You're probably tired of hearing about it...

kellya01

... but my Benefits Package came in the mail today!  I don't start the new job until March 7 but I'm getting SUPER excited because not only will I get my full health coverage that I used to have, but now I can get Dental and Eye coverage and it actually costs LESS than it did at the last school system where I worked full time.  SUPER excited isn't a strong enough phrase.  How about jumping up and down?

Oh yeah, and I ordered more invitations samples to come... I have about 15 coming my way from 3 different companies.  There are some HOT new invitations styles now with the new shopping season.  I ordered samples from Budgetweddinginvitations.com, annsbridalbargains.com, and the invitations that are available through David's Bridal.  I also found a DIY package at Michael's that my mom actually likes.  The only thing we can't get around is that she wants the thermography printing (raised ink) and you can't get that DIY.  So, that's a big part of our focus right now.

And last but not least... talked with FI's aunt (his mom died years ago so she's like his MIL) and we got a bunch of addresses, got some names from her for wedding announcements to be sent after the wedding, etc.  We have a little trimming to do with the guest list, but as it stands we are right where I thought we'd be.  I think we have about 140 (counting WP and us) or so that we're reasonably sure will be coming to the wedding.  Our church holds more than that, but the cap on the reception is roughly 150.  

So... feelin good today.  ONLY 2 more days this week!!!!  

Oh, and Saturday, I have the 2nd of 4 seminars through UNC School of Education -- they invited teachers to come back after being out in the field for a few years and share their experiences, help make the school of ed better, etc.  We get a small stipend for participating, but it's a GREAT chance to reconnect with why I started teaching in the first place.  And I need THAT this year more than ever!  

Rambling done.  GO HEELS!!!  (the biggest rivalry in college sports... UNC plays at Dook's - intentionally misspelled - house tonight.) 

AshNoel8

Yay, I am happy that this new job seems to be just what you wanted! And going back to your college will be fun! 

iamjoesgurl

YAY - YAY - YAY - YAY - BOOOO!!!!

DH is a huge Wolfpack fan and I like Duke.  We don't agree on much but we do agree when it comes to how we feel about UNC.  

(You won't hold that against me, right?)

AnnaW11

Exciting news .

My brother is a sophomore at Carolina...My dad and I both went to Wake...I still don't know how he let him go, traitor ;-). He loves it though!

kellya01

LOLz, we all feel how we feel about our teams in basketball, I hold that over no one's head. :-) 

Thanks for letting me share on here, it helps because I can only put "YAY" so many times on my facebook status before people stop reading  or start hiding my posts... !! 

DramaGeek

Woohoo!  Sounds like a banner day/week for you!!

I seriously love that school of ed seminar idea.  LOVE.  I wish my program would do that.  Our staff has talked ad nauseum about the fact that grad school really doesn't prepare you for teaching, and student teaching only does slightly better.  It's the actual OJT that helps everyone the most, but there has to be a better way to simulate the OJT in the teacher-training process.

Sorry, I'm rambling, it's one of those things about which I'm passionate.  That and performance based pay for teachers ;-)

Oh, and I keep meaning to tell you, but I really heart you.  You are one of the most sincere, helpful posters around these boards.  It's so nice to read your posts to others.  I was just reading your post to the girl who isn't sure when the cut off is for seeing her fi before the wedding and once again I'm in awe of your ability to answer tactfully.  I didn't answer that post because I couldn't find a way to bite back my cynicism and sarcasm, and I just admire your ability to be so genuine and compassionate to everyone.

joyfulbride424

YAY NEW JOB! I missed that while I was gone but CONGRATS!!! I know that was a source of stress for you a few months ago and I'm so happy things are falling into place for you!! YAY

kellya01

Aw, Thanks Drama Geek!

I'll admit, it does get hard sometimes but then I just start thinking about the OP's like "what if that was my best friend, would I judge them on that decision?"  Sometimes though... i just don't answer, well 1st reason for not answering is just having no clue (which happens A LOT) but 2nd reason would be for things that are out of my own experience.  I'm probably annoying on the national boards so I do try to take a break sometimes, but when I know my family (or even FI for that matter), doesn't want to hear any more about wedding I sink into TK!!! :-) 

ETA: Sometimes I catch myself posting too rapidly too and I end up going back in and editing really quickly after I've posted because sometimes I  get snippy or too harshly worded or whatever... DEFINITELY not a saint here, for sure!

Also ... the School of Ed thing we're doing is new this year, the doctoral students decided to start it up with the blessing of their professors.  It's actually become really cool because they get to hear about things we encountered during our first 2 to 5 years of teaching that grad school or the undergrad program didn't prepare us to encounter, issues along the way with politics in education, employment, etc.  They recruited a diverse group, all different teaching levels, and all different types of teachers - some who have jumped schools every year, some who have gotten somewhere and stayed put, and some who have been unlikely victims of politicking and community relations that they never could have seen coming.  It actually helps e to feel like I'm not a complete idiot to see that other people have gone through similar (or worse) things than me, and that's humbling too, because even though I complained a LOT when stuff was happening a couple of years ago, I know now that God really was looking out for me and saved me from experiencing the really crazy stuff. He must have known I couldn't have handled it!