Friday, August 10, 2012

Thursday's Child has Far to Go

I keep thinking I'll get back here. As you can see, I am almost finished with the Owl Winder Pocket, which most certainly is not what I said I'd be working on, but here's what happened. Last week I felt like crap. On Thursday I finally went to the hospital. (I'm fine. I had another test today but I'm pretty sure all's well.) Anyway, I went in at nineish and by 11:30 I had seen an intake nurse, two physician's assistants, and a doctor. But they wanted me to see a specialist before they'd let me go. Unfortunately, the one they had was very busy and the other guy wouldn't be in until 2:00. I settled in for some stitching.

But I had forgotten my cheaters. There was no way I was stitching on 35-count without magnification. Fortunately I had this project--on 28-count--in the bag, and coupled with my regular glasses, I was able to see enough to stitch, so that is how I filled in the three and a half hours until the specialist checked in with me. Oh, seriously, you thought he was going to arrive at the hospital and see me first? I waited another 50 minutes for him. Anyway, people kept coming into the room--nurses, the PAs, the guy who brought me lunch--and telling me I could watch tv. Seriously, have they never watched daytime television? (I did finally cave and watched a mini-marathon of Pawn Stars.)

The lunch dude was totally fascinated with the stitching. Seriously he came back and asked me more questions about it. It was adorable. Plus which the "scoop of tuna" with a cup of fruit was actually pretty good. Also, he loaded me up with fluids. Of all the doctors, nurses, and physicians assistants I saw that day, I think I spent the most time with him. I guess lunch is pretty serious business.

Around 2:10, no, at exactly 2:10 the nurse came in and thanked me for being so patient. Interestingly, this may be the first time I've been complimented on being patient that didn't involve the stitching. ("Oh I could never do that, I don't have the patience.") And then I wondered just how much do people complain? I mean, I could have left. But that would have defeated the purpose of going. They told me right up front the guy wouldn't be in until two; I couldn't make him get there faster by complaining. And once we established that I wasn't in crisis, I wasn't really the guy's top priority. I can understand that. Was it a pretty bad way to spend the day? Actually, I stitched all day and watched some tv and people brought me food. It wasn't that bad. Although, I won't lie to you...my ass went numb and I couldn't get out of the bed without help. And then I had to pee behind a curtain. The most important thing was that I didn't die, and it doesn't look like I will any time soon. Big picture, people.

I don't have that much more to go, but there are quite a number of color changes. So I guess I'm saying, don't hold your breath.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

big picture, girl. big picture.

Anonymous said...

(great stitching, good news btw)

Catherine said...

Glad you are okay!, although I admit to giggling at numb-butt and peeing behind the curtain!

Beth said...

Go with the flow - that's the way to deal with a day like you had. Glad you are okay.

Daffycat said...

I'm so glad you didn't die =)

It sucks spending time in hospital though, no matter what you are there for! Good thing we Stitcher's come prepared. Mostly anyway. You should add an extra pair of cheaters to stay in your stitching bag!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

Way to make lemon-aide! Glad you're well - or getting well!

Margaret said...

Hope you are feeling better soon. Here was I imaginging you must be away on a romantic holiday!

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

Glad to hear you're ok! I don't mind waiting if I know how long it's going to be. It's when they won't tell you it annoys me.

Needle Nicely said...

I've been thinking about your post for 1 1/2 days--thinking about different things.

Worry about your health and glad that you're okay. And hope that this was just a blip.

And on the other hand, it makes me think about our society. How few people have something to read or stitch when they find themselves in situations where you must docilely wait for attention. They sit there stoically staring into space. How utterly boring. I find myself wanting to slap their faces and say, wake up, bring a newspaper, bring a crossword puzzle, bring a electronic book. Do something!

As an older American (I couldn't remember the word for 60-somethinger), I'm concerned by the apathy and unconcern for use of time among many people. And I don't thing electronically connected young people are in any better condition.

Sorry for the tirade--I repeat, glad you're going to be well and always enjoy hearing about your life.

Coral said...

I'm glad you are okay. (Peeing behind a curtain? What next? Don't they have bathrooms)?

I said to my Dr once ab waiting that it was no problem; I'd stitch. She said she wished more people thought like that, they just complain ab waiting. I bet those are the people who don't have time to stitch - giggle! So I agree with Needle Nicely on that.

I hope you are totally well now. And what a compliment, a patient patient! Hmm, you could stitch that on a pin cushion.

Sherry :o) said...

Here's hoping you are completely recovered! Love the stitching! What is "Independent Mind" listed on your goals?

Adrienne Martini said...

Glad you're feeling better. And, yeah, I can't wrap my head around the people who just sit there and stare into space while waiting. Perhaps they simply lead far richer inner lives than we could ever imagine.

Or, you know, not.

Robin said...

So glad you are aok. You are so right....you grousing would not make the dr. see you any faster. I wish more people would just relax and go with the flow.

Unknown said...

Whenever I go to the doctor's, I try to have stitching or a book with me to pass the time, because I know I'll have to wait. Glad you were able to make good progress. Hope you're feeling better.