I answered the phone today despite not recognizing the number.  I do that sometimes and practice my Korean with people looking for grandma Bong-Cha.

Woman: I’m sorry but the office of Dr.So-And-So has closed your file.

Me (a little disoriented): Pardon me but who?

Woman: Dr.So-And-So!

And she’s got an attitude, like I’m supposed to recognize the name just like that!

Me: And what does ‘close my file’ mean?

Woman (impatient now): It means he’s fired you because you haven’t been in the office for 3 years.

My mind raced a bit.  What kind of employer calls you after 3 whole years of not showing up for work to fire you?  And I had a bloody job 3 years ago, who are these bozos?!

And then it hit me, that’s my doctor’s office.  Sure, I saw him sporadically and did so begrudgingly, but what the hell?!  He fires me.  For not being sick.  And how do you fire me anyway when I’m the one who pays for the service I receive?

First time for everything.

Ah well.