Are you ready for Wave One? How are others preparing for the countdown?

[crystalscookingnow]

Only 57 days! We missed a few there!

 

[quiverfull7]

YIkes... I have about 75 pounds to lose before then! THink I can do that??????

 

[crystalscookingnow]

Diane - I think you can do anything right now!

I have about 30 to lose. I'm right there with ya!

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

Weight restrictions on the baggage or the passengers?That, to be honest, was the reason I was hesitant to fly Southwest ... but that is the airline my cluster chose. Even if I lose 50 or 75 pounds, I will not be "skinny" by any stretch ... friends of mine who are also plus sized have gone Southwest many times and have not had a problem ... and my clustermates would probably rise up in protest if there was one ...The OTHER Diane

 

[raebates]

Another tip: Travel can really throw your good, healthy intentions for a loop. Take along some good, healthy snacks. Nuts, dried fruit, and such can help fill a rumbly tummy and make those triple-size muffins look much less appealing. They're also easy to take along in little snack-size zippered bags. Along with regular water consumption (bring your own or use a refillable water bottle) you'll be able tol save money and your waistilne.

 

[PamperedDor]

LOL- I meant the airline has restrictions on baggage weight - not ours!!! You guys crack me up!!!

I agree with Rae - I always bring trail mix with me and my own water bottle - I fill it up all the time to stay hydrated and between that and all the walking - I count it as exercise!!!

 

[twinkie10]

Love the water bottle idea! I have one in my hand ALL the time when I'm away from home!!!

 

[crystalscookingnow]

56 days and counting!

 

[raebates]

Woo hoo! Don't forget to take along address labels. These will save you time and effort filling out info on forms. Also, you'll want to take business cards along. You might even want to take a few self-addressed, stamped envelopes. That will make it easier to get people to send you info.

 

[raebates]

NC Tip55 Days


Take along the names and addresses of the hosts for your shows in the few weeks after you get back from NC. Your first day there, pick up postcards. Send one to each of your upcoming hosts telling them you're excited about learning how to make their show even better. It's a great way to connect with your host.

BTW, you might also want to bring along their phone numbers so you can do a bit of host coaching during breaks.

 

[raebates]

Bumping because I'm excited!

 

[crystalscookingnow]

LOL, Rae! You're too funny. I'm right there with ya on the excitement though. I'm ready to go, now!

 

[raebates]

I would need about $18,000 to make it. Don't think that's likely to happen this year. I'll be at that table next year, though. This year I'll just wave wildly to those of you at the special tables.

 

[raebates]

NC TipWith only 54 days to go :thumbup:, now's the time to start planning your wardrobe.It will be mid-July in Chicago, so plan for hot, humid days and possibly chilly nights. Make sure that you try everything on, the complete outfit with shoes and any special foundational garments (need a new strapless bra?), at least a week or two before you leave.Your first consideration needs to be comfort. You'll be doing a lot of walking and a lot of sitting. Is any piece too snug? Trust me, you'll be miserable by the end of the first session if you're wearing something too tight. Will every pair of shoes be be comfy after miles of walking and climbing stairs? (Oh, yeah, if you're planning to wear a skirt, make sure you can climb stairs in it. Narrow skirts are cute, but some make climbing nearly impossible.)Now, check everything over carefully. You don't want to get to Chicago and realize that there's a stain, rip, or other problem with one of your clothing pieces. A week or two should give you enough time to make any repairs, have things laundered or dry cleaned, replace a piece or two, or even choose a whole new outfit.It won't take nearly as much time as it sounds, and you'll be glad you planned ahead.See you in 54 days!

 

[PamperedDor]

Oh now I am getting PSYCHED!!!!

 

[Chef Bobby]

I need to count down pounds instead of days. I'm trying to lose some weight to fit into some clothes and not look too scary in my bathing suit while checking out our hotel pool.

 

[raebates]

NC TipOnly 53 days!

While you're filling your June and July calendars, don't forget to block out a bit of personal time. If you can, set aside a day or two before NC to spend some quality time with your family or just getting yourself mentally prepared. Take a day or two after NC to go over your notes, absorb the info, make plans to implement any new ideas, and spend some private time with family.

A bit of extra time spent with your family before and after your absence might make them more likely to gracefully accept your absence in the future. And, a bit of down time can help you make the most of your NC experience.

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

It would really help to know what time we're gonna have free ... I know this is a question that you all cannot necessarily answer ... I am a conference newbie. I want to have some time with all of you too ... AND with 1-3 online friends who may meet up with me! But I don't want to abandon my cluster and especially my "mini-cluster" (the 4 of us who are going sans our now ex-director.)

