Adam Thomas, RPH

I went for my biannual dental cleaning recently.  The hygienist knows me and over the years has come to realize what will transpire during the visit.  It’s like me at the pharmacy. I can predict what each customer will complain about even before the person opens their damn mouth.  Same at the dentist office.  The chart is most likely documented – mint polish, no t.v., doesn’t like to talk.

Perfect – I’m happy.  Granted the hygienist IS probably bored to tears, but … .

Did you notice that last ‘documentation’ – doesn’t like to talk?  I know, I know it may seem very obvious. But really, how can you talk when the hygienist has two hands, a very sharp instrument, AND a suction tube in your mouth?

So, there you have it – my question. 

Note – I love the dental office I go to AND we have a close friend that is a hygienist.  I actually think this particular matter has come up in conversation.  But like all things that are related to why people do what they do – it will remain a stumper.

By the way, my name is Adam Thomas. I’m thirty-seven. Married, happily married that is, to Valerie. When I say that I really do mean it. We have a great relationship – something we both appreciate and neither of us takes for granted. We have nine-year-old twins named Kurt and Kathryn. Kurt was technically the first born. For a while Kathryn insisted Kurt pushed her out of the way. Now she is content with the fact that the best was saved for last.

I have a charmed life. But, this is something I, correction Val and I, have created and we have worked very hard to maintain. A simple life, but charmed nonetheless. More on the wife and kids later. They are an integral part of the story and what happens directly affects them. Still, it’s my story. Though I’m not the egomaniac that last sentence makes me out to be. Really.

Yes, this IS another book plug

Since another weekend is upon us, I thought I would share some movie recommendations.

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen  is a wonderful movie – it’s a renter.  Though I’m disappointed I didn’t see it on the big screen -especially the State.  The only movie I’ve seen lately that wasn’t a fail in some way or another.  It was actually complete and whole, yet subtly complex; made a serious mockery out of the media.  But what I admired most was the ‘hope’ that resonated throughout the entire film.  It was nice, very refreshing.

The Intouchables  is also quite good.  However, the subject matter is quite heavy and profound.  I wasn’t ready for it.  That’s probably a good thing.  Probably would’ve talked myself  (and my wife ) out of seeing it.  There would’ve been hell to pay for that.  It’s also the first movie I’ve seen with all subtitles.  I’m not opposed to subtitled films.  I just don’t like to work that hard when I watch a movie.

Enjoy.

If ignorance really IS bliss, than why are there so many dumbass, angry people who haven’t got a clue around.  Their silence would definately be everyone else’s ‘golden’.

And whoever said the forties are the new thirties was either in denial or smokin’ something.

Sorry about the angry twofer folks.  Rough few days.

It’s decided – Random Nonsense is the theme/essense of this blog.  At least for now.  My wife came up with the idea.  But it was I that coined what I said during that particular conversation as being just that – Random Nonsense.  Unfortunately that’s usually all I say; just ramblings on about stupid shit.

Anyway I’m relieved to have a purpose. Though having Random Nonsense as a purpose is … .

And I will have to plug that book I wrote, too.  At least until it goes viral or whatever the term is and sells shitloads of copies.  Till then, please be patient. 

One more thing.  I promise not to rant pharmacy unless something really makes me crazy, of course.  Immunizations for example. That WAS my original handicap with this ‘blog for the book concept’.  I didn’t want to be that.

Random Nonsense it is!

This being Labor Day, I feel compelled to share an excerpt from my novel  My  Life  As  A  Retail  Pharmacist – A  Fictionalized  Memoir  (available at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com  ).  The original title for the book was  Ode  to  Customer  Service .  I was told this title was too vague.  The title needed to convey what the book was about.  The current title does just that.  Though I still have a hard time saying it without chuckling.  And I wrote it!

Anyway, here is my ‘ode’?!

Ron slid a small piece of paper toward me.

86. Dealing with a senior who proceeded to step over another senior having a fatal heart attack and asked how long the wait was going to be. When he was told a man was dying on the floor, he stated that he was in a hurry and couldn’t wait long. – Lauren

I read the excerpt twice. I was appalled that such an incident occurred, but never once doubted its validity. It was absurdly pathetic.

I saw Chicago, the band not the city, perform at Interlochen last summer.  Wonderful concert.  Fantastic memories.  I know I’m dating myself with that last statement, but oh well… .  And the music was great, of course.

However, random burning question #1 also resurfaced. 

Why, why, why did they, the band, decide to combine or ‘tag’ the song Hard to Say I’m Sorry  with Get Away?

First of all the title – Get Away – would not resonate anything to do with an apology.  It’s pretty much what I say to anyone that’s buggin’ the shit out of me at any given moment.

Secondly, the tempos, beat and whatever else just don’t really jive.  Think ketchup on fish?

I don’t know.  I guess I should be  thankful I have such profound thoughts that burden me.   

Adam Thomas thought he led a charmed life. Happily married with an adorable set of twins he was a member of the most trusted profession in the country. Yes, retail pharmacy had its shortcomings, but Adam handled adversity gracefully. Even though he knew ‘the customer wasn’t always right’, Adam didn’t allow the volatility of such work hazards to permeate his rational thinking and sound judgment. One day, however, everything changes. His once charmed life is turned upside down.

So begins the calamity Adam Thomas endures.

My Life As A Retail Pharmacist – A Fictionalized Memoir follows Adam as he navigates the struggles of standing up for what he believes. Tanya Stenke-Branch blatantly eavesdrops on Adam’s transaction with customer Milton R. Green. She dislikes Adam’s solution to Green’s insurance issue that arises and takes it upon herself to intervene. Adam is vocally upset with the unwelcome advice. But, according to ‘this wife of a prominent surgeon’, Tanya’s interference is in Mr. Green’s best interests. A reasonable everyday situation that Adam has handled numerous times in the past mutates into an unsalvageable disaster. Adam is ultimately terminated from Shaw Drug for his unprofessional behavior and his life begins to spiral out of control. What happens challenges Adam to question everything he once knew. When Tanya gossips to her friends at the local café about the incident, she discloses pertinent, yet confidential information, intentionally violating numerous HIPAA regulations. Fortunately for Adam, Paul Davis, Attorney at Law, just happens to overhear. Adam’s case for retribution has considerable merit.

As the lawsuit begins, the messy repercussions from such sensationalist trash that is so abundant in today’s world surface. Adam’s grasp on his charmed life continues to slip. The legal proceeding strains his familial interactions. His wife, Val, tries desperately to maintain balance, but Tanya and her lawyers just don’t play fair. Could such a random chance encounter ruin Adam’s professional and personal existence?

My Life As A Retail Pharmacist – A Fictionalized Memoir is current and hip and different. A cathartic read for anyone who has ever worked retail.