Its Amazing What A Man Can See By the Light of a Burning Bridge
I got a copy of my x-rays last week and today I went to a dentist a girl from school has used for a couple of years....
An $81 price tag was so worth it to have a second opinion on my teeth.
They were just as nice as she promised...the guy at the front desk greeted me by name before I ever picked up a pen or said a word. The dentist was not condescending and judgmental like the previous one was. She asked questions, explained what was confusing, and offered no pressure for me to use her in the future.
Of course, I absolutely will ...
Instead of the 12 the other guy said I needed at over $4600, I will be getting TWO. I don't have the actual price tag but I've already been promised they will be lower than anything the other guy was charging.
*deep sigh of relief*
Thank GOD I'm smart enough to know when someone is trying to rape my bank account and call it a friendly hello ...
1
My mom got a $17,000 estimate from a dentist. Yeah, like that'd ever happen. She refuses to work because her teeth are falling apart but she can't afford the dentistry. I just love my life as a full-time babysitter of someone choosing to be helpless. Oh wait, I got off track. Anyway, yeah, congratulations on finding a dentist who wants to help you and not send you running in the other direction -- clearly a profitable strategy. Hah.
Posted by: dawn at January 21, 2008 05:06 PM (jFpDX)
Posted by: David M at January 21, 2008 07:08 PM (LwiZS)
3
Good deal. I won't say "I told you so." So now you're probably looking at $500 to $1000 tops where before you were facing almost 5 grand. Plus what they tell you in the beginning and what it actually costs is always more. Good luck Sweetie.
Joe
;-)
Posted by: Assrot at January 22, 2008 05:51 PM (ARCEn)
4
thank goodness indeed!
And you have gorgeous teeth...protect them!
Posted by: AWTM at January 22, 2008 09:13 PM (b8z4b)
5
..... that is wonderful news!...... I hope that your new dentist takes such good care of you!......
Posted by: Eric at January 23, 2008 09:46 PM (g02Hg)
In These Shoes ... ? Hunny, I Don't Think So ...
Ahhh ... almost 70 degrees today and lunch out of doors for the first time in a LONG time. And the weather promises to be just as nice tomorrow.
Its almost enough to make me not care about having to dress up tomorrow ...
Posted by: David M at January 08, 2008 11:22 AM (gIAM9)
2
Dress up? Had no choice on that one... But I did wear the open toed shoes!!
Posted by: Princess Cat at January 08, 2008 05:42 PM (qMzFB)
3
ya know I knew he would be here....
shoe weirdness
Posted by: awtm at January 08, 2008 08:37 PM (I5BpZ)
4
Don't open toe shoes first require pedicures and a general "gussying up" of one's feet? I don't know for sure, but I get told that a lot by women.
So did you do the open toe shoe? Did you need to get a pedicure first?
5
Good deal..
And "R" - It is not shoe wierdness.... well okay maybe it is..but its a healthy wierdness.
Posted by: David M at January 11, 2008 04:23 PM (gIAM9)
6
is it healthy?
I do not know is there such a thing as a healthy fetish? Maybe I need to get out more, or read more , or something....
at least you are not a furrie D!
Posted by: awtm at January 13, 2008 04:17 PM (WAuW4)
7
Of course there are healthy fetishes...any fetish I have is healthy. mmmmm, I wonder if I'm digging myself in a little too deep here...
Posted by: David M at January 16, 2008 01:35 PM (gIAM9)
So Much for That Raise ...
One should not start a new year crying ...
I just got off the phone with the new "I think I'm fantastic" dentist office. Apparently my entire mouth full of is rotting out of my head at a speed I never imagined possible. Well, ok ... its not that bad ... but it is bad.
The first installment of four filling appointments (yes, I said four) is slated to cost me a whopping $1,095 and my insurance has graciously agreed to pay the lovely sum of $84. That only leaves me with another $1,011 to come up with.
multiply times four ...
I'm looking at approximately $4000 flying out of my bank account before the year even gets off to a rolling start.
