Sunday 22 September 2013

All Our Receptionists Are Currently Engaged.

Ten days ago, I went for my annual every three months or so, give or take a week, check-up with the urologist.  This is always loads of fun because I check in at a kiosk machine and get issued a ticket.  From there I take the ticket which indicates to proceed to the Outpatients Clinic 1.  I then watch the monitor to wait for my number to show up.  It feels like an airport departures lounge.

"Patient 2407, please report to subwait 3",  the voice states from the monitor.  Now I wait for the urologist to come and get me.  Ten minutes later and for the first time ever, I actually get to see the urologist whose name is on the letter from the hospital.

We have a nice little chat and he asks me, "Where does your accent come from?"  To which I reply, "It starts out from my larynx, works up through my throat and comes out my mouth.  Okay, seriously, it's a Canadian accent."  He then made mention of a certain Canadian chap now being Governor of the Bank of England.  I decided to curtail any further musings, such as, how Mark Carney, the Canadian in question, would be sorting out the economy by having thousands of Tim Hortons restaurants open up in the UK.  The main thing is that my overall condition has improved.

He hands me a prescription for some antibiotics.  This I take to my health centre.  He also gave me a green form that I'd never received before.  I forgot to ask him what the green form was for.  For all I know, maybe he told me what the green form was for. I just wanted to get the heck out and the heck home.  Once home, I noticed it was to arrange an appointment at reception.  For some baffling reason, I thought it was the reception and my health centre.  So, I handed it into the receptionist at the health centre.

That was on Friday, September 13.  On Monday, September 16, I checked a message on my answer machine.  It was from the health centre and it was about the green form.  I went to the health centre on the Tuesday and realised that I was supposed to hand in the green form to the receptionist at the hospital.  While at the health centre, I asked about my antibiotics prescription.  It wasn't ready.

On Friday, September 20, I phoned the health centre to see if my antibiotics prescription was ready.  *Ring ring*  "All our receptionists are currently engaged...please hold the line....there are two calls ahead of you..." So I'm thinking, do I really need to know about the status of the receptionists' personal lives?  Are they going to stay engaged?  Are they truly happy?  Will they get married?  Anyway, I'm pleased to report I have my antibiotics.  As for taking that green form back to the hospital.  Guess I'd better get going.

108 comments:

  1. Hospitals are such fun places. I cannot understand why you were in a hurry to leave. In reality I am impressed that you are going back. And very happy that your condition is improving. Long may it continue.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sue,

      Hospitals are a laugh a second. I like the hospital I go to. Can't wait to make a return visit just so the staff can give me my usual celebrity attention. Thank you for your kind thoughts, Sue.

      In kindness,

      Gary

      Delete
  2. Improvement is good!
    You didn't get a pink form did you? That would be bad...

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    Replies
    1. Hi Alex,

      Having a pulse is good! Thank you for that and all the best with your book tour.

      I had a pink slip, once. No, not that kind! I had a pink slip once when I got laid-off at a job in Canada.

      In kindness,

      Gary

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  3. Good to hear! As far as the green form goes, you could probably mail it and it would get there sooner...maybe.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Static,

      Thank you, kind dude. I could probably send the green form in, but I have friends who live near the hospital. I shall go visit them and make it a hopefully pleasant day out. Thanks for the suggestion.

      Be well,

      Gary

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  4. So glad you are feeling better. At least they weren't all out on their honeymoon! LOL

    I called to make an appointment and had to listen to 'dial 1 for the ..... office' dial 2 for the .... office' 'dial 3 for the ..... office' dial 4 for the .... office' dial 5 for the ..... office' 'dial 6 for the .... office' 'dial 7 for the .... office 'dial 8 for the appointments desk' this is the one I wanted so I hit 8 - then it's 'dial' 1 for doctors ..... and .... 'dial 2 for doctors ... and ...' etc. I hit the wrong button and had to start over - So instead of listening to the entire list again I tried to 'hit 8' right away. They wouldn't let me hit 8 until I listened to the entire list again.
    Isn't modern technology wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Yolanda,

      Thank you and the time it sometimes get through on the phone, you'd almost think they were on their honeymoon :)

      Oh good grief! Doesn't your appointment situation sound all too familiar. I remember dial phones. That was easier. Hello operator! :)

      Hope all is well with you, dear lady.

