Sophie's Story

   One of the things I have committed to do as a soon to be "woman of a certain age" is to get into better shape. This is a challenge for me. Thanks to a series of phy ed teachers ranging from mean to sadisti, I have a great dislike for participating in many athletic activities especially teams sports. This means that my preferred activities are those that can be done alone like running, walking and biking. I like all three, but what do you do when it's too cold or unsafe.   One answer is to take classes at a local health club or at the YMCA. A good option,but not workable for me. My unpredictable work schedule and shyness about exercising around others makes this an unattractive option. (I really don't want to expose my right left confusion to those who could make fun of it. By the way according to the internet 20% of the population have this difficulty.)   This leaves the trusty workout videos on Youtube or on DVD. This is a better option for me. There are a w...

   One luxury that I allow myself is having my hair done. My hair started turning white in my mid to late 20s. Since then I have had it coloured to cover the increasing amount of white hair. I don't do it because I want to look young or am afraid of what people might think when they see white hair. I simply prefer the way darker hair looks on me. The nice thing about having mostly white hair is the fact that it is a blank canvas. I can do whatever I want.    Being a pharmacist I can't do pink, blue, green, purple or other funky shades. I still believe that people expect their pharmacists to look like pharmacists, especially older people. That means I need to stay with shades that are "normal" hair shades. I have found over the years that there is a lot that can be done within these shades.    I have a truly gifted hairdresser. Her name is Mel. I have been going to her for a long time. I can't even remember how long. Close to 12 years, I think. I conside...

   On Monday I worked a 12 hour shift. There's nothing new about that. I've worked many 12,13 and occasionally 14 hour shifts before. This shift was special for a particular reason. I got a lunch break.    It was the first time in all my years of working in retail that I actually got to sit down for a real break when working a long shift.    I'm sure some of you are wondering if I worked all those long hours without eating. The answer is no. I've become adept at "speed eating" because that's what I had to do. Eat as fast as you can because once the next rush happens the opportunity will be gone. Twice I've nearly choked while trying to eat fast. The other thing that many of us in the job do is bring things that are easy to eat while standing at a computer. Things that aren't real noticeable. My personal favourite is Gardettos but I have also eaten Peanut M&Ms (the nuts have protein and fiber), various granola bars, protein bars and a few t...

   Hello! This is Skamp!     Sophie doesn't know it yet, but I am helping her out by writing the column this week. (Don't tell her I did this.)     Every Thursday morning C and Sophie go to Toastmasters. I'd like to go with them, but then I would have to ride in the car. I don't like riding in cars.  Especially because I have to ride in a cat carrier. It's really not fair. I can sit on a seat just fine. The only challenge would be the seat belt. Maybe that's why I have to ride in the carrier.    I imagine what it would be like to give a speech. Sophie has practiced enough speeches that I think I know what I would do. One thing I would need is a chair to sit on. I'm tall enough to be seen if the audience is other cats, but if I'm going to address humans a chair would be better. I think that I would not need a lectern. A lectern would block my view. The slanted top would not be good to sit on anyway.     I would approach the Toa...

   This weekend I worked in a nice store in one of the southern suburbs. It's a store I'd been in before and I was happy to be reassigned there. The space is a bit small, but it doesn't feel cramped. It's well organized. As a bonus, it's near the front of the store so I can see outside.    I got to work with a very experienced tech. Her name is Anna. She has been a tech for a long time at several stores in different chains. She showed me a few things that I didn't know how to do and little tricks that are very helpful.    Pharmacy techs do not get nearly as much credit or respect as they should. The fact of the matter is that the quality of the pharmacy techs can make or break a pharmacy. The techs are the ones that hold things together and many times are the first person on a pharmacy staff that a customer meets. They are the ones that take care of the many details so a pharmacist can focus on her work.    Techs are professionals. While many...

   I needed some background noise a few days ago. Lately my favourite source of background noise has been You Tube. I like putting on a documentary or something while folding clothes or washing dishes. I found a video of the blessing of the marriage of Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker-Bowles. After it was over I decided I wanted to find the video of Charles' wedding to Diana and watch it.    I was one of the many starry eyed preteen girls who watched the ceremony on TV. I watched the beautiful bride roll up in a carriage pulled by horses looking just like Cinderella. Swathed in tulle, she walked down the aisle on the arm of her distinguished looking father. Waiting for her at the other end was the Prince, not so handsome as the one in the fairy tale, but a real prince in a smart looking military uniform with a blue sash.   It looked so romantic. The flowers, the long train and clergy wearing all sorts of colorful vestments. The cathedral filled wi...