Mike Johnston, CPhT

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the Pharmacy Technician Podcast.

Here is my recipe for turkey chili. It's fast, healthy and perfect on top of a bowl of rice (or Fritos) topped with shredded cheddar cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. ground turkey
• 2 large cans "chili-style" tomato sauce
• 1 large can fat-free chicken broth
• 4 TBS chili powder
• 1 diced onion (red or white)

Directions:

1. Brown the ground turkey in a large stock pot, over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat up into small pieces.
2. Once the turkey is cooked thoroughly, pour the tomato sauce and chicken broth into the pot (I use an empty tomato sauce can to measure the chicken broth). Add the chili powder and onion and bring to a boil for 1-2 minutes.
3. Simmer the chili, by covering the pot with a lid and reducing the heat to low, for 15-30 minutes.

So many individuals are seeking additional recognition and responsibilities; in fact, I would say that it is the most common desire expressed by the thousands of pharmacy professionals I have met and spoken with over the years.  What I find interesting, however, is the disconnect that so many individuals have been their desires and their actions.  Allow me to explain…

Responsibility is, by it’s own vernacular structure, the ‘ability to account (for one’s actions/decisions).’  Responsibility and accountability have a symbiotic relationship, one in which the more accountable an individual is, the more responsibility they will likely attain.  In other words, responsibility is the effect of proven accountability (at least in theory).

In my personal opinion, the greatest facet of accountability is being honest and demonstrating integrity.  Being accountable, or responsible, in no way suggests that mistakes are not made, but rather...

A storm moved through town overnight, and with it care a strong cold front.  The temperature outdoors dropped sharply, which in turn created a noticeable chill inside my home. As I got out of bed, I immediately began brewing a hot, fresh pot of Folgers and started a fire in the den.  I sat down in front of the fireplace, sipping on my coffee, and began to feel the newly generated warmth emitting from the fire.  As I sat there, I watched the flickering flames and began to think about the power of fire.

Within thirty minutes, or so, the effects of the fire could be felt throughout the entire den and kitchen.  The uncomfortable chill in the air had diminished and a sense of comfort was now settling in.  Fire is an essential, life-sustaining element, yet most of us take it for granted – myself included.  As I continued to sit by the fire, I realized that a positive attitude, or outlook on life, is in many ways analogous to a fire – our attitude...