"I Hardly Know Him!"

I do love hearing the daily kindergarten tales from Claire and Sydney. Tony and I especially enjoy asking them about their day while at the dinner table. They're just so much more into friends now than they were even just a year ago.

Anyway, I picked the girls up from the bus stop yesterday and noticed that Claire was holding a lovely little yellow origami swan. I asked where she had gotten it and she told me that it was from a boy on the bus, Gabe, I think. I asked how old he was. Answer? Second grade. Then I made the mistake of asking (teasingly) if he was her boyfriend. Claire, with her usual aplomb, answered, "he is NOT my boyfriend. I hardly KNOW him." She just makes me laugh.

Meanwhile, Sydney got home and set immediately to work on a book for her classmate, Kavon. What is with this sudden interest in boys? Just a few weeks ago, they pretty much didn't exist - the focus was on the girls in their class. Sydney told me that Kavon is now her best friend and she drew a very sweet book about the two of them, which she made sure to pack up and bring to school so that she can present it to him. I really should have photographed it first. Sorry!

SLC - LAST DAY

I guess it's kind of cheating to write about my last day in SLC after I'm home, but I just feel like I've got to finish the story.


Yesterday morning, our last in Salt Lake, feels like 100 years ago and I am tired to the point of slurred speech, but BOY does it feel good to be home! Anyway, Saturday morning dawned (SURPRISE!) rainy and dreary. We have had only very rare glimpses of the sun during our entire stay. This was a great year to have such a short distance between the hotel and CC - it wasn't too bad to dash across the street even when it was raining. Although you might get wet if you waited for the "official" crossing signal. Mostly, especially in the early morning, most people just made a dash for it.


I got to the booth at 7:30 and was bummed to see that Steve, Linda, and Ron had all beat me today and had the booth all ready for business. We discussed a little packing strategy and then settled in to a very quiet morning. I had to run back to the hotel for photos of a TECA Challenge and the Program Excellence Breakfast but got back pretty quickly (which was good since Steve was timing me). I did promise Starbucks to both Ron and Linda, but reneged on it when the line had (and I counted) 13 people. Sorry Ron and Linda! I owe you both a Starbucks beverage (check your mail in the coming weeks).


Had a rough start to our morning when we realized that we had virtually no small bills in our petty cash and no accountant on site to rectify the situation. Rumor had it that she had already left town. Hmmm. But wasn't there money to be dealt with at the end of conference? Thankfully, Tamara was there to pick up the pieces. We were also very grateful for Kendall's quick run to get us small bills.


Started boxing things up about 10, but left everything out - which was good because we did have a little rush of business around that time. But by 11, the CC was a ghost town so we started packing in earnest and had it done by about 11:30. Left me just enough time to pack up my computer, check out of the hotel and get to the Awards Luncheon.


It's so hard to spend an hour or two packing and hauling boxes and then have to sit still through speeches, etc. At one point Fred actually fell asleep, but I took pity and did not photograph him. Fortunately, it went quickly, I got my photos and then we were off to the airport.


Other than being WAY early, the airport experience was incredibly easy and problem-free. The time passed quickly, especially when we were able to wait with Roseanne and Susan (both on our flight) and Ron and Gary Wynn, who were waiting for a flight at the next gate.


The flight was easy and passed quickly and I came home and crashed. SO glad to be home. Soon I hope to have the full "public viewing" slideshow ready as well as the "Super Secret Slideshow." Stay tuned.




Today's pics are actually leftover from Friday night's excursion to PF Chiang's. The first is yet ANOTHER attempt to capture the hilarity of the flag-crossing experience. Unfortunately, it's once again too dark to get a decent shot and I only had my "little" camera. Anyway, hopefully you can get a feel for it. That's Brian at the front, followed by Lari, Mo, and Tamara and then Roger and Kay, who is holding another flag at the rear. Have to say that Kay got as big a kick out of those flags as I did!




Second photo was taken at the restaurant. We were joking with our waiter about David and Fred being from Texas, so he sent over one of the waitresses, who announced that she was from Texas, too. Couldn't pass up that photo op.

