Setbacks are SO Fun!

Today was the last student day and I was sad to say goodbye to my students. Yesterday, the district 'kindly' reminded those of us who are laid off that we are still laid off with a special letter:  "Due to the complexity and difficulty involved... we will contact the teachers to be rehired ... no later than June 16, 2010...." Don't you just feel so sad for their difficulties. After all, I only have to evacuate my room entirely in the next two days.

The RV is still at the shop.  They will let me know this afternoon what is needed. I haven't started packing because I had to finish up this month's class while my internet was giving me fits by turning off randomly.

The worst news, though, is that Margaret is once again saving the day for her school and will not be able to join me at the beginning of the trip. She will try to meet me around Albuquerque, but we haven't figured that all out yet. I'm just sadly selfish. I was so looking forward to her company. She can converse so much more intelligently than my dear felines.

Fortunately, I'm thrilled to have a place to stop in Albuquerque, Rita's! I will post the map by tomorrow if there are any other generous souls willing to take in an unemployed, cat-loving teacher. The cats would stay in the RV =^..^=

Since I don't have the tow bar installed for my car, and I don't know about towing it anyway, I'm perplexed at this juncture. Should I bring my car or drive a giant RV around for transportation when I get to Florida?  Maybe I should consider driving my car down for graduation.  Leave it in Florida.  Then fly back to take care of things and return in a more leisurely manner in the RV. Right now I just don't know.

Countdown to Florida

Today is monumental, at least for me. Today I am committed to a new venture that will change my life completely. Today I am planning the rest of my life. Yesterday it was a dream.

In fact, this dream started in high school. The adventurous side of my spirit always wanted to buy a camper and travel across the U.S. Like many dreams, it got pushed aside for the so-called 'demands' of life. Those 'demands' are draining.

Over the years, I've watched the spark drain out of my spirit. Sure there have been other things that contributed to this dampening. The usual broken heart sagas, years of my mother declining with dementia, and my father's death in 2002 all contributed to the demise of my dreams. However, today is a new day.

Today I have decided to take that trip. I plan to make it to Winter Park, Florida to Full Sail University graduation. For the last year, my hope and spirit have been in a process of restoration through the inspiring Education Media Design and Technology master's program at Full Sail. Hopefully my colleagues will support me in this new endeavor. I truly believe that they are a huge part of the inspiration that has been restoring my soul.

Today I called a man about an RV. The one I want is more expensive than the money I have. One RV seller said that I wouldn't get out of the state with an RV that fit my budget. I don't believe him! Some people are just pessimistic because their box is tight and small with no exit signs anywhere. I have hope. Have it with me. Do you have an RV I could buy or use? It's worth asking!

Today I have two people who will let me stay in their driveways along the way. Today I need to start planning my route because there are more people I want to see.

Why do I want an RV instead of simply driving my car? First, I do not want to leave my 'family' behind. My family includes my faithful felines whose loving faces have greeted me at the door, cuddled, and kept my heart warm. I can't imagine leaving them. The car just is too small. I might even sell it.

Second, the cost of staying in hotels along the way and in Florida for two months is rather expensive (not to mention, they probably don't want three cats). Then, it's also possible that this lovely little movable camper may become my home for awhile.

Today I am entertaining ideas about how to make this trip more interesting to blog. One idea is to use my sweet Tippy as my mascot and take pictures of her everywhere we stop. She will have to make her contributions to the blog, too, of course. Another is to teach something along the way. This would take more planning, but could be an interesting concept. I could give away books along the way to encourage reading. (Maybe Tippy could read some books!)

Today I begin. Will you join me? I hate traveling alone.