Monday musings

Budget time.  Number crunching all the live-long day.  I have a total of nine departmental budgets to prepare by next Wednesday with instructions to cut 10%.  Let me just emphasize this little fact:  10% of a million dollar budget (just one department) = people losing their jobs.  A lot of heavy sighing going on at my desk today, needless to say.  And this comes right on the heels of the state inspection we just passed with flying colors.  See, I have the necessary staff now to take care of business the right way, and when I start making cuts there are going to be things that don't get done.  And the people will complain.  And my phone will start ringing.  And nasty memos will be written.  And other departments who are under the same crunch will be asking even more of my departments.  And so it goes.  I'll just keep the Excedrin handy and take the phone off the hook.  wtf huh?  Emphasis off.

I called my 78-yr old aunt today.  She's the only relative on my deceased father's side of the family who actually keeps in touch with me.  Senility is creeping in.  The last time we talked, she'd baked a cake.  Forgot to add the cake mix.  Last week she went to the pharmacy.  For two hours she thought she was in Kentucky.  She lives in Tennessee.  The pharmacist had to correct her.  She lives alone - a widow with no children.  I've invited her to come here and live closer to me, but she refuses to leave her home.  At the rate she's going, it is fairly obvious that she needs to be in an assisted living center.  She does seem to have a close relationship with her physician, and has an appointment with a neurologist tomorrow.  Lots of tests from what I understand, and she matter-of-factly stated that her doctor may be recommending a transition to assisted living after this next batch.  I worry about her, and wish I was in a position to do more.  Scott and I are planning to pay her a visit some Saturday soon, so I can get a clear picture of what's really going on with her.  Aunt Tickie.  There's never been another like her.  Us kids used to call her "Picky Tickie".  I don't think she ever knew :)

That's it.  That's my day.  The sun shined and the electric bill got paid.  Can't ask for more than that... 

Cheers :)

5:57:21 PM     comment []