SLC - Day 4

Today was definitely less stressful than yesterday, which I will take. By afternoon, though, I was practically woozy with tiredness -plus a headache that I seem to contract every afternoon in the Salt Palace. Maybe the dryness? Who knows.



On my way to my first stop this morning (Foundation Breakfast), I jumped into an elevator only to end up face-to-face with none other than Barbara Morgan. I made a point of telling her that I work for ITEA and how genuinely appreciative I was of how patient and gracious she has been to the multitude of people who have been demanding so much of her time. She was gracious once again and told me that these teachers really energize her. A good sport.


I continued my morning with a quick stop at the Foundation Breakfast. After checking into when the speaker would start and end, I decided to go over to the CC to try to set up the booth before my volunteers arrived. A "surprise," since I had told them I wouldn't be over until about 9. Once everything was in place, I walked BACK to the hotel to catch the end of Jim LaPorte's speech (he was terrific) and take some photos. Then back again to the CC for the Second General Session.



This session was definitely the highlight of my day. The speaker, Robert Ballard is a reknowned oceanographer who, among other things, "found" the Titanic. This guy was amazing. Super educated, an incredibly gifted speaker, good sense of humor and knew how to relate his field to the lay audience. His information and discoveries about the ocean were truly astounding. I found myself saying, "wow" over and over. Jay Hicken sat directly behind me and I heard him doing the exact same thing. Another homerun speaker.


Today offered lunch in the Exhibit Hall, but not for us. Since the sponsor was paying per plate, Mo asked us not to take advantage. Not a problem. So I ran out and got lunch for myself and then sent Steve, Linda, and Ron to get their free lunches, since they were all registered attendees. At the last minute I had the bright idea to ask Steve to take a few photos while he was at the lunch. I was pretty busy while they were gone, but eventually Steve comes ambling back and I notice he no longer has my camera, despite my REPEATED reminders not to let anything happen to it. I ask him where it is, and he gasps a little, says he left it on the table, and hustles back toward the Exhibit Hall. I spent the next 10 minutes trying to stave off a heart attack. A while later, Ron comes walking up and I see my camera around his neck. The photo above shows my face, which is still a little in shock after worrying for so long. It turns out that the entire thing was a prank perpetrated by Steve. I told him that he has officially upped the ante of practical jokes.



Not much excitement in the afternoon and, as I mentioned, I was really beat and struggling with another bad headache. One highlight would be yet another visit from Barbara Morgan. She stopped by the Booth to talk to none other than Ron. Once the other attendees "smelled" her, they began to gather and I began to wonder if she would ever get out. Every few minutes, I would be called over to take photos.



One thing that made me laugh this afternoon was when Steve leaned over and tapped me and then pointed to Ron, who had apparently dozed off right in the middle of the Booth! Ron claims he was "reading."

A very calm evening - we finally made it back to PF Chiang's and had a great dinner with wonderful food. All the ITEA ladies were there as well as David McGee, Fred Blount, Roger and Kay, and Brian. Fred was so cute, trying to figure out what to eat since he's a "steak and potatoes" Texas-type. Brian helped him choose some Mongolian Beef and Fred LOVED it! He even said he was going to look for a PF Chiang's when he got home because his wife would love it.

On our walk home, Brian suddenly reminded us that he had an early flight, so we all had to say goodbye. As much as we want conference to be OVER every year, it always comes as a bit of shock when we have to say goodbye to such good friends. It just stinks that we have to go through all this work and planning AGAIN just to see them again.

With luck, we will all be home 24 hours from now! Yippee!

Salt Lake City - Day 3

Why do days seem to go on forever at ITEA conferences? Honestly, it feels like we have been here for at least a month.

I woke up at my usual time of 5:10am and once again, truly enjoyed having a "leisurely" morning until I had to take photos at the President's Roundtable Breakfast at 7:15.

Here's my bizarre story of the day. I really tried to coordinate my arrival time at the breakfast so that people were seated and the function was reasonably underway. So I left my room at about 7:12 - in order to arrive at 7:15. As usual, I was right on time, took my photos, and then headed over to the Resource Booth. About an hour later, I hear the news that there had been an earthquake at about 7:15. It actually really disappointed me that people on the higher floors of the hotel were better able to feel the earthquake. So I missed it by about THREE MINUTES! I was on ground level and felt...absolutely nothing that I can recall. Have to admit to being disappointed. Especially after hearing tales from people who were on the upper floors of the Marriott (my room is on the 10th floor). Darn it!

