Pink Friday the 13th

Why is is that the flu is called THE flu and a cold is just A cold? You wouldn't say I have a flu or the cold. Anywho, I stayed home sick today with what I think is THE flu. So instead of supporting my fellow teachers and wearing pink on this pink friday, I am home snoozing the day away. For those of you who do not know, March 13th is the deadline for districts to hand out pink slips and with this unfortunate time in education, 1000s of pink slips are being issued. Luckily, my district is not handing out any. Every year for the past 3 years I get a "pink slip" because I am considered a temporary teacher. It's not really a pink slip, but rather a "thank you for your service" letter. Each school year I sign a contract that is only good for 1 school year and at the end of the school year I get a letter that thanks me for my service but my contract will be ending and then I have to get rehired. It's always so stressful because I never know if I will have a job the next school year. Well that all changed today! Instead of the usual thank you for your service letter I got a congratulation letter that told me that my status is changing from temporary to probationary 2, effective September 1, 2008. What that means is that this September, I am officially a permanent, tenured teacher. I finally have job security! This is such a hugh sigh of relief. I seriously cannot express how grateful I am especially when so many teachers are being laid off. I truly feel blessed that in this economy Nate and I both have great jobs that we love so much.