My hair is styled, my airfare booked and I lost a pound or two so I can gain a pound or two at the NSNC conference. But more importantly, I plan to gain knowledge and strength as I celebrate the camaraderie of columnists from across the country. 

I'm ready for the National Society of Newspaper Columnists 34th annual conference, Get Schooled, in Bloomington, Indiana, July 9-11. I even rescheduled my flight so I can accept the hospitality of West Baden Springs and the French Lick Hotel to enjoy a massage or round of golf with my *free* night lodging after the conference. Since I'm a duffer with a duck hook, I think I'll take the massage.

I'm looking forward to renewing old friendships and discovering new ones. Hope you'll join me in a toast in the hospitality suite. 

What you're not registered yet? I'm sure that's just an oversight. Columnists are known to procrastinate. That's okay. It's what makes us special. So let's call it a deadline. July comes right after June...the time to act is now.

For complete conference information and registration, visit the National Society of Newspaper Columnists.

Now I better start packing. You know how it is for women. We pack and repack at least five times. With the conference five weeks away that's just about once a week until we share that drink...see you soon!

Cynthia