Opened the Booth without incident and then moved on to the First General Session. SO hard to believe that the conference was really just STARTING when we feel like we've been here forever. Have to say it was VERY cool to be in the Session with Barbara Morgan as speaker. I have NEVER seen a better attended General Session. People were EVERYWHERE - every seat filled and so many standing up. From what I could observe, Barbara was incredibly gracious and patient about talking with members and having dozens of photos taken. Very cool to see someone of such high stature who places such a strong emphasis on what our teachers are doing. After Barbara was presented with HER gifts, she presented Kendall and Andy with several gifts for ITEA. I am pretty psyched about these being hung up at our office!

Fairly calm day, including a pass through the Exhibit Hall. Maureen reports that she had no major complaints from any exhibitors, which I believe is a first. Took lots of photos.

I met two new members today who made this trip practically worthwhile. It was truly gratifying to be able to tell them about resources that are available to them now that they are members. I even escorted one new member (former engineer - now a middle school teacher) to the IdeaGarden session, so he could get a better feel for the listserv.

Oh - forgot to mention - one of the Program Excellence winners this morning was the program at...Herndon Middle School! I made a point of congratulating the teacher accepting the award. Later he reminded me that we met when he came to our office to purchase some curriculum materials. Oops. Should have remembered that.

Had some mildly contentious issues at the end of the day. I had been worrying about my T&C meeting all day - especially after hearing that several of the participants had been having problems with one another in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Yin decides, somewhat randomly, to collect our cash at about 4:3o. Hmm. Don't we close at 5? As luck would have it, after she departs with our cash for the day, we get slammed with customers. At about this time, I gotta head off to my contentious meeting and I leave Steve in charge, WITH the remaining petty cash. They end up doing another $200 in business, but don't want to tell Yin, since she'll be upset that we've tampered with the petty cash. By this point, I have departed, but apparently the showdown between Steve and Yin comes to a head when she returns and chastises Steve and Linda for having an "inappropriate" amount of cash. He hastens to point out that the booth doesn't close until 5 (and actually today it was apparently more like 5:30) so maybe it's not such a good idea for her to close out our cash at 4:30. According to Linda, it's surprising that I didn't hear Steve from my meeting on the other side of the CC. Yikes! I think tomorrow I may have to have words with Yin, who has been doing things according to her convenience since her arrival.

Okay, so meanwhile, I am in my meeting from hell, which is pretty painful. Trying to get assignments is like pulling teeth. It took about an hour and fifteen minutes, but we finally strong-armed enough people to fill out the publishing year and, more importantly, there is no blow up between the parties I was worried about. Phew. As a result, however, I now owe Charlie McLaughlin two beers.

My hero of the afternoon is Dan Engstrom, who I begged to attend the meeting with some of his graduate student and he DOES IT! Shows up and he and his students take on about five assignments! Dan rocks!

So, now it's about 6:15 and everyone else is at the PATT Reception. I've pretty much missed it so I dump my stuff and decide to wait in the lobby, where I've been told everyone is meeting for dinner. I am pretty bummed I missed it because apparently Barbara Morgan was there and was incredibly gracious once again. Brian tells me that when he spoke with her, she mentioned that she always flips through TTT when she receives it (: ) )!!! He mentioned to her that he wrote a Tootsie Pop activity and she told him that she loved it and read every word. You should have seen his face when he recounted that story! He was in absolute heaven and even got photos of himself with her. I am pretty bummed that I missed all those photos ops!

Finally, my comrades made it to the lobby, where we then had to wait for a table at the hotel restaurant. We had about 11 in our group tonight, including, I think: me, Mo, Lari, Tamara, Roger and Kay, Steve and Linda, Brian, Yin, and Susan. Had to laugh when Susan arrived at the last minute, assessed the situation, went into the restaurant, and we ended up with a private dining room ON THE DOUBLE! It pays to eat dinner with Susan! We had a GREAT dinner, even though I had to sit next to Steve, who had me laughing to the point of tears (see photo).

