4.06.2008

not on your time.

My whole damn life you dictate the idea of planning and drill it into our heads. And now that you have had a sudden change in lifestyle everything is on YOUR time? Please tell me how the hell that works. I knew that once my sister went off to college my already shitty relationship was going to turn shittier, if not non-existant. I knew that. So why the hell do I still seem to care?

The Last Minute Filler.

80% of my shifts are closing shifts. Do not get me wrong, I am not complaining. In fact, I am extremely grateful for a job that works around my not-so-normal 40 hour week. But along with closing shifts come closing duties, and a whole bunch of shit that always seems to happen the last hour of work. Shit caused by people who choose to wait until the very last minute to drop off their prescriptions. Let us call these people...Last Minute Fillers [name taken from a pharmacy blog].

The Last Minute Filler...

Comes to the counter 10 minutes before closing wanting hospital discharge medications filled. There is no physician's name printed on the papers, and the signature is illegible.

Has a transfer from another pharmacy, which is closed for the day.

Has been out of cholesterol medicine for the past two days and is just now requesting a refill on an out-of-refill Lipitor. This cannot wait one more day, and a loan is insisted.

Drops off a Solodyn prescription and waits until after the $75 rings up at the register to bring to our attention a discount card that should be applied.

Has never filled at your pharmacy before and does not have any insurance information on them. Oh, but wait, they have a medical card on them, is that not all you need?

Just recently acquired changes in their insurance plans. Though kind enough to print 'temporary' cards off the internet, it does not have the sufficient information needed.

Oh, and do not bother asking the Last Minute Filler when he/she drops off the prescription if he/she would like to wait. Of course they do. You just slap a label on it, right?


The Last Minute Filler...makes you want to go home and drink.

3.27.2008

I remember.

I remember more from my six years in elementary school than I do the past...eight years of my life.

Those years were, believe it or not, some of the best years of my life. Family aside, I felt like I was on top of the world some days. My head was on straight, and I had direction in my life. As much direction as an eight or nine year old could have.

It is rare that one ends up working where he or she grew up. Most people move on to bigger and better things several thousands of miles away. I came back. And by being back, I run into familiar faces on occasion.

The other day, I ran into one of the librarians from my elementary school. She looked exactly the same...actually, younger because her hair was dyed. But aside from the colored hair, she was exactly how I remembered her to be. Now before you go on calling me out and saying I was born a nerd who spent countless hours at the library, keep in mind that in grade school library time was shared equally amongst all the classrooms. Noone was allowed to venture into the library on their own.

I remember the red light, green light discipline program. I remember paying several tributes to the "thinking mat" in kindergarten. I remember not being allowed to recess because I was actively participating in a spit wad fight during lunch. The spit wads were laced with mashed potatoes. I remember playing wall ball with the boys during recess. I remember getting chocolate milk every lunch. I remember the name posters we had in 5th grade. I remember choir concerts and the choir teacher. I remember each of the PE coaches, and all the 1st place ribbons I won on Field Days. I remember my principal. I remember the STOP students opening the doors for the carpool lane. I remember the King Tut project we did in PACE. I remember the pencil machine and spending (wasting) quarters on it every morning.

You would not believe how many more things I remember...

eureka!

This is going on my next Christmas list...

bless me.

Ever since I can remember, I have always been taught to say "bless you" when someone sneezes. Why I deemed it necessary to bless myself, I do not know, but I do. Whenever I sneeze, I immediately say, "bless me." I do so self-consciously and do not even realize it. Maybe I do it just it case noone else blesses me...

3.24.2008

Airborne, schmair-borne.

And how many times have you heard me say Airborne is nothing but a high concentration of Vitamin C and other nutrients packed into a soluable tablet? Now you can read it for yourself. (Damn, maybe I do have a future as a pharmacist...)

My family swears by it, so I must say I have been guilty of taking it. And for a split second, I may have supported the product, as it seemed to have prevented me from getting sick before and after Vegas. But I have always had my doubts. I have my doubts about 75% of the OTC products. Nowadays it is all a marketing ploy. Airborne did a great selling its product, but now it is your turn to get a refund on your fizzy elixir.

But hey, whatever works, right?

3.21.2008

random madness.

I have new upstairs neighbors (the young couple that made banging noises all the time moved out - yay!). It smells like curry. Guess what nationality they are.

Where you drunk? High? Cracked out? What made you think of me?

Holy it feels good to work out regularly again. I practically live out of my duffle bag now with a change of three outfits packed - work clothes #1, work clothes #2, and workOUT clothes. And then there are the three pairs of shoes...

Sometimes I feel like lists consume me. They tell me what to do and when to do it. Yet, I feel somewhat lost without them.

My boss tried convincing us that she had "soul" by telling us she watched America's Best Dance Crew. Ever since then, I have been hooked. Watching JabbaWockeez and Kaba battle it out was sad. It should have been Jabba vs Kaba in the end.


