[Sethomas]

Back in my first barista job (like it isn't obvious I've had more than one) this total hick came in and narrated loudly what he was looking at getting. He'd ask for recommendations and I gave him my advice, and finally he decided, "Ah'd lahk sum TAY! Whut kand uv Tah-zo do you recommaynd?" (We served like fifteen types of Tazo tea, all equally being the last things I'd recommend to this guy.) I think he decided on Earl Grey, and I loyally prepared it for him. I poured boiling water into a cup, added the bag and applied the lid. Upon doing this, the cup seam burst and boiling water poured all over my left hand which was holding it in place.

At the time, I was just kind of out of it and so what should have been intense pain just kind of lasted a second then left. I never flinched and apologized, saying I'd make him a new one. The guy was amazed at my total lack of reaction to second-degree burns, and he made a huge deal about it asking if I needed help or anything. I said no, and I made him some more tea. He left me a $2 tip out of pity, so it was totally worth it.

On a lighter note, my sister was telling me about a day at work as an ER cleric (are they more commonly called residents? The stage where you're not yet graduated from medical school but are working in hospital settings.) This elderly lady came in complaining about an upset stomach, and after a few minutes of talking to her my sister felt the lady's stomach and a sudden movement happened. She realized that the initial diagnosis was wrong and her aorta had just ruptured. The lady's family members were screaming at each other about whether or not they should sign a "Do Not Resuscitate" forms, and that was the last thing the lady heard as she died.