Oh, and did I note that Mr. I Am So Fantastic has no idea why I have so many cavities? He assumed I drink soda and eat a lot of candy ... neither of which I do. I am a daily brusher. Granted a less than daily flosser. But I avoid gum, mints, soda, candy, chewy foods ... so care to explain why I'm looking at drill-a-palooza 08 ...?
Someone please tell me I'm still sleeping off a bad night of binge drinking and that this is just a nightmare I will wake up from quite soon ...
1
Considering the $$$'s involved have you thought about getting a second opinion? That's an awful lot of money. I think it would be a good thing to do even if the second dentist tells you the same because then you'll know for sure. Besides if the teeth have waited this long - they can wait a tad longer without a problem. Unless you have a raging toothache.
Posted by: Teresa at January 02, 2008 03:14 PM (rVIv9)
2
Did you grow up around non floridated water?
I did...
I have had that Dentist appointment before.
Gotta love BCBS Federal it sucks ass when dental work needs to be done.
DH needs crowns, on his entire lower jaw, 10,000$$$
our insurance will pay 25$
Posted by: AWTM at January 02, 2008 05:21 PM (aXcqg)
3
Am avoiding dentist like plague. Need two crowns and some crown buildup work because I got root canals but couldn't afford the rest of the work. I'm all about just getting out of pain, not the whole kit and kaboodle. I hate thinking that my mouth could be worth more than a year's rent if I kept up with all the required maintenance. ...
Posted by: dawn at January 02, 2008 11:01 PM (HT2EY)
4
All dentists are fucking thieves. I'd get a second opinion before I did anything. On the other hand never go with the cheapest one either. You want quality work but at a reasonable price.
You would be very surprised to know how much the price and what supposedly needs to be done varies from dentist to dentist.
I have a friend that works in a dental lab where they make the crowns, bridgework, false teeth etc. He tells me that dentists are the biggest, greediest thieves on the planet. He said most charge the patient between 8 and 10 times what the actual labwork costs them.
Good luck with it sweetie. I hate dentists. I only go when I absolutely have to. It doesn't matter if you go once a year or once every five years. The cost is the same if you take good care of your teeth in between visits.
Flossing is the most important part of oral hygiene. If you don't floss, you may as well not do anything else either. Between your teeth is where the bacteria and other critters grow that cause cavities and bad breath.
I'm over half a century old and still have all my teeth with no cavities. The only ones I don't have are the 4 wisdom teeth. The sooner you get rid of those the better off you are. They are useless teeth that do nothing but harbor bacteria that rot your other rear molars and make it difficult to brush and floss those back teeth.
I go to a dentist once every 5 years on average. I always get a second opinion if they want to do anything that costs over $1000.
Get what you need done now and take good care of your teeth in the future. Never take one dentist's word for anything. Believe me, they make it up as they go along. Their prices all depend on how old their car and house is or if they have a new kid on the way or maybe the holidays are coming and they are short on cash.
;-)
Joe
Posted by: Assrot at January 05, 2008 10:25 AM (lg7BM)
5
I had to do this two years ago. I needed two new fillings and two replacements. I assume you're younger than me, but what I was told is that fillings last about 15 years. The two I had to have replaced where about 20 years old. I had all four done in one appointment and enough lidocaine to sedate a small village. I drooled for a good 24 hours. Good times.
Posted by: Pia at January 08, 2008 11:16 AM (KMRj8)
You Think You're One of Millions, But You're One in a Million to Me
So, I find myself reading books that came from blogs instead of reading actual, um ... blogs. It feels really strange, to be perfectly honest.
On the other hand, it has renewed my interest in this blog ... who knows to what end at this point. I don't really seem to stick to much of anything these days, now do I?
I laugh at the stories these women are telling, thinking to myself ... I should get in on this racket - I'm funny ... While at the same time thinking ... Why on earth would anyone read a book of my life ... and why am I reading one about theirs?
So ... you tell me? What's it gonna take to get this junk in print so I can afford that damn laptop I am still drooling over?
1
I find myself reading books much less than I used to...in fact, I'm thinking of taking a blog break to read a couple of important books just out and forthcoming.
Hope you're having a great holiday!
Posted by: americaneocon at January 01, 2008 09:55 PM (7iSwk)
2
sit your butt in a chair and write. Then write well. Then get it published. Then get paid.
