Pharmaceutically Speaking

Accomplished

2009-05-28T23:36:00.003-05:00

I bought a celebratory Xbox on May 9th. On May 27th, I finished my 7th Xbox game. Waste of time? I would have only been sleeping at 3am anyways.

Understanding Women

2009-05-28T23:25:00.003-05:00

There are only two things all women love.

Target and Tom Hanks.

Late-Night Eateries

2009-05-28T22:46:00.002-05:00

I have always been a night owl. Now that school is over, I have become semi-nocturnal. Why can I not get a Jamba or Subway sub at midnight? Is there really not a big enough health-conscious clientele at that time of night? Do those foods not appeal to the munchie crowd? Is anyone with me on this? I am craving a banana berry and an over-roasted chicken breast sub right now...drat.

72 bpm

2009-05-28T22:31:00.001-05:00

Michelle's Blog!

72bpm

In an Attempt to Make Ed Throw Up...

2009-05-07T15:35:00.002-05:00

The quotations's sister site...

Click at your own risk

Unnecessary "Quotations"

2009-05-05T12:11:00.002-05:00

This is amusing and disappointing all at the same "time."

http://www.unnecessaryquotes.com/

Dosage Form Design

2009-04-14T18:03:00.004-05:00

I love making dosage forms in lab! I think it's one of the most satisfying parts of being in pharmacy school. This week I made chocolate troches! Troches are small pieces of whatever you'd like that dissolve in the patient's mouth that deliver medication. They are perfect for little kids who need the sweetness of Kool-Aid or, in this case, chocolate in order to sneak a bitter-tasting drug in them.

In case you think pharmacy school is just a party involving hershey candy and conferences, chocolate is actually a very difficult medium in which to manipulate. There is a lot of skill involved melting the chocolate on a hot plate, mixing in the drug and spreading them out into molds. Sounds easy but it was actually kind of frustrating. However, making a "pharmaceutically elegant" product is just so satisfying. Even more satisfying than eating the other half of the chocolate bar afterwards.

San Antonio

2009-04-08T17:05:00.002-05:00

As stated in my previous post, I recently visited San Antonio, Texas on a pharmacy-related trip. The conference itself was a great experience. I was able to meet new people as well as get to know other UIC students better. I'm sure none of you really care about what goes on there but just know that I scored some pretty good swag.

Anyways, onward to the point of this post...

I would suggest going to San Antonio for a weekend trip. Southwest flights were pretty darn cheap and it's a nice little town. The main attraction is the city's Riverwalk. It is a strip of scenic landscaping, restaurants and bars that circles around the town. What interested me is that there are no guardrails along the Riverwalk. I mean, it's a river where practically every building along it serves alcohol. Doesn't anyone fall in?

Well, they do. Often. However we found out it's only about 2 feet deep. After learning that there is only a slight chance of drowning, I so badly wanted to see someone drunkenly stumble in! It didn't happen.

Better luck next time I suppose.

However, visiting a smaller city that typically isn't considered a 'destination' got me to thinking. I like the idea of taking a lot of small trips to more random destinations. So let me know if you see any good deals on plane tickets...

Stress

2009-04-08T16:35:00.003-05:00

These past two weeks have been the most stressful of my life. I have never had so much going on concerning school and my personal life. However, I did go to San Antonio, Texas for the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Annual Meeting this past weekend. In all practicality, it was a poor decision since I have 2 exams, 2 quizzes, a consult paper and a presentation due. But I still do not regret it. I was talking with a professor of mine and he said something pretty powerful. It may seem like a normal comment to those of you who read this blog, but to my fellow stressed-out students, it puts things in perspective.

When I said I got back from the annual meeting and that I was regretting not preparing myself more for this week, he said, "Five years from now, you won't be saying that you wish you would have studied more for that exam."

I am no book worm by any means, but I still felt pangs of dread and urgency as this week neared. Other students may say that was poor planning, but I like to think I prioritized correctly. Why not go away at the most stressful of times? I cannot think of a better time to take a break.

When I look at my exam score later, I'm sure I'll still be mad at myself. As sure as I am of that, I am also equally sure that it will only last a few minutes.

15 Seconds of Fame

2009-04-02T00:26:00.002-05:00

This will fulfill my Andy Warhol requirement I think.

Hustle Video

Pharmaceutically Silent No Longer

2009-04-01T22:56:00.007-05:00

Time to dust off the ol' keyboard and start posting on here again. Trust me, I usually don't stay quiet for this long. I hope you enjoyed it.

