) if I do alot of standing or walking I need to wear my tennis shoes with inserts.. I know denim is out.. but can I wear my tenni's?

Thanks!!

They are not encouraged, but I think for a medical reason like that you would be fine.

 

[esavvymom]

You will see alot of folks who are wearing things that will amaze you (blue jeans, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes/flip-flops), and then you'll see folks dressed up more business like (although, THOSE are rare!). I'm more middle of the road. Dressy/Casual Capris (not denim/blue jeans), nice shirts, comfortable shoes, etc. Occasionally a summer dress, but only because they can be more comfortable.

 

[DeannaK1022]

Maybe I'll get NEW shoes yeah!

 

[raebates]

Maybe I'll get NEW shoes yeah!

If you do, be sure to read today's post.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 16. There are only 21 days left until the start of National Conference!

Three weeks, people!While you're checking all of your clothing to make sure it's clean and in good repair, why not see if you can eliminate an item or two. Instead of bringing different shoes for each and every outfit, can you get buy with just a couple of changes? If you're bringing sweaters or jackets in case the rooms are chilly, do you have one that will work with every outfit? Remember, the less you take with you, the more room you'll have to bring stuff back.Speaking of shoes, DO NOT take brand new shoes to NC. We will be doing a lot of walking. If you buy new shoes for NC, be sure to take at least one day to really walk in them. Make sure it’s a day of serious walking—like power shopping. This way you’ll know if they’re comfortable enough to wear all day and whether or not they rub in any areas. If they’re miserable, don’t take them. It’s not worth it. If they simply have an area or two that rubs, you can probably get by with wearing a bandage in that area. If they’re fine but the ball of your foot aches, try an insert. If that’s the route you go, try taking a second day to wear them with the bandages and/or inserts to see if that works. I’m serious. Miserable feet can ruin NC.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I have a question on shoes.. this is my first conference and I have plantar fasciitis (sp) if I do alot of standing or walking I need to wear my tennis shoes with inserts.. I know denim is out.. but can I wear my tenni's?Thanks!!

Last year, I saw a ton of tennis shoe type shoes.

 

[DeannaK1022]

If it's ALOT of walking then I have to wear tennis shoes. I'm not going on stage for anything anyway.. - unless I win the maid service or the year of mortgage payments so Tennis shoes it is!

 

[DebinCincy]

I have to wear tennis shoes too. I hope people don't judge me to harshly.

 

[esavvymom]

I have to wear tennis shoes too. I hope people don't judge me to harshly.

As long as your toes aren't sticking out the side or you are in cut-off jeans and a tie-dyed T-shirt, I expect no one will even notice! Tennis-shoes can mean alot of different things these days. My mom has several pairs of Sketchers, and they do NOT look like your ole 'sneakers'. They are quite dressy looking almost!

 

[DebinCincy]

I am going to get a nice, new pair, but my inserts only fit in certain ones. I will try to make sure they look nice.

 

[Sheila]

I have a question on shoes.. this is my first conference and I have plantar fasciitis (sp) if I do alot of standing or walking I need to wear my tennis shoes with inserts.. I know denim is out.. but can I wear my tenni's?

Thanks!!

Wanted to throw out a thought ... SAS shoes (what nurses wear). Yes, they look like "old lady shoes", but they definitely give you lots of support for long periods up on your feet. I don't own any right now, but 25 years ago when I was in High School & in the marching band, I sure did LOVE them during performances!

 

[otisbg]

I have worn tennis shoes for the past 2 years and will again this year. I have orthopedic issues with my feet and ankles and cannot wear cute little shoes of any sort. Folks will often recommend Clarks or Merrill shoes - even SAS (San Antonio Shoes) but the fact is, I wear a women's size 12.5 and many companies stop at size 11...so it is me and good Old New Balance and we have Happy Feet!

 

[esavvymom]

Off-topic, but if you plan on bringing a rolling bag of some sort to have with you at conference (which is a great idea, don't get me wrong!) _ I just ask that you are courteous with it when maneuvering! I had and saw a few near collisions last year with folks just shoving their cart/bag wherever and not caring whose toes got smooshed in the process.

 

[Sheila]

I'll probably be the one wearing flats all day & pulling another pair out of my bag to walk across the stage. LOL

 

[DeannaK1022]

Thanks for all the shoe talk my inserts fit New Balance the best but sometimes Nike too. I can wear almost any shoe for a short time or if I don't have to stand around alot or walk alot.

At least I won't be alone in sneakers!

 

[wadesgirl]

Off-topic, but if you plan on bringing a rolling bag of some sort to have with you at conference (which is a great idea, don't get me wrong!) _ I just ask that you are courteous with it when maneuvering! I had and saw a few near collisions last year with folks just shoving their cart/bag wherever and not caring whose toes got smooshed in the process.

UGH totally agree!! We have someone in our group who insists on bringing hers even though she really doesn't need it. She has ran over me a few times before and didn't even know it. If you are going to bring one consider pushing it rather than pulling it so you know where it is going at all times.