Simple.
Posted by: RSM at January 01, 2008 10:09 PM (1NxnT)
1
Maybe your subconscious is expressing its thoughts on the book.
Posted by: Telebush at December 24, 2007 12:53 PM (k9d3Y)
2www.10000smileyfaces.com
Hi, my name is Ezequiel, and I invite you to be a part of the 10000 Smiley Faces Community, link your blog and raise your visits. We created this website to everyone who has a blog or personal site and want to tell something to the world.
THE FIRST 100 ARE FOR FREE
Posted by: Smiley Faces at December 26, 2007 11:48 AM (cBGA9)
3
Happy New Year sweetie! I hope it is a good one for you and yours.
;-)
Joe
Posted by: Assrot at December 31, 2007 02:05 PM (lg7BM)
1
I've bought nothing yet. Been working from 6am to 7pm everyday and honestly? I'm flat ass tired. Gonna try to make time sometime early next week.
Posted by: Dick at December 14, 2007 10:44 AM (A4jXn)
2
I know exactly what you can get me...you can go buy youself those shoes.
*Grin*
Posted by: David M at December 14, 2007 03:30 PM (gIAM9)
3
I am feeling smug because I sent my son's box to Iraq over a week ago. Nothing else has been done, just that. LOL.
Posted by: Teresa at December 14, 2007 05:36 PM (rVIv9)
4
I started my shopping in October and finished by Thanksgiving. All has been mailed out a week ago. Now I just have to wrap the gifts for the local folk. I hate wrapping presents. It's such a pain in the ass. How about you come down and wrap and I'll go shop for you?
Happy Holidays Sweetie! I'd say Merry Christmas but so many people get their tits in a knot about that nowadays that I only say it to people that I know celebrate Christmas.
;-)
Joe
Posted by: Assrot at December 14, 2007 06:18 PM (ARCEn)
5
You are a whole gift ahead of me.
Oh, and don't worry too much about what to get for me. I'm easy. To shop for, that is.
Posted by: That 1 Guy at December 15, 2007 12:40 PM (NJMQg)
6
sip some wine, stare at the lights on your tree, and reflect upon the past year and the coming year. gift cards.
Posted by: miss b at December 16, 2007 11:34 PM (tDNx2)
7
You can start hating me now, i have been done with most of my shopping since September. Just 2 more things to pick up and both of them i will do tonight. Insert Evil grin of the prepared here.
Posted by: dagamore at December 17, 2007 09:24 AM (vdcdn)
Babe, IÂ’ll walk the seven seas when i believe that there's a reason to write you a love song today
Thursday... I learned that God just might hate me ...
Wednesday evening I was out drinking with friends and enjoyed several tasty brewskis (cuz what else do you do during the first snow of the season besides brave the streets of DC for beer?)
I came home with a stomach ache.
Thursday morning I woke up with the same stomach ache and some abdominal cramping for good measure that clearly let me know the brewskis were not as friendly as I thought they were the night before.
What happened to a good old fashioned hangover?
Thursday night out (wine/liquor)- no stomach ache
Friday morning - no cramps
Friday night in (wine) - no stomach ache
Saturday morning - no cramps
What kind of God doesn't want me to have beer?!?!?!
1
Sweetie, you got to drink good beer not the sorry ass American brewed shit. Next time you go out try some good German or Irish beer. Drink the dark beers nice and cold. They won't make you sick like the American donkey piss they call beer.
:-)
Joe
Posted by: Assrot at December 11, 2007 05:55 PM (ARCEn)
2
That kind of God I have. He prefers I drink Cuervo Black tequila, straight. Good man that God guy.
Posted by: Dick at December 11, 2007 08:26 PM (A4jXn)
And I Am Loved ...
Thanks T1G ... Nothing like someone wishing you a happy holiday three weeks early (appropriately in anticipation that I might not blog during that time) to remind you that you have forgotten to include your far away friends in your every day life.
Well I definitely got some news on Friday that was worth sharing ...
more...
Posted by: David M at December 03, 2007 03:07 PM (gIAM9)
4
Congratulations!!
