National Council of Teachers of English

I think there are too many prepositional phrases in that short title to be part of an English teachers' conference.
But that's forgiveable, because I saw Penny Kittle today. She is the author of Write beside Them, the single most important book besides The Bible and Elna Baker's memoir that I've ever read. It's my professional keepsake, and I flip through it daily. Once I stalked her on Facebook to see if she was existent and real and actually within the grasp of communication. And she was. I messaged her and said something to the effect of, "Are you...THE Penny Kittle? If so, I admire what you do, and I read your book often. Are you going to NCTE?" This was two years ago. She responded back, "So glad you enjoyed it! I'll be in Orlando."
And I'm pretty sure I was starstruck with that moment. To see her in real life would have topped the cake.
This morning I saw her from across the room. She was a few rows up, and all I could think was to say, "Hey, I've read your book. Loved it!" But I was too intimidated by her presence and she seemed to be headed out to another session, so I just cowered and admired her presence.
I think she's my profesisonal crush.
Yep.

Oh, 1 hour and 10 minutes until I present! Whoa. So maybe I wouldn't mind if my life path resembled hers.