Servicing the RV

Earlier today, I picked up the RV and introduced it to my students. They thought it was great and wanted to go for a joy ride, or have our end-of-the-year party inside. I had my entire class inside and it wasn't that crowded. Pretty nice. One girl said she'd love to be driven to school in it while she worked on homework.

I just returned from the RV service center. The engine has been temperamental about starting without a odorous spray of starting fluid in the intake. Plus, on the way, over an incline, the engine was not very happy. Today is unseasonably cool so this was not a promising sign. In addition, the brake and signal lights do not work. Robert, the RV service man, was very kind and we agreed on what was most important. I have confidence that they will do a good job. Please pray that the cost stays within budget.

Kathy, the office manager, gave me a ride home. As I approached my door, I searched for my keys. After looking for awhile, I realized they were still in the pocket of my sweatshirt which was back in the RV. Not wanting to disturb my neighbors (who, by the way, have saved me more than once when I've forgotten my keys), I tried to jump the fence unsuccessfully. 

Realizing my predicament, I gave in and asked my neighbors, dear Sonia and Howard, for a ladder. They graciously brought two, one for each side of the fence. After carefully lifting the second ladder over the fence, I deftly opened it and promptly dropped it which left me no other choice but to jump over with the slight assistance of some loose stacked cement blocks. All was well at first until a block slipped and I slammed a very personal part right on the top edge of the fence. Victory was mine with a price. I made it over with a simple loss of dignity and a bit of unmentionable discomfort.

Tomorrow I'll find out my next adventure. Tonight I still have homework to finish.

Such is another joyous episode in the life of this absent-minded teacher. 

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.