      With good wishes,

      Gary

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  5. Hospitals do love their forms--I would give your doctor a form next time--don't tell him what it's for, just make him wonder:)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Samantha,

      Hospitals love to give you forms in regards to forms :) I shall give my doctor a form to fill in that will completely baffle him.

      Have a good Sunday.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  6. I can see why you had to explain to your Urologist where your accent came from. His studies are from the bottom half, not the upper.

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  7. Are any of them engaged to Mark Carney? Cuz he's making a shitload of money as Governor of the B of E . . . . Oh rats, he's already married. The girls are out of luck.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Debra,

      Oh yeah, he's making a shitload of money over in the UK. Perhaps you could persuade him to get divorced, fall madly in love with you and give your good self loads of British money.

      Have a good Sunday.

      Gary

      Delete
  8. Okay, I see that you can be a bit of a brat! I think being a smart-alec to someone who has control over something so sensitive is very ballsy of you.

    Funny man, hope you're getting better. And hope that the green form is not something mandating you to return to Canada (you know, as in the opposite of a Green Card.) Writer’s Mark

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    Replies
    1. Hey Nancy,

      Me, a brat? Well, it be true I do have a lot of fun with folks. Besides, it takes the edge off, so to speak, the anxiety I can feel in such situations.

      I'm getting better, thank you. My jokes are getting sicker :) The green form seems to be to make an appointment with a nurse. Although, you never know, Canada needs me!

      Have a peaceful Sunday, eh.

      Gary

      Delete
  9. Where you live, and healthcare being what it is, can you switch doctors if you don't like the one you've got, or are you stuck in the revolving door?

    I was notified in the mail this morning that my insurance will no longer cover my oncologist, or ANY oncologist in the state of Florida. Now THAT is a doctor you can't pay for yourself!

    Obama's way of cleansing the herd? Only the strong survive? Next stop Auschwitz? Do you have room at your place for a guest with an undetermined length of stay?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi lotta joy,

      I can choose any doctor I wish within the practice where I go to. Actually, I sometimes phone up and request a different doctor when I feel like discussing different situations. My doctor is very good. Our Universal healthcare, mostly, is excellent.

      We don't worry about having the right kind of insurance in the UK. The NHS, National Health Service, is free from the point of use.

      I thought with your present system, only those who can afford healthcare or have it through their work, survive. Come on over and experience Universal healthcare.

      Wishing you a hopeful Sunday.

      Gary

      Delete
    2. If you can afford "healthcare" insurance, they call the shots (no pun). They are a profit institution and will take your premiums but set limits on what they will cover.

      If you're a politician, or on welfare, the government takes care of you and your needs.

      Delete
    3. Hi lotta joy,

      Affording healthcare, thankfully, doesn't come into the equation here, as of yet.

      If you are on welfare equivalent in Britain, you don't have to line-up outside a clinic thirty miles from where you live on the hope you might actually get seen. As for politicians, same story everywhere.

      Gary

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  10. How far away is the hospital? Might be more worth it to mail it like someone said above. Blech on the visit. Sounds like you got out fairly quickly, as these things go? Good wishes for continued improvement.

    Shannon at The Warrior Muse

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    Replies
    1. Hi Shannon,

      The hospital is a round-trip drive of 24 miles. I don't mind going back into the hospital. Will give me an excuse to go visit a couple of my adoring fans who live near the hospital. I had a bit of a wait to see the urologist. However, once in, the appointment was for about ten minutes. Thank you for your good wishes, Shannon.

      A lovely Sunday to you.

      Gary

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  11. Ahh the world is run by forms dear Gary! So pleased your health has improved.

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    1. Hi Suzanne,

      Indeed, although this was a green mystery form I'd never had before. Oh well, at least I don't have to fill in anything on it. Thank you for your kind words, Suzanne.

      Have a good Sunday.

      Gary

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  12. I've never heard of checking into a hospital at a kiosk. One day, we won't have to talk to anyone at all will we? Glad you're improving!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Annalisa,

      At the main entrance of the hospital, there are several check-in kiosks. You press start on the screen, answer a few questions and you get a ticket. I think that soon a robot will give us a slip of paper and that will be it. Thank you for your kind thoughts, Annalisa.

      Gary

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  13. Replies
    1. Hi Melissa,

      For sure and this time my number came up as, "2407" :)

      Have a good Sunday.

