#And the cardiologist has a waiting list so I kinda want to get on that list asap

[haniawritesthings]

How does my referral to the cardiologist get lost in the fax ether twice!

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL

Sept 2021 Wk 5

Being a highly subjective assessment of one tiny corner of the interwebs.

Ongoing Series - Thai

Don’t Say No Ep 9 (Line) - It’s my corny af hurt/comfort soap opera that I watch at 1.5x and skip all the sex scenes and Fiat crying, but I like it that way, so there. Yes I am one of those people who only eats the outside of the peanut M&Ms, why do you ask? Episode recaps here. 

Bite Me Ep 5 (Viu & Viki) - sometimes I feel like this show is skipping all the important bits, or having them occur off screen intentionally, like some ancient Greek play. Still, the depth of the feeling understood between the two leads is clearly transferred to us despite that. Are they dating? Sure seems that way. Without anything being actually said about it. It’s oddly magical. I talked a bit about the north/south divide and food as a love language with regards to kao soi in this post. 

7 Project Ep 5 The Breakup Zone (iQiYi & YouTube) - another het installment, so I skipped it. Nash. 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Peach of Time Ep 10 fin - A Korean BL (maybe not BL tho) featuring Thai talent that really went beyond a lot of tropes into interesting territory and allegory in a way only Korea does. I hope we get more collabs like this, perhaps happier than this one next time? RECOMMENDED only if you are prepared for The Sad. Because it is quite sad.  

x Friend or Lover (YouTube) Ep 6 - still waiting on the final of this Taiwanese indie series.  

Love is Science? (BL sub plot on Viki) Ep 14 (aired ep 15) - Taiwanese drama finally got subbed yesterday, so those of us who are waiting seem to be on a week’s delay. The BL couple actually has the most interesting story arc and the most unusual character growth. I’m enjoying how unpredictable these two are. Honestly, they could have gotten their own series with this much story - and now I really want that for after the baby comes. I’m a little sad we didn’t get the coming out in the skate park sequence (LOOK I love coming out drama, especially with sporty friends, it’s a THING), but I also get why the writers are doing what they are with these boys. And the actors sure can handle it. Taiwan at it’s finest.  

Love Is the series (YouTube) Ep 5 - continues to be fine for a V-BL but not all that actually good. 

See You After Quarantine? (Viki) Ep 6, 7 - Taiwanese gameboys with Japanese talent stuck in, what more could we ask? AND THEN they gave us some *thirsty boi* action, great kisses, and charmed the pants off... well... everyone. Taiwan, we don’t deserve you. Honestly, you spoil us. Turns out Aaron Lai is the best wingman any gay Japanese man in quarantine could ask for. Everyone should be watching this. It’s utterly charming. 

The Tasty Florida (Viki) Ep 3 & 4 - this Korean BL so fucking cute. Look it’s formless and too short but simultaneously aching and kinda special-sweet. But Korea has got to settle into something a bit longer for their BL for everyone’s sake. It’s time. Light On Me proved it was possible. I’m not asking for much, just 15 min+ of fresh content with at least a 10 ep arc. 

In Case You Missed It

Someone dropped K-BL movie cut of 2015′s The Lover series onto YouTube. The series was about 4 different couples all living in the same apartment complex, one of the 4 was a BL plot about a sunshine sweetie Japanese tourist who ends up roommates with a hot shy tsundere Korean boy. It’s 1.5 hours, proving Korea and stretch its BL when it wants to. 

Read more about it here. 

GOSSIP!

Rumors of OhmFluke to star in new Thai BL Oh! My Sunshine Night. It’s from Newsinfinity Entertainment who announced the casting and showed the couple in workshops. This is this (small) production house’s first BL and they aim to “appeal to to general audiences* with a “broader view of BL that everyone will watch.” Which is code for LOW heat, light gay, soft boys. If this happens I think we can expect this to be Thailand doing Korean-style BL. 

* GENERAL AUDIENCE? Let’s be clear no piece of media will EVER appeal to everyone. Here is the USA “general audience” is code for “families with socially conservative values and children who are still minors” AKA what used to be prime time TV watchers AKA suburbia. 

 The concept is analytically old fashioned and so fractured at this juncture (socially economically spatially politically) that “general audience” is actually impossible to target and it doesn’t really exist. But try telling that to the publicity department. 

We also call this the “Disney live action demo.” (Think Pirates of the Caribbean.) I occasionally refer to them as “the Simpsons.” And they’re about as realistic. All that to say I am VERY suspicious of Oh! My Sunshine Night‘s production house. 

To My Star does seem to be getting a second season, same director, same mains. Korea is much better about executing on its promises than Thailand, but until I see proof of filming or an honest trailer, my favorite boys are staying in the gossip section. I don’t wanna get my hopes up. (Honestly now, how many of you also want an alt reality with these two as a couple but Kim Kang Min playing his long suffering cardiologist intern character from Hospital Playlist? Just me?) 

I reported on Unforgotten Night a while ago. It seems to have been fully cast now, I still think the publicity stills make it look like a joke. But with this line-up I guess it’s even more of an alt answer to KinnPorsche. 

You know that thing that happens in media when suddenly we get multiples of the same style of movie or show at once? It’s now happening with BL. Love triangles. Restaurants. And now mafia. 

Cutie Pie (our arranged marriage Thai BL staring Zee) dropped some wardrobe fitting photo ops. Also... fancy pants sexy suits that fit, so that’s exciting. 