I have neglected this place mostly due to pharmacy school taking over my life. It is very rewarding though. It's good to look back at what I have learned; for example, I can now tell you that camphor and menthol, two crystalline solids, will form a eutectic mixture upon trituration. I can also tell you, with much disdain, that a red dotted line appears under the word "trituration" as if it is not a word at all. And then I can also tell you that I am saddened that my life has come to a point where I feel it is an injustice that blogger.com does not recognize such a word.

You know what though? That sort of sums up the profession as a whole. The general public, and some other health professionals, do not truly know what one with a PharmD can do. We are written off as the pharmacist in Family Guy. Come to think of it, his name is Neil. Damnit.

Well at any rate, what I am getting at is that we are an oppressed people and I will not stand for it. I will be pharmaceutically silent no longer!

Now stop being fat, quit smoking, eat a vegetable and go for a walk, assholes.

Soccerball

2008-09-02T23:25:00.000-05:00

I wish I were this good.

Foot Tennis

Ghetto Workout

2008-08-06T21:25:00.000-05:00

24-hour Ghetto Workout

Fuck you, Potbelly's

2008-07-11T22:30:00.002-05:00

Yeah, you heard me. What? You think you can lure me in with your funky, solo guitar performer doing her rendition of "Stray Cat Strut"? Ok, she was pretty cool but don't you dare think that makes up for your over-priced sammiches! I will admit that your "Wreck" sammich is delish. Put a little mustard and hot peppers on there and you got yourself a good time. You happy? I said it. But for that price? C'mon. Your ingredients and style, don't mess with 'em. All I'm asking is for you to make the sammiches bigger! They are like 6 inches! That's smaller than my...

...sammich that I get at Jimmy John's!

Get your act together or else I am putting you on my banned restaurants list. That's right. You can join the likes of Al's Beef and Panera. You and I both don't want that, Potbelly's. Consider this your first and final warning.

Author note: I stumbled across this unfinished post today as I was finding a different post that I was going to submit today. I thought I'd finish the post and give an update on the sitch. Potbelly's and I came to an understanding when I won a couple free sandwiches (or sammiches, as I apparently liked to spell it back in last July) for winning a dodgeball tournament. They were "delish." It seems as long as I don't have to pay for them, I'll keep them off the banned restaurants list.

Thrift Stores

2008-07-08T15:26:00.003-05:00

I love thrift store shopping. I previously owned only the 7th Harry Potter book. I know, I know... So, I went to one of my favorite thrift stores in Markham right by my work and, to my delight, picked up books 1-4 (paperback) for $2.50.

I also picked up a sweet track/warmup jacket for the same price. I don't think I have ever had $5 go as far as it did on my successful thrifting experience.

Let me know if you know of a good one to go to...

To Better Understand Me...

2008-06-25T16:54:00.003-05:00

The Trip

2008-06-22T18:33:00.002-05:00

Thank you to all for making it a great, injuryless trip! An especially hearty thank you (and congratulations again!) to Ed and Marcy.

The Burrito Challenge

2008-06-15T19:38:00.002-05:00

I love burritos. As the Spanish would say, with a literal translation directly back into English, burritos are pleasing to me. I need everyone's help. Tell me about the most delicious burrito you have ever tasted. I will tell you to go to Chipotle and along with eating your words, have the most delicious burrito ever. Please, I beg of you. Prove me wrong. I want to believe there is a more delicious burrito than made at Chipotle, it's just that I'm a realist. In all of my burrito-eating years, I have never tasted a more perfect burrito. Can anyone out there find me a mas bueno burrito?

WoWoW

2008-06-12T23:25:00.000-05:00

I posted this on The Forum as well but I had to make sure everyone saw it.

The most anticipated videogame ever.

Lonely and Liking It

2008-06-12T16:11:00.001-05:00

Continuing the "Things I think are..." series, I'd like to make a list of things I think are worth doing alone. This does not mean that they are things that are only fun if you are alone, nor are they last-resort activities if no one else can join you. These are things I have found to be particularly rewarding or interesting when done alone. Many of these things have also been done with other people and have been equally rewarding experiences. I just feel having the independence to do things by yourself is a good characteristic to have (listen up ladies who go to the bathroom in groups...). Anyways, here are some things I think are worth doing alone:

1. Going to a movie theatre

2. Running/Walking/Biking/Exercising

3. Air Guitar

4. Going to a bookstore

5. Grocery Shopping

6. Dining at a sit down restaurant

7. Looking through photo albums

8. Playing a really good videogame

9. Listening to mellow music

10. Treating yourself to your favorite foods (I suggest a Chipotle burrito and Jamba Juice)

11. Nature walks

I'm sure there are things I am leaving out so I encourage anyone to share any they may have.

