September 11, 1991

John delivers his line graphs earlier than usual.  Last night I noticed that the chest hairs that peak out of his undershirt are as gray as mine.  That makes sense.  We're both class of '68.  I quickly make the necessary revisions and photocopies and deliver 8 copies of the ambitious document -- total decision items requests:  $47,000 -- to Joel.

The afternoon is rather calm.  Chris makes an appearance, looking , as usual, as though he spent too much time on recharge.  He's basically in and out, much to my relief.

I pick up Andy at daycare.  JoAnna returns home at 6:30 and we eat supper -- round steak that has enjoyed a day-long crockpot soak in two cans of cream of mushroom soup-- together at the kitchen table.

August 21, 1991

After a telephone conversation with Tom Ullsvik, I am walking on air, I can barely contain my elation.  Tom has no problem with the automation capital expenditure.  He feels the support of the Finance Committee is there.  He also asks about decision items, so I give him a preview of the library's 1992 budget proposal and even throw in a few justifications here and there.  His comment, "You have a great story to tell" stays with me all day.  John Westbury and I meet with Liz Erpenbach in the afternoon and she, too, is supportive.

I pick up Andy and then rush back to the library to spend my second evening in a row at the reference desk.  Once I'm home and in bed, I have trouble falling asleep.  The phone jars me awake at 2:20.  A security system malfunction.  I'm lucky to remember to put on a pair of pants before I leave.  Still half-asleep, I attempt to clear the 09 code, to no avail.  I lay in bed awake for most of the rest of the night.