My phone is down. It could be shut off for nonpayment, but it's rare for them to do that without mailing you a warning first, and attempting to call you, neither of which they've done. So it's probably something mechanical. I can't even get a phone call in to Verizon from work. Yesterday, trying to clear up a problem with our business lines, I found they were not even answering the phone. There was just a recording saying no lines were available, and call back later. Today, I'm only getting a busy signal. This is a problem.

So, last night I fell off a porch. That's not really it. I was stepping down off a porch, and yes there are steps there, but I misread the depth there (probably because of the dark and also my new glasses - you know how it is with a new prescription) and went tumbling over and down to my knees. Oh man, my ankle hurt like a fucker. Despite ice and a cold water soak, that sucker swole up to about twice its usual size. These are rather localized swellings, too, on the outside of my ankle. After extensive poking, prodding, and probing, I'm sure I haven't broken any of those numerous small and fragile bones in there. It's all taped up today, and one of my coworkers is bringing crutches for me. I'll Ace bandage it soon as I get one. Dammit.

Additionally, my brakes are nearbout gone. Every drive to and from work involves at least one scream and one skid, not necessarily in the same incident. It's like driving on ice all the time, although the passenger side front brake does function somewhat. So today, limping along and feeling like I don't need no more hassle, I decided to take the bus to work.

Well, at the end of that hour and a half ride (layover in Camden - oh dear), I found that the West Jersey Hospital that the 406 goes to is NOT the West Jersey Hospital that my office is next door to. In fact, there are FIVE West Jersey Hospitals.

Sheeeeeeiiiiit.

So I figure these probably have some kind of shuttle service or another bus or something to get me over to the one I need. Well, not. The receptionist at West Jersey Hospital in Marlton was kind enough to call a cab for me, and, taking pity on my poor hobbling self, my face twisted in agony, she gave me a coupon for a free coffee in the cafeteria. I had a Butter Pecan coffee if you can imagine that. And it was good.

So my $2.85 bus ride led to a $9 cab ride, but at least the coffee didn't cost me anything.