Now the real work begins.

Now this is great: it's almost noon and I'm still in my PJs, robe and slippers. I feel cute, not lazy, as my PJs are new from VS and my slippers are fuzzy and pink. I also feel productive, because for the past hour or so I've been starting all the projects I've put off 'til after the holidays. Since I have the rest of the week off, I figured I should probably get rockin' on the following:

1. My return to academia: I signed up for Business Law at Alma because many MBA programs seem to be requiring it. That and I really need to get back into class mode if I want to survive...

2. ...my foray into graduate school! I've been researching programs this morning and am currently considering Northwood University, U of M Flint and possibly Cornerstone. My initial criteria includes location (Northwood and Cornerstone have branch campuses in Lansing) and how the programs fit with my schedule (U of M Flint is online with traditional classroom work every sixth weekend). More evaluation to come, I'm sure.

3. The great homestead quest: while we've been passively examining options for acreage in the greater Lansing area, an email I sent to our realtor should have her on the phone with me to organize the various online searches she's set up for us. The goal is 10+ acres by spring, then house-building the following spring.

4. And finally, the very quiet job search: this is definitely on the DL, but since I think I know who reads this, I'm OK disclosing because I don't think any of you are going to go a-blabbing. For the record, I like my job; it is fulfilling and I feel an immense sense of responsibility to the students and families with whom I work. However, I've know since I started that it wouldn't be a career and with our new move to the Lansing area, it feels like the right time to start looking for other opportunities down here. This week, I plan to update ye olde resume and touch base with a Lansing non-profit connection my dad suggested. With items 1-3 also in the works, I'll be very selective about my jobs, mainly because I won't be able to take a pay cut like last time and because I don't need to switch positions right now. Don't worry, I'll keep you all updated!

Other (more fun) things to look forward to this week: an overnight visit from my cousin, Dayna; basement-painting with Miriam; and New Years Eve at Jon's! And now, maybe I'll go get dressed. We need groceries and I need to go strut it in my new Arc'teryx coat, my wonderful Christmas present from my wonderful husband! (Yes, I know Meijer is not exactly hardcore enough for such a badass jacket, but I'll be on the slopes soon!)