After dinner, the rest of the group had plans to go to the Mormon Tabernacle to see the choir rehearse. Meanwhile MY plan was to go to bed. However, upon exiting the restaurant, I bump into none other than Charlie McLaughlin, who I DEFINITELY owe two beers to. So he and I, along with our International Luncheon speaker, Steve Petrina, and a doctoral student from Va Tech, head over the bar. I manage to stay awake long enough to pay off my debt to Charlie (proof is the photo at right).

Now it's about two hours PAST when I had planned to be in bed and I have to roll it out early tomorrow for the FTE Breakfast.

Good night!

Salt Lake City - Day 2

Phew, another very long day has now come to a close. The great news is that I actually had a halfway decent night's sleep last night. Since I was out like a light by about 9:15, it wasn't so bad waking up at 5. (7 at home). That gave me a chance to get a little organized, plus email a few people and, of course, post to my silly blog.

I meandered over to the Resource Booth around 8 and began doing some "renovations" that we just didn't have the energy for on Tuesday. Before I knew it, it was 11 and we were open for business. I would say it was a VERY quiet day at both Reg and in the Booth, but we heard that there are MANY pre-reg packets yet to be picked up, so we know there are attendees out there SOMEWHERE. Hopefully, they will find their way tomorrow.

The thing that absolutely cracked me up the most today happened on my way to get lunch for my entire Booth crew. I was walking to a little sandwich place called "Toasters" with Brian Lien. Brian had eaten there on Tuesday and recommended it. Anyway, we leave the CC and head out the back door. As we near the street, Brian says, "since you're the newbie, you get to hold the flag." Excuse me? Apparently, since this entire freaking town is under construction, they have invented a new, safe(?) way for people to cross streets. In seemingly random places, you will find a bucket of flags (see photo above) on each side of a street. When a pedestrian wishes to cross, he or she is supposed to select a flag, proceed INTO the street, REGARDLESS of oncoming traffic and wave the flag as he or she crosses the street. Once reaching the opposite side, you are supposed to put the flag into the bucket on THAT side. I nearly died laughing, but did, in fact, wave my flag in order to procure lunch for my friends. We are hoping to get an "Abbey Road"-type photo of our entire staff before we leave. We are also plotting to swipe one flag to post on our wall back at ITEA.

My second funniest story was told to me secondhand. It involves Mo accidentally wandering into the Men's room. The best part is that later one of her exhibitors had to ask her to zip up her fly! And then later, Tamara experienced a similar problem with HER fly. What the heck?

After some meetings and closing up the Booth, I had to shoot some photos at both the New Member and Welcome Receptions. I have to say they were PACKED. Probably had a little something to do with Barbara Morgan making her special appearance. Finally dragged myself out of there after 7pm.

We managed to escape the Marriott and Mo, Lari, Tamara and I walked to dinner with Brian, Fred Blount, Roger and Kay Uhl, and David McGee. And yes, on the way, we made sure to cross at as many "flag crossings" as possible. We initially decided to try PF Chaings, but the wait was too long so we ended up at an Italian chain called something like "Buco Beppo's" or something like that. We somehow got a waiter who spoke German, so Brian was in heaven and spent half the meal speaking German. Mo and I tried to respond in French, but failed miserably. I hear the food was good, but I was just too tired to care. Tony, you will be DELIGHTED to hear that I chose an Italian beer!!

Kathie - I did create a video for you, but Blogger gave me an error message. I will try again tomorrow.

Off to bed. Tomorrow is another (very long) day...

Salt Lake City - Day 1

Day 1 dawned WAY too early. While my alarm
was set for 4:30, I woke up for good at 3am. At least I had plenty of time to get ready - but of course my cab was a little late.

Hard to believe, but the Security line at Dulles was enormous - though I found Lari and we made it through without too much trouble. Even managed to get a glimpse of Tamara in the mass of people working their way through Security.

Flight was easy, but freezing. The only interesting moment was when Lari saw another plane pass by on our left side and by the white color of her face, Tamara and I could tell that it was quite a bit too close for comfort. I am so glad I didn't see it.

