RSS to this: http://thisisjacq.tumblr.com/

I really like how easy it is to post to tumblr, plus it looks really sleek and sassy. =) The URL might change, but I'll be sure to keep everyone updated.

Apparently some channels still play music videos at 2 am, and I saw this one last night. I really like how they incorporate the shadows into the dancing. It's pretty creative.

After a long rant about the negativities of working in a retail pharmacy:

 You'll remember this post, and say to yourself "yeah, it was worth it".  For all the shit that we deal with, for all the frustrations, the hold times, the yelling, the swearing, the hugs your techs give you when you're about to have a breakdown, the throwing of pens and dumping of Alpharma's (now Activis) insanely sticky Prometh with Codeine on the counter (as you scream "SHIT!" and hope your patients didnt hear you) you'll have those handful of patients who's life you really did make a difference.  You'll have the metaphorical little white ladies in the chain commercials who you *did* help out and *did* make life just a bit better.  You will be someones hero and a person that people look to for nothing more than a smile, hello and acknowledgment that they exist.  You'll walk through the parking-lot wearing that beat-up white coat that you got in school 20+ years ago like a badge of fucking honor and respect as your patients know you by name and will drive across town to come into *your* pharmacy to say nothing more that what you suggested to them OTC worked like a charm."

From The Angry Pharmacist

The author of this blog has a lot of pretty negatively-charged, angry things to say about retail pharmacy in general.  I hope I never become so cynical when it comes to my career, and I know that I have the determination to keep myself from being "the angry pharmacist" myself.  I really have no idea whether or not I'll end up practicing retail pharmacy at some point in my life.  However, if I do, I take comfort in the fact that even the angriest pharmacist can possibly make a good difference in some people's lives.  Plus, since I aspire to not be bitter like this man I'll have more of an opportunity to inject some positivity into my everyday work experiences.

I'm procrastinating, so I decided to Google my first name and choose the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button.  This was my result.  So depressing.

However, if you do the same for my last name, you get redirected to the Hartford Insurance Company, which is so me.  (Note dry sarcasm.)

I woke up to the sound of my door rattling at about 4:35 am.  I thought it was just someone messing around, but then I realized that my bed was shaking too.  Was that an earthquake?  Yes.

For a little while there I thought I was crazy!

My eyes turn a really intense shade of green when I cry.  It's magnificent.



And I, I'll get on the bus

And put down my bags

And take a final glance

At the only home I've known

My grandma mentions how she had difficulty buying razor blades at the store because they were locked up in the back. My mom responds, saying,

"That's to keep those umo kids from cutting themselves."

Adorable. =)

I definitely watched this as a kid.  This song popped in my head today for some reason. =)

...when cracks in the sidewalk remind you of gonadal arteries.

I think I have Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. =( 

I found this dog picture today, and it made me say, "AWW!"  These are such good dogs!  I want the golden retriever in the front!  I love how is paws frame his little face.



I've had this picture saved on my computer for awhile because I'm easily amused, and these are my two favorite animals.  Plus the dog looks a lot like my Cassie.  (Except my dog is WAY cuter...and she would be scared shitless by a dolphin.)



=)

As I traveled downtown earlier today, I listened to some music that I just added to my Ipod. Right as the Red Line train pulled up "Across the Universe" by the Beatles started playing, which reminded me of the scene in the movie where Jude is singing that song while also riding the subway. It was a really neat coincidence.




I really need to see this movie again.

Since last summer there has been construction on one of the highways that I take on the way to Chicago. Until yesterday it hadn't hampered my commute, but now the Northbound part of I-65 is closed after a certain point. I decided I would avoid the mess all together and take a different route up. It was a way that I had taken a couple of times before, so I thought it would be quick. However, I ended up missing the exit for I-94 and going way out of my way. It took me 1.5 hours to get to Chicago. It usually takes 45 minutes.

Here's my normal route:


Here's yesterday's chaos:


While it sucked that it took me twice as long to get back to school, deep down inside I'm proud that I know enough about the highways and major roads around the city that I could find my way there. All the while I kept my cool even though I felt a bit lost. I think that's a pretty good quality to have. =) Now I just have to work on not getting lost in the first place.