Old People and Music

2008-06-12T15:29:00.000-05:00

I went for a run yesterday and had my iPod on. Firestarter was playing in my "Sweat Time" playlist as I ran past a grandmother-aged lady on a bike with headphones on. I always wonder what someone like that is listening to. Frank Sinatra? Some "Big Band" from the 20s and 30s? I used to see people of all ages listening to music when riding the train every day and wondered what older people listen to.

I also want to see what it is like when our generation gets older. Will we be grandparents who rap along with Ludacris? Will we scream-sing along with Linkin Park? The music of the older generations is a lot more innocent and 'grandparenty'. It'll be interesting to see how the meaning of that made up word will change when we reach that age.

Heck, maybe that old lady had Firestarter on too though...

"You're at Taco Bell, right?"

2008-06-08T18:12:00.000-05:00

After a drawn out discussion of where to eat while working at the theatre, a coin toss decides we will choose Taco Bell over Potbelly's (I know. The coin has been destroyed). So I get there and begin to read the order to the employee.

"Can I have 3 soft shell tacos..."
"Sorry, we're out of soft shells."
"Hang on." I call them back at the theatre to see what else they want, since a restaurant that has "Taco" in its name ran out of the most important ingredient to make a taco.

The boss bewilderedly bellows, "You're at Taco Bell, right?! Just get hard shells since we have no choice."

I commence my order and since it is a Taco Bell/Pizza Hut hybrid, a couple people wanted breadsticks.

"...and two orders of breadsticks."
"We don't have breadsticks either." I went into hysterics, tearing from laughing so hard. The best part was they still had the burrito-sized soft shells so my order was not affected by this at all. I gather the foodstuffs and head towards the door just as an employee is walking in from her car with a box slung over her shoulder.

"Excuse me, are those soft shells?" Awesome. You can't write this stuff.

'Four A' Foray

2008-06-04T15:24:00.000-05:00

Back in high school, I remember discussing some instance of intolerance one student had with another. It was nothing major as I recall. The student was making fun of the other for being different but it didn't really escalate to anything more than an exchange of words. After having a discussion about it with friends who were witness to it as well, I distinctly remember having a sociological hypothesis pop into my head. I call it the "Four A's". I argue it's a stepwise process everyone makes that allows them to feel various levels of tolerance.

Acknowledge
Accept
Appreciate
Admire

Allow us to use homosexuality as an analogy. At the most basic level, one must acknowledge that there is such a phenomenon in our culture as homosexuality. Acknowledgment either leads to acceptance or down the path of intolerance. Acceptance is understanding without abhorrence. Acceptance either leads to appreciation or, well, another A-word. Apathy. Appreciation, in this case, doesn't necessarily mean that one appreciates the fact that homosexuals have an affinity for others of the same sex; it's a realization that not only people are different but one has approbation for those differences. Admiration, in this arrangement again, does not necessarily mean one admires them for their sexual alternative, but more so for the strength it takes when amassed with intolerant people. It is upon seeing a characteristic in another that one wants to apply that attribute to strengthen their own character. I argue that is the highest level of tolerance one can achieve, seeing something affirmative in others and wanting to adhere it to their own personality.

One does not have to reach the highest step, the apex, to be an adequate person. Making the jump from 'Acknowledge' to 'Accept' is the most acute. It abolishes the derivation into assorted levels of disdain.

Beyond tolerance, of course, is Love.
Amorousness is absolutely another assumption altogether.

Sexy

2008-06-03T20:41:00.000-05:00

I've decided to do a series of posts that all start off with "Things I think are..." The first one, as the title suggests, is going to be a list of things I find sexy. Without further ado, here are things I think are sexy:

1. Correct grammar usage

2. Technology and competent use thereof

3. Logic and competent use thereof

4. Biology talk

5. Humor

6. Confidence

7. Returning sarcasm for sarcasm dished out

8. Pharmaceutical puns or analogies used in non-pharmaceutical discussions

9. Strong character

10. Respect for self, others and the environment

11. A healthy appetite and a general lack of 'concern' about appearances when eating

12. Voluminous and nicely-scented hair

I'll go ahead and limit it to 12. They are in no specific order of importance or sexiness.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Wiis are also sexy. This is why.

Geared Up for Speed Racer

2008-05-29T00:19:00.000-05:00

I won't go into too much detail, as I'm not very qualified to give a movie review. I just know what I like, so I'll just tell you why I like it and why I think ya'll should too. For another review, please point your arrow here.

