Another Successful Summer!
Don't ask me why but even after going to school for 5 years and spending tens of thousands of dollars, there are still more opportunities to expand my learning with the incentive of getting paid more. Don't get me wrong, I do love learning about how to improve my teaching because I think I am still far from perfect, but what I don't enjoy is that I have to pay money to make more. Luckily, nowadays, there are lots of choices in terms of what kind of courses I can take to prevent any unnecessary repetition or inapplicable content. I decided to take a course all about incorporating games into students' learning and one about technology.
Although they both went by quickly, I felt as though I didn't take too much away from either one. Yes, I learned a little more about what I already knew and I had gained a few resources to add to my toolbox but overall, I felt like I could've spent my money on something more practical. Thankfully, after lots of procrastination, I could complete both classes, receiving full credit on one and still waiting to hear back about the other. I managed to avoid almost all work or non-preferred tasks while in Florida which allowed me to do absolutely nothing except recharge.
I describe my summer trips down to Florida as low-key because I don't need a whole lot to be entertained or satisfied as just being in my parents' home is relaxing enough. I love the change of scenery, and not even for the warmer weather. It's more about the physical distance between the stuff that causes my stress and the lack of urgency that I crave each year around this time. I was finally able to motivate myself to sit down and read for pleasure which is something I knew I loved doing, I just never "had time". I read 450 pages in a week, which is a new personal record and now has relaunched my love of reading. I am hopeful that I will read more consistently now that I am back in MA but with school starting up again, who knows.
It wasn't all reading and relaxation though because we had planned four days at Walt Disney World this time around. We fit in so much in a short amount of time but this was the first time that the six of us were all in Disney at one time. From mini golfing to riding new rides to seeing a lot of live shows/fireworks, it was a magical experience. I loved being able to try out Tiana's Bayou Adventure and Tron for the first time, while also revisiting my favorites like Space Mountain, Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest Flight of Passage, Toy Story Mania and newly-added, Cosmic Rewind. It was hot and there were so many others that made the parks very busy, but we still made the best of it and I would consider it very successful.
Each night, I would get back to the hotel feeling exhausted, just to wake up a few hours later to do it all over again. We took advantage of their new system called Lighting Lanes which helped us get on the rides that are unbelievably long lines and allowed us to sprinkle in some fun stuff in between. So much of Disney is truly fun and if not, it's so nostalgic that makes me always wanting to go back. The Magic Kingdom Firework Show "Happily Ever After" always brings a smile to my face and makes the hours of standing shoulder to shoulder with a stranger all worth it. We stayed at the Yacht Club which is so nice and within walking distance to two of the parks and Boardwalk. My whole family enjoyed themselves for seemingly different reasons and we all can't wait for our next adventure!
And now, I sit here, only a few days away from starting a brand new year and as always, it's a mix of emotions. This will be my third year teaching at the same school and I am starting to become a regular teacher that those know and go to for support. I am experimenting with a new system of student services and hoping it goes more smoothly than the unrealistic "coteaching". I still firmly believe that I could've made it work with the right person but I have yet to meet that person and instead of searching for something that doesn't exist, I am attempting to pave a new path. I can already see the stress approaching but I am optimistic that once I get my schedule solidified, it will all be what I am hoping for.
As always, I feel grateful for the opportunities given to me and the moments I have experienced, now it's just about remaining motivated and eager for what's ahead, even when it scares me. I have my flights already booked for Christmas, most likely staying around for Thanksgiving but do have a plan to visit my Ohio friend in November! I have been playing tennis more consistently lately which feels great and I am excited to see what else the fall has in store for me. Plus I even have a few podcast guests lined up, I just have to find the energy to write their scripts and record! Stay tuned!!