New Job!

I was officially hired yesterday as the new Inclusion Specialist for Child Care Resource and Referral at Southeast Missouri State University. Yay me! This was the third time I have interviewed for this position in the past 3 years. The first time I was not aware that I was a "pawn" interview and that someone within the office already had the position. The second time I made it to the top 2 contenders and lost to equity issues. My time has finally come! The first girl left to stay home with her kids and the second left as soon as she had completed had Master's degree at the employee tuition rate. Nice of her. My position involves helping educate child care providers about accepting kids with special needs as well as helping parents find child care for kids with special needs. Right up my alley. I complained all day yesterday that I was sure I hadn't gotten the job. I was working with a former boss of mine, who was also listed as a job reference on my resume. I whined that I was sure I didn't get the job again because the supervisor had not called any of my references. I was wrong. While I was inside whining, the supervisor was calling my cell phone in the car to offer me the positon. I am such a weiner sometimes. I start August 1. I am so relieved to finally be a permanant member of the professional staff of SEMO. I'll have my very own cubicle :) and be right around the corner from my dear friend, Heather M. Fisher, who I triumphed over in the 3rd grade singing competition that lead to my role as Marta in the Jackson High School production of The Sound of Music. She still hasn't gotten over that. I may start belting out a little Do-Re-Mi just to torment her. I can't wait to start! I'm keeping my First Steps positions, but scaling back on my caseloads.

Tomorrow I'm heading to Fenton for a 2:30 meeting for First Steps. I'm going early to shop at Gravois Bluffs and to make a run to Trader Joe's for some rations. I love shopping by myself. I like shopping with others, but it's really nice to take my time and not worry about rushing anyone or being rushed. My mother-in-law can't believe that I don't mind eating in a sit-down restaurant by myself. I'm used to it. I like to think that the diners around me wonder what I'm doing alone pouring over the stack of files I will ineveitably be updating while I wait. Probably not, but I like to think so.

Thursday is my long-awaited Surprise Party. I had one of these parties as my bachelorette party and we had a blast. I was at one last year that was very fun and so hilarious. I can't wait to meet the "Surprise Lady". She sounds like a grandma. Who knows what I'll be coming home with that night! I haven't made a wish list yet and may just see what strikes my fancy that evening. I'm hoping that someone shows up since I've had several "no" RSVPs. I have the bucket of Mojito's chillin' in the freezer and lots of yummy snacks waiting for preparation.

I'm off to surf the net and read some other blogs. Later!