Starting Soon

My Mate Match from Starhunter should be starting on Line TV next Saturday. Usually, Line has subs relatively quickly and is available internationally. However the fact that the trailer is not subbed and the show is not listed on Line’s site has me nervous. No idea on length of run either. 

Starhunter studio doesn’t have a great track record in general for narrative arcs and this one is not based on a y-novel so could get waffly. This is a roommates love triangle BL about a boy who is looking for one roommate and ends up with two vying for his home and his heart. Stars Jet as the uke lead which I’m pretty happy about as he’s got great comedic timing and is accustomed to BL. He’s opposite two friends/co-actors from Gen Y and other projects, so we know they’re comfortable with each other. They could do great things... if they get a decent script. 

Next Week Looks Like This:

Some shows may be listed later than actual air date for International subs accessibility reasons.

Upcoming 2021 BL master post here.

Links to watch are provided when possible, ask in a comment if I missed something.

This week’s best moment?

[doc-pickles]

it’s nothing funny just to talk (p. 1)

What happens when you text that random number graffitied on a bathroom stall in your favorite bar? Jo Wilson is about to find out. - In which Bar Princess and Doctor Evil Spawn meet via text.

More Jolex on your timeline because y’all seemed to love what I posted before! Also I’ve posted this whole piece on AO3 as well so it might look familiar.  

this idea came to me in a fever dream and i am not sorry that y'all have to deal with it. 99% of this fic will be in "texting" format, so be prepared for that. 

Jo is regular Alex is italics

Saturday 11:04 PM

heeeeey is thiss doctor evil?

I gotta say ur phone sex namee needs sum weerk

u soud like a comic book village 

fuck

village

VILLAIN

Who the hell is this? And how did you get my number? 

i’m just a girl at thee bar!!!! 

Joe’s Bar?

noooooo

i’m at enerlad city bar

You didn’t answer my question. 

u asked a quesitoon?

whata was it?

i’m goos at takifjg tests 

How’d you get my number?

it qas in the bathrooom!!!

it said “for a good tiem txt dr evil spawne” 

so I did

I am ready to havee fun

You’re drunk, obviously, and I’m going to have to kill Cristina for putting my number up. 

ooooooh is thatt ur girleifnd?

hirlefiend 

girlfriend**

Wow you’re really gone. And hell no, she’s my roommate. One of them. 

ooooh how many do u hav

roomees not girlfriends 

Three. Two girls and a dude. 

intereeesting...

well it’s tome for fireball shoots

steph is yeeling at me 4 txting too much

goodbey doctor eviel apawn!!

Oh lord. Tell Steph you need water. Or an IV. 

I’ve got her. she’s throwing up on her shoes. thanks doctor. - steph

  Sunday 10:11 AM

You know you’re pretty funny, Bar Girl. 

jesus christ what fucking time is it?! 

10 AM

I’m assuming you have a massive hangover. 

hold on I can’t hear you over the sound of me vomiting

TMI as the kids say these days. 

what’re you a grandpa or something?? 

No I just don’t know how to use text lingo. Except WTF. I know that one very well. 

quick question

who the fuck are you?

Dr. Evil Spawn. You found my name graffitied in the bathroom of Emerald City Bar. 

holy shit

I thought I dreamed that... WHAT THE FUCK

Nope. I’m real. 

holy shit i’m so sorry

my texts were so annoying

Who hurt you? I mean you were shitfaced, I’m assuming someone broke your heart into tiny pieces. 

the opposite actually, I was at a bachelorette party

not mine, i’m so single it hurts

Ahhh that makes sense. So you got shitfaced in solidarity? 

exactly you get it

you seem like you’d be the DD at a bachelorette party

Well seeing as I’m a dude I don’t do Bachelorette parties. 

Well I did go to one, but that’s a different story.  

hmmm you seem like a very interesting man doctor evil spawn 

going to bachelorette parties, living with women who aren’t your girlfriend 

OMG ARE YOU DATING THE GUY YOU LIVE WITH?!

George? No absolutely not. And before you ask, my other girl roommate is gay. 

so you’re single?

i’m only asking so when you murder me the police have as much information as possible

Haha very funny. I would be a terrible murderer. 

you didn’t answer my question

Fine. Yes I’m single. 

i’ll note that in the “serial killer file” i’m building 

gotta go, I have to do work :/

Have fun, don’t die. 

  Sunday 8:38 PM

Arizona is trying to set me up on a blind date. 

who’s arizona?

My gay roommate. She wants me to meet this “bubbly blonde” she knows from her pilates class. 

ahhhh. why don’t you go?

Bubbly blonde is not my type. Sounds like she’ll spend the whole date talking about how much she loves dogs or her knitting hobby. 

Plus she does pilates, that tells me more than enough. 

you’re making some good points. I don’t pity you. 

You better not. How was work?

the longest day of my life

it was just paperwork, I don’t actually work on the weekends

What do you do?

hmmmm that’s exactly what a serial killer would say

i’m an elementary school teacher

Oh so you sing and dance and paint pictures all day?

what school did you go to?

were working on multiplication tables and basic photosynthesis tomorrow

Wow that sounds like a lot.

it’s may, ive got three weeks of school left so I have to cram all the crap we didn’t cover into these last few weeks 

Ahhh that sounds more accurate.

and what do you do? 

besides text strangers that you don’t know

I’m a pediatrician. 

oh so you make kids cry and wipe snotty noses all day? two can play at that game

Well we both have to deal with snotty noses sooo...