Good to know they appreciate you....oh, and we miss you - so you know....
Posted by: Tammi at December 04, 2007 03:12 PM (so3V6)
5
Congratulations. And of course you're loved. You remind me so much of my youngest daughter that I'm sure I have a little fatherly kind of love for you. That is if this blog is any indication of who you really are. Have a nice night!
:-)
Joe
Posted by: Assrot at December 05, 2007 05:30 PM (ARCEn)
6
Congratulations - small steps to great achievements!
May you have the best Christmas ever...
Posted by: Miss B at December 06, 2007 06:18 AM (tDNx2)
1
What The Holidays Mean to You
For you, the holidays are about emotional connections and bonds. You are happiest being around those you love.
You celebrate the holidays in a natural style. Homemade gifts are your favorite, and you can't stand imitation Christmas trees or wreaths
During the holidays, you like to feel cozy and comfortable. You're happy to stay inside with a roaring fire and a warm drink.
You think the holidays should be decadent and indulgent. You never mind gaining a few holiday pounds... it's worth it!
Your favorite holiday memories strongly evoke your senses. You are vividly aware of all the tastes, smells, and sounds of the holidays.
Posted by: Assrot at November 28, 2007 07:23 PM (ARCEn)
2
I got the same as Assrot. I'd say that it's pretty close.
If you don't post before, I hope you have a great holidy, Cat!
Posted by: That 1 Guy at December 02, 2007 10:32 AM (NJMQg)
3rd Annual Valour-IT Fundraiser
I got an email from Holly Aho earlier today reminding me that Team Marine is in second place this year ... really people? Would you let Team Marine really come in second place with the Marine Corps birthday being just two days away?
Go over here, join the team of your choice (there is only one choice really ... *cough* Team Marine *cough*), and spread the word ... each penny counts toward taking out those Army punks
Don't get confused because you see me lookin' at you... And I'm not leaving with you just because you asked me to
Thank all things holy for a CVS near the office ...
My feet were bleeding before I even made it in the building today. When I walked back in the door I was wearing seven ... count em ... SEVEN band-aids
1
Good grief sweetie. Buy some shoes that are more comfortable. Did mom never tell you that high heels and dress shoes are not made for walking in. High heels were invented by a man because when women wear them it tightens the muscles in your legs and ass giving the man behind you a most beautiful view. High heels are for making your ass and legs look good not for walking in.
:-)
Buy some nice walking shoes if you are going to be walking alot. That way your feet won't hurt and you won't be displaying your fine deriere to all those men walking behind you.
Posted by: assrot at October 25, 2007 11:47 PM (lg7BM)
Posted by: David M at October 26, 2007 08:36 AM (gIAM9)
3
Oh you have to get Dr. Scholl's blister blockers and/or BandAid brand blister treatment. These flesh-colored stick-on patches prevent (and treat) blisters/bleeding. I highly recommend them. I wear them with hiking boots and when I would actually go out clubbing in sexy boots.
Posted by: Dorothy at October 27, 2007 09:14 PM (jmeTO)
4
heh, that soooo sounds like the relationship I have with shoes. Hope the feet have healed up.
Posted by: Teresa at October 29, 2007 11:23 AM (rVIv9)
5
Just like a new man in your life - break in period. Do it at home. Once they're [he's] broken in, then you can go out in public.
Posted by: Chuck Simmins at October 29, 2007 09:45 PM (hASmp)
6
WTF kind of shoes were you wearing, shoes made out of razor blades?
7
Hey, hey baby. What's cookin'? I always worry when you don't blog for awhile. Are you okay. Did you get you some new and comfortable shoes? Hope I didn't add to your phobias with the comment about men checking out your backside. Have a nice night.
:-)
Joe
Posted by: Assrot at November 01, 2007 04:45 PM (ARCEn)
Her eyes, that's where hope lies. That's where blue skies Always meet the sunrise.
I finally found some down time between the absolute fatigue of work and weekly dad visits to go to a wine festival today ...
An hour's drive into the middle of no where mountains in the midst of the fall leaves changing color ... and then?
YUK! The wine literally made me ill...
