Being the New Girl

As many of you know, last week was my first week at my new job. It’s always exciting to learn something new, make new friends, and be a part of something that seems so different. I’m having some difficulty adjusting to the new work schedule, but in time I’m sure I’ll adapt. I am working four 10 hour shifts, starting from 6:30 am (**shudder**) to 5 pm. The best part is, I can choose to rotate my four days, so every other weekend (YAY! I have ALL weekends off!!) I’ll have a 4 day weekend. From what I’ve seen so far, working a 10 hour shift isn’t really that bad. Since there is still quite a bit to accomplish in one day, the time flies. Plus, I get home in time to get dinner ready, relax, walk the dog, AND go to the gym with Andy before bed. It feels like such a luxury to get so much done in an evening.

Now, let’s get to the part everyone seems curious about. What is it that I actually do? I am working in a research pharmacy for experimental cancer medications. We have several studies running currently, everything from breast cancer to prostate cancer to preventing cancer. The drug companies send us the drugs they want studied and its qualifications. We then get orders from affiliated doctor’s offices regarding patients they think would benefit from the study. The patients have to get certain lab tests that prove whether or not they fit the parameters for the experiment. If they qualify, we’ll send their doctors the medicine for them to start taking. Throughout the study, the patients must continue to take lab tests that monitor their progress.

I will, once fully trained, be in charge of sending, monitoring, and ordering these lab tests/kits. Right now, I’m just the new girl. Oh how I despise being the new girl! I don’t know where anything is. I can’t work as fast as everyone else. Things that are common everyday occurrences to everyone else causes me to crinkle my eyebrows in confusion. I ask about a zillion questions and have to get my work double checked by a more seasoned co-worker. Sigh…thankfully, there is a new guy starting tomorrow! Ha! Let HIM be the new person this week! All in all, I do enjoy my new work and the change in pace is nice too. Plus, I LOVE my scrubs. It’s so nice not having to spend time in my closet trying to put outfits together 15 minutes before work starts.

Me in my scrubs, arents they spiffy?

Me in my scrubs, aren'ts they spiffy?

This weekend has been a mix of really productive and completely lazy. We did go see the Mummy 3 at the Movie Tavern in Bedford. It was really really awesomely terrible, exactly what we expected! Of course, mocking the utter awfulness of the film was the best part. Poor Jet Li, how I loved you! This was definitely not your best movie! I feel he needs to think extremely hard about the roles he takes from now on, especially if he doesn’t want his career to continue on a downward spiral. As for Brendan Frasier, I can’t say I expected that much out of him.

Here are a few things that confused me about this movie, that won’t spoil the movie for those of you that are still planning on watching it (though be warned, be sure to watch with an air of mockery, it’s REALLY not worth taking seriously): 1. They replaced one of the main characters with a new actress, one that doesn’t really resemble the original. Why not write a new love interest into the plot? 2. Brendan Frasier’s kid was maybe 8 in the last film. He’s now in his 20’s and…Brendan Frasier looks like he’s the same age…that can’t be right! 3. Chinese people can speak Yeti? This is completely new to me, though perhaps I should take a trip to the Himalayas and try it out! We had a great time at the theatre, though I won’t be purchasing this movie anytime soon.

The rest of the weekend was spent doing some chores, walking the Jabber, and relaxing for the week to come. I did buy tickets to KC for next weekend (my first 4 days off). I’m excited and can’t wait to see my family and friends! I leave you with a photo of Jabber, because really…she explains exactly how I feel.

Jabberwocky being lazy as usual.

Jabberwocky being lazy as usual.

Celebrating a New Beginning

Okay, this post is a little delayed. I’m still adjusting to my new EXTREMELY early work schedule (my morning starts at 6:30 am *whimper*). So, I believe we left off with Saturday’s events (08/09/08). Andy and I were lazy through most of the day because of the incredibly hot weather that prevents us from venturing out for very long. Once the sun starts to set, the temperature at least gets a little more tolerable. Not good, mind you, but at least manageable. Like the night owls (or vampires?) we are, we waited for sunset before heading to Diem’s going away party at her sister’s house in Hurst.

Diem is a friend from the pharmacy who is heading for pharmacy school this fall. She’s been a blast to work with and I wish she weren’t leaving so soon! We had a great time eating delicious barbecue (burgers, hot dogs, sausages, wings..etc). Yum! We also got to meet some of Diem’s family and friends. I’m wishing her only the best of luck, and I hope she knows that she will be sorely missed!

Diem, me, and Krystina at Diems BBQ Farewell Party

Diem, me, and Krystina at Diem's BBQ Farewell Party

After Diem’s party, we headed downtown to meet Ethan and Donald for a Saturday night at Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar. It’s a fun place with some of the best people watching! If you’ve never been to a dueling piano bar, it’s a club with two grand pianos center stage, where they play and sing pop/rock songs. Sometimes these performances turn into a mock argument between the performers, where they “duel” it out with their side of the room cheering them on.

I had a great time, though I have to admit I’ve never been a huge fan of Grease, which was played to screams of delight. I know, there’s probably groans of disapproval all over the world because I said that. However, there’s nothing appealing to me about a girl who changes everything about herself to please, not the guy, but the guy’s friends. Call me a feminist if you will, but I’d never deck myself out in head to toe leather, fry my hair with a perm, put on slutty makeup, and act dumb just to seek a boyfriend’s posse’s approval. (Which by the way, if you do those things normally, kudos for you! I’m just saying it’s against my nature.)