 

[janetupnorth]

I need to count down pounds instead of days. I'm trying to lose some weight to fit into some clothes and not look too scary in my bathing suit while checking out our hotel pool.

You think that is bad? This year is my year to recertify in lifeguarding...so I have to do that in about 1 week.

Then, I have to get in a pool with about 20-30 kids less than half my age and help my DH train them as lifeguards...after 2 kids, my stomach isn't as flat as it used be and I'm not in as good as shape!!!! :blushing:

 

[dannyzmom]

It would really help to know what time we're gonna have free ... I know this is a question that you all cannot necessarily answer ... I am a conference newbie. I want to have some time with all of you too ... AND with 1-3 online friends who may meet up with me! But I don't want to abandon my cluster and especially my "mini-cluster" (the 4 of us who are going sans our now ex-director.)

You can check out the conference itinerary/agenda on CC - basically we are free until 1:15 on day one - it's a great time to check out the booths...we're free the night of day 1 - after 6:15pm...day two we're booked up all day and evening...day three it all ends at 1:15 unless you are taking the late HO tours.

 

[PampMomof3]

You can check out the conference itinerary/agenda on CC - basically we are free until 1:15 on day one - it's a great time to check out the booths...we're free the night of day 1 - after 6:15pm...day two we're booked up all day and evening...day three it all ends at 1:15 unless you are taking the late HO tours.

Carolyn, this is true unless you're a director or are taking the first timers orientation. Then you're busy pretty much all day!

 

[dannyzmom]

Carolyn, this is true unless you're a director or are taking the first timers orientation. Then you're busy pretty much all day!

GOod point -Di, what did you decide about the orientation?

 

[crystalscookingnow]

52 days!

Don't forget to leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone at home! Someone will be worried about you if you don't!

 

[raebates]

Hey, Crystal, that's the exact same tip I was thinking about for today. Great minds obviously think alike.

 

[janetupnorth]

Wow - it's coming up fast! I don't really count down until the last 2 weeks though because I have so much between now and then...

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

I'm still signed up for the orientation at 9 a.m. since I'm taking the HO tour on Saturday ... so far, nobody has talked me out of it, but we'll see what happens.Conference itiniary only covers so much ... there's also the issue that my cluster is "in transition." Four of us are going without our (now) ex director. Of those 4, one is going with her husband, one is planning on staying in her room with her baby at night (since her parents will be watching her during the day) and the other will probably want to be with me 24/7. Add in to the mix that we are now merged with a larger cluster ... and I am the only one (so far) who has even met most of the larger group as far as I know. So there will be a lot of "cluster politics" to navigate. Add into the mix that I want to see you guys ... AND I want to meet up with some friends who are in the Greater Chicago area ... AND I'm not staying in an "official" conference hotel ... it looks like my social calendar will be jam-packed!I also don't want to take a bus to the Palamer for the orientation, only to take another one BACK to the Sheraton to meet cluster-mates for lunch ... that sort of thing!

 

[crystalscookingnow]

Hey, Crystal, that's the exact same tip I was thinking about for today.

Great minds obviously think alike.

Wow! I'm impressed with myself... To be thinking like Rae!

ETA - I'm sitting here giggling at myself right now... thinking about to last year's thread when Rae was giving us all tips. And to one in particular where she was instructing those that are driving to get their oil checked. I wonder if The Furry Guy will be doing that for Rae again this year...

 

[thebowman]

So are we at 48 days

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Wow! I'm impressed with myself... To be thinking like Rae!

ETA - I'm sitting here giggling at myself right now... thinking about to last year's thread when Rae was giving us all tips. And to one in particular where she was instructing those that are driving to get their oil checked. I wonder if The Furry Guy will be doing that for Rae again this year...

Hard to believe that was a year ago....seems like it was just yesterday!

 

[raebates]

Wow! I'm impressed with myself... To be thinking like Rae!

ETA - I'm sitting here giggling at myself right now... thinking about to last year's thread when Rae was giving us all tips. And to one in particular where she was instructing those that are driving to get their oil checked. I wonder if The Furry Guy will be doing that for Rae again this year...

Instead of impressed, you should be afraid. Very afraid.

Yes, The Furry Guy will be checking my oil and other fluids. (Hmm, if I remember correctly, that information led to a lot of suggestive comments last year. )

Seriously, if you're driving any distance, be sure to do a quick tune-up on your vehicle. Check the fluids, tire pressure, and anything else that needs routine maintenance. It will save you on fuel (which is imperative right now :yuck, and make it much less likely that you'll have car trouble.