Last Lecture

Well, since I can't go to bed because I haven't quit crying, I thought I'd blog about what I just watched (and since everyone I know goes to bed earlier, you'll want to read this). Diane Sawyer just did a story about a professor from Carnegie Melon University who is dying from pancreatic cancer. He passed on his life lessons in his final lecture that has been made into a book. Watching him with his wife and 3 small children was so powerful. How do you plan your good bye? I don't know if I could do it with the dignity, grace, and humor that he has used. I know I am buying this book. The lecture is about acheiving your childhood dreams and enabling others. Between the fallen fire fighters in our area and the anniversary of Matt Maupin's capture, I cant watch the video right now. But I will. When you have an hour, here is the video from his last lecture.

Music Man Pics

Tonight the kids had their pictures taken in their costumes for the Music Man. The show quickly approaching. Here are a few pics to showcase some of the costumes. This is Abby and her best friends Bailey (yes, Abby is that short and Bailey is that tall!).

Driving Susan Crazy

I am getting settled after my trip to Boston. I had such a great week. I think that all teachers need to find something like this where they can become re-energized about teaching. I was so excited about all the stuff I learned that I know I am wearing my teaching partner Susan out. I think if I try and show her one more thing she is going to smack me.

As you can see from the pic, one of the highlights from my trip was getting to meet THE Bill Nye the Science Guy. He was really nice in the few minutes I got to stand with him as we took the pic and he signed a DVD for Abby (who is a HUGE fan!). I also got to meet Sally Ride, which was also a big deal for me. It was so cool to be surrounded my people who geek out about science like I do.

I also got to visit some of the sites in Boston. On my first day there we hit the Freedom Trail which highlights many historic places in Boston. We also had to walk past Cheers (but no one know my name). On Saturday, we traveled to Salem and visited the witch museum. It was very interesting.

So now I have been home a few days and I am starting to get back into the swing of things. I am working on writing a grant so that I can go to the conference again next year WITH Susan so together we can drive everyone else crazy!!!

Trying to get home!

Right now I am sitting in a very nice bus station in Portsmouth New Hampshire trying to get home from Boston. My plane doesn't leave until 9:30pm, but I had to be out of my hotel at 1. So, since I didn't want to lug my VERY heavy suitcase all over Boston for some last minute sight seeing, I decided to make my way towards the airport. I had an awesome, extremely busy week that I will have to detail later. I am going to exhaust my principal and teaching partner with all the new things I want to do!

No I just have to figure out how I can get to the New Orleans conference next year (and this time bring Susan with me)!!!

Off to Boston...

Well, early tomorrow morning, (like 2 am), I will be leaving for Boston for a national science teachers conference. Although I am really looking forward to the conference, the traveling is a little nerve racking. I am flying into New Hampshire on Skybus and have to take a shuttle into the city. I hate flying but hate riding in a bus even more! I am hoping to get to my hotel without throwing up!

The conference itself should be amazing! 4 days, ALL SCIENCE! I was suppose to go with my teaching partner, which would have made it 10 times more fun!! She had to cancel for various reasons which means I am traveling alone. Once I get there I will know a few people. I am looking forward to some quality down time in the evenings. All I have to do is get there!!!!

Happy Easter!!

I love irony...

Check out the title on the book...