So many hugs of support to those who are dealing with difficult end of life pet decisions. As Drew said, we know we will be facing these choices ourselves soon, and it breaks my heart to think about it.

In meme news, I met with my current Head of School to let her know I'm applying to the director position, and her response was veiled hostility and a guilt trip about how much this school has invested in its staff and how "disappointing" it is to see people leaving. She did say she would write me a good recommendation, but seriously? This was after I had explained that it was a decision I was making for my family and my own sense of balance in my life (in terms of commute) and because this was a rare opportunity to apply for a director position at another girls school. And she wonders why people are leaving.

ETA: And the teachers have had no say in the money "invested" in us, and I did the New Faculty program for FREE last year and have commuted an hour+ each way for FOUR YEARS. I don't owe them anything. Also, my credentials were solid BEFORE this school.

I may not be entirely okay about her response.

Boooooooooo HoS, yaaaaaaaaay Kristin.

I may not be entirely okay about her response.

I think it's okay for you not to be okay. Jaysus.

What is it with the current sense of humble supplicant that seems to be so pervasive? I see it in publishing all the time, where agents and editors will act as if the author owes them something.

Lots of good thoughts for you, Kristin. I know you put a hundred and ten percent into your work as an educator. I know all the Buffista teachers do.

::seriously wishing for Buffista Academy right about now...::

Hil, have you explored other types of mobility aids, e.g. with a physical therapist or an OT? I have one of these [link] . I'm a regularly-dislocating type, so I'm mostly in need of a wheelchair for any distance, but this is a viable alternative for me. It's totally worth exploring options with OTs or similar.

ETA: Kristin, that sucks. Wishing you much ~ma for the job, though, which sounds great.

I haven't really looked into much about mobility aids. Right now, I pretty much just need something that will work for the every once in a while that I need it, the days when my ankle is hurting too much to walk to my office. If I need something more, I'll talk about it with a doctor or somebody -- I just don't see the point in doing it over the phone or email.

So very many hugs to Shir and her family, beth and Matt, and their beloved creatures. It's the hardest part of having pets and loving them, facing these decisions.

Which reminds me that I need to write a thank-you note to Hec's friend Betty and her husband Mike; she and her husband took in my two dear cats when we married, and both cats have died in the last year, one after much illness (they spent buckets of money trying to ease his way, and the entire vet's office fell so in love with him that after he died the vet donated everything Betty and Mike had paid to a local shelter) and the other very suddenly. I couldn't possibly have picked better or more loving second homes for them, and along with the affection and delight they got the brunt of the sickness and expense and heartbreaking choices, and I owe them both so much gratitude.

oh, beth, I'm so sorry about AndyCat.

I dread the time I'll have to see mine get old and sick. And mine are only three! I don't deal well with losing precious things anymore. Every now and then I hug Leo and say, "I get at least 15 more years with you, right?" and he says, "Put me down, this is embarrassing" which I take to be a yes.

I'm so relieved my old Koogie cat decided it was time on his own, because he kept getting slower and slower, and I knew I was going to have to decide very soon. Dear old lich-cat.

I'm sorry about AndyCat, beth.

{{Pet parents}} We've had so many pet members of our family over the years. Some have passed on their own, most we had to make the tough decision for them. It is so very hard. And yet the love and joy they have brought to our lives is what remains in my memories.

I built a ramp today for Brandy to get in and out of the car. It is carpet covered so she doesn't slip and it works very well. I'm really happy with it because she would put her front paws up and wait patiently for me to give her a boost to get in, but it was really awkward to help her out.