Another Update

Wow. I am REALLY terrible. It's been over a month since my last post. I'd like to say that I'm going to be more than a once-a-month blogger, but... I'm not going to make any promises. With such long breaks in between posts it's hard to know where to start, but since I just celebrated my birthday (26! WHOA!) yesterday, I think I'll start there.

And that? Begins with me saying that I have the best. boyfriend. ever. He is seriously amazing. He gets me COMPLETELY and totally loves that I'm NUTS 98% of the time. He is optimistic and life-loving and totally lights up a room when he walks in. He loves my family, he is kind and supportive and I could not be happier.

I know what you're thinking, it won't always be sunshine and rainbows but... I think it will.

So THERE. ;)

My birthday weekend started with the two of us getting some stuff done around his house in preparation for the party we were hosting there Sunday evening. We went to the gym, then headed home to shower and get ready for my birthday weekend getaway. He planned an entire weekend away for my birthday and I had no idea.

We had some errands to run before we left town (we bought a bedroom set and a living room set...

I KNOW!), so after we finished that we headed south on 89 and that was when he told me our destination: Topnotch in Stowe, VT. He got a room for the entire weekend and signed me up for a day at the spa on Saturday. It was, in one word, AMAZING. I relaxed, we went out to dinner, I slept in, read the paper in bed, and just enjoyed every minute of my birthday weekend.

It was incredible.

Sunday we came home and hosted a small birthday gathering at his house.

I am so loving my life right now it's amazing.

Life in Vermont

I really have so much to say here and have just lacked the motivation to sit down and type it. It's not because I'm SUPER busy. Ironically, I'm the least stressed and most calm I have been in four years. For the first time... ever? I'm only working one job (for now) and am not in school. It is an amazingly liberating feeling.

I, stupidly, thought that since I'm making more money than I EVER HAVE BEFORE one job would cut it.

HAHA.

Those are my graduate loans laughing in my face. Remind me why I went back to school...?

Oh right. So I could get my sorry a** back to Vermont.

Well... here I am. I am living in a part of Vermont that I have never spent time in before and I am actually loving it. It's much more small town than I'm used to, especially coming from Fairfield County, Connecticut, but it is so idyllic and amazing. I walk to and from school every day. People you pass on the street say hello and, of course, everybody... knows EVERYBODY.

I have amazing views of the mountains which are just beginning to change to foliage colors, I have a river that runs through town that I run along every day, and most importantly, I have my own classroom that I have worked so hard for the last two years to get.

OF COURSE. Public school in rural Vermont is a MUCH different demographic than private school in CT. My class statistics are depressing and inspiring simultaneously. I'm trying to learn to keep my head above water with 1/4 of my class requiring special ed, 2/3 requiring special services, no classroom aid and one special per day. It's a challenge, but I feel like I have an amazing start to the year.

Some days I do find myself banging my head against my desk once the kids have left, but OVERALL, it's been pretty good. I actually have my first observation this week which is terrifying but I'd just as soon get it over with.

And. To top it all off. I have an amazing boyfriend. Like, an AMAZING boyfriend. And I could not be happier.

Life? Is pretty freakin' sweet these days.

Jersey

My friend, S, called Thursday afternoon and asked if I would join him at his boss' wife's 50th birthday party on Saturday night. The party was across the Hudson in Jersey and only two people were invited from work so he was hoping to have a built-in someone to hang with. Me.

I called him Saturday afternoon to check in on timing and what I should wear. His response? "Totally casual. I'm wearing khakis and a button down." Okay, hmmm... I debated wearing a dress/skirt but decided that I didn't want to be over the top. It was cooling off and the party was around 6pm so I didn't want to look to daytime or too night-ish. I decided on black capris and a dressy printed top.

I had almost reached the UWS when I got a text from him, "Hey! Looks like we're leaving a little later for the party than I thought. Gonna head out around 8pm. We'll grab drinks here before we go."

Perfect!

