hesperis: thank you for the "bullying." I am thinking about it...I have a friend who bought a house recently who just might take in my kitties for me if I do that...

But it would make more sense to wait a bit and do it in January (put more money aside for the school tuition and living expenses...I mean, I won't be able to work over there so I have to think ahead). I do appreciate the spirit in which this is offered: I just don't want to jump into anything. I don't have the resources to just go live abroad right now...but you have made me eager to go back to my research into aromatherapy schools that I was checking out last summer...

harpgirl; thanks for all that info. The new teacher bonus is awarded over several years, I believe, not all at once...and I am not certified. The homeowner stuff is worth a look tho.

kendall: what, precisely, do you think Hermes is trying to say? (I have been trying to talk to Hestia and, well, not sure she is listening)

Peg