Just another cog in the wheel

I didn't intend for the title to sound so depressing. Things are really going quite well with the new jobby-job. I will admit, though, that I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I've become a piece of a corporate machine.

Don't get me wrong. I realize that hospitals are also run with a business model in mind. The corporate stuff is just a little more in your face when you work big-box retail pharmacy. But like I said, things are still going great. Everyone I've met has been exceedingly friendly and they have not been bothered by my multitude of questions. Once I get settled in and feel comfortable with the whole retail way of pharmacy (b/c it's WAY different than hospital pharmacy), I have a feeling I'm gonna be quite happy with my decision.

It's back up to Springfield for a few days for some more training (and maybe a little detour to the outlet mall in Branson on the way!). All the while I'm furiously trying to cram in as much studying and review as humanly possible without losing my mind, because my board exam is only 16 short days away!! I'm very much looking forward to getting that beast of a test over with and then settling into a new routine as I adjust to being back in the working world.

A ten year accomplishment shattered in a split second

So, I was driving home from orientation on Tuesday afternoon. By the way, the drive to and from Springfield stinks. Two-lane country roads most of the way, twisty-turny hills, run-down gas stations...not my idea of a pleasant drive. I was very excited to get home and therefore was allowing my bad habit of a lead foot to get me there a little quicker. Then I got to Greenbrier. Then I noticed a cop up ahead coming toward me in cross traffic. Then I hit the breaks and crossed my fingers. Then I noticed him slow down as I passed him. Then I watched him turn his lights on in my rear view and make a U-turn. Then I said some very unlady-like words.



Yes, I got pulled over for speeding...about 30 miles from home no less. I've been pulled over once before about ten years ago in early under-grad. Ten year clean driving record exists no more. The funny thing was this time after the cop introduced himself he proceded to ask me if "I had a legal and justifiable reason for exceeding the speed limit?" Uh, what? I wanted to say that the reason I was speeding was because I think its stupid to require people to go 55 mph hour on a four-lane highway, but instead I said something dumb like, "uh, I guess I wasn't paying close enough attention to the speedometer." But seriously...ARE there legal and justifiable reasons for speeding? If so, please let me know because with my lead foot, the odds are against me that this will be my last ticket.



Also, I must mention that Faulkner county is still stuck in the 1960's when it comes to techonology. The officer wrote a phone number on my ticket and told me to call it to find out how much my fine will be, so this morning I've gave it a ring. They ended up telling me that they won't be able to tell me how much money to send in until the first week on July because that is how long it will take get them to get my ticket entered into the system. That seems utterly ridiculous. I want to know how much it's gonna cost now, Faulkner county. Join the 21st century. Sheesh!

Saying goodbye to one of the best dogs in the world

This is Abby. She was our family pet for the last thirteen years. She was the runt of her litter and ended up staying slim and trim her entire life...no labrador jowls for her! She had the softest, blondest coat in the world and really long toes and nails. She always smelled like a hamster because we kept cedar chips in her dog house to deter pests. She loved milk bones and scrambled eggs. She was a little neurotic and always energetic even into her elder years until her arthritis forced her to slow down. During her puppy years she tore down all of the wood trellis around the bottom of my parents deck in the backyard...ALL of it. She loved going for walks around the neighborhood or hiking in the woods. She loved being brushed and petted but HATED baths. She definitely had a stubborn side, but she was also incredibly loyal and affectionate. After a long thirteen years with our family, it turned out that yesterday was her time to go.

I hope you're having fun in doggie heaven, Abby. I miss you so much already!

Welcome to the Real World

P-school is DONE!

Graduation is OVER. It was a whirlwind of events, family, friends and fun times. Thanks to all of you out there who helped me celebrate and/or sent me well wishes.

I originally thought I'd have a couple weeks of vacation before the new job would begin based on a convo with one of the high-ups a few weeks ago, but then I got a phone call on Tuesday from a different person who informed me that I'd be starting Monday morning (tomorow) with several days of orientation...in Springfield, MO! I guess they don't have a training facility in AR? Anyway, here I sit in my little hotel suite chillin' out and watching the end of Lost.

So orientation starts bright and early tomorrow, and then later in the week I'll be back in LR starting my training at stores around central AR. Lets get this party started!

I still don't really believe it's true.......

......

Big news folks: I FOUND A JOB!

I've excepted an offer from T@rget pharmacy. I'll be working at a store here in LR and will also float to other stores around the area as needed. I've only ever heard good things about them from other people in the profession and they've got a good hours, major holidays off, and a great benefits package to boot (and I might even get a store discount....Squeeee!), so, yeah, I'm super excited.

I actually excepted their offer a few weeks back, but (as alluded to in the title of this blog) I've been a little hesitant to go public with the news. I've never been hired for a job way far in advance of when I could actually start working....and I guess with the stinkin' economy and what not I've just got this silly fear in the back of my mind that they won't have a spot for me anymore when the end of May roles around. I'm being ridiculous, right? I mean, I've got the offer in writing...that counts for something, ay?

My tentative start date is set for the last week in May. I'll be training for a while up until I take (and pass **fingers crossed**) by board exam sometime in June or July. Then I'll be let loose on the world dispensing drugs and educating patients.

It's been a roller coaster the past few months with this whole job search, but at last it looks like I just might be able to breath a little sigh of relief. High five people! Leah's got a job!

Sunday Rundown

I had truly intended to spend the day cleaning the house. Once the rain set in around 10AM or so I made the executive decision to forego that plan and instead spent the day lazing around doing things that make me happy. Here's how I spent my Sunday:

1. Sunday Morning Ritual:

For the past 2-3 years Blue and I have had this ritual on Sunday mornings that involves reading the Sunday paper and watching CBS Sunday Morning. (Occasionally we throw in a trip to Shipley's but we haven't done that in a while--trying to get back our girlish figures...or mine at least). Sometimes this routine makes me feel like an old fart, but I love it none the less and don't plan on giving it up anytime soon.

2. Some Mii Time:

Yes. It's true. The Billings-Allen household has joined the world of Wii. I received one this past Christmas and we've have been hooked since. We're currently obsessed with the new Super Mario Bros. We've beaten the game the first go round, but are now trying to find all the hidden star coins in order to unlocked the secret worlds. Man, do I sound like a nerd or what? :)

3. Point-and-click shopping is dangerously fun:

My good friend Kat turned me on to this fantastic website. If you haven't heard of it I would recommend checking it out. They carry a myriad of household products...anything from toilet paper and toothpaste to floor polish and even things like batteries and stamps. Their prices are comparable to the local big box and they ship your order to you in 2 to 3 business days for no charge. I spent at least an hour today perusing the products and creating my product shelf. I'm looking forward to receiving my first big blue box in a few days.

4. I L.O.V.E. cooking Sunday dinner:

And this ladies fantastic group of blogs/websites gives me great ideas. I've noticed lately that others have mentioned her on their blogs, so you may already be familiar with her fantastic world of food, photography, cattle ranching, home schooling, and all out frontier living. I spend at least on hour or two a week exploring her world and almost always end up with a new recipe to add to the list. I'll be making one of her dishes for our dinner this evening: Cajun Chicken Pasta. Sounds mouthwatering, eh? Speaking of, I think I'm gonna go get it started right now. Check her sites out the next time you need a food idea.