Mensa Annual Gathering (AG) Begins!

I've been to my first three sessions/workshops/talks. Not sure what to call them. They aren't lessons and they aren't really about practical stuff like workshops. So, whatever!

All three, "Reversing Accelerated Aging: How I Gained 40 Years of Life", "Decisions in Context: What Goes Into A Good (Or Bad) Decision?", and "What Makes a Good Science Fiction Story", have been good and packed with excellent information. The third one not as much.

In the third session I attended, the presenter admitted his definition was more about his opinion about what makes a good Science Fiction story than any sort of empirical study. Also, he seemed to think there is only one type of science fiction story and, well, there is comedy science fiction, romance science fiction, horror science fiction, etc. He brought in a lot of interesting clips and images, which was nice. He also talked about his triangle model: information, people, technology which is, I think, something he got from his place of employment. I did get a short list of books I need to read and movies I need to see. I also saw how nebulous the science fiction category is and why it's beginning to develop niches.

The most practical of the three was "Reversing Aging." The presenter told us that the basic program of exercises (kinda like flow yoga) is free on YouTube. I need to search on Scott Sonnon and find them. His website is rmaxinternational.com with more info.

The decisions session was about personal decision making and revolved around the three main ingredients for a good decision or ways to discover a good decision: information, inclination (what I think of a motivation), and resources. No decisions is good enough if you don't have enough information, aren't motivated to act on the information or you don't have the resources to follow through.

My head is getting that stuffy feeling from information overload, which is why I'm here blogging now instead of moving on to the next session I planned to attend. I need a break already! I'm sure my brain will be either as dry as a bone or as stuffed as a sausage by Sunday. I hope I keep remembering to take breaks and do non-intellectual stuff occasionally.

Tips for Talking to Mensans
If you want to have a pleasant conversation with Mensans never bring up two topics: food or Windows. The mention of either one of these two topics will derail any planned program or eliminate any other topic you were pursuing. Especially Windows, which I find incredibly boring because I stick to my Mac and Apple OS. The other topic you should probably steer away from is people who are intellectually challenged. There is a large amount of intolerance for those people and some Mensans love to vent.

On the other hand, you must pack a lot of information into any statement and don't breathe or someone will jump in with their opinion. Not really a bad thing, unless you are a speaker trying to reach a goal.

So far so good. No presentations derailed yet.

Pack Suitcase - Wash the Car

Today I begin packing for the AG. I leave early Monday morning and plan to use the weekend to round up whatever needs to go that I don't have in the house. I'm also optimistically washing and cleaning out the car hoping that no birds will decorate it before I leave.

To prepare for the business meeting of the American Mensa Committee (AMC) I've read some of the reports from the last AMC meeting. They are, as these reports usually are, dry and cryptic. However, licensing looks interesting for its potential: where can we slap the Mensa logo and make money for nothing? The Marketing report was coyly condensed with a list of events they had publicized in the past and a promise to keep on doing it. Hmmm. Anyway, the AMC meeting should be interesting. Thank goodness it's only two hours long.

Selecting My Workshops/Events for AG09

Have spent over an hour this morning culling/trolling the AG Events to find the ones I need and wish to attend. I've agreed to attend the business meeting and some LDW meetings (Leadership Development Workshop). In spite of that, there must be about 5 events available every hour, not to mention the pick up Scrabble games, which I plan to participate in. Yikes! You can view my itinerary on Trip It.

I'm still not done. I've made it to Friday. Still have Saturday and Sunday to go. Geesh! It's like a job! And, knowing me, I will get there and then change it. Still, it helps to have a base to start from.

One Day Added to My AG Stay

The AG09 Yahoo! Group archive, which arrived in my inbox today, included the notice that more $89 rooms were released at the Omni. Two were gone by the time I got the message. I notified my roommate who has been searching for a way to get a room on Monday, the 29th, for months. She would like to take the Frank Lloyd Wright tour on the 30th (which is all day). Since she already has a room at the Omni for the remaining nights, another night at that hotel was her preference. I left her a message, hoping she could get another night and she did. This is, unfortunately, a king room and not a double (apparently the hotel has a plethora of king rooms) so we'll be sharing a bed for one night, but that's okay.

I suppose this means I'll be in charge of moving our stuff on the next day and some time without a room (noon-3pm). Or not. I could worry Rebecca (my roommate) about this, but I choose not to. Finding out on the day is good enough for me. So, one more detail falls into place. Rebecca has scheduled her tour and we're all happy now. Yay!

As to the expense, I'm already cutting in half the room fee by having a roommate, so I'm sure the local group won't begrudge me one more night. Or, even, a nice massage. Maybe. Well, probably not. Oh, well. Next time I'll ask for that. Surely all my time racing around finding useful events and attending the business meetings merits a bit of expensed relax time. Yes?

I have roommate!

Yippee! I have confirmation that I will be rooming with a Mensa buddy at the Omni in Pittsburgh, the convention hotel. We're also splitting gas and parking charges which will save both of use some money. Woo hoo!

AG Here I Come!

As some of you know, I'm a member of Mensa. The local group, Richmond Area Mensa, (of which I am President) has agreed to send me to the Annual Gathering (AG), July 1-5, all expenses paid. It might be more impressive if the AG wasn't in Pittsburgh. However, it is impressive enough. Thank you, guys!

In return, I have promised to blog, report, take pictures, attend business meetings and otherwise make myself useful. So far I've managed to register for the convention, sign up for a three day meal plan and discover that the discount room blocks in both hotels are sold out. I joined a Yahoo! group for AG attendees and have found a roommate (almost) in the convention hotel. It means I'm doing the driving, but I was going to do that anyway. There are a few details to be resolved before I really have a room. I hope it works out.

I'll be posting updates here. I thought about making a new blog dedicated to this trip. Another blog! I need that like I need another hole in my head. So, no. I'll be posting here. I doubt anyone will mind.