I get to his apartment, sit down on the couch with a beer and see an invitation sitting on the coffee table. "PAR-TAY" No. Really.

I picked it up and started reading it. It was for the birthday party we were about to attend. It was being held at a restaurant and said, "Party starts at 8! Join us for dinner, drinks and lots of dancing!"

"Uhhhh, S? You didn't tell me this party was at a restaurant...I thought it was at their house!"

Him, "at a restaurant?!? WHAT!?"

Me: "Oh my gosh! Dinner and DANCING?!? I should have worn a dress! I can't believe you didn't tell me this!"

Him: "You look fine! I'm wearing khakis and a linen shirt. Really, you're fine!"

Me: "S!"

I don't know why guys don't understand this stuff!

We arrived at the party and it was like walking into an episode of Real Housewives: New Jersey. Everyone was dressed TO THE NINES. Seriously, this party was amazing. Drinks were flowing, appetizers were being served and the dance floor was hopping.

We were very late, but still hadn't missed dinner, but everyone was about two hours ahead of us intoxication-wise which kept it, VERY interesting.

The best part of the night was when the birthday girl's 18 year old daughter stood up, with the mic, and gave a speech.

"Mom. You know we love you so much. Thank you for everything you do, for raising two great kids who you love and for teaching me what's important: never wearing sweatpants and never leaving the house without a blow out. You're the best. KISSES!"

Really.

Bachelorette Parties

As you know, I am in a wedding this summer. Of course, I will be attending the bride's bachelorette party hosted by her two sisters. Instead of doing one, wild night on the town we've rented a house on the cape for a weekend and will spend the weekend together celebrating.

This to me, sounds like a dream bachelorette party. There will be no strippers, we're all staying together and we can hit the beach during the day. We can stock the fridge and coolers too so it's reasonably economical. (Remember, the bride has ELEVEN. Count 'em: ELEVEN. bridesmaids so splitting ANYTHING eleven ways is... fairly reasonable.)

Here's the thing that I don't understand. Everyone's penchant for having male-genitalia themed EVERYTHING. We've been planning the weekend and the emails going around included supplies we would need for the party. Food, drinks, bedding, etc. Then people starting replying about items we would need to pick up at the "dirty" store.

Excuse me?

The "dirty" store?

I don't know about all of you, but I? Don't go there. Nor do I want to be at a party with items from there.

Let me assure you, I am no prude and I'm, for the most part, outgoing and liberal. I don't even mind certain items. But having p3nis (sorry, don't want spammers) shaped glasses, straws, hats, necklaces, plates and cakes REALLY does not appeal to me.

I don't get it.

It's not like everyone there hasn't seen one before. It's not as if the soon-to-be bride and groom haven't been living together for two years and she'll be preparing and anxiously awaiting a BIG night.

I really, just, DO NOT GET IT.

I don't think it's funny, and I just don't see the point.

Am I the crazy one here? What's the appeal?

Nobu

My sister has been heading into the city every Tuesday night to have dinner with her (non)boyfriend. It's usually nice because it gives us a night apart, (I get the bed to myself), and it's nice for them to have a weeknight to spend some time together.

With my impeding move D, Sister 1 and I have been trying to squeeze weeknight hang-outs in to fulfill everything we want to do before M-Day and, my sister is always trying to get me to go into the city with her but with Jazzercise and other work stuff I rarely have time. Last night, she thought she'd try one more time and... I said yes. I didn't have too much else going on and had time to get a quick run in first. GAME ON.

Best Friend S, who lives in NYC, Sister 1 and I emailed back and forth all day long trying to make reservations for dinner. We tried five different places that were all booked.

For 8:30 on a Tuesday night.

Really. (SEE?!?!? THIS IS WHY I DON'T GO INTO THE CITY!!!)

J, (the non-boyfriend) was on his way home from a squash match and when we told him about our difficulty making a reservation he replied, "F*ck it. We're goin' to NOBU!"

