This is not a result of this prompt, but in reading a book I got recently, I had a thought.
What if I opened a shop as an apothecary?
In most situations, I have issues with modern medicine, especially medications. I prefer natural remedies. If there is a tea, a natural food or spice, or something non-pharmaceutical I can do to deal with my issue, I would much rather do that than pop a pill. Bronchitis? Hot toddy, or the nonalcoholic lemon juice, honey, and water. Indigestion? Ginger tea. Anxiety or panic attack? Breathing exercises. Mother nature has remedies for almost everything that ails us.
Crazy, maybe, but why not learn more (bonus!) and turn my distaste for chemical pharmacology into a business where I can help people and show them how to help themselves in the future? Interesting thought….
Tell us about your first day at something — school, work, as a parent, etc.
The first day of anything can be the start of many things – a lesson, an adventure, a whole other life. My first day story is the start of a transformation from a position of dire necessity to a job where I thrive, learn regularly, and love what I do.
It was a cold, wet day in February. Flurries still fell, though the brunt of the storm had passed overnight. I was up early – I had to be at my new job through the temp agency at 8am. I was nervous, but not normal first day jitters. I had to do well. I needed this job. I had been unemployed for over a year, and my husband had just been laid off. It was do or die time.
My husband dropped me off at the entrance, wished me luck and went off to do his thing for the day. I walked in, confused by the lack of anyone in the front office. I finally found one of the guys from the warehouse, and told him who I was looking for and that it was my first day. “I dunno anyone by that name.” He furrowed his brow. “Hold on.” He ran off, and returned a few minutes later with someone who proceeded to tell me that I was looking for the company on the other side of the building. Oh, ok. Time check – 5 minutes before I’m late. Got it. I thanked them, walked out, and started walking around the building. I walked. And walked. And walked. Seems an industrial building with 150,000 square feet has a bigger footprint than I thought.
A few minutes later, I walked into the correct office, late and well-chilled. I was grateful for the warmth in the office, but soon wound up regretting that I wore a sweater. The ladies in the front each had a space heater and their small office started to feel like a sauna as I awaited the person who would give me more info on the job. In a whirlwind of information, I was given a computer login, tattered notebooks of handwritten instructions, a few product books, and some high-speed training on the multi-line phone system. I left that day exhausted and overwhelmed.
15 years and a remodel later, the building is still vast, but far less intimidating than it was that first day. In my time with this company, I have worked in 5 different departments, learned SQL, and earned my CPIM credential. Certainly not what I was expecting when I walked in, but something I am grateful for. I joke that my job title should be “Professional Problem Solver”, because that is essentially what I do every day – I solve problems and find ways to make people’s job easier and them more effective at doing it. I love it.
Have you ever performed on stage or given a speech?
Yes and yes.
I took a few acting classes in college, was in a production of The Vagina Monologues, and presented a research paper to peers and faculty.
Each time, I was nervous as hell, but once I started speaking, the world just sorta vanished and I had a laser focus on whatever piece I was delivering. They were all amazing experiences.
A Peculiar Cerebral Tangle 