Tuesday Slice of Life is hosted by Two Writing Teachers, Stacey and Ruth every single Tuesday. Come check it out, and find out about the March Challenge! If you're on twitter, tweet at #Slice2013!
I'm going to whine a little bit, yet include about learning, too. I am in the midst of preparing my old home ready for sale. I am tired of doing it, have talked thus far with a total of ten different people in order to accomplish this task, and some of those more than once. E-mail, even texting, has aided me a lot in this journey, but actually getting to know those who are working for me seems important, so time learning about their work, how things work if needing repair, why they do what they do, how they came to Colorado or if they're natives is part of what we're discussing.
This helps me feel like I'm a part of the work, and they in turn seem to like knowing me too, about the house, where I've moved, etc. Nothing has been unpleasant, but it's taking quite a lot of time away from what I'd love to be doing, reading, writing and teaching! Yet, I have learned the needs and how-to's of lights, furnaces, paint, woodwork, carbon monoxide detectors and more. I've also learned, as described earlier, ways to talk with workers, to ask questions, to figure out best paths, and to negotiate costs. Soon, cross your fingers, these tedious times will be behind me. As you know it has been bittersweet, and I am ready to move forward!
But, and it's a big one! This week, I have the privilege of learning something else, something near to my heart, something at a conference! I am attending the Colorado Chapter of the International Reading Association's conference, this Thursday through Sunday. And I'm staying right there, in the hotel! How great is that? And, drum roll please, I am in sessions with Tony Stead and Kelly Gallagher (among others), and in lunch conversations with Ralph Fletcher and Gordon Korman.
I am excited to be focused on what I love most, reading and writing (and all those other literate things), and look forward to sharing with all of you, bit by bit as you may enjoy.
I love going to conferences! And staying right At the hotel too? That is the best! Please enjoy your time...looking forward to hearing all about your learning!
ReplyDeleteThanks Amy-very exciting to be going!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you as you wrap of the house business.... Yes to moving forward. And to conferences! Soak it all in, friend. xo
ReplyDeleteThank you Irene. It sounds like you have been very busy too. Hope it's a good thing!
DeleteThe conference excitement balances out the moving stress. Enjoy your stay in a hotel (someone else doing all the thinking for you.) Take the most out of the conference (full time thinking along and forward.)
ReplyDeleteExactly! I am excited! (I think I said that already!) I thought it might be fun to keep a list (a la yours) of possible postings. Thanks Terje!
Deleteoh yeah...I will totally enjoy hearing from all those greats in our field. I think that it is so fun to stay right where the conference is being held. I know you will be so happy! I hope there will be some other slicers there too.
ReplyDeleteI don't know of anyone else going so far, but wouldn't it be lovely? Can't wait to share-maybe I'll tweet too! Thanks!
DeleteI love how you find the silver lining in all that you do! You are finding ways to enjoy the work of selling your old home, making more connections, building a bigger community. Enjoy the conference - sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteSo funny that you bring up the silver lining, Maureen. I just had a lovely conversation with one of the CNA's who cares for my husband at lunch time, & we spoke about 'being in the moment' & how utterly relaxing & joyful it can be. She conducts her life too in looking for the positive always. I'm not sure I could live any other way. Thank you!
DeleteI love "Living" in hotels while at a conference. Coming "home" to clean towels and a made bed.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the time away from the work of getting the old house ready to sell and learn lots so you can share with the rest of us
Even the 'get away' across town will be marvelous, you've said it just right, Deb. I will certainly share!
DeleteLots of stuff going on, Linda...good stuff! I can feel your excitement about the conference - I need to start attending these, too. NCTE is a must this year.
ReplyDeleteOh, if you say you're going to Boston, I'd love it too. I love that city & still need to be at NCTE at least once in my life. Thanks Tara-will share from this conference too!
DeleteIt's a date, my friend!
DeleteI was going to mention Ralph was going to be at CCIRA, but looks like you already know that. He's going to be writing a little something for the Slicers when he returns. Do say "hi" to him for me if you get the chance to meet him. (He's great!)
