First, about last night:

For comedic and cathardic relief if nothing else, I will share what it is like staying overnight in a sleep clinic. Because of chronic insomnia that began several years ago, I am now so sleep deprived on a somewhat random basis, that my doctor sent me to the sleep clinic to figure out what is wrong.

First observations:
Why are these women (and a guy) sitting next to me in the waiting room with knapsacks and plastic bags. Realization-oh! they are patients like me. And some of them will be my room mates. Good God.
That bed is way too cold, hard and skinny for anyone (let alone an insomniac) to sleep in it.
There are a LOT of wires coming out of the wall.
The hallway chair looks pretty comfortable, I wonder if I can stay up and work on my assignments all night.
I should have brought my earplugs.

Doni at Sleep Clinic July 18, for viewing purposes only – not to be copied or saved to any device, please!

Data Collection:
It took nearly 30 minutes to hook me up with all the electrodes they needed to measure my heart, pulse and breathing rates; eye, leg, and diaphragm movement; and brain activity. It was nearly midnight when I was ready to ‘sleep’. On that stiff, cold plastic lined bed. With strange hospital sounds, and strangers nearby. Watching me. All night long. Needless to say, it took awhile to fall asleep!
End result: I did sleep, albeit off an on, and now there is data for my doctor to analyze. And they supplied earplugs!

About Networking:
I also want to comment on my PLN. I have been in pretty regular communication with my Superintendent (The Culture of Yes blogger, Chris Kennedy) this past year, as he is an adamant supporter of teacher librarians. I was pleasantly surprised when he became a follower of me this past week on Twitter. I sent him a personal message today regarding school reform and the move away from letter grades. And he got back to me within the hour! Twitter is my new friend.

About Future Visions Project:
I am so excited to have something in place to use next year and I can’t wait to collaborate with my district teacher librarians on: How Can Teacher Librarians Support Teachers Using Inquiry?
Moving forward from our Grant Application, I would like to immerse myself in Inquiry research and practice this year so I can better support teachers and students in my school. I would also like to adapt my library website to incorporate the links I have created on inquiry research, projects, and kid-searchable websites.
Somethings that have stayed with me this week, to serve as reminders in the year to come:
Technology is not just a tool; use it as a means to an end rather than an end in itself
ICT is constantly evolving; be open to change and seek opportunities to lead the change in my learning community
seek out and connect with other learning leaders; always be willing to learn a new way to do something, to see an advantage to change