      Gary

      Delete
  14. Well, if our health systems are to be dystopic (and it ain't much better where I live), I guess that Metropolis is better than Lord of the Flies. I like kiosks in hospitals, and self-check-outs at supermarkets (never thought I'd miss Tesco but there you go) and airports. I don't like people because people are mean (please see the Lord of the Flies reference again). Did you also drive there? :)

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    1. Hi Chris,

      Sometimes I think the healthcare system is just an imaginary concept. I believe that it's now computers diagnosing us and blaming errors on humans. Yes, technology doesn't jump ahead of me in the queue, or line-up. Technology doesn't tailgate me. Tesco is somewhere I hardly ever shop. Morrisons is where I mostly shop these days. Yes, I drove there. Remembering which side of the road to drive on is very good.

      Wishing you a peaceful Sunday, Chris.

      Gary

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  15. I'm not happy about my state of california going managed health care. I see so many other countries like your's with too long waiting lines for a simple diagnosis of "take two asprin and call me in two weeks if not better."

    ......dhole

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    Replies
    1. Hi Donna,

      Generally speaking, I consider our Universal healthcare system in the UK to be excellent. My doctor takes the time to go over a simple diagnosis. It's most unusual to have an appointment in my health centre to run more than ten minutes late. In fact, there have been times where I got to see the doctor earlier than my scheduled time.

      Have a lovely Sunday, Donna.

      Gary

      Delete
  16. That's funny!!! Glad you got a clean bill of health. The medical system seems to be broken worldwide. Were you kidding about the Tim Hortons or is he really thinking of bringing them to the UK? They didn't do very well in the USA, the few places that opened I believe are now closed. They couldn't compete with Dunkin Donuts.

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    Replies
    1. Hi JoJo,

      Thank you for your well wishes. The British medical system is not broken, yet. Our awful British government is doing its best to destroy it with cuts to essential services. I was kidding about Tim Hortons, but you never know. I think there is a Tim Hortons open in London. Shame Tim Hortons hasn't done well in the States. Best coffee and doughnuts I've ever had.

      Happy Sunday to you.

      Gary

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  17. Forms, forms, forms. I prefer everything electronic.

    Ugh, doctors' offices. I make sure to bring reading material.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Medeia,

      It's almost to the point where it seems like I'm having electronic appointments. Forms are a nightmare.

      Mostly, my wait at the doctor's office is not too long. At the hospital it can be a different matter.

      Have a nice Sunday, Medeia.

      Gary

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  18. Congratulations to all those 'engaged' receptionists and to you as well for showing improvement yet again.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Delores,

      Yes indeed and I might get invited to their potential weddings. Thank you for your kind thoughts.

      Wishing you a good Sunday, eh.

      Gary

      Delete
  19. Congrats on the improvement - wonderful news! Your healthcare sounds about as efficient as ours...which is NOT. Sigh. Stupid forms, hoops to jump through, no real care for the patient, endless waiting. When I need to reach my gastroenterologist, I first have to be on hold with general reception, at which point I tell them I need the gastro-nurse, whom you have to go through to communicate with the doctor. I'm then on hold a minimum of 15 minutes. THEN I get to speak to the nurse, who says she'll talk to the doctor, and call me back. I get the call-back the next day. And the answer is, "Wait. The new medicine should start working soon." Yeah, that was worth the wait. Sigh.
    Tina @ Life is Good

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    Replies
    1. Hi Tina,

      Thank you very much for that, dear friend. I do mostly consider our healthcare system quite efficient. I just got a bit thrown off by getting a form that I wasn't expecting. My other hospital visits have been a coordinated affair and tied in nicely with seeing the nurse at my health centre.

      What a load of bureaucratic crap you endured. Farcical and total uncalled for. If you didn't have a sense of humour...yikes!

      Have a peaceful Sunday, Tina.

      Gary

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  20. Those hospitals can be a little crazy at times Gary. Green form, pink form, blue form, who knows what they all mean. I bet you any money that they colour the forms for fun to make us feel like they're done something and it really doesn't mean anything special at all.

    The next time you go to the hospital or see a doctor, hand him your own home made black form, and see what they say :)

    Enjoy the rest of your weekend mate, and glad things are working out for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Rum-Punch Drunk,

      All the different and sometimes colourful forms. The green form which I was supposed to hand in at the clinic's reception at the hospital, is something I'd never been handed before. Just a bit of a mix up and actually, I should of paid more attention.