 

[esavvymom]

UGH totally agree!! We have someone in our group who insists on bringing hers even though she really doesn't need it. She has ran over me a few times before and didn't even know it. If you are going to bring one consider pushing it rather than pulling it so you know where it is going at all times.

Most of the time, it can be ok- until you are trying to get into the middle of an aisle (yeah- that's always pretty...barely enough room for people, let alone suitcases), and during the major workshop change period when EVERYONE is going through the same hallways.

Oh well...if just a few folks are aware, that will save some toes and heels. (and it's worse if you are wearing open toed shoes!)

 

[raebates]

Today is June 17. There are only 20 days left until the start of National Conference!Don’t arrive at NC all frazzled. Take a good look at your schedule leading up to your departure. Have you been realistic? Be honest. Can you really get everything done in the time allotted without driving yourself insane? If not, be ruthless. Eliminate. Delegate. Do whatever it takes to make sure you get some rest and a little time with your family before you leave. You’ll get more out of NC if you aren’t exhausted.

 

[esavvymom]

Is that even POSSIBLE Rae?? To leave on a trip and not be frazzled before going?
Fortunately for me, I sort of have to. We are leaving on July 2nd, bright and early- after a long Scout Day Camp week....I'll probably have a hard time getting the boys out of bed and to the airport, but I'll be home during most of the days so I can prepare for our trip. Then we'll be at the in-laws until the 6th, when we'll all go downtown Chicago for some site-seeing, and then I stay behind while they take the train back to the suburbs.....so I won't be too frazzled, and I will be spending time with my family. Can't wait for 3-days in the city by myself though!

 

[Liseit]

Off-topic, but if you plan on bringing a rolling bag of some sort to have with you at conference (which is a great idea, don't get me wrong!) _ I just ask that you are courteous with it when maneuvering! I had and saw a few near collisions last year with folks just shoving their cart/bag wherever and not caring whose toes got smooshed in the process.

Since this is my first NC I have to ask--maybe a dumb question but why would you need to bring a rolling bag?? Do they give you that much stuff to lug around all day??

 

[mountainmama74]

I stumbled across this slideshow and thought it would be really pertinent for those of you who are flying (I may even try this, and we're driving!)...

Pack for 10 days in a Carry On

Save money on baggage, and time in the airport. The last time I flew, I did it with just a carry on and it was the GREATEST thing ever! No lines, no check-in waiting, no waiting at baggage claim. Wonderful!!

 

[esavvymom]

Since this is my first NC I have to ask--maybe a dumb question but why would you need to bring a rolling bag?? Do they give you that much stuff to lug around all day??

I've seen rolling crates, rolling backpacks (especially the Dots Rolling bag after folks earned it), and then rolling laptop bags. Why? Well, depends on how much stuff you bring with you (notebook, water bottle, snack, any other 'essentials' to help you make it through the day) - plus we do get some free stuff, and then of course, people shop at Merrill. If you shop early in a day, you have to carry the stuff around. :yuck: I made that mistake once.

Didn't they have a place last year you could have them hold your stuff for Merrill??? I can't remember. I didn't get as much this last time.

Anyway, if folks have bad backs, etc and don't want to or can't carry their tote bag, they have the rollies. I have no problem with them, just watch where you roll it please. I don't cut folks off, I tend to walk a straight path . So please don't weave in/out with your cart and cut off my toes.

 

[esavvymom]

I stumbled across this slideshow and thought it would be really pertinent for those of you who are flying (I may even try this, and we're driving!)...

Pack for 10 days in a Carry On

Save money on baggage, and time in the airport. The last time I flew, I did it with just a carry on and it was the GREATEST thing ever! No lines, no check-in waiting, no waiting at baggage claim. Wonderful!!

Very cool! Thanks for sharing.

 

[pchockeymom]

Save money on baggage,

Or, fly Southwest, no baggage fees.

 

[mountainmama74]

True, and we did last year, but not everyone has the Southwest option!

 

[wadesgirl]

I stumbled across this slideshow and thought it would be really pertinent for those of you who are flying (I may even try this, and we're driving!)...

Pack for 10 days in a Carry On

Save money on baggage, and time in the airport. The last time I flew, I did it with just a carry on and it was the GREATEST thing ever! No lines, no check-in waiting, no waiting at baggage claim. Wonderful!!

I went to both Colorado for Leadership and Florida for vacation with just a carry on - I highly recommend if you can manage it. I do roll my clothes like she showed but I also start at the bottom by fill in the areas around the handle to use that space better. Also tuck stuff in your shoes, fill corners and stuff with small things like socks and undies. Instead of a purse bring along a backpack as your personal item for a little more room.

 

[raebates]

Is that even POSSIBLE Rae?? To leave on a trip and not be frazzled before going?

It is! But, it really takes starting now to eat right, get plenty of exercise, and get lots of rest. It takes making sure you aren't waiting until July 5 to try to get organized for NC.

I will also be going to my regular salon for a trim and a manicure before I go. That always helps me feel relaxed and professional.