I know there is at least ONE good winery in this state (because I've been to it) but they certainly weren't there today. I tried several of the wineries there and ended up walking away because of the nasty feeling the swill was creating in my stomach.
Not all was lost - I found some Christmas presents (yay for shopping early!) and it was a really nice day to sit in the shade and watch the horses. I did end up sunburned but that's just what comes with putting this white girl out of doors ...
Posted by: David M at October 22, 2007 02:24 PM (gIAM9)
3
I can't WAIT for Christmas!
um...
er...
it probably wasn't for me...
Well at least you had a few moments of goodness.
Posted by: RSM at October 22, 2007 05:04 PM (kEqf0)
4
Well, it wasn't all bad now was it. You got a chance to get away from it all and do something you liked. As far as I'm concerned there is no such thing as a good wine. Smoke a little weed and have a Coffee Colada. Then listen to some good music. Soothes the savage beast everytime. Glad to hear you are feeling a little better. If you were just a little older or I was just a little younger (say 3o to 40 years) I'd come take you out on the town and show you how a real gentlemen treats a good woman and show you how to relax and enjoy yourself. You would'nt even have to worry about whether I was going to try and get laid by the end of the night. I don't operate that way. Getting laid should come naturally and not be something that either person is nagged or co-erced into. Have a good one sweetie. Talk to you later.
Joe
:-)
Posted by: Assrot at October 22, 2007 07:12 PM (ARCEn)
5
Is your dad still in Cali? How are your friends? Aren't you glad you aren't there?
:-D
Posted by: Dorothy at October 23, 2007 07:22 PM (jmeTO)
I need to know where we stand Is this a symptom of Us fallin' out of love What happened to the romance?
Interestingly enough, I took AssRot's advice today (before I even knew he had given it to me). There was some BS going on at work and I made no secret that I thought it was exactly that ...
And I got called in to discuss my attitude
Perhaps I should find a nicer way of saying things ...
2
There is no nice way to tell the truth. It is what it is and management does not like to hear the truth. They want you to be a yes man (or yes woman). Never back down. If the shit keeps up, start looking for another job. However, unless you are financially well off, you might want to go easy until you find another job. Always stand up and say what you think. You'll always sleep good at night if you stick to that. It's when you start taking their shit and sugar coating things that you start going crazy and have to seek out a shrink to fix your head. No job is worth your sanity. Good luck Sweetie.
:-)
Posted by: Assrot at October 04, 2007 03:44 PM (ARCEn)
3
Niiiice. Sounds like my life last spring before I told my old job to fuck off.
:-)
Posted by: Dorothy at October 08, 2007 07:08 PM (jmeTO)
I Remember When I Remember When I Remember When I Lost My Mind...
Anyone remember that grad school burnout funk I was in for so long? Well you might want to get used to it again cuz I've landed myself back in class for the rest of the year ... and not by choice.
I really wanted to give it the ol' college try but it is just one clusterfuck of stupidity after another. I'd say at least a third of us are completely over it after only 2 weeks and find it increasingly difficult to even feign daily interest. In the disaffected circle our collective attitude has become one of incredulity with most every speaker.
So what's my response? I am currently avoiding my homework assignment (blogging has always come in handy for that task ... woohoo blogging!)
1
Sounds like some time is a-comin' for catching up on sleep!
Posted by: Ogre at September 24, 2007 09:24 AM (oifEm)
2
I think you just need to drink more... and more robustly. Then maybe take a walk and see where the Metro takes you...
Posted by: RSM at September 24, 2007 07:20 PM (JrbIm)
3
right there with ya, gf... spanish, math, and oceanography... 3 classes i really love, and no inclination to work with them... best to you!
Posted by: Miss B at September 26, 2007 09:53 AM (3+UOk)
4
Okay my Precious little Cat, where are you? Long time, no hear? Let us know you're alive huh? Cheer up. Work will always suck ass no matter who you work for. Life is what you make it. So make it good and tell everybody that is trying to make it bad to go hump theirself.
:-)
Posted by: Assrot at October 03, 2007 03:57 PM (ARCEn)
Can Ninja's Catch Colds?