I GET IT!! Doctor Evil Spawn!! 

why evil spawn though? 

I wasn’t this nice when I started med school. My personality is an acquired taste. 

ha! that’s a funny joke. 

so if you’re a fancy schmancy doctor why do you live with three other people?

I’m only a resident, not making the big bucks yet. Everyone else is a doctor too. 

are they all pediatricians?

No. Arizona is too but Cristina is a cardiologist and George is a trauma specialist. 

interesting!! I too live with my coworkers. it’s not fun. 

the table is always covered in craft supplies. 

Well I can never read the grocery list on the fridge. Stupid doctors script...

oh that’s a classic. you’re pretty funny Dr. Evil Spawn

Thanks Bar Girl. 

I gotta go. monday tomorrow and you know how fourth graders can be. night!! 

Night . 

  Monday 9:47 AM

there’s not enough coffee in the world for monday mornings. 

  Monday 10:52 AM 

Sorry I was yelling at the interns. We have a decent coffee cart here. Keeps me alive. Are you texting in class?

no it was recess

now they’re at spanish class

i’m not totally irresponsible 

Oh good to know the future of America is in good hands. Teacher Princess is “not totally irresponsible”

teacher princess?

Well, Cinderella lost her shoe, you puked on yours. Same thing. 

wooooooooow

that was so uncalled for...

I thought it was funny. Gotta go set a broken arm. 

broken arm vs. adverbs... can we switch? have fun lol

  Monday 3:26 PM

I don’t even think I know what an adverb is. 

how did you become a doctor??

Don’t need to know adverbs to fix a couple broken bones and snuffy noses. 

oh darn I should’ve gone to school for seven more years then

Haha. How were the adverbs?

better than expected, grading papers while I wait for my roomies to be done

we carpool, saving the environment and shit

Okay Eco Warrior.

you text like a 60 year old man

you’re not a 60 year old man are you?

No I’m a 28 year old man though

28 a doctor and you’re single? your personality must be worse than you described 

I’m a busy man, I don’t have time to settle down. And I have no desire to. 

yet you have time to text a complete stranger? 

hmmmm interesting...

Ouch, that one hurt Princess. 

steph is making me socialize with the other teachers

if I don’t respond, they killed me or dragged me to an essential oil party

Hahahaha

  Monday 5:18 PM

Did you get roped into a pyramid scheme?

nooo but therew as wine

I should sotp drunk texting you so often 

It makes your presence that much more entertaining. And bearable. 

woah woah dude

i’m a gem 

I can tell. Elementary school teacher with a heart of gold. 

awwww your too sweet tome

It’s a Monday. Who the hell gets drunk on a Monday?

teachers

we deserve it

You’re a teacher and you’re single and still going to Bachelorette parties. You’re what, 23? 

i’m 25 and i’m doing greta thanks you very nuch 

cnat believe that i’m supplying my perosnal info to a serial killer

What makes you so sure that I’m a mass murderer? 

ur weird nickname and ur intimate knowledge of the himan body

Mmm yes well a good amount of women do find themselves screaming around me often. Or under me. On top of me...

omg are you sending me dirty jokes

you’re crazy 

What can I say. 

Gotta go, I’m on call tonight. Get to bed safe, Bar Princess. 

mmmkay thanks Doc

  Wednesday 11:29 AM

What do you think is worse: School lunch or hospital food?

hospital food, no doubt

thursday is mac and cheese day here... I could bathe in that stuff

We have Spaghetti Wednesday but that’s the only good thing here. 

mmm how depressing

the teachers do a pot luck once a month and that’s always good

the art teacher next door to me makes the BEST blueberry muffins. 

Lucky. All I get here is vending machine cookies. Anything interesting happening in the elementary world? 

a first grader got lice last week so naturally we all have it now

I had to chop off six inches of my hair

Holy crap. Lice can be vicious, be thankful you didn’t have to shave your head. 

it feels like I did, my hair hasn’t been above my shoulders since the backstreet boys were still touring

Wow. I’m glad to know you’re well cultured. 

of course I am

gotta go, kids are back from music class

Don’t be too hard on them, they deserve a break every once in awhile. 

  Thursday 3:06 PM

Incoming Voice Call

“Jenna you forgot your lunch pail. Have a good day!”

“Hello?”

“Hi Mrs. Peters. I didn’t grade Henry’s test yet, I’ll have it tomorrow. Thanks bye!”

“Helloooo?”

“Steph I gotta grab my things, I’ll be there in a seco- oh shit. Hello?”

“Bar Princess?”

“Doctor Evil Spawn? I must’ve butt dialed you, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay I... I don’t mind the interruption. Are you leaving work?”

“Just about, we’re wrapping up the solar system and I have to bring home the diorama.”

“I was never good at the models, I prefer working with the real thing.”

“Oh ho, a man that works with his hands. I can appreciate that.”

“You know now we’re officially talking and we still don’t know each other’s names.”

“Well around here I’m Miss Wilson, but you can call me Jo.”

“Jo. Hmm I like chicks with dudes names. I’m Dr. Karev but you can call me Alex.”

“Well nice to kinda meet you Alex. I’ll talk to you soon, I gotta get out of here.”

“Talk to you later.”  

