My Kind of Math

So... mathematical computations are not my strength. I try my best and work very hard to not dislike the subject. As a teacher, it's not great to have a fearful mindset towards any field that you teach on a daily basis.

I have recently been involved in a mathematical equation which makes me very happy and one to which I like to return and compute over and over.

The district in which I teach offers a number of Professional Development (PD) classes over the summer. These classes are required to the level that teachers need to accumulate a certain number of PD classes to retain their certification. It's more complicated, but that's the gist.

Apart from just acquiring new strategies for teaching or expanding various methodologies, we GET PAID for taking these courses. Not receiving a paycheck over the summer, it's great to have this option. I have taken a number of online classes throughout my education, but this class has thus far proven to be one of the more demanding and time consuming. But, I'm not complaining (too much) because, did I mention (?) I GET PAID.

Summer Student

You know that I live in Florida; Orlando, Florida, to be exact. You know that I have been exploring a number of things to see, and do whilst residing in this Sauna of a City. You know that, thus far, it has not directly included the Mouse which makes Orlando a destination city for people all over this nation, and truly the world.

So, on to the math part of all this verbiage.

Most of you know, that entering any (and definitely all!) of the Disney Parks is an expense for which one typically saves money over a very long period of time.

I recently happily discovered that the payment I receive for my summer class will cover the complete expense for me, as a Florida resident, to purchase the Disney Annual Pass with a good chunk of change leftover!

This pass is amazing - it includes perks which I couldn't imagine, plus entrance and parking for all four Disney Parks whenever the gates are open. This makes an extremely happy new Florida teacher.

So my mathematical computations (and a bit of studying this summer) have provided me with a unique opportunity to enjoy life in a new way!

After coming to this conclusion, I couldn't justify living in Orlando (for who knows how long) and only 25 minutes from the Disney Parks without taking advantage of the entertainment and lures of the "Happiest Place on Earth". 

An Adventure to Repeat

As I created my summer list, I did so with the realization that some things may not be worth the time or money - at all.

I try to be careful with how and where I spend my money, so in creating my list the majority of line items are free or teacher-free. Some adventures are not free, but I wanted to have the experience - good or bad, it will be an experience!

Yesterday's adventure was not free and it was worth every penny.

For those who know me well, know that I not only love the sun, but I love water. I love being on water or near water. I love smelling water and feeling water. To be clear, I am referring to actual, natural water - not that in my glass or shower - for my cheeky friends among the readers.

My afternoon and early evening was spent in a suburb north of Orlando - Winter Park. I took a lovely boat tour through canals that were created to link of a number of small lakes - the Chain of Lakes. The estates on the lakes' shores were amazing. The day was beautiful, with only a bit of rain. The canals were romantic. The lakes were calm. Skipper Dan was "old man" funny.

The city of Winter Park was delightful. Many little boutiques and unique restaurants, cafes, and winerys. I discovered, whilst there, that I can take the train to avoid the ever-loathed I-4 traffic. Next time!

Here is the second half of my day in pictures:

(click on this one!)

Week #2 - what?!

This summer is escaping me!

My second full week is over and I'm nervous! My checklist has barely been ticked off and I'm counting down the days - while forgetting the days.

Below are three unexpected teacher summer living effects:

1. It has already happened, as alluded to previously, I've gone an entire day not knowing what day of the week it is and not needing to know. 
2. I have forgotten an arranged evening meeting, but thankfully a last minute e-mail reminder got me there. 
3. I have started sleeping in much later than I had ever thought possible. 

This may sound heavenly for some, and no, I am not complaining. These were simply some adjustments that my body and routine naturally made without asking permission.

So, I'm back to it. I have found a calendar to stick on my wall, so I know the difference between a Tuesday and a Friday! I have written out my To-Do, To-See, To-Explore, and To-Learn lists and will check them off as I move through my lovely summer days.

(I have realized that I need to stop searching up things to do in and around Orlando because my list is getting more exciting and lengthy! Orlando is more than Mickey and Shamu!)

In truth, I have had some great experiences and explorations so far, on my own and with some pretty amazing people. I just can't let my lazy-summer-teacher life overwhelm the Florida fun I have planned.

Oh, and Florida - is HOT!

Teacher Shopping Spree

Remember those commercials for Toys 'R Us Toy Runs? In the early 90's kids could win a 5 minute run throughout the store filling their shopping carts with as many toys as possible. I used to dream of being that kid racing through the aisles tossing items into my cart.

This place is my Toys 'R Us. It's a warehouse stocked full with random teacher supplies - paper, binders, notebooks, crayons, scissors, markers, etc. Teachers in my school are allowed to "shop" once a month. We are limited with the items that we can fill our boxes, bags, and pockets with, but that limit is not limiting my ecstasy!

As you go through the checkout, the staff member tells you how much money you saved in your "purchase". The amount typically runs between $350-$500! The teacher and the "free stuff lover" in me, gets a little thrill each time they calculate my amount.

Summer Week #1

So what does a new teacher do during her first week of summer in Florida? Well, let me show you!

Freshly squeezed orange juice. Florida oranges are not pretty, but oh my... they are wonderful.

A few good workouts. With permission from the local high school Athletic Director, I've started running the bleachers of their stadium. Ugh. If I finish by 9am, I remain mostly in the shade. Florida is HOT in June.

Nature park visits. Came across a friendly local

Still studying. Started an online class, which continues through the month of June.

Enjoying some of what puts Orlando on the map. A visit to Universal Studios and City Walk.

More Florida wildlife encounters. An airboat ride with some alligator sightings, as well as some pretty incredible birds.

The wonderful discovery of a bike trail. 

(These water stops were conveniently located along the path - very welcomed in 90 degree temps.)

Cocoa Beach day. Florida beaches will frequently feel my feet in their sand. 

And finally, a number of good naps. Pretty sure this is going to be a bad habit that will be very hard to break when school resumes in the fall!

Summer Checklist

I'm a list maker and a planner. 

Unashamedly. 

Nearly every weekend, I make a list of the things I aim to do each day and the proposed time-frame for each item. I may not always check each activity off, but I sure feel accomplished with each one that I do. 

In light of this practice, you cannot even imagine the list I made for the following summer months! Places to visit, things to learn, adventures to embark upon - I'm actually afraid that my summer may be too short! 

Here's one thing on my list:

Wish me luck! 

I know I can't actually learn Spanish this summer this way, but this will at least provide a good base for hopeful future learning. 

Orlando's Greatest Roller-Coaster

What a more fitting place for me to have a roller-coaster of a year than in Orlando, Florida - the destination city for all serious amusement park seekers!?

Little by little, I'll (b)log through the last year, my first as a teacher. It's been quite an adventure full of new experiences, transitions, tears, and laughter.

As I officially begin my first summer, my teacher brain slowly takes a hiatus, and I'll be able to put into text what this past year has entailed. But for now, I'll leave you with just a few random photos of what has been making me smile in the Sunshine State. 

(Sadly, I won't be posting photos of those kids in my class, but they are a huge part of the reason why I feel so rich and content here in Orlando.)