ReplyDeleteGO TO NCTE, Linda. You'll LOVE it. Boston is such a great city. Couple that with the professional joy NCTE brings and you've got the perfect conference destination.
I really want to for sure, Stacey. I have friends there, my daughters went to college there, & I've been there with students-lovely city! And-I will try to say hi to Ralph for you!
DeleteAt first I was not very envious of you. I am having work done on my house, but my husband has dealt with all of it. I am so grateful for that. But then... I got the green eyes. Oh, man, some of my favorites. I saw Kelly Gallagher this summer. He has some great ideas for using model texts. I would love to meet Ralph Fletcher. He seems so personable. Can't wait to hear all about the conference. Have fun and forget all about the house blues!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Margaret. Luckily, as I said, those 'doing' house things are very nice, & this weekend, I will forget! Cannot wait to do this!
DeleteGood luck in getting through your house work, even though it's somewhat tedious! The fact that you are getting to know your workers as people shows your kind and caring personality.
ReplyDeleteHave fun at the conference -- what an awesome list of people to learn from! I hope you find it inspiring and rejuvenating! :-)
Thanks Jennifer. I know it will all end someday, but the tedium is what does get to me sometimes. I am thrilled to be going somewhere, even across town!
DeleteI know the house will be worked out, yes, it does take time to get things in order to sell. But what a great line up of presenters and you get to stay in a hotel too! Many years ago I spent a preconference day with Tony Stead. Absolutely loved him and all he said. Can't wait to read your learnings.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elsie. I don't know Tony Stead's books as well, so happy to hear your compliments. Now I'm even more excited.
DeleteHave to admit, I am a little jealous. You are getting to meet all those wonderful authors! But, looking forward to reading your future posts.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jaana. It will be a good time! I'll try to share as much as I can.
DeleteYou are one strong woman, Linda. You've taken on whatever comes your way and come around to the good times again. Enjoy, and glad you are taking time for the things you love.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tam. I appreciate your thoughts.
DeleteI am excited for you!!! You have been through so much. I am glad there are moments of sweet joy. You deserve them and more.
ReplyDeleteHi Ruth-thanks! I just replied to your graphic novels quest. Hope you can convince & find some great ones!
DeleteYour post made me tired, so many things to deal with. And you do whine quite nicely. Then I was excited to learn that you get to go to a conference. What a great opportunity to get energized about the things that matter most to you. Enjoy every moment, and do share some of your learning with us!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ramona, it will be a great time, & I will share!
DeleteLinda, have a great time at the conference! I can't wait to hear about it. I'm glad you're able to step away from the moving madness for a few days.
ReplyDeleteYour Valentine postcards arrived today. So thoughtful of you! I'll set one aside for a poetry prompt on the 14th.
Hi! Glad you got them, Laura. I was going through my Valentine's & there they were! If I ever find time, I'll send more of the 'regular' ones too. I am all packed & ready...
DeleteWell deserved "you" time! Enjoy soaking up every last ounce of inspiration--you pay it forward tenfold through your blog posts; it's about time you get some in return!
ReplyDeleteHey, thank you Christy. If you read the above, you know I'm thrilled! It will be wonderful!
DeleteSomeday I want to sit with you in a great session at a conference and share our learning!
ReplyDeleteHope so, Mary Lee! Thanks for the thought this am!
DeleteUgh. I've sold 5 houses in the last 10 years and it's an exhausting experience each time. It sounds like you are doing a lot of prep work which really helps the sale go more smoothly and quickly. Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteAnd enjoy the conference.
Oh-h-h! Thanks for the pep talk-you make me feel much better, Katya. Selling houses is not for the faint of heart!
DeleteI hope we get to hear about what you learned along the way! Sounds like a great conference :)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to try hard to organize my thoughts, but as I said in the post after this, I am filled up with info, Maria. It was a terrific time! Thanks!
DeleteLinda, I am reading your posts backwards (haha), but I can feel your excitement about the conference. It's always lovely to have that to look forward to - the greatest thing for me about conferences, more than the networks forged - is the valuable meeting of the minds of people who are united in their interests and passions. It sounds like you're gonna have that in this conference. :) I just know you had a great time.
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