My First ISTE

In 2008 ISTE was NECC and it was held in my town, San Antonio. I was asked by a vendor to present at NECC but had to graciously decline because of vacation plans. Last year I missed ISTE in D.C. because my school was in a huge administrative transformation (i.e. all spending was halted), and I honestly couldn't afford the conference fee, travel, and hotel expenses then. Reading that last sentence I'm glad I am now on Twitter and connected to so many wonderful educators. If I find myself in a similar situation again I will be able to follow from home via Twitter posts, conference/session links, and streaming events.

Here's day 1:

Sunday, 6/27 - Today is my birthday and I'm rushing around cooking a brisket, mowing, and packing for my flight at 7pm to Denver. During the food preparations I trip over the dog and drop the sharpest knife I own. While in mid-air I see the trajectory of this Samurai sword landing directly into said dogs back. Not wanting to see him sliced in half I grab at the knife while it falls. The tip of the knife misses the dog's back, grazes his foot and cuts two of my fingers in three places. He doesn't yelp but he does move. After this I notice blood in my hand and on the floor. So my dad helps bandage me up and treat the dog's foot. Mom's yelling at me to go to the hospital and get stitches. BTW, if you've never had to play field nurse for a dog let me just say there's a reason for the 'cone of shame.' They don't like having limited lick access. Fast forward to my flight which connects in Phoenix. I am delayed and looking at landing around midnight now in Denver. I use this time to check in on my ride from the airport and arrange my late check-in. I am staying at The Hostel of The Rockies because all of the hotels were booked by the time my district decided to let us attend. After landing in Denver I realize I've leap-frogged from Central Time to Pacific and back to Mountain Time. The day is getting long now. Super Shuttle has a super ginormous line and reservations don't guarantee a timely ride. I finally arrive at the hostel at 2am (3am my time) and crash hard.