Monday, February 02, 2009

some people...

So, I had a doctor's appointment last week. It was the during one of our many snowstorms, so I left early to give myself time to get there. I arrived in plenty of time, however, it seems no one else did, and they were stacked up. No biggie - I had knitting, so waiting didn't bother me. It did however bother the guy that arrived behind me. When his appointment time passed, he went to the receptionist and asked when he was going to see the doc. She explained about the delay, due to the snow, and told him there was only one person ahead of him (that would be me.) Now, at this point, my scheduled time has come and gone, so I too was going to be late. He loudly asked the receptionist to tell (TELL!) the person in front of him (me) that he was busy and needed to go first. She sheepishly looked over at me, giving him the opportunity to turn to me and tell (TELL!) me that he needed to go first. I politely looked at him and then the clock, and said "I'm sorry, No. I'm late getting back to work myself." and went back to knitting. He sputtered about his time being valuable, and if people can't make it on time, it's not his fault, and he needs to go before me. I looked at him again and told him I WAS on time for my appointment, and that I was going next. Again, back to knitting. He actually walked over to me and stood in front of me and said "Your time can't be valuable if all you do is KNIT!" and then stood there expecting an answer. I again looked at him and said "Your opinion doesn't mean shit to me, and I'm still going next." Back to knitting, wondering to myself if an orthopaedic surgeon would be able to retrieve a 5mm bamboo dpn from this guy's eye without damage. (to the needle, not the eye). Then I realized that I was on a deadline to get these mittens done, and didn't want to waste time looking for another needle.

Dickhead finally realized I wasn't backing down, and went to the receptionist and demanded another appointment time. He got one in March. I think I actually laughed out loud as he stalked out.

It gets better...

right after he leaves, the nice, quiet older lady sitting next to me takes out her cell phone, calls her friend Mary and proceeds to describe the whole situation to her! "You should have seen it Mary , the girl sittin' here crocheting (I sighed and ignored that part) wouldn't let this guy go first! He was steamed too, and she sat there calm as anything, crocheting away! Mary, you should have been here!" And she looks over at me, grinning ear to ear. After hanging up, she smiles at me and says "crocheting is fine dear, but sewing is so much faster. You should learn to sew - you'd be able to make things so much faster"

I could have explained that I was knitting. I could have explained that I do sew, and each endeavour has it's own function and that they are so very different.

But all I said was "It's too much trouble to carry my sewing machine around with me. That's why I knit."

Then I got called in, got the diagnosis on my knee. (slight tear to the meniscus, my choice for surgery or not). Thanks, no. I'll call you if it gets worse, but if I can avoid cutting, I'll avoid it.

I laughed all the way back to work, answered an email from Lucky and decided to wait and let her read this today. And I thought only Stephanie had experiences like this...

13 comments:

Needles said...

Too much Sandra, too much. I had some doctors appointments over the last few weeks and you know what. Not one single doctor was running late. I don't know what kind of karmic balance that means I have or don't have but dash it all, I could have used the knitting time.

Besides, who ever heard of a doctor being bang on schedule. Harrumph.

Anonymous said...

YOU ARE THE BESTEST, EVER!!!!!!!! What a hoot! I hope Mr. Nasty enjoys his two month wait!!! Oh, you made my day reading this sooooooo much, you have no idea how precious this was to me.

Anonymous said...

I live in Manitoba, sometimes we have a long wait for doctors, I understand if someone is sicker than I am, they need more time with the doctors. I ALWAYS bring my knitting, I carry an emergency knitting bag in my back seat, dishcloth pattern and yarn, you never know when you'll have to wait, even in a carwash or whatever. I have always had a good response to my knitting. It always starts a conversation, even with men, which is a good thing. I have had nothing but good responses with my knitting in public, sorry you had an unpleasant one, you'll have to move to Winterpeg.

Unknown said...

It sure would have been fun to have the receptionest give you the appointment right before asshole for March. Then be sure to be early that day too.
It's so much fun to have fun!

CatBookMom said...

I am going to share this story with all my knitting friends! I was nearly ROFL while reading it. Not only did you have the perfect remark to Mr I-Think-I'm-Important, but your response to the woman next to you was really funny too.

Thanks for the laugh!

katrynka said...

I really admire your aplomb in this situation! I always seem to think of the perfect response.... AFTER the situation is over! It could be only a few minutes later, or a few hours later!

deirdre said...

UN-FREAKING-BELIEVABLE!! You handled it like the pro you are, and I am proud - you be representing knitters everywhere...

and I'll be giggling all afternoon...

Sel and Poivre said...

Its settled - when people ask me why I knit I'm going to start telling them "its too much trouble to carry my sewing machine around with me." What a fabulous line!

Grace said...

love it, needed a laugh right about now!

smariek said...

This was a wonderful read. Love that his next appt is in March!

JustARegularGuy said...

Hey, I am the guy whose time you could not respect! And I'm coming after you HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Kidding. Nothing as fun as putting an a**hole in his place.

knitfriendly said...

This post was sent to me by my friend this morning. This made me laugh out loud at work. I can't believe that guys nerve!! Great job in handling the situation - I am beaming in pride and I don't even know you! :)

Anonymous said...

OMG, I lurrve you! Catbookmom sent me the link and I have been chuckling ever since. Power to the patient (and the patiently waiting).