I had never been there before, the only thing I knew was that it was fairly expensive... Sister 1, who has been there a few times, was PUMPED. She loves it there. We called S, told him to meet us down there and we headed down.

Can I just say one thing...

that dinner was probably the BEST dinner I've ever had in my entire life.

Because J has been there quite a few times and is very familiar with the menu we didn't even open them. He ordered for the table. We had (and I'll probably get ALL of these dishes incorrect): tuna tartar, jalapeno yellowtail, california roll, lettuce wraps, two versions of kobe beef, rock shrimp tempura, two desserts, sake and lychee martinis.

It was such a fun night, the four of us were able to relax, have a few drinks, an incredible dinner and catch up in a way that we haven't been able to in a while.

The bill was probably more than I make in a month, but...

J treated. :)

I'm usually very down to earth but sometimes it's awesome to (pretend) to live the high life.

Fore!

I decided..."long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadow! If I fail, if I succeed at least I've lived as I believed!" (Excuse that tangent, as I re-read I decided I couldn't help but break into Whitney Housten-esque vocals.) I decided last summer that I wanted to learn how to play golf but with all of the classes I was enrolled in I really did NOT have the time. Also, it's kind of expensive and not exactly in the budget.

I mentioned at dinner one night last spring to Sister 2's (non)boyfriend's family that I wanted to learn how to play golf. They thought that sounded amazing and are all avid golfers. My sister, last summer, was NOT in support of golf. She felt that it took up too much time and took her (non)boyfriend away far too often.

I actually think she say have said one night. Over dinner to the entire family. OF GOLFERS. "I don't think you can consider it a SPORT if you're allowed to smoke and drink while doing it."

Yes. She's brazen and brassy and stubborn but... that's why we love her. (I think.)

Despite her very obvious feelings on the sport her (non)boyfriend's mother bought her a pair of golf shoes and offered to sign her up for lessons at their exclusive country club.

I was all, "HELLOOOOOO?!?!??!?! I'M THE ONE WHO WANTED TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY GOLF! I WANT THE SHOES! I WANT THE LESSONS! LOOK AT ME!"

Well, a year has passed and my sister's golf shoes have been collecting dust in a closet.

Until now.

I found reasonable golf lessons at a club near our house and we took our first one on Saturday. It was so awesome. The Pro could not have been nicer, the staff was so friendly and the club was very welcoming and non-snobby. (Something that is a LITTLE hard to find in the area that we live.)

We've been to the driving range twice since then and- - I quote- - my sister said she's "hooked."

We've got a long way to go before we get out on the course but let's hope this is the start to something great. I've got a feeling it is.

D's Response

My friend, D, always gives me a hard time about not updating my blog enough. OKAY D, pretty sure you had a rockin' blog for a hot minute that hasn't been updated since, ohhhh... you know... LAST MAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway. After reading my last blog post I received this from her in my inbox:

dont look that cute today. at all. your blog? you need to set an age limit to like 31. a person approaching 40 who is divorced has NOTHING in common with you. why buy damaged goods? divorced= either made a bad decision or is a douchebag as my kids would say and neither is a good choice. tell him to take a hike.

On Love and Luck

I spent the weekend with my parents as they came to visit for a few days. My dad hasn't been since we moved INTO our apartment and my mom hasn't been since late October so it was fun to have them around show them all of our favorite places. Also, with my sister moving to a new apartment and me moving to Vermont we got a little bit of a jump-start on the moving process.

I know everyone probably feels like their parents are THE BEST, and they are probably REALLY great, but my parents? Are above and beyond normal greatness. They arrived late Thursday night and woke up when Sister 2 and I headed to work. My dad and I grabbed coffee at Dunkin' Donuts then we left for school and my parents headed to Greenwich to pick up a couch I had purchased on Craig's List. They drove it back to my apartment and brought it upstairs.

They met us at school for lunch, Mystery Bag and Poetry Cafe. They do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that we need them to without even CARING. We shopped, my dad got a new cell phone, we went out to dinner(s) and breakfast and then, as the weekend was nearing it's end they helped me pack their car with everything I was sending home, drove it home, and unpacked it when they got there.

