I am here. - Karen+Buster

Hello you,

Here I am. I am here. In beautiful, absolutely stunning Wales. On the Isle of Anglesey, which has not yet completely sunken in if I am being honest. I am sorry I have been absent for a bit, but life resembled a rollercoaster in the last couple of days. Buster, my dad, and I made it through the journey okay. It was quite stressful for all of us. Even with quiet weather I am not made for life on a boat. So I was a little bit woozy after the night and driving for 4 hours afterwards, and I am sure Buster was too. But we’re all settled in now.

On our way! Buster easily settled in his traveling box and started eating within 5 minutes (classic Buster, such a cool little dude).

I am very grateful that my Dad came with me. I have been weaned off quite nicely, so the transition isn’t too big. The people I am staying with are absolutely lovely and looking out for me. They are islanders and they’re teaching me little Welsh words and habits. It’s so nice of them to take me in their B&B. A little bit later on I will be staying in their static caravan.

On top of the hill on the farm. I managed to drive the British van here without damaging anything. “Don’t die don’t die don’t die!”

My first days as a new grad vet.

The people at work are absolutely wonderful. I mean, it’s only day 2 and I already feel like home. They have welcomed me in their family so warmly. They are very patient, very good teachers, very supportive. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect start of my work life. That being said, I have already cried at work. Partially because I cry fairly easily, but mainly because it has been a little bit overwhelming. Which isn’t strange, is it? Day 2 not only of my new job fresh out of uni, but also of living in a different country ‘on my own’. I was not having a bad day at all. But there is so much to do, so much to take in, it was just a little too much. My manager came in and was very sweet, so naturally, the tears started flowing. Does that ever happen to you? When you’re on the verge of tears, but you manage to keep it in, until someone comes along and asks very sweetly “Are you okay love?” And just like that, you’re crying.

Tears to me are just a way of balancing things out, at least today. I was overflowing.

Time for a rest.

My manager kicked me out at 6. I went home, had a glass of wine and some supper, went out for a walk (with stunning views!), and started jotting some things down. I took a good look at what exactly felt overwhelming, and whether I could, and should, change it. Which usually means that I make a lot of lists to organize the loose to do’s that are swimming around in my thoughts and cause restlessness. And I find ways to make life a little easier for myself. If I can, I’ll get some tiny things done so I can cross them off my list. If they are too big or too complicated, I set out a plan and do them later. Rest is important. I will go for a quick shower and roll out my yogamat in a bit.