Change #1

My ADT Camera is not working and must be repaired, so my departure for the Sunshine State is delayed until Thursday   No huge thing.  I don't have to be there until the following Monday, July 31st.

"Science adventures" appears to have been a rousing success.

Things were a tad bit messy but we coped. Had seven kids. No significant problems.  And yes, they want an encore for next summer.  That depends on a number of things, none of which I can predict at the moment.

I still have plenty to do before departure and, like so often, I seem to be behind schedule on most of it.

Attended Cole's birthday party last night.  The Daniels are friends from way back, about 30 years. We were neighbors.  They've relocated since then, as have I.  I know their grandchildren, of which Cole is one, from Rock middle as well.

Little question I will miss the people at Rock.  I was there, in one capacity or another, for 9 years, longer than anywhere else in my lifetime.

I've commented before, but it bears doing again.  I am so very different from the overwhelming number of people in that community in terms of faith and in terms of politics (I hate that term) yet the connection, particularly with the kids, was the strongest I had ever experienced. Some things just don't make sense. Sometimes they don't need to.









I find myself pondering what's ahead of me.  Sixty eight years of age and headed off on yet another "adventure."  I've lived in Florida, before, and so this won't be a totally alien place, but I am sure the state and the people there are different than what I am accustomed to.

The school community will be different too. New people. New challenges.  I am determined to make it happen, but cannot deny that I must guard against preconceived notions and possible "imaginings" that could derail the whole thing.  I still do not handle adversity well, but know I am much better at it than I used to be, even a few years ago.

I will be the only male faculty member in grade 6 and, as such, I know I will be the subject of scrutiny and possibly of skepticism.  Being much older than most, I will also be more susceptible to stereotypes and, possibly, resentment.  Middle aged woman can be bitches; no nicer way to say it. Some of the younger ones too. I should not allow that to derail me.

Things might be difficult, at first. I still wonder why Mr. McCue was so determined to have me on staff. I guess I will find out now.

I want this to be another "adventure."  It's a portion of the reason I am undertaking this journey.

Most at my age feel inclined to mellow out and take it slow. I guess I am just not ready to do that...if I ever will be.

Life is a journey, not a destination. I think that is an original, but it sounds too profound to be my creation.  Will have to check it out.