As an ultra runner, I'm used to conserving energy when I run. But being energy stingy doesn't end when I kick off my shoes at the door. I also like saving energy (and money) at home with the way I use electricity. In fact, I like it so much it's my profession - teaching others how to save both money and energy by being more efficient with it. So last week when I was to attend a conference of 1000 realtors at a convention center and have a booth to share some easy ways to save energy at home I was in my element. But this conference had a theme and I am a sucker for themed events. In middle school I was the one who took spirit day to a whole other level, and I was a teacher! For instance, one day, on Dress Like a Pirate Day, the principal told me she caught me limping across campus in my knickers and tights during planning period when no one else was out of class, because I stayed in character all day, even when no one else was around.
So the theme of this conference was Back to the Movies, as in Back to the Future. They even had an exact replica Delorean car from the movie brought in on the convention floor.
There were booth decorations and character costumes. There was even a costume contest. I was hooked. But what would I be? What movie character goes along with energy, is cool and could be something I could create in a week? I thought of The Flash. He's a lightning bolt in a red spandex suit but it didn't seem right. I remembered Iron Man from the Avengers. He's played by Robert Downey Jr. in the film version. As a billionaire weapons investor he damages his heart in a battle and has to create a glowing round orb embedded in his chest to keep his heart functioning. That would be cool I thought. I could get a flat flashlight and tape it to my chest. But I saw a couple of Iron Man suits for sale in the local costume shops and they just oozed cheap.
I needed something more authentic. And how would I connect it to energy savings? And that's when I had a realization.
So the theme of this conference was Back to the Movies, as in Back to the Future. They even had an exact replica Delorean car from the movie brought in on the convention floor.
There were booth decorations and character costumes. There was even a costume contest. I was hooked. But what would I be? What movie character goes along with energy, is cool and could be something I could create in a week? I thought of The Flash. He's a lightning bolt in a red spandex suit but it didn't seem right. I remembered Iron Man from the Avengers. He's played by Robert Downey Jr. in the film version. As a billionaire weapons investor he damages his heart in a battle and has to create a glowing round orb embedded in his chest to keep his heart functioning. That would be cool I thought. I could get a flat flashlight and tape it to my chest. But I saw a couple of Iron Man suits for sale in the local costume shops and they just oozed cheap.
I needed something more authentic. And how would I connect it to energy savings? And that's when I had a realization. 
