I've been a busy boy this week--not only have I left my place every day this week, I left it three times in a row to take 3 bus trips in a row.
Here's my first observation--the bus sign across the street from my apartment building. I MISS THE OLD BUS SIGN WITH BUS NUMBERS ON IT. God forbid you don't have a smartphone to scan this sign to see what buses stop here! Are we just assuming everyone owns a smartphone now? I feel like I'm being dragged against my will into the future.
Second observation--I caught this bus (and a transfer downtown) to UPMC Presby in Oakland to meet with my neurologist and get 2 new CT scans done of my head. The bad news is, I'm still dealing with cranial inflammation from post-covid. The good news is, compared to my last scans, the affected areas have reduced by 70%.
Here's what I really wanted to share--I had a headache the entire time I was there because my brain kept trying to determine if my nurse was a male or female. He/she was white with shoulder length hair, a sort of masculine face but with makeup, a sort of masculine body but with a bosom.
When I asked nurse their name, they said "Thomya". I said "Oh okay.. Tonya." Nurse said "No, not Tonya. Thomya." I said "Tommy." Nurse said "No. T-H-O-M-Y-A." I said "I'm so sorry, is that a male or female name?" Thomya said "Hehe! Neither, I hope! I was born with male parts but I don't identify as male." I said "Oh okay miss. I'm sorry." Thomya said "Hehe! I'm not a miss!"
THEN WHAT ARE YOU. Jiminy Cricket!
The next day (yesterday) I took the bus downtown To PennDOT to renew my driver's license. Actually, I renewed it online 3 months ago, but they didn't send me my new license in the mail. I got a camera card that required me to go downtown to their office. When I called and asked why they sent a camera card instead of a new license, I was told "If your last photo-ID was considered unsatisfactory, we require you to come in and have a new photo taken." Darn it!
So after getting up early, going downtown and waiting a half hour for my turn, was called up to one of the windows. The woman asked me several questions in a very tired voice, then told me to stare at the blue dot while she took my photo. When I saw it and frowned, she asked me if I wanted another photo. I said yes. When I saw it and frowned again. she said "Do you just want to use the photo from your last license?"
BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS CONSIDERED "UNSATISFACTORY"! I said no, as long as I was required to make the trip downtown I want a new picture!
And finally, earlier today I took the bus up the street to Lincoln Barbershop for a long overdue haircut. The shop is only 1/2 mile from my apartment, but I'm still dealing with plantar fasciitis and it's too long a walk for me. I knew with two barbers there'd be at least 3 people beside myself, so I took a handful of Mike's 5th Avenue candy bars with me.
I said "Remember the old days when new dads would hand out cigars in the waiting room after their kid was born? Well. my social security starts in 2 months so I thought I'd hand these out instead."
They were all very thankful and I got a great haircut I'm very happy with--The End!
You've been very busy! I got tired reading about all the bus rides, frustration and waiting, so I can't imagine how you must have felt with the foot and long covid issues. I don't pay much attention to names these days; I either hear them incorrectly or forget them a moment after that. I don't generally forget a face, but names are another story. That was thoughtful of you to bring the candy bars and the haircut looks great!
ReplyDeleteThank you Margaret, I worry I sounded like an old man here... 👴
DeleteGood to see that you're "out and about", Doug. Even when you may not feel like it I think it helps to get out some. As for Thomya, sounds like we all could try a little harder to stop automatically categorizing each other based on gender. I know, at 72 I do it, too. But really, when I honestly stop and think, it really doesn't have to be that way. As long as the person is clean, well groomed, and doing their job in a proficient and personable manner that's all that matters, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThank you Don and I agree with you, I'm just having a hard time letting go of that man or woman thing. Star Trek Next Generation did an excellent episode about this 30 years ago. I need to rewatch it.
DeleteI was searching the sign for bus numbers. I am not good with the codes. Is this a plot against old people who can't see well? Or a plot to confuse visitors to your city? I vote no on the signs.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine the confidence to change how society views you. I would think you would have to be a very brave person to do that. I am worried I will put my foot in my mouth and I also need training into how to word stuff. . .
Wow, a 70% improvement is fabulous. But I am sure it is 100% the same when you get the symptoms. It is hopeful, though.
Meanwhile - the DMV. Does any of that make any sense? You can renew online but you still need a photo in person. And when you go in person you have the option of using the exiting photo. Are you sure this wasn't candid camera?
Miss Merry, you always cheer me up! Thank you thank you, your feedback was just what I needed to hear. 🙂❤️
DeleteI’m afraid that we (well, not me – they) are assuming we all have a smartphone. I don’t have one and neither does the A.M. We haven’t missed out on anything (yet!)
ReplyDeleteFortunately, so far, our bus stops and tram stops have their numbers posted. The tram stop even has a map of its route.
I seldom take the bus even though the stop is virtually outside my front door, but I’m a regular user of the tram and the train, especially when I’m going into the city – I never drive into the city (about 8km – 5 miles – away) as it’s too much hassle. Besides, the train is quicker.
That’s a long bus journey – to Oakland. I assume it’s another one, not the one across the bay from San Francisco.
To me, that’s a drastic haircut, but I prefer longer hair. Whatever you’re happy with.
My dad didn’t hand out cigars – he didn’t smoke (for which I’m really grateful).
Thank you Music Man, you're always so thorough 🙂 So you and the AM don't have smartphones? Good for you! Agreed about the public trans signs, this will not fly. Well, in 10 months I'll be able to ride for free. And yes, Oakland is also a suburb of Pittsburgh, where Pitt University is. And I'm sorry you don't like my hair, hippie. 😉✌️
DeleteNice haircut! My dad called it "getting your ears lowered". :)
ReplyDeleteI'm with Don in his comment on gender identification. The sad thing is, that individuals who are forced to hide their gender neutral or even trans selves are more likely to contemplate or commit suicide. Good on Thomya for their confidence in being themself.
On the other hand, that bus sign would annoy the hell out of me. I hate restaurants whose menus are displayed with a QR code and this seems even more presumptuous.