Don’t wait to be Code 4 - if you want something, do it now!

I just returned from the National Missing and Unidentified Persons conference in Las Vegas. These conferences are so invigorating but can be a little hairy – I’m used to my personal space, my kitchen, my gym, my routines. So I dug in here and pulled out all of the tools and tactics from my toolbox. No refrigerator for preparing meals or snacks? Ok, time for a little pre-planning and creativity. I found a really cute breakfast spot next to the jail and had oatmeal with fruit instead of the conference’s donuts and Danishes. I hit the Walgreens on the walk back to the conference for some granola, baby carrots, and beef jerky. The gym was only open from 7am-6pm which was pretty much the hours of the lectures. So I did some yoga and cardio without weights right there in my hotel room. I stayed alcohol free! I kept in touch with my friends and, when I couldn’t text or call, I accounted for any energy snags or negativity right there in my conference notebook. I took quick breaks in my room, so that I could recharge and still show up, network, and meet all of the amazing detectives and death investigators that do such a great job out there, everyday. I was nervous before I left. I’m a recovering extrovert and people-pleaser – if I can take care of myself, connect with others, and still have a good time, you can too!