So in my layoff I've been able to take advantage of the "re-training" which means that if I take 6 graduate classes, I could teach in that discipline in a community college. I'm taking 4 this spring semester and will take 2 come summer. I will also be paid spring and summer for this. They cover the tuition and I cover fees and books. I will be able to register for my classes starting this week. 

One of the classes was a travel study to Costa Rica which I just returned from, it was a marvelous time with wonderful people both in Costa Rica and also the folks I traveled with. I tried to add a picture but I kept getting an error.

Friday I had a first round telephone intervew, I hope to that it results in a second interview. I was a little anxious because it was while I was in Costa Rica but it worked out well. It would be great if I could seemlessly slide into a new position. 

My kid and their spouse also traveled to Japan for two weeks while I was gone. They returned the same day but just a few hours earlier than I did. Such busy times. 

While I'm currently still getting paid, we're trying to squirrel all the funds we can for when I'm not working.  I'll also be getting all my sick time paid out which will be a fair amount and that will be saved as well.

Taxes filed and state and Fed refunds received, squirreled most of that too. I'm glad that interest rates are high right now.