When I did my hospital EMT practicum I was in minor surgery and many of the men that came in where there for this particular procedure. I had a hard time looking them in the eyes... I'm not sure why, it just seemed like it was a day that none of them were really looking forward to. There were many awkward jokes, and nervous laughter - just like you said.
Such a nice ode to the old crazy cat. She was always very tempting to cuddle with, but you certainly couldn't try and force her into it...if you did you got one of those warning growls that pretty much put the fear of God into any man. I think she may have been the craziest cat I ever met, but like any good bi-polar being, she was as sweet some times as she was mean at others. Take care Boo.