Phew! I just flew in from the annual convention in Anaheim, CA . . . and boy, are my arms tired! Wow, that was bad. See, I am tired. Anyway, after enjoying a few days over on the other side of the country, I’ve decided to evaluate the trip. What were the best parts? What parts had me wishing I was back home in rainy, windy (and snowy) New England? Check out the best and worst of the National Student Nurse Association Conference.

Before we begin, let’s make it clear how wonderful the show was. The Stressed Out team and, of course, Fran, spent four days in sunny Anaheim getting to know student nurses from all over the country. Thanks to everyone for stopping by the booth! Now, on to the list:

• Worst in-flight movie: I’m on a plane for more than six hours and they show “The Pursuit of Happyness” starring Will Smith. Really? Seriously? We can’t do any better than that?
• Best minor celebrity sighting: Upon boarding the plane for the ride out to California, I saw the Miz. You know, the guy from that Road Rules/Real World thing. Two things came to mind: One, why is he flying coach? And two, how old is he? I mean, hasn’t he been on MTV for 15 years? Check out his Web site: http://www.mikethemiz.com/index1.html
• Worst mood killer: After boarding the plane, I was looking forward to a little snack or maybe some breakfast. And I could have gotten one . . . for $5! When did this happen? I can’t even get a little bag of peanuts or some chips for free? It’s a good thing I had granola bars.
• Best first impression of California: Shorts. Everywhere, there were shorts. That’s very nice to see in April.
• Best T-shirts: Oh, like there’s any contest? The Stressed Out Nurses T-shirts were, by far, the best of the show. They are so fun and so comfortable. We brought 750 of them and they lasted less than an hour before all were snapped up. Whoops! Anyway, we’re looking into a way to get some more, as we know many of you wanted to get your hands on one. We’ll let you know.
• Worst time to be in the exhibit hall: On Thursday, the weather was about 75 degrees under a cloudless sky. The hours of noon to 3 are, of course, peak hours to lie by the pool and do nothing. Therefore, crickets were chirping and tumbleweed was blowing across the exhibit hall.
• Best giveaways (other than the T-shirts and Quick-E! books): Did anyone else check out the Air Force RV? How cool was that? They were giving away T-shirts, really nice pens, and some golf stuff. Plus, the inside of the RV had all sorts of fun games. Nice job, guys.
• Worst timing: If you were flying back to Boston (or anywhere nearby), leaving on Sunday wasn’t the best idea. A good, old Nor’easter blew through town, switching flight schedules and creating some angry travelers. Thanks, Mother Nature. Thanks a lot.
• Best contest entry: Ruby Grove of Riverside, CA, won the $150 SpaFinder gift certificate. Congratulations, Ruby! But hey, there are more contests to come. Head on over to www.stressedoutnurses.com and find out how you can win your own gift certificate.

What about you? What was the best or worst part of your trip? Let us know at mbriddon@hcpro.com and we’ll publish it on the site. Or, head on over to the Stressed Out Nurses Facebook group here and post your memories of California.