Most of my friends/family are responsible for all of this stuff by themselves. I am so grateful to have parents who really don't mind helping us out.

And? They were the last ones standing with me at the bar Saturday night. Then, we ordered a 6pack of Mic Ultra back to the room.

Seriously. My parents rock.

A Day in the Life

The past twenty-four hours have been some of the most awesome I’ve had in a while. Best friend D and I had to take the Praxis II (a CT/VT teacher certification test) this morning but we had a half day at school yesterday so we decided that we could take advantage of the early afternoon and head out for happy hour while still getting home at a reasonable time to rest for the test.

HA!

That’s me laughing in yesterday’s naive face.

We should have known better.

It started out innocently enough with one beer in an hour, a cheese board from Ginger Man and some perusal of the testing materials.

Then we ordered another beer.

Then we started dialing our friends.

Then we ordered a pizza.

Then one of our friends met us out.

Then we ordered another beer.

And another.

And sweet potato fries.

And a pulled chicken quesadilla.

And another beer.

Do you see where this is going?

Next thing I know we’re at the loft, wearing matching black and white fedoras we borrowed from two guys we met at the bar, DJ headphones on setting up an awesome playlist, and running the dance floor.

It’s an exhausting life we lead.

We made it home around midnight just in time to brush my teeth, drunk dial a few (11) people and lay down for the 5:45am alarm to go off.

Remember that test we had this morning?

Yea…we had to be there at 7:30am. Yikes.

You know that I am completely OCD so we arrived thirty minutes early and got situated in our room.

We’ve taken three tests in New York for teaching certification and the difference between these tests were incredible. New York is like a well-oiled machine who doesn’t give a F*ck WHO YOU ARE. They yell at you, treat you like idiots (to be fair, it’s mostly warranted- - you should SEE the people there), and then spit you out like last night’s beer you drank by mistake.

Connecticut is all sunshine and rainbows but completely unmanageable because of the lack of organization and incompetent proctors. It took the women in charge FIFTY-THREE minutes to hand out the tests and sign us in.

I wish I was kidding.

So, because Connecticut is sunshine and rainbows (and madly infuriating) D and I were assigned to the same room where we could choose our own seats. OUR OWN SEATS! And they requested that we sit near each other! The proctor hands us our exams and we look down to start reading- - there in a BOLD BOX is the text, “Calculators are permitted for the math section of this exam.”

WHAT?

We had not been notified that calculators were allowed. Typically NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE PERMITTED.

NONE.

I asked the proctor if she had an extra calculator.

No luck.

So? We spent the next sixty minutes feverishly computing math by HAND. Seriously. I was doing long division in the margins.

When those unbearable 120 minutes were over we were STARVING so we headed to a local diner, then to my apartment so I could regroup. Then? We headed to Greenwich to see the Tall Ships.

I’ve been looking forward to seeing the Tall Ships all week. I love the water, I love boats, I love special events like this. We I had originally asked D if she wanted to come with me she responded, “Tall Ships? I don’t know what that is.”

She can give me a hard time all she wants for never having been on a sailboat but at least I know what the damn TALL SHIPS are!

Turns out part of the Tall Ships event is a fair complete with games, rides and fried dough. D suggested that we go on one.

I am a (semi) risk taker and have always loved rides. However, I have not actually BEEN on a ride? Well, I don’t think since high school honestly. Let me tell you, that ride was like jumping off a cliff.

SCARY.

INVIGORATING.

SUPER FUN.

I’m NOT kidding. We were the only two on the ride except for two ten year old boys. We laughed and screamed the ENTIRE time. I had to close my eyes and I couldn’t even control the noises that were coming out of my mouth. “Whoooooeeeeeee!” “Eeeeeeee.” At one point D turned to me and said, “WHAT are you SAYING?!!?”

I have no idea.

I felt like a rockstar.

