My father in law came across my 1986 college graduation program while cleaning out some old papers. Seeing that program brought me back to seemingly endless days of studying and long sleepless nights worrying over exams. During my college years I never felt very smart so I was surprised to see Cum Laude next to my name. I had graduated with honors but some how I didn't remember that. What I do remember is being relieved to be finished with my formal education and never having to take a test again, or so I thought. That was until I learned I could become certified by the IFHI which requires, what else, a test. It has taken me a long time to decide to get this certification but my passion for all things blood type has not waned in over 10 years, and what better way to satisfy my enthusiasm but to become certified in what I believe.

The certification exam will be given at the Mini Conference in Crossville, Tennesee hosted by the Pleatau Eat Righter's. So in June I sent in my $150 and Larry Nesbit (BT 0) who spearheaded the group, registered me to take the test and emailed me the manual. The manual is a total of 80 pages, double sided, with text from top to bottom, no pictures, no graphs, just words. It's a little daunting but full of important information and reinforces some of what I already know from reading the Eat Right books. It also contains some new information and links to things in The Individualist for further study. For now I am sticking with just getting through the manual, reading it in small bits, and taking notes in the margins.

I am looking forward to the conference not just for the chance to become certified but also to be with a group of like minded people, those who share my same beliefs. As one member of the Chat Right Forum put it, "sane people".

One person I'm lookig forward to meeting is Larry Nesbit. Early in the spring I was privilaged to speak with him, his passion for all things Blood Type was very evident in our conversation. He has made it his mission to share his passion with others, so he holds classes on a regular basis and now has a thriving group of Blood Type followers in Crossville. What an amazing thing to take your passion, share it and watch peoples lives change.

My conversation with him centered around how I could start classes here on Long Island and, like Larry, share my passion. I thank him for encouraging me to put aside my trepidations and take the certification. A portion of the conference will be devoted to Larry and his persistance in helping people like me who want to get started teaching the BTD. This is one of the reasons I am attending this conference rather than the one in Arizona (although I may go to that one too).

I am looking forward to meeting you all and hope they have name tags that include our BT/GT and our chat room names, that way I will know who you are.