On the way home from work today, I stopped at the doctor’s office to get a copy of all my charges/payments that have been incurred in 2012. Collecting all necessary documentation for reimbursement by the insurance company is sometimes such a hassle. I’m sure I probably picked up a million germs while breathing the air in the waiting room.
I think today’s visit was the first time I have been in the building without being sick or with someone else who was sick. Of course, I’m still praying that my body isn’t incubating Alyssa’s germs. I’m convinced that children are germ factories no matter what their age.
Since I wasn’t sick and only needed a couple copies, the very sweet receptionist directed me to a chair at the other counter to be waited on by the male receptionist. It was the perfect spot to do what I love to do…watch people.
Trying not to touch anything (because I could see with my x-ray eyes that all the germs were trying to leap from the counter onto my body), I rested my hands on top of my purse. Patiently waiting for my turn, I watched the male receptionist (let’s just call him John) check in a man who had a hurt pinkie toe.
When it was my turn, John greeted me and proceeded to pull up my billing information on the computer.
“I might have to try this a couple times in order to get the view you want on the statement,” John said.
I smiled.
John looked at me for longer than the normal glance and then looked back at the computer screen.
“January 17, 1963,” John said quietly. “I don’t want to sound racist, but most Caucasians look much older than you by the time they reach your age.”
I almost laughed out loud! John was a semi-dark black man with graying hair, but no wrinkles.
“I can’t believe I’m going to be 50 years old on my next birthday!” I whispered. “You know, the wrinkles are right under my skin and I feel them on the verge of popping through at any moment.”
John started laughing.
“For the most part, I haven’t done things that cause wrinkles. I don’t drink alcohol, smoke, do drugs and obviously, I can’t tan,” I said with a big smile on my face.
“It’s working,” John said while flashing me a big smile, then he handed me my billing statement and payment copies.
I thanked him and after wishing John a great evening, I stood up and walked past all the people in the waiting room. I pushed the door open with my elbow (because the door handle was definitely teeming with germy critters) feeling quite happy that the wrinkles and germs are still being held at bay.
It was definitely a good day.
A good day indeed! But I’ve also told you how young you look. Clearly you’re doing something right! 😀
Thank you, Skip. It was just different with the guy right there “in my face” LOL
*mwah
That’s hysterical. I flush the toilets with my foot, open doors with my wrist or side of hand, and don’t read the magazines, most especially at the doctor’s office. I am not Howie Mandel, but sometimes I feel like I am getting there.
Sue,
Why take chances? Besides, you don’t want your feet and wrists to feel neglected! 😉
Wow, that was a thrilling story if I ever read one! You escaped from letting the germs crawl all over you by not touching the door handle, but instead you pushed open the door with your elbow. Good job! 🙂
I have to concur with John, the male receptionist in the doctor’s office. You definitely do not look your age. In reality you look young enough to be Alyssa’s sister, but we all know that you are really Alyssa’s mother and Bella’s Granny – and I do not know what your relationship is to Turtle, but we all know that you feed Turtle, clean out Turtle’s tank, and entertain Turtle by dancing in front of Turtle’s tank – so I guess that makes you, (ohhh, I can’t bear to say the words) – Turtle’s mother – or maybe I should have said caretaker! 🙂
If you go to this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illegitimi_non_carborundum you will find the words, “Illegitimi non carborundum” which is a mock-Latin aphorism meaning “Don’t let the bastards grind you down.” However, in the case of your story today, you did not let the germs grind you down! 🙂
Joan,
As you can tell, I’m doing my best to keep the germs away!!!
I have become Granny to all critters. LOL
By the way, you are sooooooo silly!
Silly?!!! Redhead Riter, do you really think I’m silly? Well, I think you should let your readers decide if I am silly or not? I’m going to ask Skip_D, (a steady commenter on your blog), if he thinks I’m silly.
By the way, I’ve noticed that Skip_D has started writing his own blog. I’ve been reading it, but I haven’t commented on it yet, because the man is an intellectual genius and I don’t want to say something silly when I comment on his blog. He speaks several languages and I don’t want him to cuss me out in a language that I don’t understand! I also think he’s an incredible writer, but you already know how talented he is because you have been commenting on his blog.
But getting back to me being silly. I’ll tell you what the real problem is, Redhead Riter, I just don’t think that you appreciate my wit. What you call silly, I call humor! What do you think of that?
And I also don’t think you appreciate the hours of creative thinking that I spend writing my comments to you. It takes longer for me to write a comment to you, then it takes you to write an entire post! (I can hear you laughing because you know that is true.) 🙂
But I’m going to tell you this in front of all your readers. It you do not stop calling me “silly” or “a nut” which you also do, I am going to stop commenting on your posts, and I’m going to mosey on over to Skip_D’s blog and comment exclusively there! How do you like them beans, Redhead Riter? And I’m telling you, you’re going to miss my smiley face 🙂 when I’m gone!
Joan,
To quote one of my favorite speakers…
“Most of us would be upset if we were accused of being “silly.” But the word “silly” comes from the old English word ‘selig,’ and its literal definition is “to be blessed, happy, healthy and prosperous.”
– Zig Ziglar
LOL! LOL! LOL! Redhead Riter, do you mean that you were complimenting me and I didn’t even know it? Well, aren’t I the silly one! LOL! LOL! LOL!
Now, Redhead Riter, you can explain why you call me “a nut!” What does your favorite speaker Zig Ziglar have to say about that?
🙂
“Today’s mighty oak is just yesterday’s nut that held its ground”
OMG!!! I am feeling better by the moment. You are so full of compliments, Redhead Riter! I apologize for not thinking that you appreciated me! 🙂
Joan,
I’m glad you finally understand.
(rolling my eyes)
LOL
Joan – I should be blushing furiously at your effusive praise… but after all, you’re a silly nut, so I’m just smiling broadly 😀
LMBO SKIP!!!!!!