It goes in my "I don't get it!!!" file and a little something for my Aunt Jo

Today was just not my day. I think with the weather changing once again, people getting sick around me, and the busyness of our schedules...well my family is just plum tired. A few of us had some meltdowns last night as a result. I won't name names, but one hot mama (wink) and her little man, weren't having a good night. However, after a good night's sleep and a few tests under our belt, we were all much happier campers today...


Well, at least I thought I was until 1:00p.m.


What happened at 1:00p.m., you ask?


Thanks for asking, friend! Let me just tell you...


I work at a childcare facility, which means I have to have the dreaded TB test done every year. No big deal, right? Well, for me it was a big deal. You see, I HATE NEEDLES! My family can testify, I was the kid that screamed and gave a merry chase around the room, every time the needles came out. I have gotten better through the years, with the help of a few pregnancies and motherhood, but I still dread them with a passion. Anyway, I thought I was Mrs. Big Britches, because I went and had the test on Tuesday and it went so smooth, I even forgot to tell my hubby I had it done. I know Mom and Dad, you are so proud. I didn't cry, run or pass out... I may finally be growing up!!!


Move forward to today. Like with any TB test, you know you have to go back in a few days to have it read. I was told that I was suppose to come between 1:00 -1:30 p.m. I was running a little behind, for I wasn't able to leave work at 1:00, but I made it and signed in on the sheet at 1:15 p.m.


Let me repeat that... 1:15 p.m.


In case you didn't read that right, I will type it one more time... 1:15 p.m.


What time was I told to be there, again? Between 1:00 and 1:30, I was still good, or so I thought. You see, I'm a people watcher, so I pretty much could tell you who came in, who went back, who left, what they were wearing and how many kids they had. So, after I had been sitting for about 15 minutes and they call the girl that came in after me, back... I started to squirm a little. (I HATE that, when it happens.) When I had been there about 30 minutes and they called back another girl, again who came after me, I felt a little agitated. (Hello! Anybody remember, I'm still here? Little TB reading. Takes five minutes tops!) I did something I don't usually do... I went up to the desk and asked "how long?" (My sister would be so proud of me!)


Of course I was nice. (The woman behind the desk looked a little frazzled. I'm not a meany!)But you have to understand, I left work to go. I was losing time on the job, maybe money too. I had been sitting there for a while and...


The nurse only had to look at my arm and check a box. (I sat back down.)


40 minutes later, and another person back, I'm HOT. I could feel my skin blotching in irritation. I don't lose it often. I usually am a pretty patient person. But today, as I mumbled a prayer for sanity under my breath, I once more trudged up to the counter and politely explained my situation.


I was told that I didn't have an appointment. (HUH???)

I was told that the TB readings were between 1:00 and 1:30. (WHAT???)

I was told that there was only ONE nurse and I would have to wait my turn. (Lord, help me!)


And with the good Lord's help I politely said:


Excuse me, but I signed in at 1:15. (I wanted to say I signed in before the skinny blond in the purple jacket and the cute black girl with the gold shoes, but I held my tongue.)


Excuse me, but I was told to come back today between 1:00 - 1:30. (Isn't that sorta like an appointment. Besides they don't make appointments for the TB tests...)


Excuse me, I'm only here for a TB reading that takes less than 5 minutes.


Excuse me, but I have been WAITING FOR ALMOST AN HOUR!!!


They realized they had messed up. They realized they were in the wrong. They realized I had a valid complaint...I could see the panic in their eyes, yet there was nothing they could do. The nurse was back with a patient, and as I was already told... "WE ONLY HAVE ONE NURSE WORKING TODAY!"


One of the ladies asked me when I got off work and told me to come back at 4:00. It was the best she could do, unless I had time to wait for another 20 -40 minutes.


There were no apologies. I left frustrated at the human race in general and the "I don't care!" attitude many people seem to be carrying around these days. I guess what frustrated me the most, is that there was time for five "office" people to stand around and gab, probably why they had problems telling the times on the sign in sheets and there seems to be only one nurse, who everyone there needs to see, working. Something wrong with that picture. Maybe the Health Dept. need less office people and more , let's say...NURSES!!! OR at least someone who can read a TB test, in less than an hours time!!!

AND I WAS NOT GOING TO RETAKE THE TEST (ANOTHER NEEDLE) NEXT WEEK, BECAUSE SOMEONE REFUSED TO READ IT TODAY!


I went back at 4:00.


It took 3 minutes. I know, because I timed it. (Eight if you count the five minutes I waited to go back.)


Let me repeat that for you... 3 MINUTES!!!


So Mich, how did you spend your day today? Well friend, I spent a portion of it at the Health Dept., in the waiting room. I could tell you which girls in town are after birth control, moms that need WIC and babies in need of a good immunization or two. All ages, all races, all economic backgrounds. We were all there, spending our afternoon "waiting." I spent a total of an hour and 18 minutes.

FOR A 3 MINUTE READING!!!


I EVEN SAID THANK YOU TO THE LADY AT THE DESK WHO HELPED ME OUT BIG TIME BY "WORKING ME IN" AT 4:00! Yep, I can be nice like that. :)



Of course I came straight home and blogged about it! So,who really had the last laugh??? :)



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On another note, just because I was in need of a good laugh today, I have another little photo for your viewing enjoyment. On my last post, I posted my pictures from high school and college. It was too much fun, looking back and remembering. Your comments were all so sweet. I wish every one of you was riding on my shoulder through school, I could have used all the encouragement and compliments back then. And to all of you, who said you wore glasses, I do too. I've had them since third grade. I am practically blind. I just either took the glasses off for the picture or I had contacts in.

Anyway, my Aunt Jo, that is Jim-Dad's sister for those, who know him, left me a comment about a certain set of glamour shots my sister and I took once upon a day. Well, sis, it is your lucky day, for I couldn't find them...or yours anyway. I am not so lucky, for my daughter has a copy of mine in her bedroom. (Who knows why? She says she just likes it. I think this particular copy belonged to her dad, the one that he carried in his wallet for a while. You will notice a little wear and tear.) So, I decided to bite the bullet and share a good laugh with my friends today. Talk about the hair...


So here it is, the result of my hour of glamour. Don't laugh too hard! :)







Oh, and if you would like to see my sis (The Rascal Raiser) all made up, leave her a shout out and she may just be willing to find her glamorous pose to post. (In the mean time I will be looking for my copy. :) )


Blessings and prayers, my friends. Let us do the HAPPY DANCE, for tomorrow is indeed FRIDAY!!! Can I get a BIG "AMEN?!"