      I'm certainly considering handing them a black form to fill in when I take back the green form :)

      Thank your for your thoughtful words, my friend. A good Sunday to you.

      Gary

      Delete
  21. Good thing he didn't ask you to play hockey!
    Then, you would have every right to dump a bottle of maple syrup on his head.
    Or hit him with a moose, eh?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Al,

      How's it goin', eh, you hoser? As part of the new Britain, Mark Carney is issuing everybody with a Vancouver Canucks toque.

      If maple syrup wasn't so expensive over here, I might consider pouring some on his head. Maybe slap him with a beaver. And no innuendoes....

      Take care, eh!

      Gary

      Delete
    2. I thought innuendos were Italian suppositories.
      Well, whaddya know?

      Delete
    3. Aha, there you are.

      Yep and a just like a "bigamist" is an Italian fog. How'd you like dem apples?

      Delete
  22. Improved is great, hopefully it continues to be your fate. Green forms you say, maybe he thought you were a ninja turtle at your bay?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Pat,

      That you for that
      Pat Hatt
      Green forms for me
      Leonardo it be

      Have a good day, eh
      That's what I say.

      Gary

      Delete
  23. I'm always leaving with forms and tickets and heaven knows what, when I should be actually taking them somewhere within. I say 'leaving', I'm actually running pell mell for the horizon.
    Good to hear things are on the up down there. So to speak. Ahem :P

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Michelle,

      This was actually a rather different situation for me. I'm usually on top of things, or forms. I do think that running pell mell for the horizon is now becoming a great idea. Things are looking up down there. Thank you and I hope this will be true. My comment has reached the bottom, so to speak :)

      Gary

      Delete
  24. "Where does your accent come from?"

    To which I reply, "It starts out from my larynx, works up through my throat and comes out my mouth."

    HAR!!!!!

    Seriously, the medical system treats patients like livestock... we are herded from location to location to location... zapped with a shot... branded... sent out with way too many fukken forms...

    AUGH!!!

    Seriously, though, I do hope you are better!

    ~shoes~

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    Replies
    1. Hi Mr. Red Shoes,

      You just described and brought back memories of the time I actually worked in a slaughterhouse. Ugh and yuck. Although, I don't recall any forms to fill in.

      I'm apparently doing better, thank you. Hope all is well with you and your red shoes, shoes.

      Gary :)

      Delete
    2. Life is good, my friend... very good!

      I have learned to be Thankful and Grateful for the good things that come my way... :o)

      The shoes are doing great as well!!

      ~shoes~

      Delete
    3. Great stuff and delighted your shoes are doing great. You have sole, man :) Indeed, I agree with you and I'm blessed. Better to live life with realistic positive anticipation, rather than negative speculation.

      Be well,

      Gary

      Delete
  25. So glad you're improving, Gary. I'm a bit shocked by the time it took to fill a simple prescription though. I'm so used to taking prescriptions to our local pharmacy and usually being able to collect them within an hour.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ian,

      Thank you for that good sir. This was a new prescription for an antibiotic that was subscribed by the hospital, but had to be obtained from my health centre. Other than that, I can get a prescription done at the pharmacy, usually within minutes.

      Hope you had a good weekend, Ian.

      Gary

      Delete
  26. I had to contact my electricity suppler the other day, but the automated system said it was quicker to use the automated system as all the staff we busy. I did have the option to hang on and speak to a real person, but was told by the automated system there was a one hour and 10 minutes wait time and I really should use the automated system. I chose the option again to speak to a real person and after less that 10 seconds a real person spoke to me.

    I feel it was a bit of a cunning plan to stop folk talking to real people and seems to work with most folk, but I was being stubborn and now know the automated system lies.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Rob,

      This is an automated comment. If you hang on or don't hang on, we wont know the difference. To get a comment from an actual person rather than a bunch of options that keep you on the line, listening to music you don't want to listen to, press the # key and you might get a comment from an actual person.

      Rob, I so understand. The automated system is evidently engaged and the robots are getting married.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  27. Happy to hear you are better!

    Maybe they are letting you know the receptionists are engaged so you won't flirt with them?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Diane,

      I thank you for that.

