A Friendly Reminder From Your Neighborhood Pharmacist

The season for pharmacist-administered flu vaccines started in early September, and appears ready to wind down.  At this point, if you haven't gotten your flu shot, it's probably a good idea to head to your local pharmacy or doctor's office now.  

Remember, the flu shot takes about two weeks to be active.  During this time you could still become infected with the flu despite being vaccinated.  So it's important to get your shot BEFORE people starts getting sick and everyone starts to panic.  I can't be the only one who has memories of the H1N1 outbreak and the overwhelming media coverage and hysteria that ensued.  That was the first time I witnessed patients arguing in front of my pharmacy over who got the last injection, and I'd really like to make sure it was my last.  I am still looking for clarification regarding why, when you weren't worried about it when both your pharmacist and your doctor told you to get one, it suddenly become important to you when it shows up on the news

So please, get your flu shot ahead of time.  Go to the doctor or the pharmacist or your company's flu clinic today.  It's probably best to place your trust in a licensed healthcare professional's advice rather than the media.  If you didn't get your flu shot when they were first offered, the time to do it is now.  You'll be preventing illness rather than waiting to treat it.  And you also won't have to worry about fisticuffs while waiting in the immunization line after flu season starts. 

Reasons Why I am Exceptionally Grumpy Today

1. I spent 13 hours today in the pharmacy.  Okay, actually 12 hours and 58 minutes, since I did leave for two minutes to go to the bathroom.  I didn't get to go to lunch, surviving only on a handful of stale Cheetos, a Diet Pepsi, and a slice of Starbucks lemon pound cake.  As I type this, I am actually so hungry that I feel nauseated, so I can't eat.  My sugar levels are a little out of whack.  And I apologize to anyone who may have been on the receiving end of some sugar-high snark.

2. There was no toilet paper when I finally got to the bathroom.  Seriously, does no on in the community I work in go to the bathroom at home?  There are always lines waiting to use it, and never enough toilet paper.  I don't get it.  When I'm going out in public, I pee before I leave home.  Because public bathrooms are kind of gross, and I avoid them if at all possible.

3.  My first flu shot patient of the day sneezed directly in my face.  While I had the needle in her arm.  Cover your mouths when you cough or sneeze, people.  A flu shot won't protect you when you have the sanitary habits of a grizzly bear.

4.  My pharmacy water purifier LITERALLY exploded today.  We're talking a loud squealing noise and water shooting all over the pharmacy, and then soaking me while I tried to figure out how to turn the water off.  This all happened five minutes after I should have been at lunch, but wasn't because I had so many scripts to fill.  So I was kind of hungry and very wet, and probably would have cried if I hadn't been so angry.

5. Honey Boo Boo has her own show.  But Firefly was cancelled.  I still can't get over this.  Why, America, why?  I think I should move to Canada.  Then again, the Canadians are responsible for Justin Bieber.  Which brings my next issue...

6. Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj are collaborating now.  Why?  If you want to kill me, just shoot me.  This is just pure, unadulterated torture.  And they are playing it on the radio.

7.  On my drive home, I actually heard both "Nookie" and "The Chemicals Between Us" on the radio.  Why is this a bad thing?  Because both songs were almost over by the time I tuned in, further depressing me.

8.  When I finally got home tonight, my dog totally ignored me.  There is nothing quite like a sulky chocolate lab.  Hurtful, Brown Dog.  Don't think I won't remember this next time I catch you on the couch.

9. I actually was supposed to have today off. I only worked as a favor to my awesome partner, who is in Myrtle Beach with his family this week.  I want to hate him, but he's pretty fabulous if you overlook him being on vacation and me working overtime.

10.  I kind of wish I was working tomorrow.  Not because I want to go back to work after today's awesomeness.  But because I worry about what happens in my pharmacy when my partner and I aren't there.  And then I worry about what I'm going to have to deal with the day after, when I am back again.

Happy Autumn!

I love the fall.  I love the leaves, the weather, planting chrysanthemums, and the holidays.  But mostly, I love decorating for fall.  I put autumn leaf garlands and orange lights all over my front porch.  I hang wreaths on every door in and outside my house, and I always decorate my fireplace for Halloween/Thanksgiving.

This year I decided to make a little project inspired by Pinterest.  I saw a pin where someone had filled a vase with layers of Halloween candy, and then put chrysanthemums in the middle.  I took that idea, and made a Halloween candy trifle instead.  Here it is, making my kitchen table a much happier and more Halloweeny place to sit:

I didn't really like the combination of flowers and candy that I saw on Pinterest, so I decided to use candy corn taffy as the top layer.  I think it's a win for two reasons.  First, and most importantly, I LOVE candy corn taffy.  But second, I'm pretty sure that my cat Henry spends a lot of time on counters and tables when I'm not around, and I really didn't want him licking all the unwrapped candy in the trifle.  I love my cat, just not enough to share food with him.

This is the second project that I've finished that was inspired by something I saw on Pinterest.  I love that site so much that it's almost an addiction.  To see some of my inspirations, you can follow me on Pinterest...it's definitely worth joining if you're looking for recipes or cute crafty ideas.  Have fun!

My Name is Michael Westen...

...I used to be a spy.

Those of you who share my obsession know I'm quoting the opening credits of my latest favorite show, Burn Notice.  I absolutely LOVE this show.  It's funny, clever, and I can't stop watching it.  Burn Notice follows the activities/antics of burned spy Michael Westen, who is stuck in Miami until he can figure out who got him fired.  He's not completely alone, though.  He's got his ex-IRA girlfriend Fiona, ex-Navy Seal BFF Sam, fellow burned spy Jesse, and chain smoking mother Madeline.  In between trying to track down his enemies, he and his crew spend each episode using their super spy skills to help out average people in various types of trouble.  

Typing that all out makes it seem complicated, but really, it's not.  Burn Notice is one of the best shows on television.  Don't believe me?  You should check it out yourself...it's on the USA Network, which always seems to have entertaining shows, but this is the only one perpetually on my DVR.  Seasons 1 through 5 are available on Netflix, which is where I got hooked, and the current season, 6, is halfway done.  Which brings up my one lone complaint about Burn Notice.  USA likes to split up the seasons, airing half during the summer, and then making us wait/suffer until November for the remainder.  This season's mid-season cliffhanger has Michael and his peeps stranded in Central America.  I am finding the suspense unbearable.  If anyone knows how things are going to end, PLEASE, let me know.  Otherwise I might not make it until November!