An advantage to working at the pharmacy is the unlimited supply of drugs available. After an hour of uncontrollable sneezing, the pharmacist handed over a Zyrtec D. Thanks. I wonder if I start yelling out random obscenities if he will hand over a Zyprexa. Or how about if I complain of a short attention span. Adderall, anyone?

I finally went to see an orthopedic about my knee. I have a feeling my pain/discomfort will go undiagnosed. Is a peace of mind worth $279?

And last, but certainly NOT least...IT'S BRACKET TIME! This is like my Christmas...except minus Santa Clause and all the presents. Okay, so it is nothing like Christmas. It is actually better because it is 2+ weeks of intense madness and excitement.

3.14.2008

Friday Five.

BIG TROUBLE

1. What were the events that led to your being in the most trouble with your parents ever? I believe the cops showing up at my front door pretty much did me in.

2. What happened when you received your worst childhood physical injury? A girl named Samantha threw a combination lock at my forehead.

3. What was the worst trouble you ever got into in school? I got caught cheating on an exam.

4. What kind of trouble have you been in at work? I got caught on AIM.

5. How do you usually deal with the knowledge that you’re about to be in big trouble? I freak out and start brainstorming justifications/lies to cover my ass.

3.13.2008

miss you, too.

xxxxx: Hey...i know it's been too long. Are you still here? Your message says you're working out??? I miss you from the old days...but i don't even know what that means!!!
xxxxx: I have been gone and alone for so long!!!
xxxxx: I quit everything and have been doing music for such a long time!!! I still miss you though...if you're still around i want you to come out so i can meet up with you!!!

...I miss you, too.

3.11.2008

10 favorite drinks.


1. Corona Extra with lime
2. Crown and Coke
3. Grande Vanilla No Room Americano (from Starbucks)
4. Half and Half Iced Tea (from Chicken Express)
5. Long Island Iced Tea
6. Thai Iced Tea
7. Andy Worhol from PC Wave (from back in the day...)
8. Peach Fruit Smoothie (from Sonic)
9. Hot Chocolate
10. Peach Iced Tea (from Olive Garden)

...in no particular order.

*pictured above is one of the best pina coladas I have ever had (compliments of Margaritaville in Vegas), accompanied by a mango margarita, which was also quite delicious.

3.10.2008

new kicks.

As if there were not enough shoes invading the doorway of my apartment. Now I have two more pairs to add to the mess...


Not quite sure why I bought these. They will probably get as much wear as my other pair of Chucks, which is about once every couple of weeks. Never a big fan of the laceless ones, something about this design made me want to buy them.


You want to see the receipt for proof of purchase, don't you? Ha. These shoes were bought under the influence of my sister, as she bought a brown pair. I have a weakness for Aldo shoes and thought maybe I could wear these at work? Who am I kidding, these will probably get less action than the Chucks.

make the smell go away!

One of my insecurities/fears is driving other people's cars when their car is bigger than mine. Though I did not overcome my fear, I did feel a little more comfortable driving a larger, brand new car down 121. Who the hell am I kidding. I was scared shitless, but fortunately made it to our destination safely. Next time I am going to make sure I have 12 beers instead of 2.

The real world is currently stressing me out like no other. Monetary issues, job #1 issues, job #2 issues, added responsibilities.

My DVR is back up to over 70% full. A week behind in General Hospital and several weeks behind in other shows, I fear I may not be able to catch up until my workload slows down.

Am I being punished for being patient? Sometimes I feel like I am.

I do not know who frustrates me more...the Dallas Cowboys or the damn Dallas Mavericks. Jason Kidd, you better win us a championship before your I-wish-I-was-more-black hair turns grey!

Who has never eaten hot fries until their stomach hurt? Remember Andy's Capps Hot Fries? Lately, I have been bringing hot fries back in style - eating bags at a time, in one day. Damn, those are the shit - flaming shits, that is. Best snack ever!


Ever feel like someone is eating all your pens at work? Work in a retail setting where you go through boxes of pens at a time? Having trouble keeping track of your favorite pen? Ask me about my new invention. Co-workers call it The White-Trash Pen. Brainstorming of product name will continue if I have hopes of ever marketing the item.

My latest bruise. No, it is not on my butt. Yes, it consumes over a quarter of the surface of my thigh. No, I do not remember how it happened. This is what it looks like...SEVEN days later...

My alcoholic behavior finally got the best of me. Now I can only hope to rectify any situations that may result from the evening.

As much as I thoroughly enjoy fondue, I cannot stand the smell that permeates through all my clothes and hair. I must say I despise it more than the post-pho smell. Two hours after leaving Melting Pot and two showers later, I still smell like oil and cheese. Ack.

3.06.2008

snow in March.


Snow in Texas? In March? REALLY?!

Not just once, but twice, in one week. Outrageous.


3.05.2008

will work for food.

Sometimes I feel like I really do work for food. My extra paychecks help to subsidize my voracious appetite. I ate two hours worth of work today for lunch.

