I finally closed the door on my office. YIPPEE!
Yup, I'm outta there. I finished clearing and packing yesterday (had a good deal of help from the Puppet Guy on Friday, thank heavens!) and pretty much everything is boxed and ready to go . . . except Buck.
For those of you NOT in the know (and I can't imagine there are many of you), I have a guardian angel that watches over my desk like a sentinel. He's a taxidermy deer head named Buck, and he is one of my best treasures.
His story is a long one and not really worth repeating except to say that he came into my life one Valentine's Day and lived over my desk in DC much to the amusement of my co-workers. See, I'm a vegetarian, so the irony wasn't lost on any of us.
Buck even has costumes. Yup, he has a something for every season or holiday - even Mardi Gras! Buck's costumes live in his very own suitcase that is kept nearby for those quick changes that are sometimes required.
As he was originally a gift to all of us BOBs at the Folger, when I left DC I figured I had left my mounted office mate behind. But Buck came to me here in the Wasteland through PhD and the rest of the DC gang. And he was waiting, already in place over my desk, on the first day of my new job. He's been there ever since and he's a great ice-breaker for students and colleagues and occasionally helps me instill the fear of me, God, and guns into my students. I love it.
So Buck is joining me in my new office, but I just don't know how to PACK him! It's not like he's a regular shape and he's definitely fragile! What to do?
I've debated taking him to a UPS store . . . but at what cost? He's in a small wardrobe box right now, and I suppose I could find a way to stabilize him there. Maybe I'll just leave it to my parents who are graciously coming into town next weekend to help me pack. My Dad would adore the challenge.
I have heard through the grapevine that I will be SHARING an office at my new job. I'm perfectly happy doing that, but I just hope Buck is a welcome addition as well. I can't imagine my workspace without him!