      You may have a good point. I've been told that I'm quite the charmer! :)

      Gary




      Delete
  28. Did the doctor say nothing about hospitalization? Gary, here in the states that usually means get thyself to the hospital for some big tests. Don't let this wait.

    Take care. Oh, and in the midst of it, you made me chuckle. Well, maybe it was more of a chortle. Or a snicker. Or a three musketeers.

    M.L. Swift, Writer

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    Replies
    1. Hi Michael,

      No, this is an ongoing treatment program for my medical condition. I had all the tests and it has been a thoroughly efficient procedure.. It has been mentioned in previous posts.

      I'm taking care under our Universal healthcare system. Glad you could have Mars bar :)

      Gary

      Delete
  29. Gary,
    If you must be a number, 2407 isn't bad. :)
    Over here, if you have private insurance you get a quick appointment and plenty of attention. If you have public plans, they wait until you're too far gone to save.
    I'm glad you're better. Don't forget to get some probiotics in with your antibiotics!
    Laura
    x

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    Replies
    1. HI Laura,

      Turns out the number has no bearing on when you go in. I think the number is more of some secret code. I certainly didn't seem 2406 folks ahead of me :)

      Generally speaking, I find the healthcare system in Britain to be very good. Although sometimes a quick appointment can be the luck of the draw.

      Thank you for your kind thoughts, Laura. Your extra advice is duly noted.

      Gary
      x

      Delete
  30. I have often wondered that about telemarketers. What do they think about as they repeat the same lines to disinterested people over and over.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Susan,

      I wondered that myself. The same guy phoned me three times the other day, with the same lines. I used the same lines twice about him already phoning.

      Hope you had a nice weekend, Susan.

      Gary

      Delete
  31. Oh medical systems -- they may help you if they don't kill you with frustration first. And for heaven's sake, turn in your forms, would ya? ;) Glad you're getting what you need to be on the mend.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Julie,

      I almost like our British healthcare system. I have a rather surreal time with it all. The form is in via the postal service aka Yikes! :) Thank you for your good thoughts, Julie.

      Gary

      Delete
  32. Oh, Gary. You made me laugh with this one... next time somebody asks me about my accent, I will remember your answer.
    Good luck with the antibiotic treatment.
    Take care and enjoy the rest of your weekend. Hugs to Penny and Tristan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Julia,

      Oh my and where does your accent come from? Have fun with your response :)

      Thank you and hopefully a two week course of antibiotics will help.

      Hope you and your daughter had a lovely weekend.

      Hugs back atcha'

      Gary :)

      Delete
  33. I hope that you are all better.
    I guess in some places words are interchangeable like engage or busy or even finish or complete etc.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Munir,

      Thank you and there has been a modicum of improvement.

      Indeed and I love to be somewhat pedantic with the use of words. Hope you had a nice weekend, Munir.

      Gary

      Delete
  34. I could never think on my feet like that. I envy you :)) I'm also very glad you're improving. That's ALWAYS a good thing. Hospitals. Shudder!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi The Words Crafter,

      I think my feet do more thinking than I do. Put my best foot forward :) Thanks for your nice words. Hospitals turn into something out of a Carry On film when I show up.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  35. While I am delighted to hear that all the receptionists are in somewhat stable relationships, I am *delighted* to hear you are well/feeling better.

    Top news!

    PS... I, Sir Mazza, am writing this from a Dutch Bus... I'm on my way to Amsterdam airport - and home - but I think it's so awesome that I get free WiFi while on the bus :)

    Wonderful.... anyway, about Amsterdam... it wa-[PLEASE INSERT 25c FOR THREE MORE MINUTES...]

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mark,

      Indeed and evidently there are getting married in a stable. Did I say that? Oops. I'm slowly improving, physically, thank you :)

      I'm assuming you are no longer on a Dutch Bus and are maybe back in Hawaii. I also assume you got a lei upon your return.

      Thank you for making your presence known on mainland Europe.

      Cheers, Sir Mazza!

      Gazza! :)

      Delete
  36. So glad you are feeling better. Sounds like you have to jump through a lot of hoops, though.

    I also wanted to let you know that I dedicated something to you on Thursday post. Hope you like it...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Robin,

      Thank you very much, dear lady. The hoops haven't been too bad, thankfully.

      I'm really sorry I've been unable to get over to your site yet. I thank you for letting me know and I shall be over shortly.

      Hope you had a nice weekend, Robin.