  Thursday 4:34 PM

I wouldn’t mind if you were my teacher.

how did I know you’d send me something along those lines

I’m predictable. I’m still calling you Bar Princess. 

as you wish doctor evil spawn

I get to assist on a surgery today. Tonsillectomy. 

like removing tonsils? that’s awesome

for you, not for the kid

Oh she’ll be fine, she gets ice cream and jello for a week.  

okay yeah I might be jealous of her now

id love to be off work for a week and have you waiting on me hand and foot

the ice cream is a nice bonus

You think that’s my job?

well you said you aren’t making the big bucks yet so.... yeah 

Keep dreaming. I’ll talk to you later, gotta scrub in. 

have fun!!!!

[melohax]

Tagged for 91 questions (holy shit)

@megatrashlord101 tagged me so lessgo. Also do forgive all the father-hatred in this, I’m in a pissier mood than usual today 😬

Rules: Answer 91 statements and tag 20 people. -Last- 1. Drink: Diet Coke 🤢 2. Phone call: My cardiologist. 3. Text message: Sent a photo of my dog looking dumb to one of my friends. 4. Song: Roundtable Rival (that girl is so talented) 5. Time you cried: This past summer. I was really worried over one of my foster dogs but thank god she’s fine now and has finally been adopted.

-Have You- 6. Dated someone twice: Sortaa. More like break up and get back together sprt of thing. 7. Kissed someone and regretted it: Yeah 🙄 8. Been cheated on: Non. 9. Lost someone special: Yup, we all do eventually. 10. Been depressed: Aren’t we all, lol 11. Gotten drunk and thrown up: Nah.

-List 4 FAVORITE COLOURS- 12. Purple purplpurplepurplepurplep 13. Turquoise 14. Indigo 15. Pink

-IN THE LAST YEAR HAVE YOU- 16. Made new friends: Yes.

17. Fallen out of love: Oh shit, kinda

18. Laughed until you cried: Yessss

19. Found someone was talking about you: No one that matters to me so I don’t really care.

20. Met someone, who changed you: Actually, yeah.

21. Found out who your friends are: I’ve always known who they are. They’ve all been the best friends I could ask for for over a decade so thankfully that hasn’t changed and doesn’t seem like it will anytime soon. 🙌

22. Kissed someone on your facebook list: Don’t have facebook atm.

-GENERAL- 23. How many facebook friends do you know in real life: Don’t have facebook atm.

24. Do you have any pets?: Two dogs, a rescued lab mix and a deaf chihuahua. I volunteer at various animal shelters and I foster dogs as well. 🐶

25. Do you want to change your name? Nah.

26. What did you do for your last birthday: I was elbows deep in dog shit cus I was fostering a sick Husky puppy. Thank fuck one of my friends was there to help me deal with that, I owe him my life jfc.

28. What were you doing at midnight last night: Watching Game Grumps vids.

29. Name something you can’t wait for: For my father to either fuck off somewhere far away or for him to finally kick the bucket. He went from once being a great man to now being an unforgivably stupid man in his 50’s.

30. When was the last time you saw your mum: 5 minutes ago.

31. What is the one thing you wish you could change in your life: My shitty health, turns out I have a weird heart problem now. Also my father. Every day I wish he was gone.

32. What are you listening to right now: The rain outside my window.

33. Have you ever talked to a person named Tom: I think? 🤷🏻‍♀️

34. Something that is getting on your nerves: My father. He’d best drop his white guy midlife crisis bullshit soon if he doesnt want everyone to leave him.

35. Most visted website: Reddit and The Nexus.

-MORE QUESTION- 36. Mole/s: Like beauty marks? Small one under my left eye.

37. Marks: What kind of marks does this mean tho

38. Childhood dream: I wanted to be either an astronaut or marine biologist.

39. Hair colour: Purple.

40. Long or short: Very long. I want it longer though, almost down to mid thigh would be really cool.

41. Do you have crush on someone: No. Romance is fun in fiction but a pain in the ass in real life.

42. What do you like about yourself: My nose and my waist. My figure in general.

43. Piercings: Sadly no. I’m allergic to practically every metal ever.

44. Blood type: O +, plebeian blood.

45. Nicknames: Melo

46. Relationship status: Single

47. Zodiac: Leo

48. Pronouns: She/Her

49. Favourite Tv Show: Scrubs, I think.

50. Tattoos: None.

51. Right or left hand: Left.

52. Surgery: Gotten surgery for my shitty ovaries.

53. Hair dyed a differtn colour: My hair is purple with a blue ombre.

54. Sport: Jesus no hahahaha

55. Vacation: Like my last vacation or something? My last vacation was in Amsterdam.

56. Pair of trainers: Sneakers? Yeah I have a few pairs.

-More- 57. Eating: I really love burgers. I’d eat a burger everyday if it wasn’t so unhealthy.

58. Drinking: I hate the blandness of water but I’m trying to drink more of it for my health. I love Horchata and fruit smoothies.

59. Dream last night: Gunshots and having to hide from something.

60. Want: My heart to beat normally. To never have to see my father again.

61.I’m about to: Go to the cardiologist at 4 pm.

62.Waiting for: 4pm.

63.Lips or eyes: Both?

64.Get married: Ugh no.

65.Career: I have a cosmetology degree and already work as a makeup artist. I might be more suited for animal care, though, not entirely sure yet.

66.Hugs or kisses: Hugs.

67.Shorter or taller: I wanna be tall enough to punch my father in the face without having to hop up and down lol.

68.Older or younger: ????

69.Nice arms or nice stomach: Is this askinng what I want or what I have??

70.Sensitive or loud: ?????

