Ch-ch-ch-changes

[smallonion]

Hi everyone...

Well, I just got a new job. I will have to commute and work full time. Previousl I was working part-time, teaching at a college that was literally 5 minutes' walk from my house. I could spend loads of time with Humphrey, and even on days where I worked a lot, I'd come home and have lunch with Humphrey. Financial considerations (including saving up to move back to America) mean that I had to take this job. It will be good for my career. However...I will miss my Humphrey so much! Things will be changing for Humphrey

My husband works at another college, 5 minutes walk away in the opposite direction, and, because he's a computer systems administrator, he can often work from home. He intends to do this more often so someone is home with dear Humphrey. That's a relief. However...I think Humphrey's affection, right now, is 49 percent to me and 51 percent to my husband. I guess Humphrey will attach to my husband even more now that I won't be home as much... :-( It's ok - my main concern is Humphrey's happiness. Humphrey is a rescue of sorts and I promised to give her a good life.

The worst part...I have to go on a business trip - leaving THIS SUNDAY! I'll be away til Friday, come home for the weekend, then I have to go back on Tuesday! My flock! I will miss my flock so much (husband and bird - we are a flock after all, at least in Humph's eyes). My husband says he will put a webcam on Humphrey so I can at least see her over the internet.

Words of comfort appreciated!

[Franciscus]

I'm sure Humphrey will take it all in stride. Of course dolling out favourite goodies upon your return will be appreciate it. make sure you tell her how many days you'll be gone, showing her the number by holding up your fingers. I read that they often understand and hey, it would't hurt.

[indybirds]

Oh man, what a bummer, there! I know what you mean. I don't know which person our new cockatiel will be more attached to, because I think we're home approximately the same amount. But each of our dogs has selected their preferred human <VBG>.

Another friend of mine is dealing with a similar situation, but with her dog also. They are a single-dog household and since her hubby is home more, the dog has chosen him as his favorite. The good news is, the dog still enjoys hanging out with her, and going to class with her, so they still have fun.

Congrats on your new job :icon_smil Maybe you can take humphrey with you to work, occasionally? I am allowed to bring my dogs to work, and I plan to ask my boss if I can also sometimes bring the new cockatiel. (Still unnamed... d'oh!)

[The Outlaw]

Michelle:

You are very lucky to have such a sweet hubby. Humphrey will always be Humphrey and do whatever her heart desires anyway. She'll be fine and I promise she'll be quite happy to see you when you are there. After all, they remember quite well. So, don't worry your pretty little head and enjoy your new job. It may in fact turn out to be fun!

THE OUTLAW

[Crebain]

Relax, both will probably still be there when you get home. ;~)

[Casa Amazona]

Don't worry about your little girlie. I bet she'll take it all in stride. Just think -- you're working toward your goal of getting back to the US and getting to see the 'zon again. Also, wasn't there another fid you intended to get when you get back here? Congratulations on your new job.

[smallonion]

Thanks everyone for your kind words - individual responses below:

Frank - I love the advice and imagine you have a great relationship with
your birds, respecting as you do their intelligence and understanding.

Indybirds - I'm so glad you might be able to bring your tiel to work! That
woudl be wonderful! Tiels are totally not loud and I bet once you have a
relationship your tiel will find it exciting to have the companionship of
accompanying you to work. Unfortunatley I can't bring Humphrey to work - I
don't drive here in England and have to take the subway. Humph couldn't
deal with that. However, my husband is considering taking Humprhey to work
- as I say it's a very short walk. What do you do for a living, can I ask?

Nancy and Crebain - thanks for your kind words as always

Joanie - there are LOADS of fids I plan to bring home when I get to the
USA! I can't have any more join my family now because I'd have to
quarantine them to bring them to the USA. But once I settle there, I
intend to take in as many rescues as we can handle. And Corbett the
Amazon! I miss him so much. Also, my brother this year brought home
Frankln the beautiful CAG - and I've never met her yet!

Michele and Humph

[Chariclo]

Hey Michele - This is all just one more stepping stone of life! Change is never easy - but what really matters is all that counts. Your flock will ALWAYS be your flock. Our birdies adapt better than we think they do.
(Hubbies do too!) I hope the transition goes smoothly. Good luck on that job!

[Vankarhi]

Originally Posted by Crebain

Relax, both will probably still be there when you get home. ;~)

LOL. I bet she is hoping that. LOL

[indybirds]

Originally Posted by smallonion

Indybirds - I'm so glad you might be able to bring your tiel to work! That
woudl be wonderful! Tiels are totally not loud and I bet once you have a
relationship your tiel will find it exciting to have the companionship of
accompanying you to work. Unfortunatley I can't bring Humphrey to work - I
don't drive here in England and have to take the subway. Humph couldn't
deal with that. However, my husband is considering taking Humprhey to work
- as I say it's a very short walk. What do you do for a living, can I ask?

Michele and Humph

Yes, I think I ought to let him settle in at home first, before I go diving into taking him to work :icon_smil I wish we had a subway here, though! I think I'd like it better than driving, for the most part.

And for your Q about my living - I head up the design department (and I'm also part owner) of a small web development company. My boss is a really super guy. I don't think I could ask for a much nicer person to work for. I am thinking of getting a small play station for my desk, when it's time to bring along my new fid :icon_smil