130 An Inch Given,a Mile Taken p.398

Karen calls the manager for a dog day off.
(K=Karen; M=manager)
K: Hello, Mr.Fu?
M: Yes. This is he.
K: Uh... I'm calling to ask for a day off.
M: What's the matter? Are you sick again?
K: No. Um...actually it's my dog. I think it's that time of the month. I've got to take her to the vet¹.
M: I guess it's OK. But I didn't know dogs had periods.
K: They sure do. By the way, if she gets pregnant, do I get two months off?
M: Do you want permanent leave?
K: Uh...what do you mean?

Don't be slave to money.
Don't boss me around.
go to bed late 晚上睡得晚   sleep late 早上睡得很晚才起床
beef 牛肉
euphemism² 委婉的用词
vet 是 veterinarian 简称  兽医
hoof³, hooves pl. 蹄
by the way = incidentally
sack = fire 解雇

1 vet   

n.兽医，退役军人；vt.检查

参考例句：

• I took my dog to the vet.我把狗带到兽医诊所看病。
• Someone should vet this report before it goes out.这篇报道发表之前应该有人对它进行详查。

2 euphemism   

n.婉言，委婉的说法

参考例句：

• Language reflects culture and euphemism is a mirror of culture.语言反映文化,而婉语则是各种文化的一面镜子。
• Euphemism is a very common and complicated linguistic phenomenon.委婉语是一种十分常见而又非常复杂的语言现象。

3 hoof   

n.(马，牛等的)蹄

参考例句：

• Suddenly he heard the quick,short click of a horse's hoof behind him.突然间，他听见背后响起一阵急骤的马蹄的得得声。
• I was kicked by a hoof.我被一只蹄子踢到了。