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03/06/2002 Entry: "Those Americans...."

I experienced a bit of patriotism today.

I went to the dentist today for a cleaning. When I was ready to pay, there was an argument going on at the front counter. The receiptionst and some patient were at odds over some insurance claim. I just wanted to pay and get back to work. I kept trying to pass my credit card to the receptionist, figuring he could talk and swipe at the same time. But the argument went on for some time. Actually it was pretty fun to watch because the receptionist is a bit of a queen, and he was working it pretty hard. I suspect he considers arguments like this a job perk. Eventually the patient gave up, agreeing it would be better totalk to his HR department instead of pestering the poor helpless receiptionist any more.

So finally my credit card was being processed. The receptionist was apologizing for the delay, and complaining about the patient. As I'm signing the slip, he finished up saying, "Those Americans......", sighing dramatically and shaking his head. I'm taken aback. First thought is "What the #&^$*# !! Don't I look American !! I could be working at one of the four government agencies on this block !!", closely followed by, "What the $^@$# !! You're so far out, if you went back home, your neighbors might drop a wall on you. So enjoy it here already."

But I didn't say anything. I just took my receipt and got back to the office.