I had a wonderful career as a science librarian at both Louisiana State University and then later Boston University, but unfortunately my health deteriorated and due to several chronic issues I can no longer work full time.  To be honest, it was really bad for a couple of years, but now I'm mostly settled in Lowell, MA - a bit north of Boston but much cheaper, so I can live on my own but still be close to my Boston-area friends. I now work part time as an evening receptionist at a nursing home (one of the chronic issues that was discovered was delayed sleep phase which makes it nearly impossible for me to keep a job that starts before noon), and get additional support from family to make up the difference.  It's not what I would prefer, but it is quite rewarding in its own way, and I still get to help people, which is the part I have always loved best.  

I have two amazing cats, both rescues - Oisín and Meira.  Meira is 13 and Oisín is nearly 11.  My first and most beloved cat Robin unfortunately passed away in 2017 from complications from diabetes, but Meira and Oisín make his loss sting a bit less.  They are the main reason I make myself get up every day and I don't know what I would do without them.   

It may not be where I originally intended my life to go, but I'm relatively stable with a roof over my head and animals who love me so I'm just putting one foot in front of the other these days.