Now with only one year away from tenure, I kept myself busy in 2012. I started the year by giving a presentation about technology at a private four year college, then organized and conducted my school's honor society ceremony, played MC for our community writing journal, met the SUNY Chancellor while attending an award's ceremony, filmed a video for my college about technology in the college classroom, volunteered at our May graduation ceremony, taught a summer writing class, and by mid-summer had submitted proposals for presentations at four national organizations in big cities like Orlanda, Las Vegas, and Dallas. I was accepted for 3, two of which were in the fall. When the Vice President of the college sat to meet with me before the start of the fall semester, he said my accomplishments were impressive; I was proud!
However, little did I know that my greatest accomplishment had yet to come. In July 2012, I found out my husband and I were expecting our first child--the news was exciting and surprising! And completely changed everything. While I spent my days negotiating morning sickness, and all the other joys of growing this new life, I made some executive decisions professionally, like dropping out of all but the largest conference, and doing my best to reduce my workload for the fall. My life at home changed too. Instead of mixing cocktails, my husband served me juice. We talked about impending parenthood, a nursery, baby names, diapers, and childcare, all while attended many doctor's appointment. And in December, we celebrated 10 years of being together. By the time Christmas 2012 rolled around, I was seven and a half months pregnant:
Now 2013 is here. This is the first time in seven years where I have not taught the spring semester. Before ending the 2012 semester, I made one last executive decision before leaving: I would take the next year off in anticipation of baby girl's arrival for St. Patrick's Day 2013. So 2013 has been spent with my husband, who as a farmer is off every January-April, to enjoy the last few months before 2 becomes 3. This is the first time we've had time off together since I began working full-time five years ago.
So I'm sorry that I have not kept up my blog, but I hope to be sharing more soon. I suspect 2013 will be my best year yet! In the meantime, I'll share a few pictures from my Florida trip in October when I gave a presentation about technology in the college classroom. Since the conference was held at a Disney resort, we tried to enjoy some of the sights when we could and I was feeling up to it.
The lobby of our hotel:
Mrs. Potts! (Walk of fame at Disney's Hollywood Studios)
Outside the Muppet's 3D movie at Hollywood Studios. I'll always love you Miss Piggy! :-)
Waiting inside for the Muppet show:
Yes, sir! (An army man outside The Toy Story exhibit)
Live action Indiana Jones show:
And a kiss! :-) 
