I Know You Want One

I was sitting at my desk earlier this week, minding my own business, when my boss came to my desk. I see Debbie multiple times every day, so it was no surprise except for the fact that she was holding a present for me! She told me she ordered it for me as a Christmas present, but it turned up in the mail the day after I left for vacation. When I ripped the wrapping paper off, I was ecstatic... Debbie got me a Snuggie!

You might be familar with the Snuggie, but if not, it's "the blanket with sleeves." They have ads all over tv. (Click here to see a Snuggie ad.) At first it seemed like a joke, but before I knew it, they started advertising for different types of Snuggies... zebra-stripe, pint-sized, etc. I think it is one of those things you secretly covet but would never buy yourself. And not only did I get my very Snuggie, I got a Purdue Snuggie!

I immediately opened the box and tried it on at the office- I couldn't wait to wear it! (Note: the office can be drafty where I sit, but I'm not sure that a Snuggie is very professional.) Alma, who sits next to me, heard the comotion and wanted me to come show her my new present. I ended up seeing Troy, who now calls me "Grandma." (Last week my neck was bothering me, so I had a heating pad on my chair to loosen up the muscles. The addition of a Snuggie probably didn't help my case.)

Warm and cozy in my new Snuggie!

Thanks, Deb! I love it!

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

A big thank you to everyone who called or wrote for my birthday yesterday. I can't believe I am already 25! I had an absolutely wonderful day... Lisa flew in to Boston from Dallas, and Dan met us in the city to play for the day! Here we are at the bar that the tv show Cheers was modeled after:

I have the best friends in the world

Lisa and I are visiting Newport today for the International Boat Show, and then we'll be running in a 5k tomorrow. I will be sure to fill you in on the details of the weekend on Sunday night. Have a great weekend!

Cheers!

Special Delivery

As if I weren't spoiled enough, my wake up call was from a florist in Woonsocket saying that someone sent me flowers! (FYI- it wasn't that early... it was already 10:30, and I needed to get up!) An hour later, they arrived with my absolutely beautiful gift....

Nice and bright summer colors

I love the way fresh flowers smell

I love fresh flowers! (What girl doesn't?!) I was trying to guess who sent them to me before I opened the card, but I couldn't put a finger on it. I should have known.... Nick. What an unexpected but wonderful way to start my day.... I can't thank you enough!

My Sweetheart Is Lonely!

It's hard to believe I've already been here a month! The time has flown by, and there are still so many things I want to do before I leave! I'll have more free time (I think) after I finish taking my boards.

So, even though it was Friday, I was feeling a little bummed. I still haven't made any friends outside of work, and it can be lonely at times. I called Nick, and he gave me some suggestions on how I could meet more people, one of which was CraigsList. I told him he was crazy- why would I do that? The more I thought about it, it didn't seem like that bad of an idea. I mean, I know couples (both dating and married) that met online, so why couldn't I meet a friend? I decided that I'd sit on the idea until after my NAPLEX (Thursday) and see how I felt then.

Nick called later and casually mentioned that he made a post on CraigsList but didn't say for what. Sure enough, it was on my behalf in the Providence personals. Read this...

My sweetheart is lonely! -w4w 24

"My girlfriend just moved to Rhode Island for a year-long pharmacy residency. She is an outgoing and social person, but doesn't know anyone in Rhode Island or the surrounding area..so she is very lonely. She needs some good girlfriends with whom to go shopping, work out, go to dinner, go out, etc. She loves to drink wine, has a fantastic personality, and is very smart and organized. You will love this girl.

She actually lives in Woonsocket, but providence is pretty close right? "

Nick's intentions besides, it doesn't even matter if I meet anyone from this... just reading his post made me feel that much closer to home. I miss you, Nicky.

TGIF

Friday, July 10, 2009

6:00 AM: phone alarm goes off (Ringer is the theme from Saved by the Bell)

6:05 AM: hit phone alarm snooze

6:10 AM: Sweetheart alarm goes off, hit phone alarm snooze

6:30 AM: wake back up to phone alarm. (must have fallen asleep after alarm #3)

6:33 AM: finally get out of bed. Sure my neighbors love me at this point-the walls here are a little on the thin side.

6:50 AM: get out of the shower and attempt to pick out an outfit.

6:58 AM: dry and curl my hair, which I realize is getting long. Not looking forward to finding somewhere to get it cut around here.

7:14 AM: Try to pick out an outfit again. Pick a purple dress.

7:17 AM: Eat breakfast, make lunch, and read parts of the article my students are presenting on later that day.

7:29 AM: Realize that I had better get ready to leave for work. Also realize I wore this dress last week. Quickly change into heather-brown dress pants, a coral top, and brown heels.

7:30 AM: Put on my make-up. Normally would have put it on in the car, but Nick convinced me otherwise a couple of months ago. Read this.

7:36 AM: Leave for work. Decide I'll take a different route this morning that I think is faster.

