A new experience to add to the list

Today is a bit better, by the mere fact that I saw a DOCTOR! And it was something to write about...I actually know what it is like to live in a village kind of. I can walk to the doctor, and then walk to the pharmacy, walk to the bakery to get a croissant, and walk back home to rest. Haha. I got a better night of sleep after the most boring Friday night of my life, haha. I walked to the doctor at 9:30 this morning. I had a 10am appointment, and there were others waiting, but it was like "first come first serve" or something...and the doctor himself came out to get the patient. I got in at about 10:25...he was young, friendly, and spoke English, which was quite nice. There was not a nurse or secretary that started me off with paperwork or questions...which was different. So we went into his office, where there was an examining room next door. He 'wrote me a prescription' to get the flu shot in October, which I'm relieved about. Seeing now how it is being sick, and working with kids every day, it will be really nice to get the shot. Then I explained how my cold has been, he examined me and after looking down my throat said, "Yes, it is green and yellow...I'm giving you antibiotics." Sorry to gross everyone out. Haha. I think I basically have a sinus infection, or bronchitis...lol, he didn't say which...but I got antibiotics I will take for 5 days, and then also some nasal spray to clean my nose. SOO...afterwards I asked for the correct paperwork I needed to obtain my medical insurance and reimbursement for everything (I'm still in the process of getting French S.S. and the med. insurance, bank account, so I needed some papers signed by him). I had to pay for the appointment and medicine today, and will be reimbursed eventually. So I asked the doctor, "Is there a secretary outside that I pay" and he said "No, you pay me, right here...22 euro." Bizarre, huh? So, I paid him for my visit, said thank you, and off I went to the pharmacy down the street! Luckily my medicine wasn't outrageous either...will be anxious to be reimbursed though. It is interesting to see how other countries work in society with medicine, etc. I have never paid a doctor directly but I guess it's nice to SEE who your money is going to!
Once I got my medicine at the Pharmacy, I was automatically feeling better....it's a good feeling just to know what I have isn't serious, that I need antibiotics, and that I have them now...knowing I should feel better even by tomorrow. So I went home, took my first dose, ate lunch and laid down to watch "The Queen". I found flights online for my Italy trip and will probably purchase them tonight. I really need to buy a few things that I'm out of in the studio, and NOTHING is opened on Sundays, so I think I need to make a quick trip into the city....I will go into La Defense where there is a Monoprix (grocery store, Target type), and likely head right back home. I babysit tonight for the family....so I think we'll be viewing "Finding Neverland" on the projector in the living room, while the kids fall asleep and me too probably. Haha. If I purchase a calling card this afternoon I will likely make a couple phone calls, otherwise I'll lay low...I kind of hope Virginie and Jerome aren't out til 2 a.m., but I wouldn't be surprised because they haven't gone out in quite awhile....so my plan will be to grab a blanket and fall asleep on the couch. Tomorrow I will sleep in, and if I feel better hang out with Kirsty or Michael, but definitely this weekend is low-key....not what I was hoping for, but I am anxious to get better and be healthy! I hope tomorrow to be able to do my walk in Bougival and some Pilates, just to feel a bit more active... and this next week coming up I have an appointment to open my Bank account at the post office (the 2nd time around...ugh) and then I will be taking my French exam on Wednesday or Thursday to place into one of the courses that starts in October.
Well, I'm off to shower and go to the supermarket before it's too late.
A toute a l'heure!