We were laughing so hard by the time the ride ended we had tears streaming down our cheeks. It wasn’t that anything was THAT particularly funny, it was the ride. We had made it.

Then, we hopped down out of our chair.

I felt like I had been at sea for seven days; my legs were wobbly, my head was spinning and I couldn’t walk in a straight line. We sat down to rest on a bench overlooking the harbor and we soaked up the rays for an hour.

It was incredible.

It’s days (nights) like this that are going to make it hard to pack up and leave Connecticut. I’m just glad I’ve still got a few memories left to make.

(on a side note I drunkenly gave some guy my number at the bar last night. No, I’ll never learn. And he ACTUALLY CALLED ME TODAY. I’m not interested but this is the FIRST time that I’ve been here that a guy has ACTUALLY called after I’ve given them my number.)

Over It

I have reached the point in the year where I am just. OVER. IT. I'm over everything. I'm ready to pack up the apartment, move home, be in summer-mode...I'm ready to relax.

I love my kids, and I love my job, I am just ready for that next point. To move on, to get acclimated in my new school, and to be in a new place.

I have also ordered an attitude adjustment for this morning. I'm hoping it arrives.

Dreams

I’m not one who over analyzes horoscopes or dreams but last night I had such a vivid dream it’s hard not to think about it a little. I took a small sailboat (I have NEVER been on a sailboat in my entire life) with my sisters and some family members across the ocean (that was in an enclosed building) to a glass building in the middle. The idea was that you could go down in the building and see all of the marine life. We had just gotten inside when we saw the first animal. An orca. It was amazingly beautiful and just crested through the swell of wave. Then we saw another one. And another one. And another one. Before we knew it I counted 22 orcas surrounded the building, swimming around. Then? It was like a flip switched and they all started to brush against the building. Then run into the building and they continued to ram the building until the glass was shattered and water was pouring into it.

Then I woke up.

Strange, right?

And I haven’t even watched Free Willy lately. Promise.

G-Chatting with a Friend

Discussing his weekend plans...

"I'll have to go out and find some girl with good looks and little morals tonight."

HA. I love my friends.

Next Weekend

I have babysitting jobs lined up for the next few weekends but a family asked me to babysit for the ENTIRE weekend next weekend. I have a test and another commitment so I asked my sister if she was interested in helping me out.

Her response?

"Oh! Next weekend?!? I'd love to! but... J" (the NON boyfriend...), "and I are heading to West Palm Beach! You should come!"

Uhhhhhhhh. REALLY?!?!?

Soul Mate vs Mate

I've always been a hopeless romantic. Not so much in that I thought Prince Charming would swoop through town on a white horse, throw me on the back, and gallop me off into the sunset... more like, the man of my dreams would find me when I wasn't even looking, sweep me off of my feet, and the rest? Would be history.

See the difference?

The funny thing is, I can only define "man of my dreams" broadly. I'd like to think that this will increase my chances of actually finding someone but I also think it might send me in directions that aren't always the best. My friend D would agree with this whole heartedly. She feels that there are certain guys I'm willing to entertain the thought of dating that I should automatically say no to.

For me, there really is no automatic "No".

And, if I'm going to be honest, I can picture myself marrying *many* of the guys in my life right now. How ridiculous is that? I'm PRETTY convinced that I haven't yet met the person I will spend the rest of my life yet, BUT... if I HAD to marry someone I've met- - I would be okay with that.

Is that crazy?

I know some people believe in soul mates and maybe, in certain instances, that's true. Like the two people who accidentally bump into each other at a coffee shop and then end up married the next month, or the couple who gave up on love individually until they were both doing laundry at 9pm on a Friday night then lived happily ever after.

For me though- - I think you just find a mate. Someone who is at the same place in time that you are, who wants the same things, who you can love, who you can live with.

I just happen to be compatible with a lot of people.

Did I REALLY just type that?!?!?

