who's soonger??

JJ's graduation day

Wednesday, May 4

It had to happen -- JJ finally graduates from her program. Actually, I deserve half of that degree she earned. All the stuff I had to do and help her research and stuff ... don't listen to what she has to tell you ... listen to the sourch ... the one with the facts. (Me, in case you are confused). Have to rush outta work today so I can get ready and pick up JJ's parents and grandma before driving over to Detroit.

What else is going on ... well, my folks are gone for the week. Just Man Tou and I have to fend for ourselves. Pat's out working late each day so he's no help with dinner, etc. So far, JJ has been superawesome and preparation and cooking, etc. We've only gone out ONCE for dinner (takeout pizza).

Weather is making a turn for the better. I'm glad it's starting to feel like spring (finally). There was a period of great (almost summer-like) weather a couple weeks ago but then we got a blast of cold weather since that warm spell. It's going to creep close to 23C this weekend (72F) -- keeping my fingers crossed on that one! In fact, I'm counting on it so that I can wash and wax my car. It's been neglected as of late so it needs some TLC.

What's gonna happen this weekend? My folks come back from their cruise so I gotta go over to Metro Airport late Friday night then I have to work over at Ziter's on Saturday. I do have Sunday off ... I have a feeling that it's gonna be a busy summer. Still waiting for a package from UofT to come in.

Wednesday, May 11

Another week! Have to tell you a little bit about last week. Kinda stressful. First, my parents left for California at the start of the week. I had to work at the hospital, so I couldn't drive them over. JJ woke up early to take my folks to the Detroit airport. After work, I had to pick my bro up from the train station -- he went to Toronto for the w/e.

The rest of the week -- I had to 'fend for myself', so to speak. I'm glad JJ came over to help me out with meals. We made lots of stuff -- tacos on Monday, stir fry on Tuesday, out for dinner Wed-Fri. It was great!

On Wednesday, it was JJ's graduation day. I had to rush home from Riverside. Put on the suit really quickly then picked up her folks and grandma and drove over to the DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts). A very nice ceremony - I kinda made fun of the gown grads have to wear (even the beret hat).

Weekend I had to work on Saturday @ Ziter's. Wasn't too bad -- steady flow of scripts so it kept the day go by -- plus there was 'net access so I can always find something to keep me occupied (that is work-safe ... haha). Had a day off on Sunday -- didn't know what to do with my free time. I was going to wash my car but looking at the forecast, I waited for better weather. Instead, I washed the Volvo -- a new 'mall parking' blemish to the passenger side. I can't believe what crappy places my folks park. Unless ... the car is a huge MAGNET for people to hit the car. Unbelieveable.

At McGaffey's

Friday, May 13

It was tough waking up this AM. Had to wake up early Thursday to work over at the hospital. I was on-time but we didn't actually get INTO the pharmacy until 7:15. I have a key to open the door, but the management didn't give me an access number to turn off the alarm. So, some techs and I waited until one with an access code could let us in. Let's say that oversight was quickly addressed that morning.

I had some clinical time (for a change) today. It's incredible -- 3 shifts in a row where I had time to go up on the floor and talk to patients and look at charts. Anyway, I was quite productive this time around and got a very interesting drug info question from a physician. Is there any reported cases of pancreatitis caused by risidronate? I did a quick search in a couple of online references without turning anything up. Had to call the manufacturer to see if they had any data. They didn't call me back after my shift so I left that question with a clinical pharmacist to address for Friday.

After work, I rushed back to JJ's house to pick her up. Earlier in the day, she went to a friend's house to get her hair done for the grad formal that evening. I went to pick her up and came back to my house (so that I could take a nap before getting dressed). I had a quick bite to eat before getting ready. We drove out to Henry Ford Estates in Dearborn, Michigan. My car survived the very bumpy ordeal (I-94 is undergoing extensive repair). The place is really nice -- it reminds me a bit of Willistead Manor (in Windsor) but 5 times larger and more refined. I guess money from the automotive industry pays quite well. They served nice appetizers before dinner. Drinks being on the house was also a nice treat. =)

Dinner served was nice -- I liked the chicken that JJ had ordered for me. The pork dish (I originally ordered) was OK -- JJ took it because the portion was smaller than the chicken dish. What I found ironic is that some people asked classmates if they wanted to eat the rest of their meal. (Strange, but true!) Guess they're close enough to ask for their leavin's. The slideshow presentation was well-done (good job, Kevin!) And the emcees for the night were also entertaining. I am glad that a coworker (Lynn) was recognized that evening for being a 'preceptor of the year'.

