Work, Montana- update

So, things are going to be changing fast pretty soon and a part of me is really excited, but another part of me is petrified. I'll let you in on what's happening.

I've decided to get done at the vet for a variety of reasons.

1. The politics there have become unbearable. I feel that the animals well-being is not first priority in the boarding department and I can't continue to work at a place where that is the case. There is also the situation with the managers sister who runs boarding (poorly) and the fact that everyone has to tiptoe around her and coddle her because no matter how often she screws up or how many time staff members go to the manager or even the owner to express concerns, nothing changes. I understand that she is perhaps a little mentally slow and extremely sensitive and defensive, but the allowances made for her are given to absolutely nobody else, and it's just wrong. Now since all constructive means of remedying the situation have failed, people have resorted to complaining amongst themselves and talking behind this girls back. The negative energy just keeps building and building. It's gotten to the point that it feels like a dark cloud hangs over the place. I'm not saying I have never joined in the gossip, I'm only human, after all, but I have strong moral issue with talking behind someones back, and it accomplishes nothing. I'm not one for spinning my wheels, and if nothing is going to change, I rather move on. It's just not healthy.
2. I can't abide another summer grooming in that little windowless room with no air conditioning. When it gets up into the 80's and 90's here, which is does, the room becomes unbearable with having to blow-dry dogs and such. The owner has made it clear that he does not intend to get air conditioning anytime soon, so I really don't have an alternative. Last summer I had to continually sponge my face and neck with a cold rag and keep ice packs in my pockets to keep from passing out. The owner is aware of this and has down absolutely nothing. I can't deal with another summer like that.
3. Physically, grooming is killing my body. I have twinges of tendinitis that come and go in my hands, my shoulders are screwed up, and I suspect I may have a pinched nerve someplace that effects my neck and lower back. This is too high a price to pay. I am only 28. I'm not going to ruin my body for a job. Period. Most groomers have to get done because of physical problems, and I guess I am no exception. It's a physically taxing job.
4. Our plan to move to Montana is back on the table and we are tentatively planning to leave in October. We need to make as much money as we can this summer, and unfortunately, this means that I will have to waitress. That's my only option right now, and at first I fought it tooth and nail because I vowed long ago I would never go back to waiting tables. But once I finally accepted that I would do it for the summer, I felt better about the idea. It will be good to get out of the toxic environment I am in, and into a new, fresh place. I'm sure it'll be a whole new set of issues and headaches- I'm not naive. But I'm ready for a change, and I'm ready to get the hell out of this state. Nothing has ever sounded so appealing as to go somewhere I have never been where I don't know a soul and start completely fresh. It's downright scary, too, of course, and I'm sure it'll be lonely at first, but there are more jobs there, housing is cheaper, and they don't tax the living daylights out of you. (Maine is the highest taxed state in the nation, if you didn't know.) There is also a great school there that offers Alex what he needs, and perhaps someday down the road, classes for me, too.

So, that's the plan. Right now I am trying to figure out when to give my notice. I am going to have to do it soon for my clients sake, but I'm not sure when I want to leave. Right now I am thinking June 1st. May is still slow for grooming and I'll be able to spend that month finding a waitressing spot. I already have my eye on a place because Alex knows the owners and it would be an easier transition. But we'll see. Just keep your fingers crossed that things work out this time for Montana, because I'm so ready, and I've found myself setting my hopes on it, which I have tried hard to keep myself from doing. But I am still trying to keep my head, and to remind myself that plans fail, things change, and to roll with the punches.

Other than that, I had a good vacation in Florida and am glad to be home. I'm trying to psyche myself up to go to yoga tonight. I haven't been in awhile and I really need to get back to it. My cousin Nicole is away for a couple of months in Florida, and we used to go together, so I have to actually be responsible and get myself there without having someone depend on me like before. I need to have some willpower!!!!!! I know I have it, as I have not had a drop of alcohol in almost 8 months, and am doing well with transitioning to vegetarianism. But I am such a sloth sometimes.

Anyway, I guess that's all. I'm off to make a cup of tea and read. :)