Blather, rinse, repeat

Dear JulesKD

I just wanted to say thanks. It was very emboldening to wake up to such a review; and I feel extremely flattered, happy and bolstered by your words (particularly because of your BA).

The funny thing is: I also - during the night - received a polite "thanks, but no thanks" rejection email for the very same story from Morpheus tales; but the acknowledgement feels like payment. Someone has taken the time (of which none of us really have) to read and comment upon something I've done.

Just for a little bit of 'closure' (US term; a British equivalent would be 'boxing-off'), here's some replies to comments you made:

1. An 'NHS-Smile' is a deeply political one, because the British National Health Service is a very political organisation (I work for it, and so that's the feeling I get). Politicians are non-committal; in the British National Health Service, you get similar - but from people who don't have the political skills required. It's like waiting for a doctor's appointment: the receptionist has a 'professional' image that they must put across, but due to lack of skills (and a little bit of frustration), they always act like they are far too busy for you, and that you are lucky to receive even a moment of their time! It's a rehearsed, totally rushed feeling. In the NHS you get 38 days paid vacation a year, sick pay; people queue-jump all the time; you get one of the best pensions in the world, and you have got the best chance of a job for life. With such perks, people will still act like they've got the worst job in the world, and they're enduring it just to be nice to you! I hope you get what I mean. This sometimes sums up 'The Great British Public (TM)' - where if you give each one of them a million dollars for free, half of them will come back and explain how it's absolutely disgusting they did not receive two million! Ex-Imperalists - you get my drift?

2. You were absolutely right: "realised" is the British term - like 'car tires' or 'favourite colour'.

Once again, heartfelt thanks. Will try and take some time from my busy job to read and critique one of yours (such appears to be the fashion on this site). Hope you keep in touch.

Carl
carlchrystan@hotmail.com