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GenCon 2026

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"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 of the day, I surprised him with eight games that I had bought!

Ever since I got home? Non-stop action around our kitchen table.  I am literally dreaming of strategies while I sleep.  So thankful I went.

Am I any younger? *shoulder shrug*

Thanks, Cheese, for the invite!

Mark and Ethan entered a speed painting
contest for minis.
Mark took first place!

 

Glo decided to come along when she heard about
 Ethan's invitation which meant Clarkie 
came too!  He was a trooper in the crowds 
and the noise....and the escalators ;-)



In order to get free admission to the Con, Ethan and Mark act as Dungeon Masters for long one-shots of DND.  I wanted to go in and watch Ethan do his thing, but I kid you not, it was SO LOUD in the room.  I seriously don't know how Ethan had a voice afterwards.


Ethan and Glo also signed up to play in some tournaments.  Ethan ended up winning this one (despite a hard fought fight from Glo).

This was my favorite part of the experience (as Ethan thought
it would be): walking the floor.  There were so many games that
it really became about buying the ones that I happened to stumble
on.  Clarkie was locked in on watching this demo!

One of the funniest moments of the Con: Ethan had wanted to try
Entropy, but within 30 seconds of sitting down, he turned around
to look at me (sitting with Clarkie) and just did a subtle head shake.
Nope, not this one ;-)
On the second night, we went back to the hotel to try
Night at the Zoo.  It was so fun!

     


Glo kept us running across
the exhibition floor, collecting
free pins.  While I didn't
get any that way, I did manage
to get my own by either buying
pins I like, or buying a game
and getting the free pin.



We've been playing non-stop games since we got home, and we are all here for it as summer ends.

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