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Planning and Packing


Please join us at Two Writing Teachers and share a slice of life!


I am mostly a homebody. I love routine and quiet time. I can fill my days with reading and writing, painting and playing with Bella. Traveling stresses me out, but it's important to take RISKS and I always enjoy myself once I arrive at the destination...so I do try to take some trips.

The act of traveling is hard. It starts with preparation. Booking the trip. Scheduling the days. Looking for the best deal. Reserving a spot in the kennel for Bella. Doing laundry. Deciding what to bring. Packing. Shopping for traveling essentials. Stopping the mail. Making sub plans. Sigh...


I'm in the midst of that experience now. Getting ready to attend NCTE and ALAN. I can't wait until I'm THERE. It's just that getting there is the challenge. I have made some lists (and I'm not usually a list maker). I've started some piles. Plans are in the works for my students and I can see it...I'm getting closer. 

Once I'm on my way, on the plane or in the car, that first moment, I always take a deep breath and smile! The adventure is about to begin. That moment, that breathe is coming closer and closer! 

If you're attending NCTE, I hope I'll get to meet you in person. I'm volunteering at registration, so please say hello if you see me. I can't wait to meet all of my fellow slicers at the dinner. I'm off to make some more lists...

Here's my brand new notebook for NCTE. Notebook #60. WOO HOO!!!
Notebook
Markers
iPad
Snacks

Comments

  1. I'll be there! I have piles of things to bring and I still feel like I'm missing something. Hopefully I'll figure it out between now and Thursday! Hope to see you there!

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    Replies
    1. Hahaha! Michele, I feel the same way!! Piles keep growing. Hope to see you there!

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  2. Michelle,
    Looking forward to meeting you at NCTE/Slicer dinner for sure!

    Our weather in the single digits is freaking me out as it has me changing my mind about what I have already packed. . . and a winter coat was NOT in my plans. (like planning for TCRWP - wonder where that list is!)

    Miles to go . . . much work to do before enjoying the company of both old and new friends!

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    Replies
    1. Fran, I can't wait to meet you IRL! Definitely pack layers...it's CHILLY here!! (I live in Virginia!) Can't wait for dinner!

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  3. Michelle, I think we should totally hang out with each other. I'll email you my cell number. Seeing your new notebook makes me want to get one. I am also getting very anxious about packing. I took off Wednesday even though I don't fly out until the afternoon. I'll have some time to think. Please pray for my laryngitis to get better. It seems to be heading in the wrong direction.

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    Replies
    1. YES!!!! Praying for a quick recovery and safe travels!!

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  4. Safe travels and joyous times to all traveling! Best of luck on your packing. I'll definitely be following along on Twitter!

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  5. I feel the same as you! The preparation for this trip is freaking me out and stressing me out and making me crazy. But I just KNOW it's going to be well worth it. I can't wait till that moment when I'm sitting on the airplane, book in hand.

    Can't wait to meet you!! I will look for you at registration, too!

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    Replies
    1. Yay!!!! See you in a few days. Have a safe trip. Breathe through all of that planning & traveling! :)

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  6. Snacks! I need to buy snacks to take with me. Otherwise I'll end up eating so much junk food. Thanks for that reminder.

    Looking forward to meeting you in person -- finally! Maybe even at the registration desk!

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    Replies
    1. Haha! So glad I could help with your packing. Happy snacking. See you soon! :) Safe travels!!!

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  7. I am in the midst of packing for NCTE myself. Can't believe it is here already. I am looking forward to being there and looking forward to meeting you at the dinner Saturday night.

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  8. Must say I'm jealous again, will follow all of you on twitter, and am so happy you're going, Michelle. Have a super time. Take money for shipping books! Or an extra suitcase!

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    Replies
    1. Linda, You will be MISSED!!! I'm lucky enough to live in driving distance, no shipping for me. Bring on the books!!!

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  9. Have a great time at NCTE! I LOVE your notebook! (I love that song, too!)

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