No problem getting to the hotel - though quite a different experience to be going to a city and hotel in which we've already had a conference. Above is a photo of the Salt Palace from my hotel room. I am bummed that with my small camera I really didn't get the background mountains to show up. Unfortunately from the "hole" we are in in downtown, you really can't get an unobstructed view of the mountains - just glimpses between buildings. It is also pretty ugly here right now. There are several major construction projects around the hotel and the streets and air are REALLY dirty. Actually walked through mud when crossing the street to the CC yesterday. I'm sure that will make a nice impression on our attendees. It's also crappy that the nice mall that used to connect to the hotel is now an ENORMOUS hole in the ground. Apparently there used to be two malls here and they brilliantly decided to rip them both down simultaneously. Good thinking!

We managed to locate Maureen and had an early lunch at about 10:45 - since our stomachs were still on East Coast time. We were still waiting for the decorator to finish dragging out all our boxes anyway.

After lunch, we headed over to face the mountains of boxes. Fortunately everyone was great about dragging the boxes over to the Booth, while I ripped open each one to figure out what was inside. I'd say it took a good 5 1/2 hours to get it into some kind of decent shape. Steve and Linda Moorhead showed up around 2:30 and were incredibly helpful - even though I had to listen to Steve make his usual jokes! Ron Yuill, of course, walked in just as we were finishing up!

It was great to see everyone but we're all really bummed that Fred Ruda got sick and can't be here. He really is the heart of our little band and his absence is being keenly felt. I know Tamara is worrying about how to fill the huge gap he'll leave behind in Reg.

And even though I remember how dry it is here (reminder: Salt Lake City is in a desert) I stupidly did not bring a water bottle to the CC with me. I ended up taking at least a half hour scouring the place looking for a bottle. I found two Coke machines in the bowels of the place, but couldn't get them to take my dollar bills. I think it may be a Mormon tease - they really don't want anyone drinking those caffeinated beverages! The machines even had a big "Thirsty?" sign on them. Honestly, I was ready to break into the machine. I finally gave up and walked back to the hotel, where there was a Starbucks near the front door. I don't remember the last time I've been so happy to have water. I refilled that bottle two more times before we were done.

Mo was stuck in the CC until 6 when her security person arrived and I stayed with her and Brian for a while, but I was just so beat she sent me back to the hotel. I managed to get my Internet connection set up and called home to talk to the girls. Tried to do a video call, but managed to miss them. I'll be trying again this morning at 6:30 (8:30 for them). Tony set me up with a cool camera/microphone and, when working properly, the quality is pretty darn good. I know it will tickle the girls to be able to hear AND see me.

One funny story: I was getting in the elevator to meet everyone for a quick dinner in the bar. There was a guy getting on the elevator at the same time and he saw my Drexel sweatshirt. He said, "I guess I should know where Drexel is." I told him it was in Philly, and he says, "oh, well I'm from Virginia." I told him I was, too. He asked where and I said "Northern Virginia." Then his eyes get big and he asks WHERE in Northern Virginia. I answer "Herndon" and GUESS where the guy lives? Herndon! On the other side, near Elden Street. SO funny. At first I thought he was one of ours, but he is wisely here to ski instead. Talk about an incredibly small world!

Anyway, we managed to drag our poor tired carcasses to the bar for a quick dinner (salad and one glass of wine for me). Lari, Tamara, Mo and I ate with Ron, David McGee, Mike Fitzgerald, and Brian. Susan and the Fern people were at the next table. So odd that she never really wants to sit with us, even though we invited her several times. By the end of dinner, it was nearly 8 (10 back home) and after being up for so long, I was beat. I dragged myself upstairs, talked briefly with Tony, watched the last fifteen minutes of "Idol" and crashed.

This morning I woke up at about 5, but that's pretty good for me since it's 7 at home. I managed to sneak down the hall in my pjs to get myself a wonderful Diet Pepsi and even had a Go-Tart to go with it! So I'm set until I have to head over to the CC around 8. Even though we don't open until 11, the security leaves at 8 and the Booth is in a fairly vulnerable spot. I may even have enough energy for some last-minute adjustments in the booth.

So, Day 1 had no great adventures, but no great mishaps, either and I will definitely take that!