Propriety? What's That?

[ladysprite]

I'm used to clients ignoring me at work. At least once a week I need to explain to someone that this is not, in fact, Jiffy Lube, and when their dog comes in for its annual exam, and I ask for them to come into the room, they do have to come with the dog - they don't get to sit in the lobby and watch TV while I take the dog away, examine it, give it a tuneup, and then drop it off at the other end of the reception desk.

I'm used to that. I'm used to people reading, or talking on their cell phones, or carrying on side conversations with their spouses, children, friends, or pets while I try to ask them pertinent questions or explain what I'm learning about their animal's health. It's lousy, but it's part of life, and I've mastered my Pointed Look such that I can usually get their attention within a minute or two.

But nothing I've been through before prepared me for the client today who gave herself a pedicure while I was trying to examine her pet.

I walked into the room to find her sitting on one chair, with her foot propped on another, a wad of our paper towels and kleenex nearby, and an open bottle of nail polish, halfway through touching up her left toenails. She must have noticed my odd glance, because she grinned and informed me that I shouldn't worry or mind, that she was just giving herself a pedicure, and that I was welcome to go ahead with the exam. She did, in her defense, pick up the animal and engage in the exam once she finished, but I still have to wonder what on earth made her think that would be even vaguely appropriate - or whether people do this sort of thing at their doctors' offices.....

Comments

[rufinia.livejournal.com]

I can only assume that she didn't have any other time in which to touch up her nails.

But then, I would just leave them be, myself- my toe nails are left alone unless there's a girl movie night, or a free pedicure. Otherwise Idon't bother.

Ummmmm...

[dedoc.livejournal.com]

Don't.
Ask.

[rms-butterfly.livejournal.com]

Wow, that's just bizarre! I can't imagine not listening to my vet when he's talking to me about one of my critters; that's just rude! But, a pedicure......!

[rectangularcat]

i think she should have offered you one!

all i have to say better at the vet than while driving!

[rosinavs.livejournal.com]

I saw a guy shaving his head while driving on my way to work one day last week. No joke!

[mindways]

While being examined? No way. (Not that I'm much of one for pedicures. But if I were.)

While waiting in the examination room for the doctor to show up? I'll pull out a book, or a notebook, or some other personal project... but a pedicure does seem kind of excessive, as it's not something easily put away when the doctor does show up.

[kightp.livejournal.com]

I knit in my doctor's waiting room, and occasionally in the exam room, once disrobed, if the nurse says she's going to be a while.

But honest, I put the needles *down* once she shows up!

[thatwasjen]

Wow. Beyond the fact that she should hush up and listen when you're doing the exam -- a pedicure? Some things should really be confined to bathrooms and/or salons.

[pagawne.livejournal.com]

That takes the cake for rude and obnoxious. I really thought I was beyond being surprised at the lows people to which people will sink, but that is really a new one.

[kiddr.livejournal.com]

I must say that as a kiddie shrink I get the blackberries going off and the loud obnoxious cell phone rings but never as anybody tried to give themselves a pedicure. That would piss me off!

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

Ok, that goes all the way through bizarre, out the other side, and up the ceiling...

[flowing-dancer.livejournal.com]

Hmm.. I have been found holding my cat/dog/mouse/whatever, or discussing the heartworm display with my daughter, or something similar (often said cat usually wants to hide in the easy-open cage, feels more comfortable, so I try to let them be as comfortable as I think they can be), and I have had conversations with child and/or spouse, but they are usually either related to the health of said >2-legged family member or telling stories of how they came to live with us.

I have had to sometimes amuse my small child, but have given our vets as much attention as possible. Hey, they have many things to do, I care for the best reasonable care for the health of my family, and I'm paying for that time, why should I pay for more than necessary?

Ok, when the doc, for me or my furry friends, comes in, cell phone MUST be closed, unless it is to consult with said spouse re healthcare and costs and other related decisions.

Ok, I still don't get people. Really. And I'm not sure I want to.