The style was great. Being a simpleton, I need to be visually stimulated. Vibrant colors and general chaos on the screen kept my attention. I actually thought it was going to be overly stimulating, but it seemed just the right amount. The casting was dead on and the acting was great. I felt like this is the first live-action-converted-from-cartoon that was done very well. It really is a shame it's the underdog at the box office. I don't think the numbers justify the movie; however, this movie brings up what I like to call the "Quentin Tarantino Effect" and what I really wanted this post to be about.

When going into a Tarantino film, one can expect a very extraordinary experience. He seems to not play by the rules that everyone else in the industry does. He has the guff to be able to basically do whatever he wants on film. This is what this movie was about. The Wachowski brothers seemed to have loved Speed Racer as kids, just as I did, and wanted to do something very original while keeping important elements from the cartoon. I enjoy seeing films that break boundaries and I think anyone who appreciates something a little different should check it out just for that reason.

It has to be the greatest feeling to be successful enough to do what, in this case, makes a good movie, not necessarily what sells tickets. They did it as much, if not more, for themselves as they did for the general public. I hope I'm fortunate enough to experience the "Tarantino Effect" in my own way someday.

The Stars are Aligning

2008-05-23T15:33:00.001-05:00

I have been very fortunate lately. I don't think I have ever had a string of this many events lay out in my favor before in my life. It's quite exhilarating, actually. They have ranged from small victories to sizable life alterations. I'm very thankful, as I'm sure not everyone in the world gets to experience this. I am cautiously optimistic as I keep wondering when my luck will run out. Right now though I am enjoying it and I hope when this does run its course, I can help pay it forward.

Thank you to all who have been witness to this as well. You have made it especially wonderful!

I like where this is going...

2008-05-18T13:56:00.000-05:00

I just heard an advertisement for a gamer club on Q101. I had to research this further. Beer, pizza and videogames: http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/lifestyles/948892,6_5_NA14_RANKED_S1.article

I like how videogaming is becoming mainstream. I have seen bars set up projector screens and have Wii bowling tournaments, but this has been taken steps further by making it the theme of the club. If anyone wants to check it out with me, let me know.

A Brush with Perfection

2008-05-17T12:16:00.000-05:00

So I've been talking about vacations and traveling quite a bit these past few days which, of course, makes me think of Ireland. Pretty much any chance I get, I will think or talk about Ireland; however, this post isn't about how much Ireland rocks my face off (but ya'll should know that it does...).

I want to take a second to say thank you to those of you that, as the title suggests, gave me my only brush with 'perfection'. I consider that day hiking on the cliffs to be the best day of my life without hesitation.

Thank you for giving me that day. Thank you for being there with me (and really, thanks for letting me invite myself on the trip). You are all incredible people and I truly love you all.

Reddening Rhymes

2008-05-14T20:31:00.000-05:00

Now, it takes a lot to make me blush or feel awkward. A guilty pleasure of mine to to hear lyrics from songs that make me go all bug-eyed and give a nervous chortle the first time I hear them. It doesn't happen often but when it takes me by surprise, I thoroughly enjoy it. I give the artist a nod of approval since they accomplished what they wanted to, even on the most shameless of listeners. I should clarify that I don't mean the typical rap songs that talk of what they want to do to a tart's certain orifice. That doesn't take nearly as much talent as what I mean. Let me give a few examples of what I am talking about:

Pearl Jam - Alive
"Is something wrong, she said
Well of course there is
You're still alive, she said"

Tool - Eulogy
The whole song.

The most recent one I have heard that elicited the said response is:

Lupe Fiasco's Put You on Game.
"I hope your bullet holes become mouths that say my name."

It's the last line in the song, followed by a gun shot. It just left me with my jaw dropped to the floor. He nailed it by leaving the verse ring in your ears. Awesome.

*Note: Lupe Fiasco is an incredible lyricist and should not be thought of as a producer of gangster rap, save this song.

MK Today!

2008-05-14T14:32:00.001-05:00

This will be my first day of being able to truly sit down with the game. I think I will use the wheel all day.

As an aside, I feel that the 'hardcore' crowd should embrace the wheel due to it's difficulty relative to a joystick. We all know the wheel and bikes don't really mix, but since online we can see what controller setup everyone is using, bragging rights can be earned fo' sho'.

Concerning Tuesday

2008-05-14T14:24:00.000-05:00

I was right. I'm happy.

Starting with Irony

2008-05-13T00:50:00.000-05:00

So, Adam gave me the idea to start up a blog. I was like yeah, that's a good idea. I like forcing my opinions on others and so any medium in which I can do that is great. As I was finishing up the semester I had all these thoughts I wanted to 'blog' about and now I can't think of anything...

Better luck tomorrow, maybe. I have a feeling it'll be a really good day for me.