It has been a rather long day. I got to crochet, but I was sitting in the med clinic while I was doing it.
The key to surviving a day of waiting amidst an array of sick, depressed and often deranged indigent folk is come prepared:
1. Large coffee, always good.
2. Pack a snack. I had PB&J and a granola bar.
3. Lots of hand sanitizer and extra Kleenex.
4. Have a diversion: crocheting is ideal. Plus, I bought a slew of old Oprahs to spread around. The very old, veiled in black, non-English speaking woman next to me took the issue w/all the puppies on the cover. Good selection.
Two hispanic women across from me were also crocheting, tatting, really. Very fine, detailed work. I was impressed, and they gave the smile and nod too. A crafty domestic women bonding thing that spans centuries.
Coming prepared means sharing or hording; I decided to share. I loaned my pen to the crazy woman. I spread around the magazines. I slipped two Advil to the scary looking dude who said he got jumped, dislocating his rotator cuff. And to salve all of our peace, I gave the little girl, screaming and squirming like a worm, half my PB&J.
Unforunately, in the end, I did not have the right medical card to be seen. And, getting one would take at least a week. I read the paperwork’s fine print (I need new glasses too) and I don’t qualify anyway. (I’m in that weird grey area. Too much money for medical help, but not enough for insurance. Welcome to America–where only the poorest of the poor and the wealthiest get good medical attention. The rest of us–the majority of us–are screwed.
Five hours later, I’m home from my doctor–who only takes cash, a lot of it to get the job done. Now I’ve got a slew of meds–inhaler, nasal spray, antibiotics and Imitrex. Allergies, ear infection and migraines. Yikes! Honestly, though I’m afraid to take all this stuff. The warning labels alone scares away whatever ails you. I prefer the hot brandy, hot bath, call it a night approach, but as I type this I’m wearing dark sunglasses indoors. My ear is throbbing and at 4pm I’m ready to curl up and call it a day.
Have a good weeked all, and stay well! Getting sick is a costly infection.
d.
