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Attending a big Research-1 university can make one feel like cattle occasionally. Campus Connector buses are often filled beyond capacity in those minutes just after class lets out. However, when the bus is full, an emptier one is right behind it. Unfortunately, with health care there is no better option to take.
Today, I decided to have this lingering cough checked out, since I still suffer from chills and sweats alternately. The first information person told me to stand in line for the lady at the counter. There are two marked lanes. About six people were standing in the line marked for those who have appointments. The other lane was for those meeting only very particular criteria, like they did not have appointments but need to see someone in a hurry. It looked as though the same people would deal with either kind of situation. The line was taking an excruciatingly long time to move. There appeared to be only one person on duty to handle everyone with an 8:40 appointment.
In strides a middle-aged woman with dyed red hair into the empty lane. No sooner does she park herself then does a voice out of sight call out "Next!" She immediately rushes over to the window, leaving us obedient line-waiters incredulous. I hope they will not be gentle with her next colonoscopy.
Check in is an odd affair. First, you check in at the window where the red-haired lady rushed past the decent folks who obey instructions. Then, you have to walk past the original information lady to the cashier and pay. Then, you walk back over by the line, and down a hall, to a spot where other people are waiting. "This must be it" you think, but you look around in vain for any sign that you are in the right place. Eventually, your name is called and they take care of you. Or not. Sometimes you walk out with a prescription for Tylenol and codeine.
Posted by Underblog at February 2, 2005 8:56 PM
MOOOOO! MOOO!
Ironically, something very similar happened to me at the health clinic. I found myself cursing people who a) can not fill out forms alone and b) that misantrophy is a valid form of reaction to undergraduates.
Posted by: Natalie at February 2, 2005 9:18 PM
why is it always the ladies with dyed red hair that behave badly??
oh, "I hope they will not BE gentle with her next colonoscopy."
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Posted by: heather at February 4, 2005 12:58 AM