I was reminded this past week how quickly things can change. A mere 24 hours can take you from knowing your cat is feeling unwell to holding her in your lap as she peacefully slips away.
Long story short, I found out on Wednesday evening that my cat Abby was far sicker than I ever suspected—leukemia, with blood counts so low even a transfusion wouldn’t be worthwhile—and I had to put her to sleep Thursday evening. Deciding when she would leave this world is probably the hardest choice I’ve ever had to make.
I thought I’d have more time with her—I’d only had her a year and a half, and she was still young and energetic, not even four years old. There are zany behaviors I wish I’d managed to get on video, more pictures I wish I’d taken, and perhaps I should have tried to play with her a little more, but I know I did all I could to make her feel loved and secure despite all the changes in our lives recently.
My other cat, Maia, has been a huge comfort. I will have to get her tested for the feline leukemia virus, but for now she is healthy and seemingly content (though sometimes I wonder if she wonders where Abby is), and that is a great relief. And if I’m cuddling her more often right now, well, she usually doesn’t mind, especially since I’m also being generous with her treats.
Rest in peace, Abby. You were a joy to me in our short time together and I will cherish the memories of your exuberance and our many cuddles.
25th February 2013
Notes: 1
“May you live in interesting times.”
This provides a nice visual summary of my recent move, which included being stranded on the interstate for two hours, braving hilly backroads in the snowy dark, and scrubbing dried chicken blood out of a warm freezer. All seems well now, though I hope the start of my new job on Monday is less eventful than getting settled in my new apartment proved to be!
Indexed: Often a matter of perception
(I love this!)
Books give you a better perspective
(Source: idisagreewithmymind)
Reblogged From thecommonlibrarian
nypl:
“I cannot imagine the type of sinister fiend who would be against the library. A library essentially says, ‘Look, here is some free information that will enrich your life. Read it on your own time. I trust that you will bring it back when you are finished.’ It might be the most civilized, forward-thinking institution in America. Perhaps the only one, in fact.”
— Chuck Klosterman
“If you have a garden and a library you have everything you need.”
(Source: 1omniavincitamor)
This is so, so important! I’d argue that this is vital for everyone, service-based profession or no.
Librarianship has always been a service profession. People attracted to service (nursing, teaching, etc.) want to help others, which is great. On the other hand, those who are “helpers” can sometimes suffer mental, physical and/or emotional burnout. Hopefully some of the tips below will remind you treat yourself well. I know these have helped me. Because if you don’t do it, who will?
- Get optimal amounts of healthful food, sleep, exercise, and medical care*.
- Enlist support and technology.
- Your health is not just physical.
- No one is irreplaceable (at work).
11. Roam a library.
You never know which book, author, or topic will speak to you from the shelves. You might just find what you didn’t even know you were looking for.
- Camera: Canon CanoScan LiDE 25
Graduate school can make you feel “less than,” but every step of grad school (and venturing beyond it) requires the knowledge of your unique advantages. When suffering from imposter syndrome or some other discouragement, take a lesson from Business and count your assets. Otherwise known as counting your blessings, listing your assets can help you feel better, come to a better knowledge of yourself, and—best of all—it only takes a few minutes (no accounting required!).
Good advice for those of us who are still relatively new to our profession, as well.
(Source: thingsmakemehappy)
Throughout history, there have been a number of reasons why individuals have taken to writing or producing art under a pseudonym. In the 18th century, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay took on the pseudonym Publius to publish The Federalist Papers. In 19th century England, pseudonyms allowed women—like the Brontë sisters, who initially published under Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell—to be taken seriously as writers.
Today, pseudonyms continue to serve a range of individuals, and for a variety of reasons. At EFF, we view anonymity as both a matter of free speech and privacy, but in light of International Privacy Day, January 28, this piece will focus mainly on the latter, looking at the ways in which the right to anonymity—or pseudonymity—is truly a matter of privacy.
“What you read when you don’t have to…”
