Officially Going To NAEA San Diego!!!

I am going to have a session again at NAEA National Convention (Blogs People Want To Read), but it wasn't a sure thing I was going to be able to go.  The application process for speaking at the convention was before we were pregnant with our 3rd.  Though the timing was once again EXACTLY what we were praying for(April or May)....you never know for sure.  So, when I found out we were expecting...and found out my session proposal had been accepted....I didn't know if I'd be able to go.  Financially, going to conference can be a challenge...for many!  With my wife working part time at our church....we don't have a lot of "extra" $$ laying around.  I missed out on the grant opportunity this year....and what was the likelihood someone would gift me with another hotel stay?!?!?!?!?!  Plus, what if my wife had a challenging pregnancy(the other two were fine...but...ya never know!)

Well, it was suggested to me that I try GO FUND ME.  After raising funds for an iPad this year...I wasn't sure if there was enough $ out there for something else for Mr. E.  Would people be tired of giving???

I decided to try it....it was an up & down process.  I'd see money come in...then nothing...then money come in...then nothing.  Finally...all the finances I set out to raise came in(even though..because of the timing..the flight cause more than when I started).  HOW EXCITING!! But wait?!?!?!?!  My wife did not pass her glucose test.  She would have to do the 4 hr test to see for sure if she had gestational diabetes or not.  If she did...I would not be able to go.  SHE PASSED!!!  I COULD GO!!!

So last night I finally booked my flight. So exciting.  OH OH...and I forgot to tell you another blessing... a professor friend of mine is letting me stay with him!!  So my room is covered!!!!  

I plan to bring peanut butter and bread....so I'm set!!!! ha ha  

I must be meant to be there...or things would not have come together AGAIN!!!!  So looking forward to meeting so many of you....and getting to attend so many amazing sessions that will SPARK my teaching!!  

Convention Presentation Proposals: HELP!

It looks like I might actually get to go this next year!!!  I've posted about this a year ago, but would really like some fresh perspective after the NY NAEA Convention.  What presentations were most meaningful to you?  What are you looking to learn more about that could be presented at convention??  LET ME KNOW!  I'd love to write up a proposal, but would never want to do something that was not meaningful/helpful to my peers!!

NAEA National Convention

So who's going??  Unfortunately, I am not....unless some wealthy person comes along and helps pay my way.  Don't see that happening though(you'd think in Nashville I'd know some famous rich country singer?? ha ha ).  Our district only pays for math & reading conventions...so that's a dead end.  With my wife and I expecting our second this summer(and she will no longer be teaching) we are pinchin' our pennies & saving as much as possible.  Oh well....I can't wait to hear all about it from the rest of ya!!!  What are you looking forward to the most?  If you've gone before....what was the best part of the convention for you?  How many teachers from your district usually go?