[updates]

So… we are adjusting to not having our boy around. It is hard, but we manage. Blue is actually doing surprisingly well on her own, which is a relief. She is normally an anxious dog (and actually takes medication for it), so I had worried about how she would transition. She and Dozer were extremely close. She does seem bored pretty often, but we are making an effort to focus on her, and give her lots of attention and exercise. Although that has been hard lately because it has been raining a ton!

My new job is going well. I am training still, so have been working days. Not a lot of emergency cases happen during the day (most people go to their regular vet, not an ER clinic). I did get to work one evening shift, and we had several emergencies come in. So far I am enjoying it. It is kind of hard to get used to things, as some of the things they do are totally different than what I am used to. But my basic skill set is good, so it’s just a matter of learning policies (and where everything is in the clinic!). But everyone has been so nice and patient with me – they all remember being new! I am adjusting, and starting to feel more comfortable. Change is always a big thing (I share Blue’s anxiety). It’s just difficult going from being the most experienced tech in the clinic to being the new girl. But I’m surviving! It’s interesting because the new clinic is 36 miles from home. I take the freeway, so it’s only about 45 minutes. I was driving 35 minutes to the humane society, which was 18 miles away. My commute is long, but worth it so far.

The nicest thing… there doesn’t seem to be any drama! The drama had gotten awful at the humane society, to the point where the work environment was negative and unhealthy. A lot of it came from management, but there were quite a few employees who added to it and had a constant negative attitude. Sure, there is your normal employee conflict (one person doesn’t like another), but nothing major. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders! I learned through a friend who is still working there that three other techs have left in the time I have been gone, so that says a lot. And another friend who used to work there left in late summer due to the drama. It was really, really bad.

School is school, and extremely busy. It is easier with my new job, though. The days are shorter (8 hours instead of 10-12), and I opted to take a part-time job this time. Greg and I talked a lot about it and decided that part time would be a better option for me while I’m in school, as I was struggling to keep everything together. I initially attempted to cut back my hours at the humane society, but they wouldn’t let me (not enough staff coverage). So while I was hunting I only looked for part time. It’s already a huge relief and this is only my third week! I work between 24-32 hours per week.

And a quick note – Greg plays on a fantasy football league every fall, and I decided to sign up with him this year. I didn’t think I would do well, but we are in the seventh week and I am number one in the league! There are 12 of us that play, and it’s pretty fun. I have learned a ton about football the last couple years, and can actually sit down and enjoy a game now. It’s nice to have another thing to do with Greg (even if he is upset that I’m beating everyone)!

Ok, I’m off to work on some homework. I have tomorrow off work, just class in the evening. Looking forward to sleeping in!