Thursday, November 27, 2008

My Doctor The Wuss

So I went to see a doctor at the Pan-Am Clinic. I hurt myself a few days ago while playing floor hockey. I figured since I could barely walk and was in a little bit of pain I would get myself checked out. It was my back that was hurt and one thing you should be cautious about is injuries to the back.

Anyways my doctor and gave me a look-over and said that he believed he knew what the problem was. He explained it to me but he was using doctor language. I let him know that I was on some painkillers and didn't understand what he was saying (it was a lie but at least it got him to stop talking doctor like).

He told me that he wanted to give me some x-rays to confirm his diagnosis. I said sure and he pointed me in the proper direction. I got my x-rays and waiting for him to see me again. It took about 3 minutes for him to pick me up from the waiting room.

He took me to where the x-rays were and said you see this part, see how it's straight. I couldn't see anything, but I nodded anyways. That means I had .... Then he showed me the x-ray of my leg and said you see how this is curved. Once again couldn't see anything but still said sure. He said that should be straight. This confirms my diagnosis. I gave the doctor and pat on the back and said "Good call".

Anyways. He prescribed me some pretty crazy drugs for the pain. He also said that I should rest for at least the next 2 days. I should call in sick for work. This was a surprise to me because I had my injury on Tuesday. I had been to work each night. But he said without a doubt I should miss work and stay off my feet. I said I would, doctors orders and all.

He also prescribed me from physiotherapy. I asked him if it was absolutely necessary (testing how deep the waters were) and he said it is necessary in this instance. I said fine. But before I left I asked him if I was Dwayne Johnson would you have subscribed me the same thing. He asked who is that? I replied the rock?

I think I caught him off guard with that one because he said "sure would". I don't think he realized what good shape I am in. I guess he was being cautious but it seemed offly wussy to me. I think I could have gone to work tonight and tomorrow. I've done it for the past couple of days and the pain has subsided a bit. But I have to follow the doctors orders. When it comes to this stuff he probably knows more then me.

So I know I am in my bed all drugged up and happy. I figured since I was going to fall into this unaware, unconscious awareness because of the drugs I should watch something that fit the bill. I through on Pink Floyds "The Wall" and decided to write this note. I don't know if it makes any sense because I'm not in my right mind. But I sure am feeling good.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

My open letter to Shapes

Here is the letter I wrote to Shapes about trying to get the start-up fee removed. It's not great because I was pretty tired when I wrote it. I hope it works:

I have been very unhappy with the services I have received from
Shapes. About 5 (approximately) years ago I joined your community. I
was on a contract for 1 year and then opted to just pay bi-weekly.
Everything was going great until the beginning of 2007.

I was preparing to go on Vacation for about 1 month. Because of the
length of time I wanted to have my account put on hold. I spoke to
people at the Mcphilips branch in Winnipeg on how to do that. They
told me that because I was on bi-weekly and not a contract that I
couldn't put it on hold. After speaking to 2 people there they
wouldn't budge. I tried to explain that when I came back in a month
that I was not going to pay the start-up fee again. They said since
the account will be canceled the only way to join again is to pay the
start up fee. The start up fee of course would cost me more then then
month I was missing. I wouldn't do that.

I would budge because I won't pay the start up fee for missing a month,
I won't pay for time I wouldn't use and I won't go on a contract (It's
nothing personal I just don't like contracts). I told them before I
canceled that I would be back in a year and the only way I would
rejoin was if the start up fee was waved and I could continue to my
bi-weekly charges.

During this time I joined my work gym. It was only $7.00 a month.
It's not the same class as Shapes but they are opened 24 hours a day
and they do have a lot of machines. But they don't have as many
machines and it doesn't have the same environment. Now that winter is
here I thought I would give it another try and rejoin.

I went into the Shapes on Regent to try to sign up. They found my
account but didn't find any notes left on my account about why I left.
I explained that my condition was that I would only sign up if the
startup fee was waved. They said they could not do it. Initially I
was just going to give it a few months before I tried to sign up
again. But I decided to write you this letter to see if you will
waive the startup fee. Just to give you an idea of how much money you
have lost from me because you wouldn't let me go on vacation I have
included a little table.

Vacation Start: June 2007 - July 2007 (Approximately).
Weeks that have passed: 78 weeks
Total money lost: 78 / 2 * $21.50 = $838.50.

To this date Shapes has lost $838.50 because they wouldn't let me go
on vacation. I really want to go to shapes and continue to pay
shapes. I would be happy to pay you the regular fees but Shapes will
not get anymore money from me. If you have the means to wave the
start up fee please let know. If you can I would really appreciate it
and be happy to start up service with Shapes again. I have included
the information below so you can look up my account to confirm the
details I have sent you. I have kept all this information because I
hoped to rejoin Shapes again.

[Info Removed from public domain]

I hope we can get passed this problem. Please feel free to e-mail me
back or even contact me by phone. I really want to get passed this
and rejoin Shapes because you offer some great services. Please let
me know if you can void the startup fee.