New room

I have completed my move into my new room just in time for the next train run, I climbed into my bed and it is much more comfortable than the last bed.  It is long enough for me so I do not have to put my feet up into the window and since it is a solid mattress no annoying seems where the seat cushions come together. Having a bath and a shower in my room are also a huge bonus. I can't figure out how to rotate the photo of the shower, so that photo is a little odd.  As you can see I now have a lot more space. Life is good.

Ringling train

On my way to work today several people were discussing the train, I always find it fascinating when people begin talking about the train.  Many people here are train enthusiasts they can tell you anything that you would want to know from the type of engine used to pull the train, to where and when each car was manufactured.  Many of them collect N scale Ringling's Brothers trains and cars.  One of the resident brainiacs on the train took the time to figure out that if you accurately represented our train using N scale it would be 16' long.  When we travel the train is a mile long, when we park we separate the animal and flat cars from the dormitory cars, so it is much shorter when parked.  During this conversation it was also mentioned that on Tuesday both trains were in Jacksonville at the same time. It would have been so cool to get a picture of the Red and Blue tour trains in the same train yard.

Colubia SC

We arrived in Columbia yesterday at about 1:00 pm, much to my dismay I found out that my aircard will not work here.  I am at the school and their verizon card works just fine. My class room here is in a VIP box so it is very comfortable and I have a perfect view of the arena, I may get to see the show.  I have watched many of the acts using the arena floor for practice and my first student will be here at 1:00 pm today. Our journey here was interesting the train engine derailed before it got hitched to our train so our departure from Miami was delayed 6 hours.  We arrived in Columbia 5 hours later than expected so everything is running a little behind today.  I had another student added so now my student count is up to 14, I sure hope I get some help soon. Each day gets a little easier and soon I will know what I am doing.  I miss all of you and hope to see you soon.

Off to Columbia, SC

We are preparing to head out to SC.  I am told that we will leave Miami about 5:00 am, the Animals and most of the humans are on the train.  I have everything secured in my room and I am so excited I am having a difficult time settling down enough to go to sleep.  After the last show tonight, I watched them load the elephants into trainers to transport to the train.  I was told by one of the truck drivers that the tigers are transported by truck, so we just have horses and elephants on the the train.  It is amazing how organized this move is, there is so much equipment that needs to be loaded. The last show ended at 8:45 pm and we will have everything on the train by morning.

Saturday Jan 14

Word has gotten out that the show has hired a teacher and many parents want to get their children into school.  I had two parents approach me about sending their child to school. It looks like I will soon be adding more students, I hope I am up for the task.  I teach the little kids separately but I have a hard time with  the little ones, they need so much attention. I also hear rumors that another teacher will be added soon, I hope that they like teaching primary grades.

Day 8

I spoke to Grant earlier this evening and he told me that I have been remiss in posting.  I have to agree with him I have been offline for several days and I need to get everyone caught up.  The train has everything I need, I have a room, although small it is very comfortable.  The room that I am in is only temporary, I will be moving into a double state room with a private bath sometime soon.  My current room is referred to as a coffin, it just gives you enough  room to lay down and a small path between my sink, refrigerator and bed.  My of my friends had to point out to me that my bed at home was bigger than my entire living space on the train.  I have met some very interesting people since arriving.  We have people from every level of education and 18 different countries, anyone you can imagine is on the train. As I was walking my students out today we had to stop because the elephants were in our way and I began to think about my first week.  It has been very difficult at times but very exciting.  Clowns who pie you on your birthday, elephants, tigers, odd people and children who juggle on their breaks at school.  Parents who bring me lunch daily and people who watch out for me. Who would have ever thought I would end up in such an interesting place.

Getting settled in my new classroom

I have worked with my new students for two days and I am starting to get used to their curriculum.  They are very smart and funny, but a few of them are very far behind.  They have had a difficult time keeping teachers and the the students have gone long stretches without anyone to teach them.  I am trying to adapt to a very different schedule, I had students from 1:00 until 8:00 today, and my schedule changes depending on when we have shows.  I work when the parents work.  It is a very interesting concept that school adapts to the families' schedule, rather than the family adapting to the school's schedule. I will work again tomorrow and then have Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off.  Next week I work Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, then we strike and head to Columbia, SC.  I think it is time to call it a night, I will be in touch.

My new home

I arrived yesterday and found out that there is not a WIFI connection on the train so I am sitting at a starbucks on bayshore in Miami.  I have met several new people and most are very nice.  I am told that history shows that teachers do not last long so most people don't bother to talk to them at first.  This prevents developing a person attachment to someone who leaves.  My battery is almost gone so I will make this quick the room is very small, but I have a sink, refridgerator and microwave so I will be fine.  I will write more later.

My newest adventure

Today I returned to work at PM Wells and with mixed emotions resigned from my current teaching position.  I must thank Ms. Flewellyn for helping me transition into middle school, your kindness will never be forgotten.  I will miss all of my students and co-workers, but I know that I will grow to love my future students and co-workers.

Tomorrow will be my last day at PM Wells and Thursday will be my first day working for Feld Entertainment.  Here is a link to my tour schedule, http://www.ringling.com/TourSchedule.aspx?action=showschedule&show=rd_141&parentID=1226&assetFolderID=1238. I would welcome suggestions for places to visit in any of the cities I am working in and I promise to post photos.  Thanks to all of my friends and family, I could not do this without you. I love you all and I promise to stay in touch.