My heart sank a bit this year when I figured out that I couldn't come to the convention. I wanted to come. I wanted to see a lot of my friends. I wanted to sit in on some really GREAT classes. But I just couldn't make it happen. 1) I AM interested. 2) It may not cost too much for the average person, but to me, right now, it's like having an extra mortgage payment. And I'm not quite sure how I'm going to come up with the one I have to pay. (You can't get blood out of a turnip. If ya ain't got it, ya ain't got it.) 3) It is a fair piece from home. Far enough that I need to think about an ADDITIONAL $500 or more for transportation. (I already mentioned that money is tight. This compounds the situation.) 4) The more I learn, the more I know I don't know. And from my experiences at past conventions, I think I've learned as much chatting in the hallways as sitting in the classes. 5) I am busy. I could make the time, but somehow, I can't make the time and the money. Too often, I have one but not the other. This year is no exception. 6) I don't consider myself to be particularly outgoing, but I have a great time. Find yourself near a reception table with Ron Nossaman, John Ross, (I'm told) Jim Bryant, and Conrad Hoffsommer, you'll be laughing so hard you'll forget you're shy and not a good mixer. (I'm sure there are others, those are just the first names that came to mind...) 7) Can get away, but don't exactly want to leave the family behind. And can't afford to bring them along, not that they'd be allowed into even the exhibit hall... without MORE $$$$$$$$$!!! 8-10)... I have enjoyed the conventions I have attended. I have learned new things, met new friends, seen old friends, been honored, been humbled, been taught, been listened to, been given to, been able to give, laughed about funny things, cried about sad things, puzzled over complicated things, and been reassured that there's much, much more than just pianos at the PTG convention. Enough rattling on by me. I am truly sorry I won't be able to attend this year. I had looked forward to seeing so many of you again. Hopefully, next year! (Was sure looking forward to hearing Laura sing "Peel Me A Grape", too!) ;-) Best wishes to all, Brian T. . > 1. Not interested > 2. Costs too much > 3. Too far away > 4. I know enough already > 5. I'll lose too much business when > away > 6. I'm shy and not a good mixer > 7. Can't get away > 8. > 9. YOUR > CHOICE...... > 10. > ===== Brian Trout Grand Restorations 3090 Gause Blvd., #202 Slidell, LA 70461 985-649-2700 GrandRestorations@yahoo.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com
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