Kids these days?

My doctor's office has moved since my last appointment. The swanky new professional building is huge. I arrived early to check in, and asked the receptionist for direction. She told me that the young volunteer seated next to me would escort me to the doctor's office.

The volunteer appeared to be 15 or 16 years old, very pale, with maybe a permanently confused facial expression. I tried to make small talk on our journey, but she wasn't having it.

After navigating a maze of corridors, we took the elevator. I smiled awkwardly, but this volunteer child of the corn, just stared as if to say "You're really kinda creepy, aren't you?"

The elevator doors opened and she stepped out, turning in silence to see if I was following. Again, I offered my "I don't know what the heck is going on," smile. She looked away at the wall. We walked down a long corridor and then she spoke, and pointed at a door. I thanked her, and she quickly walked away without responding.

I reached for the door handle and walked into the room. This wasn't my doctor's office but, rather an employee lounge of some sort. I apologized and I backed out of the room. As I turned from the door, I noticed a reception area. I walked across the hall, and up to the woman sitting there, and confessed that I was lost. She and the woman next to her chuckled as she told me "I would assume so, this is an OB-GYN practice."

Apparently, my doctor's office is at 3-M and not 2-M.

Kids these days...

How to respond to hate?

I was just at Wegmans getting salad fixings for dinner. It's a beautiful sunny 84°F. I was dressed as I often am for these warm days; a button front camp shirt and fitted flat front shorts.

As I reached for a cart, I noticed two very rough looking women in their mid-late twenties. I had never seen them before. Their demeanor, unkempt hair and clothing were odd for this Wegmans location. People don't go to Wegmans looking like crap regardless of socio-economic status, and they looked really bad.

Our eyes met for a split second. The taller and meaner of the two then declared while gesturing towards me "See that! I can't stand that! I hate fucking faggots! I'd slice that motherfucker up in a second."

I didn't respond. I just pretended that it didn't happen. I imagine that if I had said anything at all, I would have been physically attacked. They continued on their way mumbling hate. I entered the store and immediately found Hydroponic Boston Big lettuce.

There is a part of me that says "You don't know where those people came from, what their lives have been or are... They obviously are in pain, and it's not really about you." There is a greater part of me that says "To hell with that theoretical liberal Bullshit! I don't want anyone that filled with hate anywhere near me, or anyone that I care about." People so basic that they verbally fantasize about harm another person just because they are presented differently than themselves may not be worth anyone's time?

It is interesting that many who are liberal or conservative may have definite opinions here, but have never had experiences that I have too many to count. One side wants to save the A-social, and the other wants a gated community from them. The best response probably lies somewhere in the middle. Having experiences like these makes me both afraid and a little ashamed by my response. I really shouldn't be lead to either emotion shopping for dinner.

All In A Weekend

Friday Early Afternoon:
For years I have seen a gent in his mid-80's riding a mountain bike about town. Our paths finally crossed just now. What a delightful man. He told me of how decades ago he fell twenty feet, broke several vertebra, and was told that he would never walk again. He said that he didn't accept the diagnosis, pulled himself together, and purchased his first bicycle.

"God is good. I've been riding every day since. Most days at least 20 miles."

Never give up! ❤

Saturday:
Stayed in and hid from the 100°F heat, exercised vigorously out of boredom.

Friday Late Afternoon:
For an hour and a half I have been walking about with my fly down. Dang, people, see somethin', say somethin'! 🙄

Sunday Early Afternoon:
I forgot to bring water on my walk in this 90°F heat. I stopped at a gas station for a bottle. Embarrassingly, the two one dollar bills that I gave the cashier were damp. "Ewwww, are you a dancer, he asked?" "Flatterer," I responded.

It went right over his head. 😛

Sunday Late Afternoon:
On my walk home, three different strangers offered me cold water, and gentle warnings about the heat. There is far more goodness than hate in this country regardless of what They want us to believe.

Sunday 8:00p.m.:
It's still 92° and I am afraid if I move I will catch fire. Not really, but it is a great excuse to not do laundry. 😛