I hemmed and hawed over whether or not I would attend the NCTE Regional conference in Portland this weekend. It would mean not being able to complete the Yarn Crawl. But, Friday night, I set my alarm for 5:00 and got up to go. And I’m really glad I did. Let me count the ways:
1. I networked. I don’t do small talk easily and don;t really enjoy new situations, but I ran into several people I knew and met a few others.
2. Penny Kittle! The Book Love author really inspired me with her ability to get kids reading. I’ve been waiting for it to show up in the library, It hasn’t so I bought it.
3. Jack Burckemeyer. He made me laugh so hard. He said all the things teachers can’t say.
4. I skipped the 2 hour lunch and made it to two yarn shops. Two more stamps on my passport. I won’t complete the Yarn Crawl, but I’m OK with that.
booksandbassets 
It’s hard to choose between two good things! I’m glad you got to do some of both. I love Penny Kittle’s BOOK LOVE. I use so many of her ideas now. How great that you got to meet her!
In addition to everything else teachers do, attending a conference is usually a stretch. For me, it’s a push to go to Asilomar, but once I’m there I’m always glad.
Thanks for the book tip, BOOK LOVE.