My New Side Hustle: Picking Up Meds
Growing up in New York City, I was warned not to do drugs. And drugs back then were everywhere. In school. On the street. In the subway. A nickel bag could be had just by walking through a park, not to mention the neighborhood fast-food joint, where you could order more than just a burger and fries. But no one prepared me for the day when I’d spend my time standing in a long line at the local pharmacy to pick up my meds. Drugs, drugs, drugs everywhere, and not a rave, party, or concert in sight. Just older adults who appear surprised when they reach the pharmacy counter and are asked the same tired questions. “Birthdate? Address? Do you need to speak with the pharmacist?” Geesh, I silently groan as another person fumbles with their credit card. Why can’t we keep this line moving? My feet are starting to hurt.
My Answers Are Ready
As I wait my turn, I start practicing, as if this is an oral exam I expect to ace. “1/9/56. 26th Street, and no, thank you.” But all the while I’m thinking as I look around and focus on the others in line, I don’t belong here. My peeps. My peers. Oh brother. When did I get this old? Am I this old? I groan as I struggle to pull up my pants. Why do they keep slipping down? I blame my cell phone, wallet, and keys. It’s too much weight to manage. But why isn’t my belt holding my pants up? The belt is cinched so tight I can barely breathe. How far up on my waist should the top of my pants sit? And how come I can see the top of the butt crack of the guy in front of me? Ugh. Are we all losing our pants? Has this become a national emergency?
The Line is Finally Moving
Hurray! The confusion at the counter seems to have cleared. It won’t be long now. I pull my phone from my pocket. I’m convinced it’s acting like an anchor. As I wait, I scan the phone for important messages as if I’m about to receive an important message. Nope. Just the same old same old. Why am I convinced that this darn cell phone needs to be with me 24/7? Good job, Apple. You’ve monetized my weakness. My fear of missing out. My inability to exist quietly with my own thoughts. I must carry this ridiculous phone everywhere for entertainment, instead of engaging in meaningful conversation with the people around me. It occurs to me to suggest to the gentleman in front of me that he might want to pull up his pants. Instead, I instinctively pull up my own. Just in case the person behind me is having the same thought.
And Now for Something a Little Extra!
This month, we’re participating in a promotion for readers to win a Kindle and discover some awesome authors (including me!). Check out the promotion by clicking here. And yes, my new novel Friends for A Season is still on track to appear in April. Yahoo! Book #5. I’m excited for the launch and hope you’ll grab a copy then. Until we next connect, have a fantastic March!