7:40 AM: Make a wrong turn onto 146 N instead of 146 S.

7:46 AM: Still driving on 146 N. No exits, no where to turn around. Wire fence and steel graters in the highway divider.

7:48 AM: See a dirt road with a sign that says "For Official Use Only." Don't see any exits down the road. Feeling pretty official. Decide to use it to turn around.

7:49 AM: Successfully get onto 146 S. Finally on my way to work. See flashing red and blue lights.

7:50 AM: Get stopped by an older policeman. Took my license and registration (By the way- I HATE my license picture! It is atrocious! Now you're not allowed to smile (with your teeth showing) in Indiana. They claim it helps with computer-driven face recognition. That's fine, but this makes my face looks chubby.)

7:59 AM: After convincing him I am a) a new RI resident b) trying to get to work and c) really sorry and I'll never do it again, he lets me go without a ticket or warning.

8:24 AM: Arrive at work. Sea of cars forces me to park all the way in the back row. While getting out of my car, I realize I forgot my lunch.

8:32 AM: Stop by Debbie's desk. Tell her about my morning. All she can do is laugh.

What a morning! I end up having a great day at work, even if the morning was a little bumpy. I had two more meet n' greets- Debbie has been kind enough to set up meetings for me with people all over the company that I'll be working with throughout the year. I met with a lawyer who is charge of HIPAA (Health Information Portability and Accountability Act) in the morning, and later that afternoon, I met with two people in our pharmacy marketing/merchandising group. One of the individuals is a pharmacist who is now in charge of working with manufacturers to purchase all of the branded prescription drugs we carry. I've always said that I love the variety of opportunities that are available for pharmacists, and so far, my residency has made that even more apparrent.

I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do Friday night, but I knew I had to go do something or I would go crazy! Following some advice, I headed to Thayer Street in Providence. It is a busy, eccletic street near the center of Brown University. I think it was a little slower that normal, seeing that school wasn't in session, but I was okay with that. I didn't stay out too long- just some people-watching (love this!) while sitting at an outdoor table, sipping a glass of wine at a local restaurant, Paragon. At the end of the night, even though I didn't want to go out by myself, I'm glad I did. It's funny- I've never felt uncomfortable about doing things by myself until now, when I actually have to. Having the option of being with people or doing something alone somehow seems different to me than my current situation.

A big thank you to those of you who have called, sent e-mails, written cards, and mailed packages! Mrs. K- you are so thoughtful! I am looking forward to seeing you at Andrew's baptism. Debbie and Jerry-- I love the new kitchen accessories! I was actually in desperate need of dishtowels- and they are in my favorite colors! I'll put a picture of them up tomorrow for all to see.

Stay tuned- more to come on today's adventure in Wickford Village tomorrow! Goodnight!

The Weave Mill

"In 1807, Samuel Slater helped start the American Industrial Revolution by creating the first village whose sole aim was to produce textiles. As the centerpiece of that village, the mill complex that stands today, made up of the Spinning, Weaving and Center mills, was built in 1826. Each building provides a thoroughly modern living experience infused with unequaled historical authenticity. With sturdy wood beams and exposed brick throughout the homes that attest to the site's notable beginnings."

-The Halstead at Slatersville Mill Website

It is the oldest standing textile mill that remains intact in the United States. The buildings are actually very intersting themselves. Old pieces of machinery flank the hallways, and pictures of the working mill over the years line the lobby. My apartment reminds me a little bit of my brother's old apartment in the Harness Factory Lofts downtown.

There are 3 different buildings that house apartments on the property: The Spinning Mill, The Center Mill, and The Weave Mill. The Center Mill looks a little bit like a school (below).

I live in the Weave Mill, which is the two-story brick building you see below. There are two floors of apartments of vairous sizes, and the building also houses the mail room, the lounge, the media room, and the workout facility--that will definitely come in handy during the winter! Pictures of the building exterior and the facilities are shown in order below.

Last night I managed to finish putting together a set of file drawers for my desk, and I'm hoping to finish the dresser and bookcase tomorrow night. Until then, here are a few pictures of some parts of my apartment. (No, I am not going to start with the outside again!) Don't you just LOVE the giant "S" on top of the cabinets?! My mom got it for me at White River Salvage in Indianapolis. I went there with Monica a couple of months ago, and she fell in love with the place! If you live in the area, like beautiful old things, and don't mind bargaining and searching, you will LOVE this place! They have an old Otis elevator that I would love to buy, but a) I don't know what I would do with it and b) I don't have an extra $15K laying around.

The "S" is from an old neon sign. The bulb doesn't work inside it, but I think I'll try putting Christmas lights in and/or around it in a bit. I have been looking for one of these forever! Thanks, Mom! Here is part of my living room:

Another HUGE thank you to my brother, Ryan, for letting me borrow his flat screen t.v. for the year! I promise that I will bring it back in one piece. More to come later... Cheers!