71. Hook up or relationship: Hook up.

72.Troublemaker or hesitant: Troublemaker.

73.Kissed a stanger: Yeah.

74.Drank hard liquor: Yeah but I don’t really like the taste so I almost never do.

75.Lost glasses/contacts: No.

76.Turned somebody down: Yeah.

77. Broken somebody’s heart: Yeah but not on purpose.

78.Had your heart broken: Once. Never again, though.

79.Been arrested: No.

80.Cried when somebody died: Yeah.

81: Fallen for a friend: Yup.

-Do you believe in-

82.Yourself: Depends on the situation at hand and what I’m supposed to do.

83.Miiracles: LOL no

84. Love at first sight: Lmao no

85.Santa Claus: No

86.Kiss on the first date: Why is this even here. Whats wrong with kissing on a first date? If thats what you wanna do, go for it.

87.Angels: I’m not religious or a spiritual kind of person tbh.

88. Magic in a young girl’s heart: I think this shit only exists in shoujo anime.

-Others- 89.Current best friend’s name: Aimée 90. Eye colour: Brown. 91. Favorite movie: Pan’s labyrinth

I don’t really know who to tag but anyone who wants to do this thing, go ahead and tag me in it, I’ll read it

[paumeranian]

Interview #5

14/3/19

Tell me about a time where you started feeling symptoms. What did you do? How did you feel in that moment? (How important is it to you to get these symptoms checked out? How long you do you typically wait before doing so? Why?)

I started feeling symptoms not long after I had an iron injection so I thought my injury was correlated to that

I went to the doctors to confirm it, and it took us a long time to figure out that it actually wasn’t that - so  I was in a little pain for a very very long time

How long did you wait after you felt the pain before consulting the doctor again?

It was pretty soon, I had the iron injection and then within a couple of days I started to feel really really intense pain and thinking it was from that, it was within a week, I was able to go back and say hey something’s wrong

How did you feel in that moment?

Kinda scared, I hadn’t had that sort of pain before so I was worried and wanted to get some clarification that I hopefully wouldn’t have anything to worry about or it would ease out

How long do you usually wait before getting things checkout though? Why?

I wait till things get really really bad before I see the doctor with anything. One of the reasons being money, doctors are pretty expensive and I’ve got that kiwi attitude “She’ll be alright”

Tell me about your healthcare provider. Is your doctor/GP available via booking an appointment or is it a walk-in clinic?

By appointment but I also can do walk-ins, I never really have to wait that long which is quite good

But if I do walk-in I can’t guarantee that I see my preferred doctor so I always prefer to book in ahead of time if I can

Is it important to you that you see one doctor consistently for all check-ups? Why or why not.

Pretty important, I understand continuity of care is pretty important since they have a good understanding of your health history

Talk me through your usual process of allocating a day and time to see your doctor/GP? How easy or difficult is it to schedule an appointment at a time that suits you? (if it’s a walk-in clinic, how long do you have to wait to see your doctor/GP?)

It’s pretty easy

My hours at work, I finish quite early so I still have a couple of hours at the end of the day to get an appointment if it’s really urgent, otherwise I wait till the weekend to book and usually I’m able to get an appointment when I need it which is cool

When I made an appointment, this doctor’s pretty good I don’t have to wait longer than 10 minutes or so

With walk ins it’s pretty good as well I’ve never waited longer than 15 minutes

Talk me through your most recent visit to the doctor or GP. What were you thinking and how were you feeling from waiting in reception through to going home?

Worried cause I’m always anxious *laughs*

Every time I’m going to the doctor they say my BP elevates which is normal because I’m always anxious about going to the doctor anyway

Can you tell me roughly how long you were seen by the doctor for?

I wouldn’t say they’re like super speedy but not prolonged either

About 20 minutes -  Sometimes it’s pretty straightforward and it’s a good amount of time. Other times it could be a bit longer and they get to be more thorough with tests.

Do you have to pay for blood tests?

Some of them are free but some of them do cost

They didn’t warn me about the cost until I got there

It’s frustrating especially since doctors are costly as is - I do think that people need more warning about what they’re going to pay rather than getting it and say “Oh you owe us this”

Talk me through how you were feeling during the actual check-up.

This is when I start to calm down, it’s always the lead up that is more nerve-wracking than being in there

When I start talking about what I’m there for, hearing myself speak sort of calms me down

Trust: 8 times out of 10 I’d say I’m pretty confident in talking to the doctor, some stuff I still keep to myself. Maybe because of fear of judgment. Even though they’re doctors they’ve seen it all but I still can’t shake that anxiety.

How long have you been going to your doctor for?

A year and a half, nearly 2 years

How I made the decision to go to this doctor instead: Cheaper and closer. I thought it was going to be a lot cheaper but it was only slightly cheaper. So I’m considering changing again mostly for the cost. It’s convenient to get to and I never have to wait that long for an appointment but it’s just the price is hefty.

Are there any other factors you take into consideration when choosing a doctor?

I like to get recommendations from people that have been there before so I know that they’re good

Tell me about how your provider explained potential diagnoses and solutions. Were you able to understand clearly the benefits or side effects if any of medication you’re given?

The first provider that helped me get diagnosis for my back injury - he was really good, thorough, would tell me everything and force me to ask any questions in regards to medication he would give me, if I was keen on taking high doses of pain killers which was really cool

The healthcare provider I’m with now, they’re not so informative. I feel like I have to do some research and then ask all the questions rather than them providing me with all the information I should have

I’m really cautious about taking medication. Would go without. I’m not one to pop pills if I’ve got a headache or anything I just let it go

Tell me about a significant clinical experience you can recall (either positive or negative). Why was it significant? How did you feel in that moment? Why did you feel that way? Do most check-ups with your provider turn out like this?

