I’m linking up with Deirdre over at A Burst of First to bring you a fun linky party called What Happens in Vegas… It all started with a nervous teacher (me) that was anxious and extremely excited to get this party started! After a long day of flights, layovers, computer time, and waiting, I finally made it!
I’m not even kidding when I say that as soon as my feet touched the ground in Vegas, I was immediately GIDDY! I felt like I was on cloud nine the entire trip! I couldn’t stop smiling, taking pictures, and writing down ideas! I think I said things like…”This is all too good to be true.”…”I can’t believe this is all happening, pinch me.”…”This is surreal.”…”I am soooo in my element right now.”
And then there’s my beautiful roommates. It’s as if we’ve known each other for years! From the moment we met, we hit it off. We immediately were immersed in great conversation, sharing ideas, laughter, and “aha moments”. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to now call these women my friends and look forward to all of the collaborating in the future! Do you follow them? From left to right: Ashley from Schroeder Shenanigans in 2nd Marcy from Saddle up for 2nd Grade and on the far right it is Dixie from Teachin’ Little Texans.
The friends didn’t stop there. Two blogger meet-ups, several lunch and dinner dates, and an amazing conference later, I felt as if I had a whole community of friends who speak my language. I laugh at this because I think that we all felt this way! I am beyond grateful for these connections and friendships. It has left me wanting more opportunities for meet-ups! I have a feeling there will definitely be more in our near future!
For me, the conference was the grand finale! This was the day that I was anxiously anticipating the most! The day started off with a keynote from Paul Edelman, Amy Borrell, and Deanna Jump. By the way, I got a picture with the founder of Teachers Pay Teachers, Paul Edelman…crazy, right?
It sounds silly but their words were so motivating and inspiring, they drove me to tears! I feel so proud to work for a company that is lead by people who are good to the core. Some of my favorite quotes were…
“For every cha-ching you hear, that’s a teacher who believes in your work.”
“Success doesn’t just come and find you, you have to go out and get it.”
“Lord, if you show me the way, I will do the work.”
Can you guess who said these words? THE Deanna Jump and yes, I even got to take a picture with her…AAHHHH!
Another conference highlight was listening to these amazing bloggers. They shared their tips and tricks with us and my flair pen just couldn’t keep up!
My favorite words that I took away from this conference came from the absolutely hilarious Cara Carroll from The First Grade Parade. “Just be you! Don’t be a watered down version of someone else. Stay true to your voice. Set yourself apart from the crowd.” #love This advice can be applied all over the place! And, do you see that talented man on the left side of the table…yep, Greg from Smedley’s Smorgasboard of Kindergarten…I got a picture with him too! #pinchme #starstruck
My favorite session of the entire conference was the Advanced Pinterest session put on by Mel D from Seusstastic Classroom Inspirations. She rocked it! I learned so many great tips and tricks from her and she is so funny! I am looking forward to giving my Pinterest boards a little remodel. She also taught me how to utilize Pinterest even more than I already do. Of course, I had to get a picture with her!
I came across this quote on the last morning in Vegas. I thought it was perfect for how I am feeling right now…
I just had to share this real quick too…just a sneak peek into our roomie texts on the morning of everyone having to leave for home. I love these girls!
As I finish this post and try to wrap my head around the magnitude of this past week, I leave you with this. I am thankful. I am motivated. I am inspired. And…get ready for some amazing things to come your way from me! I’ve got so many big plans…my head is just spinning! My to do lists are crazy long! It’s all wonderful and it is because of you that I was able to step out of my comfort zone, take a chance, and go to this conference. My TpT funds paid my way and made this happen and from the bottom of my heart… THANK YOU! You will never know how much this experience truly meant to me!
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If you weren’t able to join us in Vegas this year, plan to be at the TpT Conference next year. Amazing doesn’t even start to describe how wonderful of an experience that it is. I have had a lot of people ask me what are some of the big tips and tricks that I learned from the sessions. I decided to put together a Top 5 Tips and Tricks for you. Over the next week, I plan to do future posts that go into more detail about each of these tips and tricks…you won’t want to miss out on it! I’d love to hear what you think!
Looks like you had a FABULOUS time!! 🙂
Yes, it was fabulous! I am still on cloud nine and I've been home for 24 hours now! Ha! Ha! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Thanks for sharing all the things you learned at the conference! It was great to finally meet you. I can't wait for the next conference.
Shelly
Smiling and Shining in Second Grade
It was so good to officially meet you too, Shelly! I'm glad we were able to grab a quick picture too! You'll have to let me know the next time you come to Minnesota. We could do coffee and #teachertalk over a cup of coffee!
Great pictures! The conference was so much fun!
Jennifer
First Grade Blue SKies
I feel honored that you have stopped by to read my post! Yes, the conference WAS amazing and I am already excited for next year!
AHmazing post. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that it leaves us wanting MORE! LOVE YA, ROOMIE!! <3
Ashley
Schroeder Shenanigans in 2nd
Awww! I loved reading this! It was such a blessing to meet you sweet friend! Can't wait for our next meet up #fiji! Love you to the moon and back my friend!
Marcy
Saddle Up For 2nd Grade
Great tips! I learned many of the same things!
Krazy Town
Wasn't it a great conference Suzanne?! I don't know about you but my To Do List is crazy long!
Your post was amazing Angie!! I can't wait until the next time I get to see you, and I hope that I get to spend even more time with you!! I can't wit for the TPT conference next year, and I'm so sad I missed it this year! Thank you for your amazing tips though, and I can't wait to read your posts about all of them!! You are amazing, and I can't wait to see you soon!!!
Mrs. 3rd Grade
Ah, aren't you just a doll face! 🙂 Yes, I loved meeting you too. I'm glad you could join us for dinner but yes, you will FOR SURE need to join us for the conference sessions next year!
Great tips!! Looks like you guys had fun! Thanks for sharing!
Jamie
Thanks Jamie! Yes, we had a great time…more than I could have ever asked for!
Angie,
It was great to meet you at the TpT conference! I love seeing all of your photos. It sure was a great time huh? I cannot wait for next year. I have to agree with you about Mel D. She was a hoot and did such a fabulous job, especially for her first time presenting!! I sure have a lot of Pinterest cleaning up to do. My to do list is long too (as if it wasn't long before the conference).
– Heather
Mrs. Renz' Class
It was a pleasure meeting you! I'm so glad you enjoyed my session. It's all a blur but I'm glad it was good…lol. I am your newest stalker! Peace!
Seusstastic Classroom Inspirations
Thanks for sharing what you learned! I am SO SAD I couldn't make it this year, but I will definitely be there next year!!!
Angela 🙂
Hippo Hooray for Second Grade!
Thanks so much for sharing! I'm so jealous that I couldn't go this year, but love living vicariously through everybody's blog posts and Instagram pics ��I love all the photos you included, and thanks for sharing the fun tips!
Thanks for your awesome tips. Glad you had such a great time. I'll be in Vegas this weekend….a week too late. 🙁
Meredith
TeachingwithaTwist
Love the tips Angie!! I Thanks 🙂 wish I could have been there, but will be for sure next year!!
Elyse 🙂
Proud to be Primary