You need to watch this one to really appreciate the 2nd one:

Josh Groban Cameo FTW! =)

I want to do a lot with my life.  I feel that the world is too diverse and interesting to come home from work every night and vegetate in front of the television.  Hopefully I will be able to give myself something better than that.  Sometime last year I started a list entitled, "Do Before Death."  I really don't remember what prompted me to start the list or to add some of the things that I have added, but it's there, and it's me.  I'm not adding the obvious goals like going to pharmacy school, getting a job, getting married, etc. because I feel that those aspirations are pretty much a given.   And obviously, I won't be able to do most of the stuff on my list unless I have a job and someone to travel with. =P

So here is my list.  It runs in no particular order of importance, as I just wrote them down over time as they popped in my head.

1.) Swim With Dolphins

My fascination with whales and dolphins started in first grade when I watched Free Willy after I got it for Christmas from my great-grandmother.  The closest I've been to a dolphin was at the Sea World in San Diego.  They had a pool where you could feed the dolphins fish and squid, and the dolphins would stay long enough for people to pet them.  Of course, I did, and I was super excited.  I was all sentimental, not wanting to forget the rubbery feeling of the dolphin on my skin.  Although I'm obviously not as obsessed with dolphins as I used to be, I'd still say that they're my favorite animal.  I just think swimming with them would be a spectacular experience, and thus, it's on my list. 

2.) Ride In A Helicopter

I really don't remember what prompted this one, but the more I think about it the more I like it.

3.) Go To Paris
Amongst other things, I would like to see: Le Centre Pompidou (Modern Art Museum)
Musee D'Orsay (Museum - Used to be a train station.)
Sacre Coeur (Church on top of a hill in the Monmontre district.)
Versailles (Ok, not in Paris, but I'll be over there for awhile, and I'll have time to make it over there.)

My interest in Paris undoubtedly came from my four years of high school French.  In the last couple years of class we learned a lot about Paris and its famous places.  When I go to Paris, it's not going to be this "go for a few days/pass through and see some stuff."  I'm gonna do it big.  We're talking a least one whole day dedicated to the Louvre, another for Centre Pompidou, etc.  I could also do some shopping and eat at some nice French restaurants, of course.  I might want to have a set itinerary so that I see everything I want, but then again, I might just want to get there and have the ability to just go wherever the breeze takes me.  I guess we'll see when the time actually comes.

4.) Whale Watch

Yeah, I explained the whole whale and dolphin thing in number 1, and this is just a continuation of that, I guess.  Can't you just see me sitting on the boat, intently scanning the water for any sort of movement, and then busting out my camera for 1,000 pics once the whale surfaced? 

5.) Buy A Nice Piano

This one also relates to another item further down on my list.  I took piano lessons for 7 years, and I'm pretty sure playing will always be one of my favorite things.  I learned to play on a circa-1970s Kimball player piano that we got for free once my aunt no longer had room for it.  It's not a bad piano, but it's not fantastic either.  A nice piano would be one of those, "Yeah, I work hard and now I can spoil myself" things.  I doubt that I'll be able to afford a Steinway, but whatever I get will be nice according to my standards. (And shiny, too.)

6.) Plant A Tree

This was another pretty random, unprovoked addition to my list, but I like it.  I've actually planted a tree before, but I'd like to do it again.  It's a good feeling.  We planted it in my backyard, and now it's about 20 feet tall.  But it's still my tree, and always will be.  It's a good way to give back to the environment (a little) and beautify one's surroundings.

7.) Scuba Dive

Here's another ocean-related thing that could possibly tie in with the dolphin swimming/whale watching goals.  Plus it would just be awesome to breathe underwater. =)

8.) Dance Classes


I think my interest in dance most likely came from gymnastics, which taught me some poise, and choir, which taught me how to learn choreography and dance with a partner.  I really miss dancing.  It can lead to a fun social experience, plus it's good exercise.

9.) Piano Lessons


Ok, so I'm putting something on my "To Do" list that I've already done.  However, since I'm going to have that nice piano I'd better put it to good use.  =)

10.) Mutter Museum


This is a medical/anatomy-related museum in Philadelphia.  I learned about it a few years ago through a documentary on the Discovery Channel or something.  Some of the specimens are pretty insane, and they showcase a lot of anomalies.  The website describes it, saying, "The Museum's collections include over 20,000 objects, including fluid-preserved anatomical and pathological specimens, medical instruments, anatomical and pathological models, items of memorabilia of famous scientists and physicians, and medical illustrations in the form of lantern slides, 35 mm slides, photographs, drawings, and prints. In addition, the College collections include over 160 portraits in oil and other media."  Pretty sweet, right?

11.) Cirque Du Soleil

On days full of big things, it feels nice to sit back and enjoy the little ones.