With the iron injection that I thought I had, I thought I had damaged a nerve that’s why I was getting a lot of pain in my leg

After a few trips to the doctor to work out what it was, they finally referred me to a specialist because I couldn’t get an MRI through other means

After a few months I was able to get an MRI so I had that and nothing was showing up but still felt incredible pain, couldn’t walk, couldn’t stand, couldn’t sit

It was really really horrible and nothing was making sense

Finally on the third MRI, it showed I had a prolapse disk that was pushing into my nerve - even with something as common as that it took a really long time to diagnose it

Took about 6 months to fully diagnose, they had talked me through surgery that I was going to have but then ACC weasled in and said they weren’t gonna cover that

Had to heal naturally which prolonged my entire *laughing* healing time from start to finish to about nearly 2 years - couldn’t work, sleep, sit, or do anything

Dosed up on pain killers galore the whole time

Surgery

I was really really nervous especially cause I’ve never had surgery before so I didn’t know what to expect with that

But kind of relieved that I would get relief - nervous excitement

Can you comment on the quality of care you typically receive in relation to the cost of a check-up? Rate the cost from:

_ Very affordable     _ Affordable           _ Expensive             _ Very expensive

I’d say this particular doctor is kind of unfair, the GP that I’ve been seeing in regards to a heart issue has been difficult in the sense that I have to constantly chase him up about what’s happening

He’s sending off referrals to cardiologists and I’m not hearing anything back

I feel like I’ve just been completely ignored in the system

Overall, can you tell me how satisfied or dissatisfied you are with your healthcare provider?

In the middle, on the fence

One of my previous GP’s (regular one) was fantastic but the one I’ve been seeing for this particular issue hasn’t been that great

What’s the perfect GP like for you?

Thorough, lets you know about side effects, gives you all info, doesn’t leave you with questions, prepares you for what’s to come

If you’re taking medication or has a procedure that they’re planning they should give you an explanation of what you expect

Reflect on interview

NZ healthcare system is sh*ttier than what I thought

Thoughts of NZ healthcare system

It could be better

Pricewise it could be better

Doctors are very quick to write you a prescription for stuff you may not necessarily need

Need to be more thorough with patients, give them more information

At this point, Nathan who was sitting in the same room contributed to the conversation:

Nathan

“There’s all these other issues I could ask them about” at the time

If you’re paying to see them about one specific thing - then you go

I don’t see it as like you pay for an appointment then you present them a list of everything you need checked out, I feel like you’re gonna end up with a whole lot of treatments you’re gonna have to pay for that you didn’t know about at the time

Then they give you the info and you have to pay like $200 bucks or something

Lauren

That’s what bugs me as well, a lot of times when I do need to go to the doctor it’s cause a whole lot of stuff has built up because I’ve put it all on the back burner

“I’ll be fine, I’ll be fine” and then all of a sudden I’ve got like 10 things to be seen about

But then I feel bad like I’m a burden saying “Oh btw there’s this other issue, and then there’s this.” I don’t want to think I’m a hypochondriac

At the same time don’t wanna come back for another issue

Nathan

You feel like rushed because doctors’ time is really valuable

But at the same time you pay $90 just to see them and half the time you barely get your money’s worth

Knowing they’re doctors that puts you off wanting to take more of their time

Lauren

That’s what I did like about my doctor in Kumeu but it was so annoying to get to because I don’t drive and it’s quite a distance away

$50 for an appointment, even when you make an appointment I would have to wait sometimes an hour

But he’s so thorough, and so good and never wanna like push all these pills on me.

He’d always have different alternatives. If I didn’t want to do one thing he would have an alternative that might work for me

Understandably why he see people so late because he’s always thorough with everyone

The doctor I see now I do feel rushed. My lady doctor (other one) I never felt rushed with her.

My brother’s is only $17 per appointment

Their brother Anthony

Not enrolled it would be $70 but once you’re enrolled the first visit is $35 and any other visit from there is $17

Unless all you’re doing is seeing the nurse it’s $13

Lauren

Doctor kept on sending requests to get me in for an MRI but they keep saying there’s no evidence that I need one

Like I can’t walk. What more evidence do you need *laughs*

I’m glad that I wasn’t able to get surgery. In the long run it would’ve given me more problems

Personal reflection: This was an interesting interview as I got to ask some new questions and go off script like “Describe what an ideal doctor would be” to gain insight into my users’ desires and needs. While it’s recommended to pinpoint needs through how they describe their current experiences now, I tried experimenting and collecting “I wish” responses which I believe is another way of understanding what and where the gaps are.

