WHAT ARE THE TRIP GOALS?
I’m a big believer in knowing where you’re going (especially since I have a tendency to get lost frequently). I also think it’s important to identify what the steps look like towards your destination, so you can recognize that you’re successfully moving forward. Consequently, I have some travel and website goals. As an educator, I'm also a proponent that our life’s learning journeys should never end, so I have some educational goals for myself that I’ve added to the geographic goals of my trip.
2. What is my “language learning” progress? I love languages. Now that I’m a retiree, I have time to dedicate to learning and using languages. Although my teaching certification is in French (I’ve studied at three French speaking universities, Laval and Montreal in Quebec, and Strasbourg in France), it’s been decades since I’ve spoken French regularly, so my French vocabulary and grammar usage need major brushing up! And, I’ve always wanted to learn Italian and have decided that now is the time to learn. Consequently, in my Jeep, I have two French mystery novels and two Italian grammar books along with a CD beginner Italian learning program that I plan on completing by the end of my trip. Alas, one of the givens of learning a new skill is that it takes lots of practice, so according to my current best calculations, I’ll have to read at least two chapters a week in the novels, and complete an average of four hours of Italian grammar lessons to reach this goal within the trip time frame. I’ll keep you updated with my progress on these goals!
WHAT ARE YOUR PREDICTIONS?
Here are the first two "Contests"!
1. My IPOD. I have 2520 songs on my IPOD, equal to 5.9 days of play time. I plan on starting at the first song and playing all songs only once until the last song is played.
Your prediction? How many days into my trip do you think I'll be when I play the last song on my IPOD?
Things to consider in your prediction: I'll be playing the IPOD while I'm driving, as well as when I'm able to do my "3 mile exercise walks". I won't be driving every day, since I'll be staying for several days with friends or relatives at various stops along the way.
2. GETTING LOST.
I've already shared that I have a tendency to get lost. This is usually because I'm thinking of things other than where I am. (my deep thanks to my assistants, Marcia, Linda, Kay, and Theresa who sent me out to meetings with detailed directions over the many years to compensate for this tendency).
Your prediction? How many days into my trip do you think I'll go before I get lost for the first time; and, what will the total number of times lost be for me on the trip? (You'll note that I didn't even consider the possibility of never being lost!)
Things to consider in your predictions: I have no assistants now; I have no GPS; I do have an atlas, thanks to my friends in Penfield; I don't have as many mental distractions now that I'm retired.
(Answers to be provided as they happen!)
WHAT IS THIS ALL ABOUT?
Have you ever wanted to wander?
Wander, wonder, learn and amaze about places and people? Wander without time restraints? Wander to a place on a map that just "sounds interesting"?
Join me on my wanderings and wonderings around the United States for the next several months. I'll be sharing pictures and clues about where I am and reflections as I travel around our great country.
WHO AM I?
Recently retired from a school superintendency, I’m ready to take off across the USA to experience new adventures and new friends. My professional background includes degrees from the College of Wooster, Ohio, and Penn State University (go Nittany Lions!). I’ve been a professor at CCNY, and director of special education for a NYS BOCES; a superintendent of two wonderful school districts, Hornell and Penfield, and, as a licensed psychologist, I’ve worked part-time with teenagers and adults in crisis.
Personally, I have two great kids—Tammi, who is finishing her doctorate in behavior neuro-science and is married to the world’s best son-in-law, Josh, an electrician and avid
and, Rick, a talented hip-hop dancer and choreographer (currently on his way to LA to make it big—feel free to send record and movie contacts for him!). 
I'm an avid reader, downhill skier, and spend time in the summer digging in my perennial flower gardens.
Finally, in closing, I have to mention that baseball is my game, and the Yankees are my team!
MEET "PENNY"
I collect Teddy Bears and decided that I wanted a
"representative" from my collection to travel with me. Thanks to my friends at Scribner School, I have a teddy all set for travel. I was going to name her "Scribby" for the school, but since she is representing all of my friends and bears from Penfield, I named her "Penny" (for Penfield) "Scribs" (for Scribner) Gray. She'll be sharing my adventures!
