February 14, 2011

• Snippets

  Snippets:  what you write when you don't have enough words for a complete entry.

  1.  I was rushing through the lobby of the hospital to meet up with my dad.  My brother had driven him to the hospital for one of his appointments.  I had planned to meet him at the door.  On most days, he can make it in safely but his balance (even with a cane) can sometimes be a bit awkward.  It's easier and safer when my brother drives him and I wait for him by the door.  As I was walking past the blood clinic, I noticed it was overflowing with patients - most of them with cancer.  The crowd had spilled out to the hallway.  I quickly spot someone who didn't fit in the crowd.  It was a boy, probably around 14, maybe Chinese.  He had a tense and worried face.  He kept scanning the waiting room as if he was looking for someone.  I wanted to see if he was ok but I had to meet up with my dad.  At that age, he shouldn't be worried about friends or family being ill.  He's going to grow up fast... too fast. 

  2.  The cold wind was steady and relentless.   I thought I was ready for the cold wind.  I was dressed in layers, with fleece, goretex shell, a hat, scarf & gloves.  I thought my pants were thick enough but the wind quickly seized the upper hand.  I quickened my pace hoping that would warm up my legs.  But that didn't work.  The cold air had a tight grip on my crotch and won't let go.  I finally got to the streetcar stop.  There was about 10 people there already.  I was hoping that it meant the next car would be by soon.  But I was too optimistic.  The cold wind continued to blow through me while I waited.  As if that wasn't bad enough, I noticed someone standing behind me was using me as a wind barrier.  Was it a reminder for me to get back to the gym.  I was too cold to care. 

  3.  I wish my legs were a couple of inches longer.  A lot of my casual pants have frayed cuffs.  It's too expensive to get them altered so I just fold them up a bit.  But that only delays the inevitable.  Once the fabric starts to fray, the washing machine and dryer seem to claw at the fabric.  It doesn't take long before all my pants are like that.  I search through my closet to find some newer pants.  I grab a clean black cotton pants.  Odd... I wonder if there was something wrong with it.  Yep, this is the one with the zipper that unzips itself.  I find another one.  I did a check and found a hole in the crotch.  If only sweat pants were acceptable work attire. 

  4.  I don't understand why hospitals have incredibly bad waiting times.  Dad's appointments are never on time.  One doctor is usually 2 hours late.  We waited once for almost 3 hours.  Tests and treatments are the same.  We show up at the appointed times and are simply told to wait.  In one area, they give you a pager just like the ones you get in a restaurant.  But in other areas, the receptionist mumbles your name while sitting behind a thick glass wall.  She'll look around and wonder why no one is responding.  One of these days, I'm going to go berserk and just lose it.  But for now, I just bite my tongue and try to calm my dad down.  

   

  • 1:35 AM
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