Well, another convention has passed.  Instead of sleeping (as I SHOULD be doing) I am just sitting here thinking back, as usual.

It was SO good to see all those that I have previously met, and those that I had not met, yet.  There is nothing that matches the camaraderie and instant bonding with those that also suffer the beast.  To be with others, that you are not afraid to get hit around.  People that actually know EXACTLY what you are going through.  While you are getting hit, they fully understand what has to be done.  None of them look strangely at you (at least, not for getting hit)

As usual, I got hit fairly often.  Thursday and Friday were low normal days for me with only 8 and 7 hits.  Saturday was a high normal day of 11 hits.  Saturday night (well, cuz that degenerate BarbD kept me up so late, it was actually Sunday MORNING) I did something I haven't done in ages!  I slept through, without the beast visiting!

It always amazes me of the things that I learn, about our affliction, at one of our conventions!  Some I get from the presenters, but many also come from just chatting with fellow sufferers or supporters!  Linde did a FANTASTIC job with what they taught us!

And what can I say about our hero, Dr Goadsby!  What a brilliant, charming, easy to talk to, man!  It was quite a feather in the caps of the O.U.C.H. organization and convention organizers to get this wonderful man to talk to us!

Of course, there was the normal grab assing (I think I even grabbed one or two asses!), joking, teasing, reminiscing, drinking, smoking, eating and overall good times.

I was fortunate enough to have my two lovely daughters to be there with me again this year.  They already told me that they can't wait for next year.  They said they had a GREAT time.

For those that have never been to one, you have no idea what you are missing!  Those that have been to others, but for various reasons, could not make it this year, you know what it is like.  All that were not there, were dearly missed, whether you are convention virgins, or convention sluts experienced convention goers.

Now we have to start planning for 2009.  Our tenth year!  Personally, I would like to see it on the west coast, just to make it easier for the left west coasters to make it.  If there is ANY way that one of you leftys westies could help to host 2009, PLEASE send in a proposal to do so!  And do so SOON!!!  The sooner we can get a date and location set up, the easier it is to plan for it.  Los Angeles?  Las Vegas? San Diego? Seattle? Portland? Come on, people help us get this set up!  Any that even THINK they might be interested and able to do this, go to the OUCH web site, and you will see the application process.  Do not be afraid that you have never done anything like this before.  There are plenty of people to help you do this.  We just need AT LEAST one local to do all the local running around that is needed. 

Don't be afraid to come, all you convention virgins!  BRING your supporter(s)!  ALL are encouraged to attend.  It is SUCH a memorable time!

To the new officers and B.O.D. members, you have a lot of work to do!  Congratulations and thank you for stepping up!  Myself and many others have high hopes for your upcoming year.  Make us all proud of you, and O.U.C.H.!  You CAN do it!  After all, if you can handle the beast, you can handle the running of O.U.C.H.  You are all tough individuals.  I have such hope for the future!

For every one that helped make this year's convention such a success, THANK YOU!!!  Both the organizers, and also all those that submitted their own particular addition to the cause.  All were appreciated, whether it was a small or big task, in front, or behind the scenes, GREAT job!

CathiP, THANK YOU for the beast's cage!  I will SURE try to get the ornery sucker into it, and KEEP it there!  You are loved and very much missed!  (Did I actually thank and show some good feelings to her?)

Now, I have babbled along, for long enough.  How about the rest of you?  Let's hear your impressions and any special experience!

Chuck