[tellytantra]

Ronakshi OS | Love Paints Canvas Banner By Me Aka JasmineCreations. Sonakshi sat on the stool, chewing her nails as her eyes played table tennis. Her gaze transfixed. Lost in her own muddle. And after another 7 minutes of her state of mind, she huffed in despair! Yellow or Magenta? Which one to actually put a finger on to paint…  Yes! That’s the big and serious question, which one of them to paint with… After 1 hour, these two colors, made their way into final list but now, she couldn’t paint on both, so which one of them? And honestly, it’s too difficult… “Pata nahi Rohit garden main so gaya mano! Itna time lagta hai kya, yahan main itne bade dharamsankat main hoon, aur ye, ped bachao abhiyan main vyast hai!”, Huffed Sonakshi in frustration! It’s been 1 week, Rohit and Sonakshi are back together, again… And starting new, afresh by creating a small new world of theirs, make new memories in their beautiful abode, Ronakshi Villa! No one, not even they would have thought, they would be together again. But can soulmates ever drift apart, not even death can. The affinity of togetherness under the façade of hatred brought them together every time, this time, not-to-be-separated-ever. Love could win all battles over everyone & everything indeed! And, it was now all about all them. No one else. And right now, they were setting their house, making it home with their own touches. The painters will come soon, but they left many colors on request of Mrs. Sippy to decide the color, yet Mrs. Sippy stood completely puzzled bean, thinking, saare rang itne khoobsurat hai, kisi ek ko kaise chunu!  Pouted, and took the magenta color, a bit of dark pink strikes present, as she dipped the brush n held it, staring intently. Then her big brown eyes shifted to plain white walls, and again to the bright color dripping off the brush. She sighed. It’s difficult, Rohit kahan hai!  And holding the tin n brush, sat on the high stool again. As at that moment Rohit came, in light mint color t shirt… He rubbed the full sleeves and dusted off. And stopped as he saw his as so ever beautiful wife, lost in her own musings. Well, and he is always lost in his muse sitting pretty in front of him with tins of paints. Rohit smiled and walked quietly to her, and startled her by hugging her from behind.  Sonakshi huffed, while Rohit rested his chin on her bare shoulder, and snuggled into her, taking the whiffs of her alluring scent to his fill. He could never get tired of anything of hers. “Kya hua! Meri Sona itni pareshan? Hmm?”, asked Rohit in charming tone. While Sona moved her head back to see him, and pouted as so ever adorably, which twisted many things inside Rohit but concentrated on her words. “Mujhe samjh nahi aa raha hai! Yellow”, Pointing to the tin down, “Or Magenta?”, taking the brush up dipped in the bright color! Rohit smiled at this delectable piece who was all his! Sometimes he now thinks, how he stayed away from her for 4 damned months, by not seeing her, or having her in his arms. Whatever it may be, he experienced unadulterated happiness from last 2 weeks, the fact he is with her again, is just so lovely and dreamy… He watched the two colors and was about to say something, when Sonakshi said cheerfully, “I think ye, magenta pink! Haan! Would look so beautiful! Yes! Magenta zyada accha lagega!”, while Rohit scrunched his eyebrows now. “No Sona!”, Leaving her, he came in front of her and took yellow tin, “Yellow zyada accha lagega! Just so vibrant!”, as the brush dripped yellow paint off in the can.  Sonakshi frowned and shook her head, “Its loud!” “Its Perfect! Infact Pink kitna mariyal (dull) color hai!” “What? Pink?? Pink aur magenta main zameen aasman ka farak hai! You don’t call magenta pink ok! And wait, wait, wait…”, as Rohit was going to speak again. “Maine inn do colors ko final list main laaya, toh main decide karungi which one the walls should be painted!”, as Sonakshi smiled sweetly at Rohit, indicating trouble! But did these two children-trapped-in-adult-bodies ever backed off a war? Nopes!  “Final list? Ye koi fashion show hai Kya? No yellow…”, When Sonakshi interrupted him. “Yellow cancel, Magenta final!”. When Rohit huffed and said, “Ek kaam Karte hai, no pink,” As Sona glared him and he glared her back, “Yes pink! It’s same! And no yellow! Grey paint karte hai! Best!”. “Ewww!!! Grey!!! Chee!!”, Sonakshi’s nose crinkled as she kinda shouted in dramatic voice!  If for their cute fights on or not, looking at her reaction, Rohit wanted to pull her cheeks, as she looked cutest while her nose crinkled, lips plucked out in annoyance and eyes tightly shut, as she shook her head, her flicks falling down on her right eye. “Kya hai?”, Sonakshi shouted, as she stood in front of him, breaking his reverie! Their height difference was always beautiful and comical. He was too tall for her, and poor her, she has to look up all the way up to him. She was actually so smol, but the best part being, in every hug, her head rested on his heart. He knew his Sona loved that factor, that she could listen to the heartbeats of this young cardiologist, where she lived... “Dekho main bata rahi hoon, walls will be painted in mage…”, before she could complete her sentence, Rohit dipped the brush yellow, and held it like sword in a battle. “Ab tum dekho, ya toh walls yellow main paint hongi ya phir tum yellow yellow ho jaogi!”, Rohit said smelling mischief and smiling devil! Sonakshi’s eyes widened, “Rohit! No! No! No! Not at all you are doing that! Meri white dress…”, when Rohit cut short her again, smiling oh so sweet. “Try me Sona!”, Dragging her name dramatic. And Rohit took the paint brush and started coming forward, mimicking devil laugh, “Ab kahan jaogi bachke!!! HA! HA! HA!! Mata Raani ke paas?”, while Sonakshi moved behind. When as if a count to three was made through eyes, and Rohit sprinted at Sonakshi, throwing the paint from brush in air. Luckily Sonakshi dodged it and shouted, and ran around the chairs, now standing opposite sides of 5 – 6 chairs scattered in middle of hall… Rohit laughed while Sonakshi was trying not to laugh but a smile was giving it out easily.  “ROHIT! Stop! Hum bacche nahi hai!”, trying to act stern but the smile saying otherwise. Still holding magenta can. “Ab jab tak mere bacche nahi hai, tab tak hum hi bacche hai! Sadly tum kuch karti ho nahi! Toh mujhe baccha banna padta hai na!”, He said in comical sad voice, mockingly! Sonakshi had her mouth open at this insult, “Haww!! Main… main kuch karti nahi…”, Rohit nodded when Sonakshi blinked hard and took the bright magenta dipped brush and unannounced sprinkled the paint of brush by throwing it on Rohit. It was so sudden, that Rohit now realized, his loose mint t shirt, soaked magenta now splashed. Sonakshi giggled while Rohit raised his eyes to glare her, still she continued to laugh and backed out a bit, out of his reach. Rohit took the brush off with yellow, and slowly shouted at her every syllable, “You are so gone Mrs. Sonakshi Sippy!”. And started running around the big living room, like kindergarten children. Here and there, laughters and paints slashing through the air. Before Sonakshi could slip away again, Rohit didn’t threw paint off brush but instead,  *SPLASH* THREW WHOLE BUCKET OF YELLOW PAINT ON HER! As Sonakshi stopped and throwing her hands up, her jaw dropped open, as she turned to look at Rohit who was smiling victoriously. The paint was all over her neck on one side and the half the dress smeared in yellow. Luckily her face and hair safe, with some strikes painting her hair too. Rohit came forward walking jolly, and took some paint of her neck, “Walls paint karna tha, tum ho gayi! Tch tch!”, and Rohit tried to control the laugh seeing her all riled up! “Tumhe toh main…”, Sonakshi shouted and threw the bucket of magenta on her oh-so-dear husband! His t shirt and jeans splashed with the pink or magenta whatever color…  Some paint still remaining in the tin, she was about to throw on him, when Rohit held her wrist softly, but in firm grip, not letting her throw again, while she struggled to take her hand off… Before she could use her other hand, he clasped it too, the bucket dropping on floor, splattering the remaining paint on the floor. And in a sudden moment pushed her to the wall… The playful air changing to something intense, as she stopped struggling with his laughter dying other second… The air shifted subtly to something else. As their eyes closed into each other, her hands still trapped in his grip on either sides of her by wall while the proximity was making them dazed with passion. Rohit came forward, not breaking the eye contact and pushed his body into hers, coming closer to her and rubbing his stubble on her neck and cheek, making her close her eyes. He rubbed his chest on hers lightly, making her shudder, as his one hand left hers, and trailer her neck, smearing magenta of his hand on yellow on her neck as it trailed down more. Firmly going all the way touching her breast, and fingers trailing to her waist and stopping, as he made circles on her waist above the flimsy cloth of her dress. As for Sonakshi remained at his expense, letting the emotions and him overrule her. Her hand on his chest, crumpling the t shirt and another held his shoulder tightly, for support. Until eternity passed, when Rohit backed out a little making her come out of the moment. Sonakshi looked up at him in anticipation of something when Rohit smiled softly, and sweeping his hand off her waist. “Tumhare mere rang ke milne par, humara rang ban gaya… Laal…”, and softly held her cheek and smeared the color off his hand, red color adorning her cheek. Sonakshi looked down at his clothes and hers then, to see yellow and magenta mixing off to form deep shade of red… Deep shade of their love… She smiled at this and looked up brightly at him.  Indeed, between their shades, they created a different shades of love and togetherness…  Rohit closed the distance another instance and pushed himself into her again, in a fleet moment capturing her lips into earth shattering kiss.  The soulful kiss never spoke of any need but a forever love for each other… Forever seemed clichéd, yet true feelings for lovers… They had their own shades but their love created a different shade altogether, the dark color of red splashed in their life like on a white plain canvas, painting it with shades of love and life… ***** She held her white dress which stares at her colorfully, she means literally colourfully, sighing, she crumpled it, she needs to throw this now! This paint won’t leave now! When Rohit hugged her from behind. Night had fallen down. While they had changed into clean clothes after their pre Holi kinda commence in morning. “Tum isse kahin nahi phekogi!", Sonakshi looked at him, God he always read her thoughts this easily! Rohit continued, "This dress has our color, you are keeping it with you forever as another token of my shades of love!”, and kissed her soundly on her cheek, snuggling into her. Sonakshi smiled at this but frowned again, “Meri favorite dress Marks And Spencer’s ki! All spoiled! Ab puri red, magenta, yellow!”. Rohit smiled naughtily and still wounded his hand around her waist stood by side of her. As she dropped the dress on bed, and folded clean clothes in pile.  “Waise neeche ek aur yellow paint ka can aur red paint ka can rakha hai! Orange banaye iss baar!”, said Rohit seductively yet mischievously, trailing his fingers on her bare arm. And Sonakshi glared at him! As if telling no-more-spoiling-my-dress!  And Rohit let out a chuckle, and suddenly from the pile, pulled her white bra, “Ye bhi chalega iss baar for ornage!”. When Sonakshi’s jaw dropped to ground at his shamelessness. And literally snatched her thing and buried under the pile. When Rohit started laughing at her cute blushing, and hugged her tightly, still laughing. While Sonakshi couldn’t hold up more and smiled and chuckled between her blush. And lightly snakes her arms around him, snuggling into his chest. “Pagal!” murmured Sonakshi on his chest smiling widely. And well for the walls, they were intended to be painted by one of their color, Red! ***** The End... LoveAnushka

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