17 Days Remaining

Well, I signed my offer letter on Thursday for my full-time job as Assistant Professor of General Studies. (This is SO cool! I am a college professor!!!) I have not yet given my two weeks' notice at my current job. I will not do so until the 10th of February. With the exception of a weekly, mandatory meeting with my new boss on Mondays, nothing is changing. So I decided to remain with my current employer until Friday, February 25th. That way, I will earn two full paychecks from both jobs. The kids' birthdays are quickly approaching so I will be a little ahead. Although, I must admit, I was SO tempted to submit the notice when I received confirmation the offer letter was received.

I plan to take off a few days in February and then the Presidents' day holiday falls near the end of the month. There is only one week where I will work the full week. So rather than telling myself I have another month, I look at it as having 17 days. But that is exactly the number of days before I leave that job.

I actually had a friend laughing the other day. When I received the letter, the first thing that popped into my mind was the final portion of MLK, Jr's "I have a dream speech." I walked up to her and said, "In the words of the old negro spiritual: Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty. I am free at last!"

Both us busted out laughing. (You have to admit that was funny.) But it is truly liberating to have a full-time job where I do not have to punch a clock or sit at a desk all day. I do not have to fight traffic and wake up at 4:45a. When God does something, He does it big. I am so excited. And I have a passion for teaching! This is the place that I have longed to be: a job, no- a career- that I enjoy. I get paid for doing what I love to do!

What a Mighty God I Serve!!!!!

Hebrews 6:11-12 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
11 Now we want each of you to demonstrate the same diligence for the final realization of your hope, 12 so that you won't become lazy, but imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance.

And the day has finally arrived!!!! As of today, my title is now: Assistant Professor of General Studies!!! God is amazing!

I received the much anticipated, long-awaited call that my application for for a full-time faculty position had been accepted. All required signatures have been secured. I even received an email asking me what course I would like to teach because, "I am a full-time faculty member." SO EXCITED, I was I write!!!!!

I even get a laptop from the company. Why? I have no idea but OKAY!!! My yearly salary will nearly double. No more working three jobs to make ends meet. No more trying to do homework into the wee hours of the night. And bonus: NO MORE STUDENT LOANS!!! The full-time position is with the school where I am getting my doctorate. So my tuition will be covered at 100%!!! When God does things, He does it BIG!!!

Today, I remembered two childhood friends who called me, "Professor Dane Dane." How prophetic? I am now a full-time college professor!

2 Corinthians 4:18 (New King James Version)
18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Vacation Over

Nothing much to tell. Vacation is definitely over. I have three (3) courses to teach, plus my school work to complete. One of the courses is a pilot course but it requires a lot of work. Oh well, hard work is good for you. Builds character and makes you appreciate things.

Still waiting for the final word on my full-time teaching position. Last week, I was required to complete additional information. That is always a good sign. It is the being patient part that is wearing me out.

The kids are doing well. Since returning to their regular sitter, Tyler has had wetting accidents every day. I truly do not understand why. He does not have that issue at home. Once I am teaching full-time, I will make a decision about whether or not they will still with her or transition back to a facility on a part-time basis.

Loving life, loving God and definitely loving the Arizona weather. It was a beautiful 76 degrees today.

Ingenious

This little boy is so smart. I raised his basketball hoop to challenge him. He tried shooting a few times but missed. Next time I looked into the play room, he was standing on the chair shooting. He made the shot!!!

Relaxing Week

This has been a relaxing week. Although I was at work, it was quiet and I did not have to come home and work. I didn't turn on the computer for a couple of days. The kids and I just hung out, watched TV in pjs and chilled. It was very nice. I have grown fond of a tv show "Criminal Minds." I will admit that coming home, showering, and getting in bed at 8p to watch tv made me giddy.

The kids wanted to go to the park or movies but I said nope. We will hang out at home. NyCee goes back to school on Monday. She has been marking the calendar with Xs to count the days.


I begin school and teaching again on Monday. My contract is not yet complete for the full-time position. I am growing a little frustrated but I am reminded of the scripture, "When having done all to stand, Stand therefore" Eph 6:13-14.