Layoff--Pros and Cons

About a month ago I was told that all Resource teachers and those paid for with Title 1 funds would be surplussed. This meant we would have a job but we would have to reapply for openings. We were just relieved that we weren't on the list of 50 teachers that would be laid off. Then two days ago I heard rumors that they were going to have to lay off another 80 teachers besides the 50. Yesterday it was official, I'm on the lay-off list. My principal had lots of great things to say about me but it goes by seniority and my first two and half years don't count since I wasn't under regular contract. I've been tossing and turning all night thinking about the pros and cons. I'm hoping if I make a list these thoughts will stop swirling around in my head.
Pros- it's not a financial blow to the family
Cons- less money for extras
Pros- lots more time at home
Cons- more time to eat and shop
Pros- never wanted to work full-time
Cons- I LOVE to teach
Pros- can go back to school for master's
Cons- college costs $$$
Pros- very demanding profession
Pros- very unappreciated profession
Cons- now what will I do with the rest of my life?
Pros- more available to help out mom and dad
Pros- We can take vacations that are not during the busy season (i.e. school breaks)
Cons- Paying for vacations won't be as easy
It looks like the Pros win, so why do I still feel bad? I think I'll go read The Pigeon to cheer myself up.

Laugh out loud funny!

O.K., so a couple weeks ago we had our school book fair. The "deal" was buy 4 get 1 free. They were ready to close up shop and I was frantically looking for my "freebie" when I stumbled across this book. I hadn't read any of the Pigeon books (evidently I'm behind the times) but it looked cute. I started reading and it wasn't long before I was laughing out loud. It is a hoot! I bought it, brought it home to share with the fam then took it in to share with my class. By the end the class and I were laughing so hard I had tears streaming down my face. I am now ready to buy all the Pigeon books and anything else this great author writes. It's amazing what you can do with a few simple words and brilliant, simple illustrations. I would love to have his talent! If you're ever feeling blue pick up this book it will cure what ails you!

Ta-Dah!!

Spring Break Aaaahhhhhh!

Spring Break, what a wonderful phrase! After much anticipation it finally arrived--and not a moment too soon. Scott and I decided to celebrate our anniversary this week by renting this amazing cabin for a few days. It was absolutely perfect! Out in the middle of nowhere, and very quiet and relaxing. After leaving Blake and Ashley with many, many strict instructions we drove down to Indy on Saturday and spent the day at the mall and eating at our favorite restaurant--Carrabas. We slept in until very late on Sunday and then drove to this lovely cabin in the woods. We spent the next 3 days totally secluded. Reading books, watching movies, sleeping in, watching the birds, taking walks, sitting by the fireplace, soaking in the jaccuzi....it was heaven on earth. We will definitely return to this cabin in the woods. You really should check it out, here's the link http://www.cabinsandcandlelight.com/index.html