So I saw a spot to check messages but where do I get notified for replies to me or on my posts? I don't want to have to keep each topic open in a tab and refresh them... i already have way too many tabs open on my laptop

If you look in the upper left hand side of the screen under your name, you will see Show new replies to your posts. Anytime a post is made to one of your threads, it will be posted in that list. The field above that keeps track of recent posts that you haven't looked at yet. On the right hand side of the screen, Recent Topic allows you to view current activity on the board over the last few hours.

Thanks for the help! My eyes must have skimmed over it.