Carlisle Young Professionals

So tonight, I made a big change for myself. As you may know, I'm not a very social person. After living in Pennsylvania for 18 months, Joe and I only know our neighbors (really just Stan and Lil) and people from our jobs. We've made very little attempt at getting to know anyone or getting involved in the community. How do a young couple half way across the country from home meet new people? Then I saw on FB that a vet school classmate had joined a Young Professionals group where she was living. I thought that Carlisle had one (it did) and so resolved to join it. Luckily, it was just getting started so in joining it, I was the newest member along with everyone else.
I was pretty worried about going. Pretty worried that a lowly veterinarian like myself would have nothing in common with other 'professionals'. Worried that I would be mocked for my not really a doctor status. Not so!
I walked in, signed in, added Holly Pike Animal Hospital to my name tag and went to find some refreshments. I found a pitcher of water and someone that greeted me promptly by reminding me of their cat, Milky, who I had treated for a suspected HBC of the head. (He did well. Well enough that this lady requests me as her vet.) From there, I talked in depth about being a vet and cats to someone from the chamber of commerce. Some announcements were made by the president of the group including one regarding some representative coming to the next meeting...I'm thinking who? and who cares? From there, I joined up with a small group that included a teacher, two civil engineers (or something similar) and two people that worked for Dickenson College. My job is certainly the most exciting. There was much discussion of animals I would and would not treat. (No to tigers.) And the story of Laura Goldman and the chimpanzee on pathology was brought out. As well as some discussion of semen.
I, seriously, had a good time which is hard for me to say because I'm not social but there I was talking it up. But a couple of things-1) I was way underdressed. I came straight from work and thus wore what I would call business casual. Navy pants which to my knowledge did not have urine, feces, blood or anal glands on them, a cute top and a cute sweater. Because of predicted snow, I wore my work shoes too. Men were in suits and ties, women were in heels, dress pants, skirts. Crazy dressed up. Of course, they don't roll around on the floor with a 75# pitbull that doesn't want a rabies vaccine given either. And 2) being a veterinarian is no way as impressive as being an ADA (assistant distric attorney) as the vice president is. I'm not sure what the president does but its something with a long title. I may have doctor in front of my name but its still not that impressive!

In other news, I had a crazy but not really day at work. I can't go into details. But in general, this week and from here on out will be crazy. BJR went to the hospital over the weekend for having contractions and is on strict bedrest for one week. Of course, this was revealed Monday when I was already covering Todd's small animal shift. The bloodwork that BJR ordered and I planned on pawning off onto her was back into my court. As was working on Tuesday afternoon meaning that I got nothing done. (On my days off, it doesn't really start to 11 or 12 depending on what I start watching on TV.) Today was normal. Tomorrow and Friday will be normal. Next week? Maybe I should ask where I am supposed to be on Monday...I might just have the day off so I can work on Tuesday instead. I have a feeling that BJR will go on maternity leave sooner rather than later. It will actually be better for everyone if she goes for good than back here and there.

I've been having crazy dreams about work. Actually, I haven't been sleeping too well either and when I am asleep, I tend to be having dreams that are pretty involved about work. Including this weekend, dreaming about referring a dog and then finding the referral page on Monday. (That last part actually happened!)

Joe and I had a powwow about the wedding planning yesterday and both got freaked out regarding money. Luckily, my deferment came through saving us nearly a thousand dollars a month. All going towards the wedding. I'm going to keep planning. Meetings with the photographer and potential caterers are set.