Reasons why today rocked

So for those of you who are just sick and tired of my pessimism, ("Just cheer up you big faker!") I thought I would share that today has been a GREAT day. Here are the many reasons why:

1. I made it through the second week of my new job at The Faison School. It's a tough job, no question, but definitely rewarding work. Today was extra rewarding because I got my first paycheck. Hooray!
2. I got to spend a relaxing afternoon running errands that included stopping by the Godiva store and using a gift card. Remember: Chocolate Makes Everything Better.
   
3. I came home and got to see my husband for a few hours before he jetted off to Kings Dominion for an evening of work. These days, we pass like ships in the night so it was nice to be able to chat and spend some quality time together.
   
4. My brother was very thoughtful. He heard the message on the answering machine from the Ashland library telling me that the book I had reserved was in, went to the library, and checked it out for me. Now I just need to find time to read The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.
   
5. Speaking of books, my aforementioned very thoughtful husband found a new book by Carl Hiaasen (Star Island) and bought it for me at Costco today. Did I mention I have some reading to do?
6. I don't have to work at Romp n' Roll tonight. This means that I can have a restful evening at home with a glass of wine and a movie (or reading a book?). This is refreshing because I've spent every evening this week there (after working my "day job") and I'm pretty much exhausted.
   

And finally: the bestest, most wonderful, most fabulous news that I could receive today was from the IRS. Who gets good news from the IRS? Well, CJSTUF did today when we received the OFFICIAL word that we have 501(c)3 status. Yes, indeedy! This means that we can do LOTS of things now including apply for grants, fix our paypal account, get official corporate volunteers and sponsors, get access to free software, get sales tax discounts, etc., etc., etc.

More news to come! Thanks for your loyal support...and keep it comin'.
It's now OFFICIALLY tax-deductible!

PS If you have already donated to us this year, all of your donations for 2010 will retroactively be considered tax deductible. If you have NOT received a thank you note or statement from us reflecting your donation, please let us know ASAP and we will send out a letter for you. We have been sending out thank you notes and confirmation letters throughout the year but some have come back to us with incorrect addresses.
Thanks!

More blogging...because there is more news!

You don't often get two blog posts in 24 hours but there is definitely much to report.

First of all, I hope everyone who was interested in attending the Stella & Dot Trunk Show got the notice that it has been rescheduled for NEXT Thursday, 7/22. We hope you can make it. As before, online orders will also be accepted (go to the link above for more details).

Secondly, for those of you who haven't heard it through the Grapevine, I am starting a new job on Monday. I was recently hired by The Faison School for Autism to work about 4 days a week as a speech language pathologist. Yes, I am excited to work for one of the best programs for Autism in the Richmond area. It seems that they are excited to have me as well. It's definitely bittersweet as the job has been necessitated by current economic issues at romp n' roll. The summer has just been way too slow and we are still catching up from expenses brought on by the move.

I will still be teaching at Romp n' Roll a few days a week (Wednesdays and weekends) as well as continuing my regular administrative duties with the business but a lot of work will now fall to Roger and the rest of our excellent team. I am confident that our level of quality will remain stellar. Not so sure how I will balance Romp n' Roll, CJSTUF, AND the new job but I am learning to be a better delegater.

We do have some exciting CJSTUF events on the horizon. Mark your calendars for August 4th. We will be the benificiaries of Wine Down Wednesday at the Wine Loft in Short Pump. This is a super fun event and a great "girls night out" opportunity. I went to last night's event (benefitting Hugs & Kisses) and it was so much fun! The $5 admission goes straight to CJSTUF. In addition, they will be selling $1 raffle tickets for great prizes (all the raffle money goes to CJSTUF as well). I think we'll probably have some CJSTUF swag available plus some romp n' roll goodies. Lots of other prizes as well. There is a cash bar for great wine, free appetizers, and a cozy but elegant atmosphere. I will remind everyone about the date later in the month but definitely plan to attend and bring a friend. I will be speaking briefly about the Foundation but it's mainly a great social time and a good opportunity for networking.

I guess that will do for now. Talk to y'all more soon!