Fried day

[altivo]

Only because it was too long. Started at 4:30 am so I could get the chores done before meeting library staff for a birthday celebration breakfast before work.

Found out at the breakfast that the boss has announced her retirement to the library board last night. Not unexpected, but now it's official. No date set but sometime next summer. Last time a library director retired I was not able to live with the resulting shuffle and resigned my own job. This time is not allowed to be like that, as I must stay until next September in order to vest my retirement fund. And no, I don't want her job.

My last bunny, Lily, died today. She was nine years old. I knew she was declining, and the symptoms were kidney failure, probably Addison's as her fur started growing oddly shaggy in the middle of the summer and she began sleeping more and more. When she stopped drinking water this week I knew it wouldn't be long. She fell asleep while eating her cabbage leaf this morning, and I think that was the end.

Gary was in Chicago since yesterday, helping his mom. I met him for dinner out right after work and we went to Amy and Friends, a local folk music gathering at Amy and Ray Beth's that happens once a month except December. That was nice, and I got some spinning done while listening.

Now must [yawn] sleep. Possibly Trail of History tomorrow depending on weather.

Comments

[equusmaximus.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your Bunny, but it sounds like she had a peaceful passing, and certainly a very long life. I've never heard of a rabbit living that long; I thought four or maybe five years would be a long lifetime for a rabbit.

Here's hoping whoever replaces your soon-to-be-ex boss doesn't stir the pot too much. It would be nice to be able to finish your working career peacefully, and not wanting to strangle anyone. :)

[altivo.livejournal.com]

In general, nine years is a good lifespan for a rabbit, yes. And this was a gradual decline so I knew she wasn't going to make it through the winter and that's probably just as well for her. I think, though, unless a homeless one just appears and needs someone, that Lily will be the last I'll have.

[schnee.livejournal.com]

Ah, I'm really sorry about Lily. :( *gives you warm wolfhug*

And I also hope things will work out smoothly with your boss retiring next summer.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

*hugs back* It's OK. I was prepared this time. The winter would have been hard for her with that problem, so this is probably the best way.

I'm optimistic about the work situation. I could be wrong, but I expect to actually be consulted about finding a replacement director and how things should be managed. Since my cataloging assistant has also announced that she wants to retire next spring, it's going to mean "interesting times" though.

[schnee.livejournal.com]

*noddles* It sounds like, and she sure seems to have lived to a ripe old age, too, but still — it's always sad.

Mmm, interesting times. Yes, it rather sounds like it could be that...

[flamekist.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear about Lily *gives bikerhugs*

It's been my experience that new management will try to assert their dominance over the staff by immediately shaking things up. Here's hoping that isn't the case with you!

[altivo.livejournal.com]

That's what happened at Columbia College and it doesn't sit well with me. The acting boss bitch lost that round big time.

I see little risk of anything like that happening here though. For one thing, the boards will not be looking to hire a name brand yuppie or running a nationwide search for a director. We're much, much too small for that. The major risk is that they'll look to hire someone without a library degree, but I know my present boss will urge against that. She doesn't have the degree herself, but has learned how valuable it is nonetheless. Where 30 years ago they thought they could "muddle through" without trained librarians, now it is clear that such a move is unacceptable. I am the only full time librarian on the staff, which gives me some extra clout. We have a part timer who may move into greater responsibility with the departure of my assistant, but who can't take over my job (let alone Harriet's) because she is young enough to be putting child care ahead of career and will not be working full time for some years.

If it really does come to a "dominance" display, I can probably win here. But I don't think that likely and I'd only play the game as a last resort.

[mondhasen.livejournal.com]

Sorry, too, about Lily. Our hutch remains empty these past five or so years.

When you say 'move on' do you mean to retire early or check out greener pastures? Having been a grasshopper in a world of ants has left me with few options, though I can definitely say I don't want to be working until I'm eighty like one of the staff (for her benefit she doesn't seem over seventy-five).

[altivo.livejournal.com]

I have no desire to move on to anywhere. My position is underpaid, but most library jobs are. It's close to home, and there aren't many other options for that. Given the amount of budget I've saved them by taking over for outside agencies that were managing most of the library's technology, not to mention significant OCLC credits for record enhancement and original cataloging, I'm pretty well entrenched here. Change will happen with my support and cooperation, or it will work around me. I've seen it go both ways in the last few years. As long as we don't get someone who immediately views me as a "threat" all will be well.

Yes, that's the last empty hutch here. We had dismantled the others and put them away some time ago. Gary pointed out a freecycle ad this morning offering two bunnies "to a good home" but we agreed not to follow up on it. The horses will accept any remaining bunny food as "treats," and have demonstrated in the past that they enjoy it. So that's that, at least for the foreseeable future.

[avon-deer.livejournal.com]

Really sorry to hear about Lily. :(

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Thanks, but it's OK. She lived a long life for a rabbit, and I was expecting this all summer. Her littermate has been gone for several years now.

[cabcat.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear about your bunny, she certainly live a loong life and I'm sure you only fed her nice cabbage leaves too.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Lily was kinda overweight. Not a lot, but definitely chunky until the last year or so. She ate too well. Carrots, cabbage leaves, apples, oats (of course) and good hay. Also pelleted rabbit food to fill up the corners, and Gary liked to give the rabbits a kind of parrot treat made of pressed fruit and coated with seeds. I thought these were rather stinky but they loved it, and the horses like them too if they can get them.