My Good Deed for the Day (9/11 Related)

[IdaBriggs]

I was at the doctor's office this morning for yet another blood test. (I am 8 weeks, 5 days with twins, and get to bleed for the cause quite regularly at this stage!) Anyway, the doctors apparently installed a brand new flat screen television within the last week, and it was tuned to ABC (!), which was showing all the wonderful stuff from 9/11 five years ago, including the towers falling, and scenes of the panicked crowd running.

As I wrote my check (you pay first, then get your blood drawn), I politely asked one of the receptionists if the channel could be changed as I am still "traumatized" by the events of that day. "It stresses me out," I explained politely.

There were four people near the television who were studiously ignoring it (3 women, and one husband), and several on the other side of the room who were deliberately ignoring it (to the point of sitting in places where they couldn't see it). The receptionists were very polite, and instantly receptive, although one of them expressed some doubt that they could find a station without 9/11 stuff on it today. "What about The Food Network?" I offered, and the woman obligingly handed me the remote (because its a Dish remote, and she couldn't make it work yet), and I quickly changed the station to The Food Network.

There was an INSTANT, PALPABLE change in the tension level in the waiting room. People *immediately* began paying attention to the television, to the point where they were changing seats to watch. (The show that was on was "Recipe for Success" about two women who had opened up a coffee shop called "The Monkey Bean.") When I finished giving blood, all of the seats near the television were filled, everyone was watching, and I think all of us (who are going through infertility issues based on the doctor's office we were in) seemed a lot calmer. While everyone might have opinions about the politics of 9/11, and how it is being exploited today for ratings, apparently there are a lot of women out there (including me) who like The Food Network.

It will be interesting to see if the television is still tuned to The Food Network when I go back this afternoon for my ultrasound. In the meantime, I feel like I've done my "Good Deed for the Day" by saving everyone from having to relive the horribleness of that day over and over again, especially on ABC.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Ask, and Ye Shall Receive.

[wicket]

1. Good for you Ida!

And congrats about the twins!!! :hug:

[IdaBriggs]

8. Thank you!

:) :hug: I'm nervous about the ultrasound today -- I probably won't BREATHE until after we make it through the first trimester! :)

[Penndems]

2. Thank you, Ida - and congratulations on your upcoming blessed event!

:hi:

[IdaBriggs]

9. Thank you!

:) :hi:

[havocmom]

3. Good for you!

Little actions all over add up BIG TIME! :applause:

[Lone_Star_Dem]

4. That was an act of kindness on your part, Ida.

I know that so far today everyone I've talked to is not in the mood to relive that day.

Oh! And HUGE congratz on the twins! You'll have to sacrifice much more blood before it's over, but it's worth every drop.

May you enjoy your pregnancy as much as I did mine. :hug:

[MissMarple]

5. Oh...twins...double your pleasure, double your fun.

:hug:

Thanks for the post. I sometimes wonder how long regular, non C-SPAN watching, pretty much apolitical folks can go before they get tired of George&Co jerking their fear and seriously pious, patriotic chains all the time.

[MissMarple]

6. Too corny. Honestly, that was not an intentional double post.

And I'll check back to see how the afternoon TV viewing goes.

[gkhouston]

7. aw, I really enjoyed it.

:hi:

I've been watching a lot of The Food Network myself, the past few weeks.

[IdaBriggs]

10. UPDATE: When we returned for the ultrasound, the station was

tuned to "E" -- the "Entertainment Station" and everybody was ignoring it, but not in a "stressed out" way -- more in a "what drivel" type of way, if you know what I mean. :)

(Two good strong heartbeats, by the way, and the babies are measuring perfect! Woo Hoo!)

P.S. Thanks to everyone for the good wishes! :)

[MissMarple]

11. We always wish the babies well....

now and in the future. Pregnancy is always an uncertain time, God/dess bless you and yours.

And, perhaps, you switched on a light bulb for the office personnel.

[SeattleGirl]

12. Good for you, Ida!

And continued blessings to you, your husband, and your babies. :hug: