Downsizing woes

[Grant]

Hi friends. I need to vent.

I decided to downsize my finch collection, and tonight I sold 4 Gouldians (2 GB/RH/PB females, my favorite GB/RH/PB male, and a BB/RH/PB male) and a pair of OCWBs. I had been thinking about downsizing for a while, especially after my favorite blue Gouldian hen died suddenly from egg binding. It's a bittersweet experience to say goodbye to my little feathered friends, but I'm growing increasingly worried about the possibility of having to move next summer after I finish school. The government is a mess right now and I don't know what will come through for my postdoc. Our grants are not being reviewed because of the government shutdown, and I've started to apply outside of the USA.

Anyway, stay tuned for more downsizing; I still have 15 birds left. I may even part with some of my indoor aviary creations. The green china cabinet enclosure is empty now (see Finch Forum gallery). I could make some small modifications to make it extra functional if someone in FL thinks they might like to buy it. For now, I'm keeping the finch theater and the large white flight.

[30 Seconds to Bob]

Sorry to hear. Good luck in whatever you decide. Bob

[Ginene]

Grant
Sorry for what you're going through, Grant . Sending you hugs

[Rox]

I'm so sorry you are having to go through this Grant All the best with your decisions

[bugaboo5]

Dear Grant,

I've been absent from the forum due to the winds of life that has blown me in all different directions this year. I still have God, my finches and the people that matter most in my life. As someone living in the nation's capital and as someone who has had to downsize in previous years, I just wanted to let you know that I understand your frustrations well.

Currently, our government is going through changes. Growing pains. Meanwhile, our elected officials are bickering with each other like immature children in a playground--all at the expense of hardworking Americans like yourself. I know many of these Americans myself. I have friends who have been furloughed and by the grace of God, will be okay financially for the immediate future due to past savings, but I understand that many Americans are not quite so lucky. Presently, it feels like someone pushed the "pause" button on everything in life, without any regard for those who cannot afford the luxury of waiting in still motion.

I think it would be a shame to lose an intellectual like yourself to another country, so I pray our government will get its act together soon, so that an American treasure like yourself can continue your studies and contribute your knowledge here, in this great country, on the grounds of this marvelous nation. And believe, me--we are a proud nation, regardless of this transition we are going through.

In life, I'm sure you have faced many adversities and challenges. Similar hard times might present themselves before you in the future. I only hope that our nation, as well as yourself, will only become stronger, greater and much better improved from the lessons learned in overcoming the difficulties that you come across.

I'm sorry to hear of Blackberry's sad passing. I, myself, experienced a great loss when my beloved cockatiel died earlier this summer. I've raised birds for many years now and I can't say death ever gets easy. I can only say that God works in mysterious ways and that I believe all things happen for a reason and that you should hold your head up proud, as the love you gave to Blackberry cannot be measured. I hope the endearing love you have for your birds and those around you gives you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Please know that you will overcome this. Our nation will overcome this. And for your sake and the sake of hundreds of thousands of Americans, I hope our nation overcomes this hurdle soon. What doesn't kill us can only make us stronger. I hope the good graces of God gives you strength and hope during this time of great challenge and uncertainty. Take care, be blessed and God bless America.

[debbie276]

So sorry Grant, wishing you all the best. I've downsized a couple times now, it's not always a bad thing. Downsizing may open up new doors and you just never know which direction it might take you.

[lyzzyjayne]

Grant I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. It is truly an uncertain time right now. =(