Day 46

No one knows what's going on with the unions. Well, I'm sure someone does, but no one on the staff here does. Yesterday was supposed to be the deadline, but we are guessing that no agreements have been made. One staff member's husband wrote to his HR person to express his concerns and find some answers, but she wrote back and said, Sorry, but I don't know what to tell you. This man might lose his accruals and benefits effective any-day-now, and she has no information for him? I asked our staff member who is in a different union on campus, and she says she hasn't heard a peep from them, or our boss, and she has no idea what's going on either. We can't find anything about it on the union websites, university news site, or the human resources site. Next stop, the twilight zone.

I need some new software for my computer that will cost about $200, but have been afraid to ask my boss for anything that costs more than a dime or so. This afternoon, I chatted for a few minutes with our computer guy--one of the biggest spenders in our department, since he is in charge of our equipment and upgrades--and mentioned my concern. He kind of chuckled and told me that our manager is concerned with figures that have a few more zeros, and that I shouldn't feel badly asking, especially if it will make our office more efficient. Now I realize that the department's bank account, even in tough times, is better padded than my own. But I come from humble beginnings, so I think of $200 as, well, kind of a lot of money for software I could certainly live without. I felt a just weensy bit surprised when she didn't flinch at the cost and handed me a credit card for my purchase. This makes me impressed and very thankful that she fully understands how this $200 will more than likely save thousands of dollars in staff time, and is worth every penny. I think she should hold workshops for campus and state administrators.

I'm planning to stay home for the next two days, cook yummy meals for lunch next week, and play around in my garden. Life could be worse, eh? Hope you all have a wonderful, restful weekend.