Nov. 01, 2001 - 19:52 MST

THE WONDERING JEW

The Far End

Many years ago it was nothing for me to have to wait, stand in line or whatever. Easily done then during the long lines and waits through World War Two.

We did think a bit, went early enough so that we could get in a theater in time or buy at a store before something ran out. We constantly readjusted our schedules when by word of mouth we would hear the, "Open Sesame," phrase, "xxxxx is in at wxwxwx." it was life, that's the way it was and therefore normal.

As has been said many times by many mouths, "Time changes all things," and it has for me as I aged.

Among things that have changed as time flew is my inability to reach a live ear attached to a human being who condescends to take an interest in what I am saying -- and it damn well frustrates me. I am also tired of having to listen to a wacky telephone menu which is at least a block long wherein none of the items cited could possibly help me connect with the department or person I wish to do business with.

In the supermarkets here there may be maybe ten checkout stands. The kicker ? Only two of them are manned. Only when the line has doubled back and threatens to keep others from buying will one harried clerk carrying his change drawer go about the complicated routine of opening his stand.

Then there will be people who seem not to understand the principle of an Express Lane. There are those who will come into the 6 Items or less lane with a load that exceeds the 14 items or less lane and the Cash Only lane is a real farce. The people who are seemingly confused are the people who protest vigorously until the poor clerk will wearily check them through just to keep the line moving, followed by disgruntled (whoever heard of gruntled ?) customers with small purchases who are in a hurry.

Then come those who operate in a total mental vacuum or feel that those rules and routines are for other people but not them. They will have the gall to enter a Cash only express lane having more than 6 items in their basket and are carrying a handful of coupons (Most of which have expired). When the coupon bit has been sorted out and the groceries rung up the custurdmore will proceed to slowly write out a check that has not been preapproved which necessitates a super being called up to look at and okay said paper. By then the grumblers begin to get loud.

The Gawker's Slow Down is something that probably happens other places, however I am familiar with the Denver freeways. There will be an accident for instance in the northbound side which of course will really mess up those heading north, but the southbound lanes come to an almost dead stop because of those who want to see the bloody results of the accident which happened six lanes and a median away. Always happens during the rush hours too.

Doctor's appointments ? Don't make me laugh. One must make the appointment one to two months or more ahead to even get in. Then the person has to be there right on the dot so as to wear out and warm up the chair in the waiting room and wait for a time that seems to be centuries but only is an hour or two, waiting as more people come into the waiting room and have to stand against the wall or out of the way somewhere until some poor person finally gets called in to see the doctor and leaves his seat.

Are you interested in getting sick ? Just spend some time in a waiting room like that, especially in the winter time and swap germs with all the coughers and sneezers. Same with hospital waiting rooms.

A portion of what I have mentioned are about things that have came about in recent years. Then there are the things that have been endured by man from ancient times added to that. Couple that with age and physical condition and arrive at the curmudgeon's view from The Far End . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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