Purple Toe Syndrome...

...is indeed caused by warfarin. Just one of what I'm hoping were many questions that I got right based on pure gut instinct (which of course is based on something my brain learned at some point in the last 4 years). Yes, my friends, I am officially done with my board exams. I took the NAPLEX this afternoon and there were definitely "easy" questions and "hard" questions and "you seriously think I need to know this by memory?" questions.

After three tests, my "shoulda's" are few. (As I typed that I heard in my head "After my second, my regrets are down to one.") I should have glanced at my biostats notes. I should have glanced at a list of drug references and their basic contents. I should have found a Colorado pharmacist who knew the legal duration of a C-II Rx. (But I knew that before the test.) I should have focused a little more on adverse effects of medications. And I should have made t-shirts to sell at the Greek festival. I could have paid for my living room furniture. Blast!

The exam writers should have a few regrets as well. The NE MPJE folks need to learn how to write a clear question with equally clear answer choices. The CO folks need to learn how to write statutes. The NAPLEX folks need to realize that Aricept and Lithium are NOT the two most important drugs. And somebody needs to write a test that assesses more than 5% of my drug knowledge. That's about it. I think for the most part everything went okay. We'll know here in a few weeks. I probably am not allowed to say anymore about the test because any specifics could be construed as unethical.

And that is the last I'm going to think about it. I am going to enjoy this week by doing the following: highlighting Kelly's hair because I promised, sleeping in, reading for fun, laying out in the sun, going on walks, seeing some Totus Tuus folks and hopefully other miscellaneous friends, mooching off my parents as much as possible, maybe making it up to the mountains for a day or two, and doing all-around recreational relaxation or relaxing recreation or anything not remotely related to pharmacy. Call me if you want to hang out (and are in Colorado).

Oh, and I'll probably watch Sleepless in Seattle or Steel Magnolias or both because my awesome sister got me awesome movies.

Closing in on 100

P.S. Abby Wambach scored goals 97 and 98 of her prodigious career yesterday. Here's hoping she saves #100 for the July 13th game. Nothing like a little Mile High love to help her celebrate the century-mark.

Buzzed

The scene at Panera:
I'm through three cups of coffee (about 42 ounces by now), the second two were decaf. Since I haven't had coffee all week, the first cup of regular was enough to give me the shakes. But it was hazelnut and thus totally worth it. Three of my classmates are here, also studying for their boards. One took the CO MPJE last week (my test for tomorrow) and another takes her NAPLEX today. Yikes. It's actually quieter in here than I would have thought, although as the lunch hour is beginning, I notice the noise level rise a little. I've been taking practice tests all morning and after averaging about 80% on my last ten tests, I scored a bang-up 66%. Back to the drawing board I guess.

Yesterday was a big day (not for studying). I bought a couch, loveseat, coffee table and matching end table. The entire living room set is pretty sweet and I'm very excited (though $900 poorer). I also tried a dark beer last night that I actually like--some sort of vanilla porter at Old Chicago, brewed in Lincoln. I could look it up, but that would cut into the 7 minute study break I'm allowing myself. Mary would be so proud for "celebrating" properly. I wasn't celebrating anything for me, but it was Marijo's birthday and thus celebration-worthy. We also got a free big cookie a la mode. Yum.

Alright, study break is over. I'll keep you posted as I find out my test scores. Or maybe I'll just hide my head in the sand.

Slowly but surely

Apartment update
I now have the following:
a new set of stainless steel pots
a slotted spoon
a can opener
a bathroom rug and toilet seat cover
cooking/baking essentials (except the vanilla, somehow forgot that)
cleaning supplies

I still need:
knives
cutting board
vacuum
mixer
furniture (couch, loveseat, tables, dining room set, bookshelf)
TV (it's at home)
internet (I'm mooching for now)

That about sums it up. I'm doing pretty well I think on everything except the furniture, but hopefully some of that will be taken care of tomorrow. Hasta pasta!

Feast Day

Tony, Tony, please come 'round.
My brain is lost and can't be found.

NE MPJE today. I'm torn between anxiety and calm, between panic and just wanting to have it over with. Mass helped. I think I'm going to the grocery store for some chocolate chips so I can make a Deluxe to eat on the way to the test. That will help too. And I've decided to do a throwback to P3 year and watch the 11-minute Alias outtakes clip to keep my spirits light. That should be around lunchtime. Until then, I've decided to keep reviewing. Even though my brain has deserted me because it got too full it had to jump ship.

Speaking of Deluxes, I've decided that if pharmacy doesn't work out (or even if it does), I'm going to market a candy bar called "Deluxe" that is dark-chocolate-covered layers of graham cracker filled with alternating peanut butter and fudge. It will be pretty amazing. And probably about 8 inches tall. Oh well.

Right About Now

I could really go for:
-Toblerone Cheesecake (even if it is no longer on the menu)
-a warm summer rain
-losing the mosquito bite on my ankle
-a week without studying
-squishing sand between my toes
-some fresh flowers in a vase on the counter in front of me
-a big tall glass of iced tea
-being a couple inches taller
-a grande half-caff, non-fat, extra-hot, one-pump sugar-free vanilla, upside-down caramel macchiato
-a nap
-a Baci truffle

(this idea stolen from Que Sera Sera archives)