GRIP 2015 - Sunday - Before Check in

GRIP 2015 Second Session begins in a few hours!!!

I arrived in Pittsburgh yesterday, Saturday, with two other GRIP attendees from Arizona: Michelle and Janet. The weather is beautiful, although slightly humid. It sounds funny to hear people talking about how hot it is. For locals, I guess it is.

I slept on and off, after all there is a 3 hour time difference. Last night 10 pm  seemed very early to go to bed; AND 6:30 this morning seemed EXTREMELY early to get up. Hopefully, tomorrow, Monday, will be easier.

Michelle and I are in a hotel and Janet is staying with a cousin of her husband's. Judy was kind enough to pick up all three of us yesterday at the airport and she's going to transport us to LaRoche this afternoon.

I haven't found anything I forgot to pack. But I'll wait until after moving into the dorm, to see what I left at home that should have been in my suitcase.

I'm still trying to figure out how to down load GoogleDrive files onto my computer. I think I figured out how to do each individual pdf file, but I was hoping there is an easier way to download by folders. I don't know how much access I will need during the class, so I may just wait until tomorrow and ask. Or perhaps ask at dinner tonight.

I am looking forward so seeing all of you and sharing information and friendships. Have a great week, GRIP Attendees.

GRIP 2015 - Packing Ideas

I'm leaving for GRIP (Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh) in 6 days. I fly on Saturday because I prefer trying to adjust to the 3 hour time difference a day before classes begin.

 I'm flying so I can't bring all of the extras that those who drive can bring. So, what am I putting in my "pile" to pack? Of course, if you are driving or want to bring another suitcase, there are many items that would be nice to have that are not on this list.
- alarm clock
- ethernet cable OR hotspot - if you think you want to connect to the internet in your room
- a small clip-on lamp - many of the dorm rooms don't have a desk lamp
- a night light (this was a suggestion from a friend, Janet)
- extension cord with multiple plugs since you'll want to plug in your phone, computer, light, etc.
- a fitted sheet - Yes I know that they are provided, but this gives me another layer of fabric between  me and the mattress cover
- a drinking glass - if you want one when you brush your teeth, etc.
- hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, etc. Also, body wash, hand soap and tissues - This is a dorm room, not a hotel
- rain jacket and/or umbrella - Yes, it does rain in Pittsburgh in July. The distance from the dorm to the classroom building isn't far, but sometimes the rain is heavy.
- layers of clothing - the classrooms may be warm or cold - so just be prepared

FYI - In the past the desserts in the cafeteria were sometimes difficult to pass up. And they had a very nice salad bar for lunch and dinner.

Bookstore (or college store) in the main building had Keurig coffees. Cost WAS $1.06 per cup (I don't know what it will be this year) but they didn't open until 9 am. However, this was a good place to get coffee during morning break.

I'm looking forward to seeing all of you in Pittsburgh in one week.