11pm at the "quick-stop".Fyi, this is a euphemism for all the mini/marts in the world. That place where a pack of aspirin (6 count at most) is $8 - there's always some deal on moon-pies, Little Debbies or hostess cup cakes - and they have some collection of ridiculous, "kitschy" items at the counter. You know, the extra large lighters shaped like pistols, mini fans, snow globes, etc. - basically things you could never do without (not) but if your in the right frame of mind at 2am, you somehow just feel you have to have - even though they cost $6+ and are probably worth a quarter, at most.
Actually, now that I've given this counter space thing some thought it's really the "mini" equivalent to those roadside stands you use to see that sold the giant velvet Elvis (god rest the king) paintings, and concrete yard art. Where did they all go? Maybe the just shrunk, relocated and were relegated to the quick-stop counters of the world - real shame though, because you know it was always real tempting to stop, but difficult at 70mph. Not the case when everything's parked on the counter though..... sometimes you just can't say no - just like the Enquirer at the grocery (another thought all together - but same concept, as we've all caved in at least once).
Digression required as I don't want folks around here to start worrying about there anonymity - therefore, no store named!
Tonight (now this morning) I pulled in around 10, intent on grabbing a drumstick (fudge and nuts) to stand in for my still painfully prevailing urge to smoke (ergo buy a pack) which is still lingering months after I quit. "Not so fast partner" as they say in the old Westerns' - I'm not anyone or anything special but, this is a small town and I guess I could be considered a bit odd/noticeable given I've been here for coming up on my 3rd Fall, still live out in the country, with no power,water, etc. - drive the "gansta peanut" which, in and of itself is noticeable - and always have the dogs hanging out in the back seat. Sooooo in the space of 30 minutes I've run into no less than 5 friends, avoided two acquaintances (nothing personal but I just can't "listen" tonight) and still haven't entered the store....
I should have waited (actually not, I like excitement - at times). Walked in and the girl (forgot her name) who, tonight was in charge of subs and pizza (mundane detail, but helps with perspective) had sliced her finger - DEEP - right at the tip where the flesh meets nail, one of the places where even deep cuts hurt like paper cuts and you bleed forever. Michelle(sp) was holding a mini tube of Neosporin (no doubt pulled from the shelf, probably priced somewhere around $9), no Band-aid's, no gauze, no nothing. The girl was now putting like her 5th application of wet paper towels on and that one was soaking through as well. Not like the old SNL, Julia Childs - but bad enough that I don't think anyone wanted a sub anytime soon.
OK, to make a long story longer (I'm trying to shorten this up, but it's tough), I figured since I'd just stitched Lola's ear up a week or so ago maybe I'd get a chance to put that practice to work on a real live human! Told them that I'd fix it, (both actually looked relieved, which goes to show those of whom have know me for ever - that I been making progress on the "being human" front). Grabbed the rX kit (a must have for all), went in and washed up, banged back through the door like one of those doc's on ER, set up on one of the two tables (typically used to watch Keno results and BS) and went to work. I used sterile gloves and everything...stopped the bleeding and created a pretty nice bandage deal, unfortunately I didn't get to do any stitches, but maybe that's for the better.
I'm only half way through the "small town Saturday night" but my hands are cramping and my left eye feels like it's going to pop (small exaggeration, but it is bothering me), so I'm through. Caio
