Let me tell you about my day

As I was into my sixth hour of all-day, online training this afternoon, I received an e-mail from my supervisor with the subject line, "Potential of exposure to whooping cough." Interest piqued and diversion created, I opened it. I won't cut and paste the e-mail's exact text, but here are the key points:

• There is a "very small possibility" that we have been exposed.
• The suspected case has not been technically confirmed as whooping cough.
• If we start to exhibit symptoms, we should stay home and see a doctor to prevent exposure to the remaining healthy employees.

Here's the thing: I know exactly who brought disease into the office. First, my supervisor, thanks to his complete lack of regard for privacy, spoke with the culprit in her cubicle just prior to sending the e-mail. I couldn't hear every word of the conversation, but "sick" was clearly audible multiple times.

(I mention the privacy thing because my IRB training included a discussion of privacy versus confidentiality. Who knew I'd be able to apply that lesson so fast? Learning in action!)

Second, the sickly woman was still coughing this afternoon! GO HOME!!! And I have class with her. I might as well consider myself a statistic already.

***

I think I've found my cause. Just because I left the rez doesn't mean the need to dispel myths about Native Americans has diminished. In class last week, I practically jumped out of my chair when a classmate thought tribes had money because of casinos. Yeah, the ones located near metropolitan areas definitely bring in loads of gamblers. And they are extremely generous when sharing their revenues with non-profits and other tribes. But then you have the tribes in South Dakota, for example, located off the interstate highway system and among the most impoverished people in America.

And then tonight, a fellow volunteer made a remark about Indians saving a dollar to buy another beer. Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God. What is wrong with people? Have you ever had those times where someone says something so completely absurd and wrong, but you didn't see it coming and couldn't formulate a response? I know that's just an excuse and I should have said something. But this was a volunteer helping out at a non-profit. I have to be on my guard even there?

***

I stopped over at Walmart tonight after getting a haircut, which I needed badly. I usually do my grocery shopping in the middle of the day to avoid the crowds, but I needed ice cream. (I suddenly can't live without my evening sundae.)

The cashiers there aren't the quickest, so I headed down to the self-checkout stands. Okay, just like my softball teammates last summer played to relive their high school sports-playing glory days, I enjoy assuming the role of cashier again, even if they're my own groceries. That's why I like the self-checkout.

But Walmart, it's time to take those machines out until your customers can operate the damn things on their own. Good grief, every customer required assistance from the guy manning the podium. And it's not like these people only had one or two items either. When I finally got my turn, I (of course) zipped through my items quickly. Apparently, I wasn't fast enough, though, because the guy behind me moved my cart out of his way to start loading up the belt as my receipt printed. I would have exhibited patience and waited the five additional seconds for my turn in line. But I guess that's just how I roll.

***

And now I'm home away from disease and humanity! My sundae was delicious. I haven't come down with pertussis (yet). And my pilot friend is whisking me off to breakfast in the morning. Maybe the world isn't out to get me.