My best friends and sisters (and ex-boyfriends) may say that I am NOT. That I am actually, generally INCOMPATIBLE, but I don't think that's true. When I think of the guys that I've dated recently and not-so-recently I can see a life with them. It wouldn't be perfect, but what relationship is?

Although, I have to admit each time I date someone I learn a little bit more about myself and what I want out of a relationship which, I GUESS means, I'm not doing this whole thing for NOTHING.

Best Text

I received a text from my sister tonight, "Hey! I'm heading into the city to meet J..." ((the NON boyfriend)),"for dinner. Probably won't be back til the am to get ready for school."

!!!!!!!!!!!!

A bed to MYSELF tonight! Woop, woop!

I guess it really is the SMALL things we learn to appreciate...

Yea, We Went Out Last Night

My sister, D, and I all went out last night to celebrate the gorgeous weather we've having, SPRING, and my NEW JOB! Initially, I almost canceled because I just wasn't feeling it, but I'm so glad we motivated to go. We had *so* much fun.

We headed to The Ginger Man in SoNo. Have I mentioned how much we *love* Ginger Man? It's the best place EVA. We ordered our Blue Moons and the cheese plate...and then we started talking. And didn't stop until after midnight. I'm not even kidding. I don't know WHERE the time went, but before we knew it we were four rounds deep and ordering another pizza to top off the night. Really. We RARELY go out on school nights but when we do, I guess we go all the way.

As three teachers, who are best friends/sisters who work and live together you would think we'd have OTHER things to talk about besides our students. Notsomuch. I cannot IMAGINE what we'll be like when we have our OWN kids because we talked about our students ALL NIGHT LONG. We're all fairly exciting people but we hardly veered from talking about the kids. It's nuts.

Well... we did detour the conversation enough to debate the 2Birds1Blog debate about wiping position. (Please, go read that post if you need a laugh.) ((We're all sitters if you care). While I'm at it, Meg @ 2birds is quite possibly the funniest person ALIVE.

So we're sitting there chatting and I get a text from my mom, "Just had a lovely chat with Coach".

...

They were all at the bar together. I, of course, was DYING to know what they talked about because my own communication with Coach has been rather lackluster lately. (I cannot figure him out. I'm still trying to play it cool but am secretly hoping that I'll see him while I'm home this weekend. I'm not sure on ANY fronts how that will play out.) I almost texted him about it, but while I was contemplating that I got a text from him, "Just had a beer with your parents." Which started a texting conversation that lasted most of the night and ended with a drunken, 1am phone call.

My mom thinks he's "so nice", my dad thinks he's a player... I don't really care WHAT he is, as long as he's into me.

There, I said it.

I woke up this morning READY to go but I am fading...FAST.

Assistance

I received an email from a parent of one of my students:

Hi Miss T,

Hope you are enjoying the incredible weather.
I don't know if you are on the babysitting, etc list, but I thought I'd
check to see if you might be able to help me this weekend at a party I'm
having. It's a casual party, and all you'd have to do is help me
put food out and wash plates. I know it's last minute, but my husband is
going to be away and I'd love the help. It would be from about 5:45 to
10 or earlier if you want. I will be at school for a meeting at 8 and
may check in to see if you're interested.

-Parent

Put out food? Wash plates? For a dinner party that she's having which will most likely have our other parents as guests? NO THANK YOU.

Seriously.

She came in this morning right at 8am to double check and when I told her I would be out of town for the weekend she responded, "Ohhh, I'll just use paper plates then."

SERIOUSLY?!?!??!?! She has to resort to PAPER PLATES because I WON'T BE THERE TO WASH DISHES?!?!??!

And SECONDLY. I'm pretty sure I didn't just shell out $30,000+ for a masters degree so I could wash dishes at family parties (other than my OWN) on the weekends.

That's not to say that I think I'm above ANY sort of job- - I'm NOT. I just can't believe the families around here sometimes.

Do your own damn dishes.

VT Bound

I got a job offer this morning, for a school in Vermont.


