SmurfVille

So, there's my real job and then there's the "stuff I do in addition to my real job" everyday. For the additional stuff, it can be broken down into two parts. Part 1: telling people where they can find random shit in the store, like eyebrow wax, dog food, breast pumps, etc. Part 2: playing police officer to all the drug-seeking fools that use prescription drugs for non-medical purposes. Some pharmacists don't give a hoot if someone is abusing Vicodin, or phenergan with codeine, or any other number of desirable substances, but I'm not one of those pharmacists. I am a pharmacist who went to school to help people get better, not to help people get high.

However, as annoying and draining as it can be, I do come home with some pretty interesting stories.

Patient: My Ultram was 10 days too early five days ago, but I'm going out of town and I need to get it!

Me: Your doctor instructed me to NOT fill it early.

Patient: He did?! But I'll be out of town! How am I supposed to get it when I'm gone??

Me: Where are you going?

Patient: California....

Me: Well, there are plenty of pharmacies in California, so you should be in good shape.

Patient: .....

SHUT DOWN!! AHAHAHAHAHAAAA!

Technician: Don't run it through her insurance--she wanted to pay cash for it.

Me: Of course she did. Run it through anyway and find out why.

Technician: ....... She just had it filled 3 days ago somewhere else.

SHUT DOOOOOOOWN!

Me: Your doctor called in an antibiotic and some cough medicine for you today.

Patient: I don't want the antibiotic--just the cough syrup.

Me: You can't have the cough syrup without picking up the antibiotic.

Patient: But I can't afford both!

Me: In that case I'm sure your body needs the antibiotic more.

OH SNAPZ

I'm like the f-ing Pentagon. I didn't learn this in pharm school--I got these mad skillz all on my own. :D

I also got a random romantic letter from a patient responding to my "flirting" which apparently took place while I administered his flu shot. I guess that will teach me to be more of an asshole to people from now on.

Big Girl

I've felt a lot older lately, but in a good way. Even though I've been working as a pharmacist for months now, I still catch myself multiple times per week feeling like I can't believe I finally made it. I dreamed about this part of my life, and now everyday I get up and get to do it for real. It's hard work, this real life, but I'm so in love with it. I chose well. I'm so happy that I didn't give up or get discouraged. I'm relieved that when it was all over I still had enough passion to take enjoyment from it everyday.

I get along really well with my pharmacist partner. Together we run a tight ship and we're blessed with a fantastic team of technicians. I even got a name plate! I was so giddy (and dorky) over this that I even took a picture of it. :P I got my first plea for donations from FSU this week, and even though I loved their pharmacy program and I owe it a lot, I told myself that I wouldn't be donating to the college until after my students loans were paid off. I start paying those back in just a couple of weeks. I'd like to be free of them in six years, but we'll see how it goes and where life will take us.

Nick and Colleen got married!! I'm so happy for those two! We've been double-dating together since because I started grad school, and because Nick and Mike are best friends, I know we'll enjoy many more adventures together. :) Mike was the Best Man and I got to be a bridesmaid! I got to enjoy a morning of luxury with Colleen and her posse before the ceremony. We had our hair and makeup done by professionals! :D I've never had my makeup done before. I thought it looked very nice but I still don't think anyone knows my face/skin quite like I do. Colleen looked stunning and the wedding was lovely! They're currently wrapping up a two-week honeymoon in Europe! Can't wait to hear all about it (and finally go see Paranormal Activity 2!).

We bought a new car! It was becoming something of a necessity, especially with me driving an hour to work each day. We really wanted something safer, larger, more reliable, and that would last us quite a few years. We saved up some money and went car shopping about three weeks ago, and we finally settled on this Pretty! A 2008 Chevy Malibu. :) We are loving it!!! In fact, we're taking it on it's first road trip up to Traverse City later today. So excited!! I actually look forward to driving to/from work now! :)

They decorated the pharmacy for Christmas this week (God bless department stores). Even though I'm not ready for snow and cold for the next 5 months, I'm really very excited for the holidays. This will be the first time I'll get to enjoy them school-free!! I can't wait to get our new Christmas tree and decorate it, and I really want to get creative with wrapping presents this year. Maybe we'll send out a Christmas card--I've always wanted to do that! This will be my first Christmas waking up next to Mike.

Like I said, this is the time of my life I've been waiting all my life for. :)