The luck of the Irish

I think the luck of the Irish is starting to rub off on me. For the past couple months I have stressed over many things, mainly being overworked, guys and fear of losing my job. Well, things are all starting to fall into place and I couldn't be happier.

First off, I found out I will be asked back next year to teach at my high school....so that is a huge load off my mind. I have more bills that I can possibly pay right now so knowing I will continue to be paid is a big relief. That and my sister moving in with me in May will help as well.

Perhaps the biggest change in my life lately is that I've met someone and become a "smitten kitten". He is a 24 year old student teacher in the Industrial Technology Dept. at my high school. Yeah, I know. I graduated high school in 1997 and he did in 2000. I talked this big game on here how I will only date older men because they are established, have their lives together and are not in transition.....which I always seem to find. Well when I met this guy he had a girlfriend for 3 years, was living with her brother, and had no idea where he would end up jobwise (his family lives hours away down south). I was dating the guy from Chicago who is moving to USC.

Next thing I know, he's broken up with his girlfriend, I said goodbye to my guy, and we started hanging out. It started off as just talking at lunch, then attending sporting events together, then building a friendship. Now it has taken on a life of it's own and we are dating. I did not expect this and was not looking for it, but it happened anyways. He's moved out from his ex's brother's place and in with a couple fellow teachers only 10 miles away, and has basically been offered a full-time teaching position and coaching position here at my school for next year. It's a lot easier dating someone who lives nearby and works with you than 50 miles away in Chicago! I work an ungodly amount of hours and it makes it more bearable knowing I get to see him 3rd hour, 6th hour for lunch and then sometimes at practice after school!

It's funny how life works, I go from being a complete wreck to being completely happy in a matter of a month. Everything is coming together and I'm truly enjoying the ride for fear that it will end, as it usually does. This teacher and I are such a good fit, it's scary....not to mention he's gorgeous and 100% Irish Catholic Republican (finally, a Republican for me!!!!!). Our first date was breakfast, then church. Good sign maybe? I've already met 2 of his siblings, he's met my parents and I'm going to meet his next week when the come into town.

The question is, how fast is too fast? I was concerned that we were rebounding but I don't think that's it at all. It just feels right to both of us and we can't explain it. The pace seems natural and while we feel like we aren't going too fast....are we? We've been dating for only a few weeks and have met family, made plans for the summer, have talked about things like kids, religion and families, and basically haven't left each other's side......which is a lot easier when you work and coach with the person! We talk a lot about our last relationships....what worked, what didn't work, why things ended, etc. My mom says that we need to be careful so it doesn't get "boring" too early. What do I do? Do I cool things a bit when neither of us wants to or do I just go on doing what feels comfortable? Has anyone else out there experienced this? I'm just soooo happy for the first time in soooo long :)