After dinner and presentations, it was drinks and dancing. For me, it was being a photographer for JJ and her friends. I took so many photos that the batteries to the digital camera ran out! Good thing I brought extras to last me for the rest of the evening. The drive back proved to be an adventure. I thought I could take a 'short cut' but ended up taking 15 minutes longer. I wanted to get gas before going home (Shell V-syn, baby!) I found a Shell station but couldn't find a ramp to I-94 east. Had to go almost to the airport to turn around. I found my way back. The border wasn't a problem, either.

Today, I'm at McGaffey's. Feels like forever since I worked here last.

Wednesday, May 18

It's already Wednesday! Looking forward to the (long) weekend ahead. Del, my good friend from Hawaii, is in Toronto this week to visit relatives. It's a shame he didn't give me that much advanced notice -- have to work like a dog this week. Am contemplating driving up to Toronto Friday after work and meeting up with him and his wife, Marie. Haven't seen them since their wedding in Waikiki last Labour Day weekend.

What else has been going on? Not much -- like I said, I've been working like a dog -- Monday, I put in a 14 hr day. It was ugly but I got through it. I also had to work 2 night shifts at SDM (Mon & Tues). I'm glad yesterday's shift wasn't that bad -- I got to do a lot of callbacks and checked all the balances. It's an ugly job, but someone had to do it!

What else is on the agenda ... after working at Riverside Medical today, I run over to the hospital and work the evening shift (aka more dispensing). I really don't understand why I am needed when there's more than enough pharmacists in the department. Maybe it has something to do with not enough 'adequately trained' pharmacists. Recently, 2 new hires came on board but are still in the midst of training. I can't wait for them to be fully trained so that the on-call roster will increase. I personally don't like doing call. Wearing the pager is such a pain.

Tonight, I'm going out for dinner. It's Xiao Mei's b'day. Good eating over at May Wah Inn. I've been trying to be good with diet but lately I've been cheating. Did a recent weigh-in at the clinic ... I've ballooned over 170lb (77 kg). Dammit ... working so hard to get the BMI below 25 and now it's a wee bit over. I wanted to hit 74kg and I was really close ... now I'm back up. I have to start a regular workout routine which may include ... swimming. I haven't swam since Hawaii (Sept 2004) It's sad to think I rarely go out to the pool. I miss it ... like that feel of O2 high ... but the inconvenience of driving down to the U (or St Clair for that matter). Plus all the work I have in front of me ... don't have the motivation.

Friday, May 27

Did a little travelling last weekend. Went up to see friends from Hawaii visiting Canada. Great to see Del and Marie -- it's been close to a year (when they got married). I felt so bad when I saw them ... they had a small gift for me. Felt like a chump when I was empty-handed! We went out to eat -- isn't that what all Asians do? Showed them around downtown the next morning. Our meeting was brief but I'm glad we did have a chance to catch up in person.

Well ... normally I would say, "TGIF", but it's not going to be a pretty weekend for me. It's my first weekend 'on-call' at the hospital. Don't really look forward to this at all ... that's one of the reasons why I left HDGH way back when ... now it's back to the headaches. Since I felt so keen, I even took the endeavour to revamp the on-call binder. At least I have a project so that no one can dump something on me (for the time, being).

Also bumming me out is my current work stretch. After Victoria Day, I'm working straight until June 15th. What am I putting myself through?! That's a lot of consecutive days on the job (at many sites). Right now, I've got a pain in my left arch that's bugging me. It feels like it's in the area beneath the heel and arch ... a nagging pain when I lift my foot up. Definitely not cool but not much I can do about right now. At least while I'm working at the hospital, I can sit down when I do work.

Speaking of work, I'm not really liking what I'm doing -- feel like I'm doing temp work ... filling in gaps where there's no real direction right now. I'm not surprised, considering who's doing the scheduling behind much of the 'clinical' program right now. Not going to b*tch about work nor the people who are running it. I'm just doing my job ... but it's good to vent. I vented with a coworker today and it was good to share our respective experiences.

Even though I'm starting to sound disgruntled, I do have to admit, I do enjoy working with a lot of colleagues. It's a bit more relaxed than retail at times. Both hospital and retail have their pros and cons ... I like the variety and like the mix of clientelle with which I get to converse. Plus I can be a little more versed with how the 'other side' works when I get a question. For instance, in retail, I would know the doctors in the hospital and have a good idea why they are prescribing what medications. In the hospital, I would know what meds would be covered on the gov't formulary and what most drug plans would cover. Plus the over-the-counter meds I would be familiar. One weakness a lot of hospital pharmacists have are those meds not in their hospital's formulary. I can recognize most drugs by looking at them (let alone their brand names, etc).

I did hear of some bad news in the dept ... one of the pharmacists is not well -- diagnosed with cancer. Makes me feel really bad ... young person, started a family ... things just getting rolling ... and news like this. Just makes me wonder and reflect ... how fragile life really is.