Today I called a new doctor’s office to set up an appointment.  A very young-sounding woman kindly helped me and took down my information, including my name and address.

“And what’s your birthday?” she asked.

I told her the month, the day, and the year.

“That’s my birthday too!” she exclaimed.

“Really!” I said.

An awkward pause ensued.  It was long enough to allow several generations of fruitflies to live and die.

I said helpfully, “But probably not the year.”

“Right!” she exhaled with relief.  “Not the year, but the day and month!”

Don’t worry, Britney.  A long time ago I said cute things like that to my elders too, usually after a long day of fighting dinosaurs.  Tell you what--when I drop in, I’ll reverse the the usual doctor’s office protocol and bring you a lollipop.