How sweet it is...

I absolutely love getting a little rest and relaxation during this time of the year. I can kick back, relax, and enjoy a lightweight week. I had accrued a few days of vacation hours which I needed to use or lose, and was lucky enough for a fellow part time technician to help me out by working a few shifts for me last week. The first time was on the day of my PTCB exam, I was suppose to work the morning but she called that morning to see if I'd like the day off. I giggled excitedly, and thanked her. Later that week she offered to work that Thursday and following Monday, giving me a beautiful four day weekend. The good news is that I still have 3 vacation days and 2 personal days left! I hope to squeeze out a few more four day weekends before the year is up! :D

Thanksgiving won't be looking so wonderful for me, as I will be working the night before and the morning after, luckily we are closed for Thanksgiving! This isn't too big of a deal, as I am working so that one of my co-workers can fly back home to Puerto Rico for Thanksgiving, she's utterly delighted and each day she has been even more excited about it.

Over the last few weeks, I've been overly excited about the holidays and I think it has been showing more so at work with a better attitude from not only myself, but the patients too! It's an awesome thing to see patients positive and upbeat rather than their typical disgruntled nature.

So spread the cheer and take the time to add a little energy into your step, you'll be amazed at how many people notice and reciprocate! Happy Holidays! Wishing everyone to stay SAFE and STUFFED!

- Lowly

What's that buzzzing noise?

Oh wait. That buzzing noise would be the fatigue, boredom, and annoyance in the back of my head. As they grow in intensity, so does the buzzing noise. It's sorta like a florescent light in an office just as it begins to go out [if I remember right, this is caused by a failing power inverter]. As it starts to go out, it begins to buzz slightly and you might even notice a slight flicker. As it continues to expire, you really notice it more as the buzzing becomes more prominent and the flickering more distracting. Typically I have an episode of "blank stare" syndrome when I get like this, which I've avoided so far tonight, but is a great indicator that I need to relax and get some sleep.

So, I sorta disappeared for a little while there. I wonder if there were any fanciful stories made up as to how I did on the PTCB Exam?! Did I do so horridly on the test, that I quite my job and ran for the hills? Oh! Maybe I did so amazing, that I found a new found sense of belonging and forgot about blogging! Na, I think I passed it but I won't find out my score until the 1st of December. Three weeks.

At first, I couldn't see why I have to wait three weeks for my results, since the exam was done on a computer! I know it KNOWS how well I did! Yet, after reading the PTCB Scoring procedures it makes much more sense, given that it appears to be more than a CORRECT = 10 points and NO = 0 points. With that said, I will venture to guess how well I did on it, and lean towards a score of 670 [650 is passing]. I didn't study much at all, maybe an hour or two, and felt the affects of that when I came accross some of the non-retail questions, more specifically the ones that asked about air flow hoods and various functions, as I have never used one.

After staring at my mouse for about 3 minutes without a single thought crossing my mind, I take notice and head to bed. Good night!

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

Well, I've only 19 hours before I take my PTCB Exam. I'm a little nervous.

I've been told by many pharmacists and techs alike that I'll do fine, but I've barely studied and didn't attend any of the workshops that my job provides, had I the free time to actually attend.

If I don't pass, I think I can retake the class in the same exam window. Which is why I chose the first day of exams, plus if I pass that's a month of pay that I'll get with the subsequent raise!

I've asked around about what MIGHT be on the test, since my study books and workbooks seem to be a bit outdated in some regards. I think my biggest worry will be SPECIFICS. Like, which ACT regulates THIS law, or something mundane like that. As long as I know it's a law, I don't see why I need to remember what legislation or act made it so. I'll be sure to make a good assessment of how the exam is here in Florida for those techs looking for a little insight. I've been told there are sample scripts, and obviously conversion and mathematics, but I guess I should of taken this more seriously and done my homework. That would cut out the need to guesstimate everything, but in all honesty, I LIVE like that everyday and it makes things just a little more exciting.

Wish me luck!