Since joining the Palm Beach County School system, I’ve had many important events in my life. My career has been satisfying. I worked as a Resource Gifted teacher in a school which was made up of 99% second language students and as a 2nd grade Gifted Classroom teacher where I am now. My students continue to amaze me, keep me young and give me much joy. However, in this time span, I have lost my beloved father and mother, beat breast cancer, rebuilt my house twice after two terrible hurricane seasons, had back surgery, and was in an auto accident that totaled my car and re-injured my back. Yes, that is quite a list of problems, but I also managed to live a somewhat complete and productive life. I was lucky enough to travel to Europe and Africa, cruise the Caribbean, and in the summer of 2007, return to Venezuela for the graduation of my first class of 2nd graders! I am thankful for every experience that I’ve had and for every day that I love and am loved.
But someday, I’ll be able to sleep until I wake up, have coffee on my patio while I read the newspaper, do the crossword and SuDoKu puzzles, and have lots of time to plan my next trip! Someday I’ll be able to spend more time with my grandchildren, family and friends, and not be worrying about keeping to a schedule. Someday, I will learn to play the guitar, take golf lessons, and enroll in whatever classes strike my fancy. I am confident that I will be the poster-girl retiree!! Why? Because Linda Loves Life!
About Me – Just the Facts
I have a wonderful family!! My oldest child is Terri and she and her husband Karl, live in Boca Raton with their two boys, Adam (7th grade) and Drew (4th grade). The boys like sports and they play roller hockey, football and baseball. They also love going out on their boat when the weather is good. Their house has a huge backyard that is great for parties, and almost any event is a good enough reason to have one!
My son, Bradley, and his wife Michele, also live in Boca Raton with Kyle (7th grade) and Shannen (2nd grade). Kyle is a brilliant kid who is artistic, musical and loves Harry Potter! Shannen is a seven year old who has already mastered organizing the household – usually around herself!!! She loves gymnastics and learned to ski this past Christmas. They also enjoy boating and fishing.
I’ve been so lucky! I’ve visited 45 of the 50 states, and six of the seven continents. People ask me what my favorite place in the world is, and I always say, “I have dozens of favorite places!” But, I especially love Paris, Salzburg, Istanbul, Budapest, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, and all the countryside in between! Tunisia is now my favorite in Africa, and Thailand, the Taj Mahal, China and Turkey are the highlights of Asia. Since childhood I’ve loved the city of Toronto and my favorite Central American country is Guatemala. My experiences in Venezuela make it the most special place in South America but Ecuador is also a favorite. What can I say about Australia? Oh, that huge and foreign, yet very comfortable land! All together, I’ve visited over 70 countries of the world.
What do I love most? I love my family and friends. I love kids and being a teacher. I love sunshine and “top down” days in my convertible. I love to travel and experience new things in new places. I love seafood, ice cream, and cashews. I love Christmas trees and decorations. I love comfortable clothes and wearing tall boots. I love massages. I love nice perfume and the aroma of vanilla. I love cats that cuddle. I love to play my old player piano. I love collecting English Royal commemorative memorabilia. I love friendly people. I love taking photographs. I love antiques and Civil War history. I love my houseplants. I love being healthy and having a faith that sustains me.
