Daily Vet Horrific work days and vet blogger relief…

Last week I wrote about one of my horrific days…the kind that makes you want to run screaming into a rushing river with rocks in your pockets, á la Virginia Wolf. “To the Lighthouse!” I yelled as I made my way out the door that night (OK, so sometimes I get a little silly after a hard day).

I went home after that extra-special veterinary experience with the knowledge of a little respite headed my way. I’m now in the Florida Keys at a relative’s house overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, seemingly worrying about little more than when everyone’s going to wake up so that I can get my butt out on a boat.

But I’m still not completely free of my work stress—not by a long shot. That day left an impression so indelible it seems even a family-themed boondoggle with lots of cooking and boating and beautiful underwater scenery (my favorite things) can’t dislodge it from its foothold in my psyche.

I’ve done my yoga. I’ve gone for walks and runs. I’ve emptied my mind in the early mornings by the water’s edge. But when all else fails, I have to write about it. That’s why I had the foresight to wrap my laptop case in plastic and store it in a safe spot in the hold when we stocked the boat for the ride down from Miami. And that’s how I came to be sitting here, writing on a computer with the sound of the water as my only distraction.

Chances are you, too, have your own strategies. Might I recommend keeping a blog as an alternative approach for those really exceptional days? After all, vets haven’t cornered the market on stress—much as my self-centered life might tend to persuade me otherwise.

I know this post isn’t very vet-centric or especially thought provoking and comment-worthy. But thanks again for being around to read this occasional bit of self-indulgent catharsis. Sometimes you guys are even better than yoga…

June 18th, 2007

Add Comment8 Comments

Funny you mention that. I did the same thing. Started a blog for stress relief. Unfortunately, unlike you I can't write about my job, so my mind pops from thing to thing. But now I've started three blogs (that's a lot of stress!)

cheshire June 18th, 2007 06:59:00 PM

Next time you do this experiment, you've -got- to leave the laptop at home.

Yay for relatives with beach houses!

Thing One June 18th, 2007 07:53:00 PM

The snappy comeback would be that I read really good blogs to destress.
:D

However, I am sitting here just cracking up - leave it to me to find a blog written by a vet who can use Virginia Wolf to make funnies! I love it here! I also love the Keys. I wish I were there right now. If you head to Looue Reef, say hi to Captain Dusty for me, and have a wonderful trip.

Ok, my only other piece of advice: don't accidentally slap a barracuda by mistaking it for a snorkeler's flipper. I already did that, and trust me- it does nearly nothing to help relieve stress. I'm just saying.

Cindy June 18th, 2007 07:54:00 PM

On the subject of blogs, I'll forever remember Ogilvy & Mather’s Steve Hayden quoted in "Fortune" magazine saying , “If you fudge or lie on a blog, you are biting the karmic weenie.” Which is why, as a published magazine writer, have opted to entirely avoid blogging, yet do enjoy reading your postings (since my French Bulldogs - Gunther, Hillary and Agatha - are all related to your Sophie Sue)...

So thought I'd share today's favorite email entry... A link to www.minidonk.com

If I ever manage to sell my home in Miami Beach and buy some actual acreage, would love to find myself surrounded by French Bulldogs and donkeys - all stubborn, just like me!

Tatiana June 18th, 2007 08:58:00 PM

I have a personal blog where I put fiction and real stuff, and ignore the line between.

And I have a work blog where I put the funny stuff I have to share. It isn't politically correct, but it's funny.

It is good stress relief and how I manage to keep in touch with distant friends.

Georg June 18th, 2007 09:12:00 PM

I recently signed up for Wordpress and got my 4th choice for an addy. Now, I just have to find the courage to jump in!

Love reading your blog and someday, I will send you a link to mine....lol....

Have a wonderful vacation. Sounds marvelous!

amy June 19th, 2007 08:42:00 AM

Tatiana: I have Frenchies and a goat--does that count? lol on the karmic weenie--I hope never to bite one (on purpose, anyway).

Dr. Patty Khuly June 19th, 2007 09:23:00 AM

I tried the blogging thing and came thissss close to losing my job. Even tho I mentioned no names, and was very generic, it seems I ruffled some feathers. I love my job, and my bosses. It's just a shame they are all elected officials and are so afraid of being politically incorrect.

But now I de-stress by reading your blogs... and networking with people on dogster, etc. It's a shame I don't like the taste of alcohol-- being an excessive drinker is ok in my profession. Having opinions is not.

agadore's mama June 20th, 2007 02:23:00 AM

Add Commment

Virtual Vet Hospital

Got a sick pet? Visit our Virtual Vet Hospital and admit your own pets as patients in Dolittler's unique pet healthcare forum.

The Virtual Vet Hospital is temporarily unavailable as we transition to a new web site platform.

Careerists

Did you always want to be a vet or vet technician? Thinking about it? Working on it? Need some Help?

"The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

- Mohandas Gandhi