Today is yet another workless Friday (hmm...maybe I should stop complaining about work so much?) I actually did have to go into work today (in a suit no less) but only for a half day ... the majority of which I was able to practice my shading skills as I doodled on the provided notepad.
But the afternoon off afforded me the ability to peruse my sitemeter. I have to say 1) I am truly shocked by the sheer volume of readers I have maintained during my funk (not that there were volumes to begin with ... but still...), and 2) honored by the quality of the readership that seems to keep stopping by.
And when it rains, Will you always find an escape?
I had another doctors appointment this morning so I decided to take the whole day off...
I've come to the computer with the urge to blog three or four times now since I got done with the appointment, but nothing seems to be there, ready to come out.
I think its time to admit I'm in another funk
I want back what I never really had ... but my heart remembers what I told myself it was. I know I don't want what it would be now ... but my heart remembers what I convinced myself it would be today.
1
"I want back what I never really had ... but my heart remembers what I told myself it was. I know I don't want what it would be now ... but my heart remembers what I convinced myself it would be today."
OK darling, this paints a broad picture for me, although it almost seems sort of midlife crises like. You are far to young to be second guessing your choices at this juncture of life. Although with all of the death, and turmoil going on I can see why.
Is this a broadly painted picture, or something smaller and more specific?
I am guessing we all have these moments.
What if?
What if?
What ifs do not matter after a certain point.
you either have to make due or change course, and rememebr you only get one ride, so it better be a good one. Well unless you believe in reincarnation, and then you get several.
Take it easy and please stop being so damn hard on yourself.
You are your worst critic.
When someone said count your blessings now For they're long gone I guess I just didn't know how
According to the belief that God (whoever and where ever that being is these days) only gives you can handle ... I'm one resilient muther fucker...
We all saw a funeral coming ... Sunday it will finally arrive. Monday we will go do what the military calls a burial. After that much neglect and selfishness, how could you not see this coming? I'm fairly certain they did and that was precisely why they behaved the way they did. The only thing I have to say about that is: passively allowing a person to die is still actively choosing not to help a person live.
And if that weren't enough ...
My aunt needs surgery on her foot after crushing her heel and she's dealing with a compression fracture of thoracic vertebrae. Its a tough road to go when you've got help - she lives alone and is now homebound, unable to navigate the stairs to her front door.
Have you ever felt like your family was cursed?
(yes, that is rhetorical)
Didn't someone say I deserved a break? Cuz I wanna call in my favor now ...
1
I'm sorry, Cat. I remember a time when our phone never rang that it wasn't bad news. There's a time like that for many families. Maybe, eventually, for every family.
Posted by: Grim at August 23, 2007 09:19 PM (i2K8J)
2
Grim says it well. I had that experience during 24 months from ages 11 to 13. Fortunately, there's been nothing even close since then, even though there have been moments of deep pain.
Posted by: FbL at August 30, 2007 02:22 AM (TXlt9)
Head Over Heels For Me, Weak In the Knees For Me
I've finally gotten around to it ... a lovely pic of Miss D and her new hubby from their wedding two weeks ago
1
I'm late! Congratulations to them - it's a terrific picture.
Posted by: Teresa at August 20, 2007 09:37 PM (rVIv9)
2
I like how my arm doesn't look all flabby-flattened out.
Posted by: Dorothy at August 22, 2007 02:10 PM (TmKKV)
3
Give us a shot from the other direction. I want to see the fine babe not some dude.
:-)
Sheesh, marriage. I hope they know what they are getting into. So much changes once your married.
Posted by: Assrot at August 23, 2007 07:19 PM (ARCEn)
4
Blame the photog! I have no idea who took the pic though.
Posted by: Princess Cat at August 23, 2007 07:26 PM (Kg3r2)
We're livin so hard you might not make it through the night Follow the bright lights
Lil Bro officially became a homeowner today.
Against all the advice, he bought a home in his new town before ever having spent any time there or learning how he likes his new school/program.
Having a lawn to mow and a whole 3 bedroom house to keep maintained while trying to pursue a PhD and teach ... all at the same time, for the first time? And deal with a girlfriend that has never lived away from her entire extended family before? Um ... No, thank you.
I just may be the only sane person in my family ...