Andy and Donald enjoying music at Petes Dueling Piano Bar

Andy and Donald enjoying music at Pete's Dueling Piano Bar

Sunday was spent, again, hiding from the Texas sun during the day. In the evening, we met Lloyd (former pharmacy manager) and his wife, Karen for dinner at the Melting Pot. It was absolutely fantastic! We opted for the full 4 course meal, which I know is horrible bad for you, but it was an experience not to be forgotten. You start with a nice salad, doesn’t sound so awful, right? This is followed by a boiling concoction of cheesy goodness. They serve all sorts of dippers (bread, apples, fresh veggies) for you to dip in the cheese fondue. I think they should have cubes of cheese to dip quickly in the melted cheese, but apparently this is just the nonsensical talk of a cheese-aholic.

After that (Which by the way, the cheese is totally my favorite part. Duh!), they bring out a new pot of a simmering liquid of choice. We chose coq au vin, though extremely tasty, it has a very distinct smell that quickly permeates through every article of clothing and strand of hair on your body. So heed my warning and order it with care! The main part of the meal is very similar to a Chinese hot pot method. You get all sorts of raw meat and veggies to stick in the soup until its cooked through. We had steak, pork, chicken, shrimp, lobster, ravioli, potatoes, mushrooms…etc. Then, if you can believe it, this was followed by a delectable chocolate fondue with homemade marshmellows, cheesecake, pound cake, strawberries, bananas, brownies, and rice krispie treats to dip in the gooey melted chocolate.

The entire meal took about 3 hours, which apparently is typical at that restaurant. We literally rolled out of the restaurant! Though we can’t go there again anytime soon (#1 We eat WAY too much and #2 It’s WAY too expensive for a normal night out), we had such a great time. Lloyd and Karen are hilarious and we really enjoyed our evening hanging out with them

Andy, me, Karen, and Lloyd enjoying our fondue goodness

Andy, me, Karen, and Lloyd enjoying our fondue goodness

Monday, for me, was spent signing all sorts of new job paperwork. But really, I was just savoring my last day being unemployed. In the evening, we went to go see the Hush Sound show in Dallas. It was an all ages show and ended pretty early, which was nice because I had to get up at 5:30 the next morning. I really enjoy the music and highly recommend listening to their album. They have a couple tracks/videos on their website for free, in case you don’t want to commit to buying their cd quite yet. I promise to get around to writing about my new job soon, but I think this post is already long enough and people’s eyes are probably starting to water by now. :)

Farewell Retail!

Andy and I have had several really busy days over the weekend. Friday (08/08/08) was my last day in retail pharmacy. Everyone threw a nice going away party on Thursday for me. However, a party at the pharmacy isn’t really like any other office party. Customers don’t really want to wait longer for their prescriptions, so we’ve got to eat cake and work at the same time. The thought was very sweet and I definitely appreciated everyone going out of their way to make me feel special. Though I doubt I’ll miss the retail environment (grouchy customers, late working hours, standing for 8 hours straight…), but I will most definitely be missing the people. I’ve gotten to know so many great co-workers in the last year and a half. I wish them the very best!

Keitrick, me, Karen, Tennis, and Krystina (up front) on my last day.

Keitrick, me, Karen, Tennis, and Krystina (up front) on my last day

Its me and Krystina, one of the sweetest people in the pharmacy. Sadly, shes looking to move to Orlando soon.

It's me and Krystina, one of the sweetest people in the pharmacy. Sadly, she's looking to move to Orlando soon.

And…they got me presents! It’s better than my birthday! ^-^ I thought they were appropriately named for the occasion. So, I chose to take a photo and share/brag.

Plan Ahead, wise words!

Plan Ahead, wise words!

I love Philosophy!

I love Philosophy!

After a sad goodbye, Andy and I headed out to Southlake for dinner with David, Anni, Ethan, and Donald at Brio’s. We were coincidentally also celebrating David’s birthday. August is such a busy month, that even though his actual birthday isn’t till the 13th, Friday was the first and last available date until September. Sometimes I just feel like we’re running a muck!

Happy Birthday David!!

Happy Birthday David!!

Poor David and Anni had to work on Saturday, isn’t that horrible? Of course, if I were still in retail, last weekend would have been my weekend to work too. Thank goodness there will be no more working weekends! **sigh of relief** So, we parted ways in Southlake and Donald, Ethan, Andy, and I headed to the M Lounge (aka Ten) on 7th in downtown Fort Worth where we met up with Amber, Michael, and Brandon. (Look! Names like I promised last week!!) While there, we decided to team up on a multi million dollar website scheme…which I can’t divulge as of yet. Apparently, we need a patent lawyer. I find the whole thing quite amusing. And as the alcohol continued to flow, the more adamant everyone was that this plan would succeed! Let’s just say I’m not planning any trips on my private jet anytime soon. :)

Andy, Amber, Michael, Brandon, Ethan, and Donald at the first ever board meeting of...yeah, they still need to come up with a name.

Andy, Amber, Michael, Brandon, Ethan, and Donald at the first ever board meeting of...yeah, they still need to come up with a name

Ethan (looking like Im trying to drown him...), me, and Donald

Ethan (looking like I'm trying to drown him...), me, and Donald

After the Martini Lounge, we headed to the Mule Pub. Yeah, it’s called the Mule Pub…if it was never obvious that we’re in Fort Worth, Texas, it sure is now! It’s just this little hole in the wall bar that happens to serve Kansas City’s Boulevard beer! Andy was thrilled! After last call, we headed to Amber and Michael’s apartment for a rousing game of Wii tennis. Isn’t the Wii just fabulous? Okay, my first day at US Oncology is tomorrow. I’ve got some paperwork to look through, so I’m leaving the rest of our event packed weekend for later. Wish me luck tomorrow! Oh, here’s the link for all my photos from last weekend!

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