Highly reviewed by D Magazine this past February, and absolutely adored by some that I know, Sea Breeze was a restaurant that has been on my mind for the past few months. I finally had the opportunity to sit down for good eating before work today, and I must say it was one of the best lunches ever. (Not to mention one of the most expensive lunches ever...)

Known for their Traditional New England Toasted Lobster Roll, I had no reservations as to what to order. The $13.95 roll was delicious. The lobster was perfectly sized into the New England-style buns. Though the roll, along with the side of fries, probably could have been enough to satisfy my visit, I could not leave without trying their crab cakes.

A big fan of crab cakes, I have only found one true favorite: Houston's. Sea Breeze definitely comes in a close second. What I liked most about the crab cake was that it was served on a bed of greens with balsamic vinagarette. It was heaven. And, believe it or not, the heavenly taste only cost $5.95, which I thought was quite the steal.

Maybe next time I will try their Gumbo or Clam Chowder.

2.26.2008

The Road...Taken.

Funny how different crowds render different post ponderings. Some are more real world-focused, while others are full of nonsense and not worth pondering at all.

Can one be "too smart" for one's job? Is it considered time wasted? Are you thought of any less for not pursuing options that other's see more fit?

Chosen for the mentor/protege program this year, I will either come out more directed and determined or challenged and somewhat misguided. I will either know exactly what I want to do and what I am going to do to get there, or I will be forced to continue what I am doing until my clouded head comes out of my uncertain ass.

You do not leave the city unless you are going to be a lawyer, doctor...or pharmacist. I am pretty sure that last profession was thrown out there for me, but the last time I checked, I had no intentions of going to pharmacy school...

2.22.2008

crush on Crush.

Now that the American Gladiators season has come to an end, Monday nights are no longer the same. This season, I fell in love with one of the Gladiators...


Not only is she the best female Gladiator, she is also fucking hot.

2.21.2008

lean pocket.

It is about damn time. I have been eating the same Lean Pocket flavor for the past few years.

Turkey, Broccoli, and Cheese. It has always been my favorite. But favorites start to get old when you eat them all the time. Which is why it was about time for a new flavor...


I love it. It tastes just like spinach artichoke dip.

can't stop, won't stop.

It does not seem to matter how many times I say I will slow down/cut back. Work seems to consume me. Maybe not so much work itself, but the pull towards work.

Never really considered much of a right-brained person, I have grown to appreciate the arts more and more as the years pass. Music and photography.

Reading is not considered a hobby in my eyes. I do not see how someone can enjoy reading for fun. Nonetheless, I am attempting to read Newsweek Magazine on a weekly basis, as that is how they are published. I intend on fully reading the articles (3 pages or less), and in turn, hope to become more up to date on current events. We shall see how long that lasts.

Is it possible that not only two weeks later, I am itching to go back to Vegas?

No one I know really likes being criticized. At our best we acknowledge the utility of differing views, but hearing about our shortcomings is still emotionally taxing. To be reviewed and second-guessed is part of life, and a test of maturity is how well we manage the inevitable feelings of frustration and annoyance that creep in when critism starts.

My latest cooking attempt resulted in a Chili Mac Casserole...


It is official - I am heartless. I do not even shed a tear when cutting onions. Does everyone really cry while cutting onions? Because mine did not even come close to watering.

I love the fact that I do not have to "dress-up" for work. My biggest decision in the morning is which color staff shirt to wear, along with which tennis shoes to match it. What is even better is "casual day/weekends" when I get to wear my burnt orange shirt...(yes, it is really Texas orange!)


How is it that I can work almost 15 hours straight no problem, but as soon as I have 2+ hours of down-time, I get tired?

It was recently brought to my attention that Zyrtec can increase one's appetite. What the hell? If that is true, that would explain so much. Within the past 6 months, I have acquired quite the desire for food. On my long days, I can easily consume 5 full meals - Breakfast around 5 am, Lunch # 1 at 9 am, Lunch # 2 around noon, Dinner # 1 around 6 pm, and Dinner # 2 shortly after 9 pm.

2.02.2008

inspiration.

Where do you look for inspiration?


I need to be inspired.

Gangster's Paradise.

When it comes to learning lyrics to songs, I suck. I do not have an ear for music, nor do I have the patience to listen to songs over and over again just to memorize the words. I do not have the patience, until my grade depends on it.

In 7th or 8th grade, I had a Reading teacher that thought it would be a great idea to teach her students Gangster's Paradise. Not only did she introduce the song to many, she made us all learn and recite the lyrics. How she integrated the song into that week's lesson plans, I do not remember. But I do vividly remember going around the classroom, one by one, so-called rapping the words for a completion grade.



To this day, I can still recite the song, word for word. I guess I did learn something in school...

Death ain't nothin' but a heartbeat away.
I'm livin' life do or die, what can I say.
I'm 23 now but will I live to see 24,
The way things are goin' I don't know.

They say I got to learn, but nobody's here to teach me.
IF they can't undersatnd, how can they reach me.


Good 'ole PISD at its finest.