Rumble Rumble

There's a rumble in my stomach that is part excitement, part nervous. I feel like a kid on the afternoon of Halloween or a high schooler the night of prom.

  First, let me explain that I was to go to ISTE last year in Colorado. On a whim, my type A master planner personality bought a plane ticket, volunteered, had a place to stay; the entire trip was set to go in a matter of hours. Then,  our school budget didn't pass and I was told I could get laid off. Trip cancelled. I kept my job but nothing was secure until August.Part of the let down of last year was that I was bursting to meet others in my flock. I am the only techgeek in my neighboring schools and sometimes my enthusiasm can get lonely. I talk google docs, blogs, presentations and chats as if it were my own island speak. I have lead professional development to slowly bring people to my island for visits and have been incredibly proud of the progress we are making. (Remember not having money for technology only means you'll be funding progress with creativity and dedication.)

So next week at ISTE2011 my mantra is "keep calm, keep focused". If you see me get a little slap happy please note it's not out of anything less than being excited to meet others who know about my island. You share an unspoken motivation because you respect education just as much as you love technology; the combination of the two makes a part of your brain glow. If you are driven by professional development then please pardon me while my eyes shimmer with strategies, beliefs and resources.

I booked my hotel almost a year ago. I started planning the next week. Now, less than a week from today I will look back at this post and smile. Smile because my brain has been fed, my island has grown and is wealthy beyond belief.

Thank you to ISTE for bringing us together. Remember to thank your loved ones and your schools for believing in your enthusiasm and your ability to convey it to others. Let's relish this upcoming week for each moment it brings.