WooHoo! You ROCK, Liz! Apart from the standard "take it slow with the new guy" I couldn't be happier for you. You are a shining example of "slow and steady wins the race."
The job with benefits is HUGE. With 16 years out of the work force, the "under employment" thing doesn't concern me at all. You are bright, you are a hard worker, and you persevere when things get tough. You will be working and making money commensurate with your value soon enough, I predict.