What a difference a year makes!

On February 21, 2009, I had the first of many mammograms that ultimately resulted in surgery and 33 radiation treatments and a life changed forever. Now, in February 2010, my life is full of new surprises. I was just awarded an expense paid trip to New York City to attend the Picturing America Workshop and the Celebration of Teaching and Learning Conference on March 4,5 and 6. I am one of 70 librarians in the US to achieve such an honor. The speakers will include: Lisa Henson, daughter of Jim and CEO of the Muppet Franchise, Arne Duncan, Sec of Ed, David Gregory, television newsman, Queen Noor of Jordan, Bobby McFerrin, and Queen Latifah. I love my craft, but am constantly seeking ways to improve my instruction. My skills in the classroom and library have been a major source of my personal definition for 35 years. And to attend a conference of this magnitude is thrilling, especially when paid for by someone else. (Channel 13, NY's PBS station, the National Endowment of the Humanities, and the American Library Asso are the sponsors.)I am bursting with excitement and pride. What a difference a year makes.