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 GenCon was something else.  It wasn't terrible, but the crowds and the noise and taking care of Clarkie wee a lot for me.  So in true Larisa style, I made the trip my own by finding activities that had extra meaning for me. I was so appreciative when Ethan suggested we go to the temple the night before GenCon started.  The Indianapolis temple reminds me of some Greek/Egyptian edifice on the outside, but on the inside, it is a truly stunning temple. This is going to sound strange, but I appreciated not knowing anybody for once when I attended an endowment session.  In the Detroit temple, I can't go anywhere or do anything without knowing somebody and feeling the need to say something.  Not that that's a bad thing, but it does distract from my temple worship.  Being in Indianapolis allowed me to feel the sacred feelings I used to have when attending the temple. Glo and Clarkie came with us as well, and they walked around the temple grounds while we were...

"Research shows that trying something new significantly slows cognitive decline and may slow biological aging at the cellular level.  Stepping out of your comfort zone builds cognitive reserve which keeps the brain sharp and lowers the risk of degenerative diseases." Yep, that's what they say.... Last week, I went WAY out of my comfort zone and attended GenCon, a board game convention, in Indianapolis with Glo, Clarkie and Ethan....and 70,000 other people.  Ethan had attended a couple of years, and he thought I would enjoy it. First day? Holding on for dear life.  Never felt so out of place.  Tripped and bruised my knee.  Got yelled at by two loud French men.  I may have cried. Day Two? Followed Ethan around while he showed me the ropes of everything.  He held my figurative hand through the horde.  How to watch a demo game.  How to start a "play through".  How to "feel" if a game is good or not in five minutes or less.  At the end o...