Last year was the first year I actually PLANNED to attend a homeschool convention — like I made a reservation at a hotel and purchased my Great Homeschool Convention ticket in advance.  In the past, I have decided the week before, bummed a ride, and crashed one night in a friend’s hotel room.

Classy.

I am turning a new leaf over in the organization department.  And this year, I submit to you a few reasons why you should purchase your ticket well in advance before you attend a homeschool convention.

The Previously Undisclosed List of Reasons to Attend a Homeschool Convention

10.  You get to listen to your favorite music without having to turn down the volume for that certain word that pops up in Mumford and Sons or U2.  However, you ONLY get to do this if the friend (or husband) traveling with you is an admitted sinner, such as yourself.

9.  There is absolutely NO reason to strategically plan every single hour with listening to the well-prepared speakers.  I often go to maybe — three presentations???  I know that if I one day become a professional traveling salesman, who lives in a van down by the river, that my ego will be crushed flat by such rule breakers as myself. But alas, I love the thrill of not being ruled by the schedule or following the crowd.

8.  I know where the Starbucks are.  (There are two.  One is definitely NOT as crowded as the other.) And I go there.  Multiple times.  Without feeling guilty.  I walk there during the live sessions.  Your children probably won’t allow you to hang out with me.  I am NOT a good influence when it comes to conference attending.

7.  People watching.  Oh, you homeschoolers make for some of the best story making material!!!  I give you free reign to make up stories about me and why I have a nose-ring.  I hope, this year, it looks like my husband and I are dating.  ‘Cause we are. You might catch us smooching.

6.  I enjoy tweeting with the hotel chain I am staying in.  I’ve tried a couple of times to get a free room out of it or an upgrade (ahem Hilton @netherlandplaza), but they haven’t caught on to my charm or been persuaded by my powerful social media maven techniques yet.  Maybe we can at least chat about breakfast in bed?

5.  As my mom would say, “The fun is in the search.”  Last year, my friend Nicole and I searched for a reputable establishment that served blended beverages because I had never had a certain frothy beverage.  Such an unusual haven for a homeschool mom does not exist.  It must be underground.   It appears that people only drink martinis in Cincinnati.  But it was fun searching and sneaking in the shadows to avoid anyone in a jean jumper.  (Did I just write that?  I do wear skirts, now, you know.  And I watch the Duggers.)

4.  No laundry.  I make my kids wash it when I come home.  (Just kidding.  As if, I would be that obnoxious.)

3.  Lots of recreational exercise.  Of course, carrying around 20 pounds of new textbooks is weight lifting! I must admit I am contemplating BUILDING a milk crate on wheels.

2.  This year — I’m pretty stoked about my roomie.  He is of medium height, handsome, and mine.  All mine.  (Sorry Nicole. But I am excited The Engineer is attending in your place.)

1.  Books.  Do you know how much I adore books?

For other reasons to attend a homeschool convention that might be . . . more useful, see what other bloggers have to say over at ihomeschoolnetwork.  Although, I REALLY have to tell  you in all honesty, I love the homeschool convention ’cause I relax.

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