      Gary

      Delete
  37. You waited three days for your antibiotics??
    Here in Aus, we take our prescription to the chemist, go and have a coffee at a cafe, then go back and pick up the medication. Same day. Same hour.
    I like your new header photo, I always wanted to try hang gliding. I probably never will now. I'm a lot more careful with these old bones of mine.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi River,

      Yes, however this is not the normal situation. My doctor had to double-check to make sure the antibiotics were suitable before issuing the prescription. Normally, I get a prescription from the health centre, go across the road to the chemists and it's ready within ten minutes. My other two prescriptions were done like that.

      Thank you for liking my header photo. It was taken near Hope, British Columbia, Canada. Hang gliding would be fun, but I understand your concerns.

      Gary

      Delete
  38. This just is proof of how folks need to read blog posts all the way through "So I'm thinking, do I really need to know about the status of the receptionists' personal lives? Are they going to stay engaged? Are they truly happy? Will they get married? Anyway, I'm pleased to report I have my antibiotics. As for taking that green form back to the hospital. Guess I'd better get going." LOL!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Caren,

      Probably best to skim through my posts! :) In actuality, the healthcare system in Britain has been pretty darned good to me. Yes, I love to be pedantic. The lady receptionist has asked, "Can I have your name?". To which I replied, "Sure thing if you like being called Gary."

      The form is now hopefully been delivered by the postal system.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  39. I wonder what those same hospital personal do when they have to go to the hospital and pick up those all-important forms? Hmm. Do you suppose there's a special place just for hospital workers gone bad, I mean sad. They'd be sick so sad fits better, I suppose. Ha, what do I care as long as my dear Canadian buddy is well and on his way to bigger and better places after he returns the forms to the hospital. I agree with Alex, good it wasn't a pink form. Though, now I have to ask. What's a pink form mean, Alex?

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    Replies
    1. I meant personnel, but the spelling looks wrong, don't you think? Spelling isn't my forte, btw. Meant to say hi to Penny, Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!

      Delete
    2. Hi Joylene,

      I believe the sad, bad hospital workers have a special room that's full of forms that they don't bother filling in. Instead, they fling them in the rubbish bin and enjoy the time off from working in the hospital. They are looked after by the politicians who are trying to destroy the beloved NHS. They end up eating lousy food and have friends sneak in stuff from the Tim Hortons that just opened up.

      I understood what you meant, Joylene. Should I be worried? Nah. I think that the "pink form" is in reference to a lay-off notice or termination of a job notice. Perhaps one of his clones might confirm this :)

      Penny, the now eating Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar, says, hi, eh!

      I hate what they've done to my comment format. Who is responsible for this? Can I sue?

      Take care, eh.

      Gary

      Delete
  40. What's funny is that when I read the post title, I thought the same thing: damn, there are going to be lots of weddings at the same time. Oh, Gary, we think alike. Sorry to inform you of that. Or maybe I'm proud. Damn straight, I'm proud of it.

    Cheers,
    xoRobyn

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    Replies
    1. Hi Robyn,

      Perhaps rather worryingly, we seem to have a similar thinking pattern. A quilt pattern, I reckon. I bet when somebody asks if they can have your phone number, you reply, "Okay, but what number am I supposed to use?"

      All the beast, um best,

      Gary :) x

      Delete
  41. Gary,

    You're sooooooo important to all of us. I'm so very glad that things are going well. And I bet it'd be quite entertaining to live inside your brain. Not very many people would think the things you think. But I think it's (you're) awesome.

    Love the updates. :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Morgan,

      Who is Morgan? LOL Thank you and my situation seems to be improving. Although my last two brain cells might disagree. You are way too nice to me, but hey, no problem with that!

      I shall update my updates and then talk about dates and um 'currant' affairs.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  42. Your ordeal makes my 15 minutes on phone hold today seem like a mere passing second. About that Tim Horton's though. Can we get an outlet opened in my neighborhood?

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lee,

      I survived by ordeal, relatively unscathed. The "Blogger's Information Hotline", was a nightmare, however. I wonder if you got to listen to fifteen minutes of music you hate. Tim Hortons wants to open near you. Perhaps you could cut the ribbon at the opening of the restaurant.

      Cheers, Lee.

      Gary

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  43. Hi Gary - glad things have improved .. though your brain is obviously still up in shown turquoise balloon - love that photo ...

