Eating At The Appointed Time

(It is a Friday afternoon at roughly 1:30 pm. My phone rings and I answer, but I cannot understand what the woman on the other end has just said.)

Me: “I’m sorry; could you repeat that?”

Receptionist: *garbled* “This is [Name] from [Doctor’s Office]. Are you [My Name]?”

(This is proceeded by crunching noises and I realize she’s eating. While on the phone with me.)

Me: “Oh, yes, this is she.”

Receptionist: *still garbled as she takes another bite* “You have an appointment on—” *pause to chew* “–Monday.”

Me: “Yes, I am aware.”

Receptionist: *between crunching of what must be chips* “At 2:45 pm.”

Me: “Yes, that’s correct.”

(There is a minute’s pause as she goes through another chew and swallow cycle of her food.)

Receptionist: “So, are you showing up or what?”

Me: *taken aback* “Well, yes. I will be there Monday.”

Receptionist: *crunching on more chips* “Good. Bye.” *hangs up*

(I could not believe she was eating while on the phone. I guess even if you’re working through your lunch hour you can take a minute to stop eating to confirm an appointment!)