Taking things for granted

India will cure you of that.

1. Had 2 dr. appts canceled today. "Not possible today, madam"

+ Am grateful for (and missing) the world where receptionists do more than schedule appointments. Grateful for nurse triage lines that give you information and call you back.

2. Had to go to the local police station to start Visa renewal process (employment visas are generally only granted for 1 year at a time). Arrived on time for our appt and were accompanied by an agent from a company Target uses to help us navigate these things. Sadly, our "guide" arrived just after another (much more important) person (some lady taking bribes to do job placements, I think) was escorted into the office with TV cameras, etc. Big news. Once the fanfare cleared, the commissioner looked briefly at all our carefully assembled documents, asked us the same questions a few times, and grunted importantly, but he deigned not to sign or stamp (would have required 30 seconds, max) that evening, and told us to come back another time instead. Also, observed a lovely bribe taking place behind a police vehicle 5 feet from us. Literally saw an argument, the parties moved to a more discreet location, then saw the exchange of money and people left.

+ Grateful for a system where there is at least MORE order, justice, civility. Where appointments are kept, procedures completed, power plays minimized. Bribes not required.