    I sure hope we don't have any more fast food outlets opening .. cheers Hilary

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  44. Hi Hilary,

    Thank you for that, Hilary. Although I'm rather spaced out from all the different medications I've been taking lately. My brain is floating up there above those trees. Glad you like the photo.

    Tim Hortons is a very nice, top quality, food franchise. I'm sure they wont end up here, though.

    Hope you enjoyed your weekend, Hilary.

    Gary

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  45. Love the new cover photo!

    Glad to hear you are feeling better. What an experience. The doctor's office sounds like a test in patience. ;) It may have been a winding road- but I am happy you got your antibiotics. As for the green form- can't they just get another from your doctor?

    All the best!
    ~Jess

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jess,

      Glad you like the latest cover photo. Aptly taken near Hope, British Columbia.

      I'm evidently on the mend, thank you. Things are usually quite coordinated. I think I'm partly to blame for forgetting to hand in the green form at the receptionist's desk at the hospital. I have sent the form back through the post. Hoping that should be okay.

      Take care, Jess.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  46. I was just admiring the cover photo as well - impressive stuff! Nature is awe-inspiring, isn't it? :)

    The mysterious green form - I figure you filled it out before taking it back? hehe

    There's an ad for health insurance (I think) on TV here that is probably on TV in many other places with different dubbed accents, but anyway, it's where a patient goes into a doctors' surgery and all these doctors are waiting around for their name to be called - the patient gets to pick the doctor he wants and all the other doctors have to go back to being seriously bored in the waiting room.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Trisha,

      Thank you and nothing liking getting out there into nature and sensing the wonder :)

      Turns out the green form was already filled in. All I had to do was to take it to the receptionist at the hospital. Not the one at my health clinic. Oops.

      Now that ad is a nice reversal. Not sure if I would have the patience to be a reverse patient. Dr. Gary falls asleep.

      Thank you, Trisha.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  47. Glad that you're doing better Gary! Sorry about all of those silly forms, but you have to do whatever it takes to stay healthy. I also love your cover art! You are very talented Gary!

    Julie

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    Replies
    1. Hi Julie,

      Thank you for your kind words. I'm used to silly forms. The silly form I took home when I wasn't supposed to, is now, hopefully back at the hospital where it should of been. Thanks for liking my cover photo. You are very flattering.

      Gary

      Delete
  48. It's very interesting how different countries' health systems operate. So many in the US are very against "socialized medicine," and it's hard to balance the amount it helps a larger number of people without costing too much (as compared to the US) versus the amount it lowers quality care and increases bureaucracy. Regardless, I hope you feel better soon. And don't forget to congratulate all those engaged receptionists! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lexa,

      In Britain, a lot of folks look on with bewilderment that a lot of Americans don't get what Universal healthcare is. Whatever your financial stature in the UK, healthcare is a right and not a privilege. Those that work here, pay into the healthcare system through what is called National Insurance contributions. Those who are unfortunate are just as entitled to healthcare.

      I'm gradually getting better, thank you. I'm going on honeymoon with all the engaged receptionists! :)

      Gary

      Delete
  49. So hilarious - that "are they truly happy"?

    Glad you got the antibiotics. :-) Hugs, Gary!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Vidya,

      It did make for an engaging situation :)

      Now waiting for the antibiotics to hopefully work. Hugs to you, dear lady.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  50. Don't forget to pick up an engagement gift for the nurse when your pills are ready :D

    Take care!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mark,

      Engagement gift is wrapped. The blue pills....:)

      Thank you, Mark.

      Gary

      Delete
  51. Forms, it wouldn't be called the health care system without them....

    Maybe the problem is in the pill....that's why everyone is getting engaged..... be careful with the "antibiotics" they gave you...you may wake up one morning and find yourself with a ring on your finger too! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hi Elise,

    Indeed and now I shall go and fill out a form in regards to a form I didn't fill out :)

    I'll take your advice on the antibiotics, thank you. Oops, not another ring! HELP! :)

    Gary

    ReplyDelete
  53. Since I can't find where you mentioned the matter again, I can but hope and assume that the antibiotics worked.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Snowbrush,

      Very kind to check. My human, Gary, has stated to me that the two week course of antibiotics doesn't seemed to have worked. This means he will have to go for further tests.

      Thank you.

      Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar.

      Delete

I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.