!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

An Update of Sorts

Tomorrow's the big day as far as the job hunt goes. The principal from the school has called ALL of my references today so they're definitely doing their homework. After the interview I'm heading home (again) for the holiday weekend and my cousin's bridal shower (who's wedding I'm in). I don't even think I've TOLD you all about that whole thing yet, have I? Hmmm...

I mentioned my attempt at playing it "cool" with this new guy (we'll call him... Coach), so after he called me on Sunday night to check in and make sure I was rooting for Baylor (oops), I haven't called or texted him at all. (GO MEE!!!!!) Of course, I thought the package I sent him had been delivered and I hadn't heard anything and he must've thought I was a HUGE LOSER and TOTALLY TOO MUCH so he was just going to ignore me from here on out. I was on the phone with my youngest sister last night lamenting about the fact that I'm SUCH A LAME-O and as she was so nicely reminding me about the time I left a surprise package of wine glasses at ANOTHER guy's house (thanks for solidifying my CRAZINESS Kate, you really know how to make a girl feel better) I got a text from "Coach".

WHOOP, WHOOP!

He was just checking in to see how I was adjusting back in CT and at school. He mentioned that he hasn't been feeling well so he's been going to bed early to get rested for the weekend (!!!!!!) ((We're supposed to hang out)). And, I told him about my second interview.

Still no mention of the package, so jury's still out on whether or not that will send him running, SCREAMING in the other direction.

In the meantime... I've got a 5 mile run to do, one jazz class, and then I'm packing and getting organized to come home for the weekend.

So Much to Say

I had two interviews while I was at home which was great timing for me. I thought I rocked the first one, and felt really great about it. The second one? Lasted fifteen minutes. Really. I drove 75 minutes for a 15 minute interview. I thought they just decided I wasn't a good fit and moved on.

Yesterday I heard back from both of them. The first one, went in a little bit of a different direction than they had originally intended but loved me. In 90+ applicants I'm in the top four. They might have one more position open and will call me if they do. They ended up going with someone with more experience (go figure) which I'm not at all surprised by because the teacher already on that team was a fuddy-duddy-oldie teacher. You know the kind I'm talking about- - wears jean jumpers, doesn't like new ideas, and is STUCK in the late 80's early 90's.

The second school, the one who's interview I thought I failed? Invited me back for a day-long site visit. I'm one of three finalists. We'll see how this goes.

The rest of my vacation was really quiet and relaxing. More so than I ever would have wanted or planned for myself, but sometimes... you don't have a choice. Jax finally texted me 10 days after he broke up with me. We've talked about a lot of things. He would ultimately like to get back together and has apologized for acting like an idiot. I'm not sure I'm ready to hop back on that bandwagon. What's the hardest is that I wouldn't have broken up with him- - I was really looking forward to spending some time together. However... now that we ARE broken up I feel like we could use this time to get settled on our own, figure some things out, and go from there.

Of course, in the meantime... of Jax not talking to me at all, I met someone. You KNEW that was coming, right!? At the same bar I met Jax- -I KNOW, I need to get out more, you don't need to tell me that. He seems like a great guy, I'm totally into him, but he's a TOTAL player which I don't need AT ALL. He took me out on a fantastic date, we hung out at the bar two other nights and he still has not kissed me. (Although, for our first date he DID suggest heading to his (and his ex-wife's) house, making dinner and chillin' in the hot tub...)

There is SO much more to say about this guy, but I'm waiting to see how things play out. I'm trying to play it cool which, you KNOW, I'm terrible at. And just in case you needed FURTHER evidence that I'm a complete PSYCHO, playing it cool means purchasing a book we discussed while on our date, writing a short note to go with it, and mailing it to his work. (TOLD YA!!!!!)

I just don't want to get into another situation where I don't get exactly what I want. I know, relationships are cooperative, you've gotta give and take, BLAH. BLAH. BLAH. I'm over that. For now. I want to be pursued. Hardcore. Do you hear that boys?!?! It's. ALL. ABOUT. ME.

Thankyouverymuch.