Smooth Operator...

Sade's 1984 single encapsulates Sunday 4th July 2011 for me really...

I remember being prepped in the pre op suite, where I was introduced to a plethora of doctors, nurses, and my surgeon, Bill. He appeared delighted to meet me, and we shook hands from under the blanket, like you do.

After meeting the anaesthetist  (my second favourite person of the day, after the surgeon) and many other dignitaries involved in the pre care, post care and actual operation, I was getting a bit tired. Like a child at Christmas anxiously waiting to open his presents but first having to go to church before the excitement could begin)

And suddenly we were off! I was wheeled down the corridor to operating room 2, which was a large bright clinical room (and so it should be of course), with a marvellous vista overlooking Auckland through the floor to ceiling windows. 

How marvellous! A room with a view; not that I would be in a position to gawp down from the seventh floor.

I shuffled myself onto the operating table, my gown spilling open exposing myself to the world. Modesty seemed somewhat pointless at this stage in the proceedings.

As Bill the surgeon joined us, Mr Anaesthetic started his magic, clamping a nebuliser to my mouth and nose. I was asked to count down from 10.

I remember the radio was on in the background, with Dire Straits on the air, hopefully not a portent of the future. Curiously they asked if this station was OK for me, perhaps I should have asked for Sade. 

No need to ask
He's a smooth operator......10.....9.....8...............zzzzzzzzz