With PAX coming up this weekend, I thought maybe a little reminder was in order. Conventions are always an interesting mix of the population. We’re all there to have fun, and in the process people tend to forget the basics.

Remember The Four H’s:

Hydrate: It’s August. It’s going to be hot. Also, when you’re trying to have maximum fun, you’re pushing your body. Getting dehydrated under these circumstances is a bad idea. Caffiene is a diuretic, so make sure to drink at least as much of something like Gatorade or just plain water as you do Bawls or Coke.

Hygiene: You’re in a large building rubbing elbows and flux capacitors with a whole heck of a lot of people. Many of them are wearing robot costumes/cat ears/cardboard armor. It’s hot outside, and there is no air conditioning system in the world that’s going to be perfect under that sort of pressure. Showering and liberal use of deordorant is a very good thing.

Health: Remember that large crowd I mentioned above. Well, they’re not germ-free. Ditto for planes and trains and automobiles. You’re going to be busy running around and taking time for a real meal is a challenge, but it’s well worth it in how you feel on that last day. And don’t forget to take a multi-vitamin and to stay on any medication regimine you use in your regular life.

Hibernate: I know zombies are cool to see on a movie screen, but it’s not nearly so cool when you are one. If you haven’t slept for two days you’re going to feel pretty awful. And that’s not fun at all.

For a quick rule of thumb, at a minimum take one shower, eat two REAL meals, and get four hours of sleep per day.

And remember to have fun! 😉

Tags: Misc