Me: Hi, Do you have nail polish remover?
Store salesperson: Yes, madam, what colour?
********
Me in auto, relaxed, listening to music, halfway to my destination.
Driver: Madam, where did you say you wanted to go again?
********
At vague eye clinic, explaining to well-known doctor that the new lens he prescribed is uncomfortable and that my vision was better with my old pair. He rambled on about how light is transmitted, about colours and perception and so on, until he was satisfied my eyes were glazed from more than just the wrong lens. When people ramble in response to a question, asking the question again seems futile, something evasive individuals understand and use to the fullest extent possible.
His final word: There's no need to wear a higher power. The distance in this room meets international standards.
(Did I mention the new lens cost me thousands? And that this is why I wish I could pray to a God that when I am struck down by one of His whims, I will succumb quickly, with no need to meet my end at the hands of an utterly indifferent physician. The only Hippocratic oath this lot takes is what that word sounds like.)
********
Receptionist at same eye clinic, taking down my particulars, name, age, do I have hypertension or diabetes.
Her: How do you spell your last name? T..H..A....ok.
Pause.
Her: How long have you had it?
Pregnant pause.
Me: How long have I had what?
Her: Hypertension.
Me: Oh. Years. (In my head: From the beginning of this conversation.)
Store salesperson: Yes, madam, what colour?
********
Me in auto, relaxed, listening to music, halfway to my destination.
Driver: Madam, where did you say you wanted to go again?
********
At vague eye clinic, explaining to well-known doctor that the new lens he prescribed is uncomfortable and that my vision was better with my old pair. He rambled on about how light is transmitted, about colours and perception and so on, until he was satisfied my eyes were glazed from more than just the wrong lens. When people ramble in response to a question, asking the question again seems futile, something evasive individuals understand and use to the fullest extent possible.
His final word: There's no need to wear a higher power. The distance in this room meets international standards.
(Did I mention the new lens cost me thousands? And that this is why I wish I could pray to a God that when I am struck down by one of His whims, I will succumb quickly, with no need to meet my end at the hands of an utterly indifferent physician. The only Hippocratic oath this lot takes is what that word sounds like.)
********
Receptionist at same eye clinic, taking down my particulars, name, age, do I have hypertension or diabetes.
Her: How do you spell your last name? T..H..A....ok.
Pause.
Her: How long have you had it?
Pregnant pause.
Me: How long have I had what?
Her: Hypertension.
Me: Oh. Years. (In my head: From the beginning of this conversation.)
