Just to Shake Things Up!

Every once in a while you just have to break the rules.

It seems there is a cycle to the attitude of the residents. The newcomers are overwhelmed and their eyes are as big as saucers. I think because you look around and think "How am I going to survive here for the duration of my treatment? What am I going to do to occupy myself all day when the treatments only take a maximum of 20 minutes? Those that have finished their first week and are in the middle of their treatments have settled nicely into the routine of breakfast call at 7:30, lunch at 11:45, supper at 4:45 and snack time at 8:30, waiting in the lobby for the shuttle ride to the clinic. The women on the bench and the men watching for the shuttle to leave the neighbouring hospital to make its way to the lodge to pick up the passenger. Then there are those who are in their final week of treatment and are itching to escape from these walls. But just every once in a while things go astray......

Today has been a little out of the ordinary for a few of us. At breakfast Christine was letting us know how well she did not sleep. We are all entitled to having a bad morning and it was her turn. During the "getting it all out", I commented that she take a look at her name tag because the smiling faces did not match hers. Anne suggested that she turn her name tag upside down to reflect her mood - to which Christine boldly obliged. And that is the way she paraded around the lodge until she was spotted by the staff and told to turn it rightside up. A couple of us could not help but flip our tag as we passed Christine, not only to jest her but in defiance of the rules.

Later as we lined up for supper, we could not help but overhear another poor soul, Doug, caught in the act of forgetfulness. This gentleman thought that he was in trouble for not signing himself out. (This I might add is easily done.) He quickly walked over to the ledger and mentioned that he had not forgotten. However, it was another offense that he had committed. While he had signed out and then in, he have forgotten to check in after his appointment schedule. I did not realize that you MUST report back WITH schedule in hand for the next day's appointment and shuttle request. The gentleman stood with his arms at his side and his head slightly bowed and mentioned that he would not repeat his mistake again.

As I lined up my tray to get ready for the "slapping" of food, I was listening to the repetitive manner in which the kitchen staff would ask what you would like to eat. "Potatoes? Turkey white or dark? Turnips? Peas and carrots? Gravy? And what would you like to drink?" and REPEAT this 54 times. As I neared the server I whispered to Jo "Watch this...." I was planning to quickly rattle off my request, pleasantly of course, before I was asked. I tried my best but was quickly stopped by the veteran server. She must have overheard my whisper, maybe it was the gleam in my eye, or just maybe they are on the lookout at in the cafeteria for the craziness of the day.

I had the pleasure of being spoiled once again by dear friends, Joannie and Gilbert. The rebellious nature continued as we had gone out. We had are bellies filled with good food. Our time was filled with caring conversation. Time passed too quickly. Breaking the rules continued outside the confines of the lodge. We are ushered out of the establishment at 3 because it was time to close.

After supper as we lounged at the couch area, Jo noticed that there were rules of conduct posted at the registration desk. While we guessed at what they may state, they were left unread. No one ventured to walk near the counter. We would wait until the night staff takes over and hope that they were not informed of the antics of the day.

Just now Jo burst into the room in a giggle. Doug, the previous offender, was at it again. The intercom sounded in a room requesting a resident to come downstairs and receive a phonecall. He thought that he would be polite and respond by pressing the button and letting Dianne, the night staff, know that the person was on her way. Oops! The button is an emergency call only. Up Dianne trodding to see what was needed, out of sight Doug went - enough trouble for one day he thought.

This rambling tonight is maybe just a bit silly and maybe does not make much sense as you read it. There is comfort in the routine and stability of the day's activities, but a little breaking of the rules sure does bring a lot of delight to what could have been a mundane day. What a good day!