Oh, it is so very hard to wake up zippy on the 4th morning. But, there are such good selections on the morning schedule that it's worth the effort to get my self up and out of bed. As a kick-start, I will take a step class this morning that should completely pep me up. It's a better plan than joining those long lines of people who have to have their morning coffee.

Now that the convention is almost over, I'm trying to think of some of the things that make this one different. For one, my sister isn't here with me. We have probably gone to about 20 conventions together over the years, but this year she was unable, so here I am "alone." I put that in quotation marks because I have so many friends here, yet being without my regular convention pal makes me understand a little better what it must be like to be a newcomer. Walking over to the convention center this morning I had a brainstorm (not so easy to do when my brain is half asleep, so maybe I should say it was more of a brain light shower): perhaps IDEA could set up a few tables at the party specifically for people who come alone. Sort of like what some restaurants have--a sign that says "This table reserved for singles only." That way everyone is guaranteed to have a place to feel special.

Another thing that makes this convention different is the number of men. As personal training grows, there seems to be concomitant growth in the number of men attending. Also, there are also more and more specialty classes. Where there used to be quite a variety of step and high/low impact choices, now it seems there are many other equally exciting courses in their stead. Poring over the session selections is like looking at the menu for a great restaurant--no matter what you choose, there are many delicious things left unchosen.

Movin' on....as this is the final day, I shall sign off with a helpful hint or two. 1. Pack as much as possible the night before so it's easy to get going before check-out (the Marriott is great about late check-outs if you ask in advance); 2. Keep the business cards you are given as these are your future friends and colleagues; 3. Keep your notes as your brain can only retain so much; and 4. Stay through the end to get as much as you can from the convention. Due to travel and work demands, a lot of people leave early, but stay through the end if you can. And here's my final tip—come next year. Read name tags and introduce yourself to strangers (what I call "future friends"), and of course, introduce yourself to me if you see me wandering about. That will make my day!