Saturday, March 16, 2013

“The Doctor will see you shortly…”


…and, of course he will; but, in the meantime you get stuck in the waiting room !
                                    
                                     
Not the healthiest or happiest place in town but it can be an amusing place too, as it was for me recently.

I had a routine appointment and was waiting for my name to be called. There were about 12 of us there and I remember being thankful that no one was on their cell phone. I don’t know about you but I can’t stand listening to those one-sided conversations that, inevitably, reveal more than I want to hear.

All of a sudden a loud noise penetrated the air. It sounded just like an old time train whistle and most of us nearly jumped out of our skins, not to mention our chairs, until we realized it was the ring tone on someone’s cell phone. When it was apparent that we were not going to be run over by a locomotive we broke into nervous giggles and I thought we would settle back into our sedate and quiet group.

WRONG !! That cell phone ring broke the ice and not only did we hear all about the answerer’s innermost problems but it seemed that the flood gates were open for everyone else. By the time my name was called I could tell you the medical, financial and marital problems of just about everyone in the room !


12 Comments:

Blogger Anvilcloud said...

It's kind of intrusive, but I get it worked out in this case. Our family doctor never makes us wait, but some specialists that I have seen are another thing entirely.

7:17 AM  
Blogger ellen said...

Whew! Way to break the ice, that's for sure.
I am not fond of the invasive public use of cell phones either.

8:39 AM  
Blogger Bonnie Jacobs said...

Hi Ginnie. You commented on my cat post, about cats speaking Greek, but did you also notice my Friday post about technology?

http://bonniesbooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/friday-five-technology.html

I'm happy to see you used your "hidden" cell phone camera. You know that's the kind of thing I'd do. Remember my photo inside the ambulance?

http://bonniesbooks.blogspot.com/2012/12/left-handed-report-on-my-life.html

I think we are kindred spirits.

8:54 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I too hate one-sided phone conversations, and being Mrs Grumpy have warned several people to cease and desist, which they often do (or walk out of my hearing while they talk).

Usually, I play games on my Kindle while I sit in the waiting room. No one minds this. If I bring my crochet project with me, it is sure to rouse someone's interest...almost always a woman.

Nice post about a Jerry Seinfield moment. Dianne


12:30 PM  
Blogger kenju said...

I hate being forced to listen to other's conversations. My ring tone sounds like the call to hounds and every time it rings, Jim says
"Tally ho!!"

5:17 PM  
Blogger Arkansas Patti said...

Ha,ha, all it takes is a common enemy to unite strangers.
I always schedule my visits for the first appointment in the AM or right after lunch. Gets you in quicker.

5:18 PM  
Blogger Beatrice P. Boyd said...

It always amazes me how many people can't seem to go anywhere without a cell phone in hand.

4:40 AM  
Blogger Syd said...

LOL, Ginnie. I too find it totally embarrassing when people carry on loud conversations on their phone.

8:05 AM  
Blogger NCmountainwoman said...

Is that food and a cooler in the middle of the floor?

11:06 AM  
Blogger troutbirder said...

Thanks you very much. No thanks!!!! And why do they have to talk so loud?

4:49 AM  
Blogger Tossing Pebbles in the Stream said...

Very funny. How times have changed.
I have a a phone experience not long ago. I am not familiar with all the latest devices. I was on a subway train watching a young woman (at my age anyone under 50) apparently talking to herself. You always see strange and interesting people in the city. I then realized she had a head set on her ear (is that a blue tooth device?) You could hardly see it and she appeared to be carrying on a lively discussion with herself into her lapel. It was fascinating and I could hardly resist saying something to her like, " there was a time when men in white coats would come and take you away for talking to yourself in public!" I resisted.

8:46 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You probably had most of their ailments as well Ginnie. :-)

7:32 AM  

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