I am home from my dreaded dental appointment and although it wasn't really fun, the appointment itself wasn't as bad as I had anticipated (now I'm worried about all of the anesthetic wearing off). The most annoying part was that the new assistant working with the dentist kept managing to suck my hair up into the little vacuum-type tool they use to suction the spit out of your mouth. I am not kidding. I would be sitting there in the chair, trying to relax and breathe deeply, then SCHLOMP. She'd have to untangle my hair from her tool. The dentist was pretty patient with her, but I was relieved when he told her not to get anywhere close to my mouth with the tool when he actually took the gum graft off the roof of my mouth. In the nicest way possible he said, "I don't want to risk you sucking it up."
Bryan dropped me off and picked me up, and luckily Evan was able to pick up a drop-in day at preschool, so I have a few more hours before I have to do much (thank you, thank you, thank you!). I've been trying to just sit back and watch t.v., but can you believe there is not one episode of Law and Order on before 2:00? I love that stupid show and I really miss watching it. It seems like there are always episodes on, so I was all set to treat myself to a Law and Order marathon today! Instead I've tolerated the Best Celebrity Feuds on E! I finally had to get out my computer so I could catch up on some blogs!
By the way, before Bryan left for work he asked to see my mouth. Then he said, "It looks good. Don't look in the mirror." He isn't very convincing.
Okay--now that I've spent the few weeks whining about dentists, viruses and surgeries, I promise to have some more upbeat posts! Well--maybe until the end of next week when I get all these stitches out. Ha ha.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Plain Old Fear
I just looked at the clock and realized in less than 12 hours, I will be sitting in a dentist chair having a titanium post drilled in to my upper jaw bone. Needless to say, I'm a little scared. I'll also have some gum grafts done, which worries me, too. Bryan tried to cheer me up by saying, "I'm not going to lie...you're probably going to wish you were dead." Thanks, sweetie. That helps. Bryan likes to keep expectations low, so things can only look up.
I broke my front teeth playing a game with my niece when I was 12 years old or so. I eventually lost one of my front teeth as a result, which either meant I could walk around looking like a hockey player for the rest of my life, or have some major dental work done. Its been nearly 15 years since my last major work on my front teeth (well, until last week), and I think I've forgotten how much I hate dental work.
On Thursday, I had a four-hour appointment to remove my old bridge so the doctor tomorrow can place the post. I'm not quite sure why, but when my dentist booked the four-hour appointment, I didn't really think I'd be an active part of all four hours. I packed up my laptop, I-pod, book and a magazine to kill the time. I was quite disappointed when I had to spend all four hours leaning back in the chair with my mouth open. Four days later, my teeth still hurt. I'm also still wondering what makes someone actually want to be a dentist. I'm obviously happy that people do become dentists, I just think it would be the worst job in the world.
So wish me luck! My appointment is at 7 o'clock tomorrow morning. I made a nice dinner of mashed potatoes and pecan crusted salmon tonight as my final meal for a few days. I think the whole process will probably be a good self-imposed diet and finally force me to cut out diet sodas. I've stocked up on Jell-O and pudding for tomorrow and I have some leftover mashed potatoes. I intended to sew some cute little ice packs, but I never got around to it. I did, however, find time today to get to the library and stock up on Elmo videos to use for a babysitter tomorrow. I hate doing that, but I think it is going to be a necessary evil. Where is my mom when I need her?
I broke my front teeth playing a game with my niece when I was 12 years old or so. I eventually lost one of my front teeth as a result, which either meant I could walk around looking like a hockey player for the rest of my life, or have some major dental work done. Its been nearly 15 years since my last major work on my front teeth (well, until last week), and I think I've forgotten how much I hate dental work.
On Thursday, I had a four-hour appointment to remove my old bridge so the doctor tomorrow can place the post. I'm not quite sure why, but when my dentist booked the four-hour appointment, I didn't really think I'd be an active part of all four hours. I packed up my laptop, I-pod, book and a magazine to kill the time. I was quite disappointed when I had to spend all four hours leaning back in the chair with my mouth open. Four days later, my teeth still hurt. I'm also still wondering what makes someone actually want to be a dentist. I'm obviously happy that people do become dentists, I just think it would be the worst job in the world.
So wish me luck! My appointment is at 7 o'clock tomorrow morning. I made a nice dinner of mashed potatoes and pecan crusted salmon tonight as my final meal for a few days. I think the whole process will probably be a good self-imposed diet and finally force me to cut out diet sodas. I've stocked up on Jell-O and pudding for tomorrow and I have some leftover mashed potatoes. I intended to sew some cute little ice packs, but I never got around to it. I did, however, find time today to get to the library and stock up on Elmo videos to use for a babysitter tomorrow. I hate doing that, but I think it is going to be a necessary evil. Where is my mom when I need her?
Saturday, January 10, 2009
The Pause Button
I've been thinking that I could really use a pause button so I could put the world on hold and steal away a few extra hours. I'm not sure how the days and weeks pass so quickly, but they do. I thought things would settle down after Christmas, but no such luck. Between the coughs and colds, trips to the pediatrician, trips to the dentist, articles to catch up on, undecorating and unpacking, I've managed to fall behind on everything. There are dishes to do, thank you cards to mail, papers to file, laundry to wash, clothes to iron, stories to write and on and on and on. I think I just need an extra two or three hours a day to get caught up! As soon as I figure out how to get it, I'll let you know.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Handmade Gifts: Rice Therapy Packs
I made these rice therapy packs for several people on my Christmas gift list this year. I used the pattern from Sew Mama Sew at http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=280.
Inside the pretty bag is a muslin bag filled with rice scented with essential oils. 
Inside the pretty bag is a muslin bag filled with rice scented with essential oils. It was one of my first sewing projects on my new machine--luckily it was all straight lines!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Welcome to our Infirmary
Hello and thank you for calling the Longs’ infirmary. We are busy assisting other illnesses right now and are unable to answer your call. Due to the high volume of viruses we’re experiencing, we currently are not accepting new illnesses. We will continue treating existing sicknesses, but due to the prolonged nature of such sicknesses, we can no longer guarantee service with a smile. Coughs, colds, runny noses and general ailments requiring such service should seriously consider relocating to another family—perhaps one where the mommy takes mood enhancing drugs. Please hold and we will get to your call in the order in which it was received. Thank you.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Kids are Resilient
Evan had surgery today and the whole experience reminded me once again that kids are resilient. I have been dreading today, mainly because I'd have to deny my poor little guy food and drink for several hours leading up to the surgery. He couldn't have anything after midnight, which in reality was after 8:00 since I wasn't about to wake him up for one final swig of milk. He was such a little trooper. To show my support I only had a few sips of Diet Pepsi this morning.
We arrived at the hospital an hour and a half before the surgery to do all the paperwork that seems totally unnecessary since I had three phone calls earlier in the week to confirm all the information. We were moved from one waiting room to another until they finally gave me a blue cap and yellow gown so I could walk Evan into the operating room. I sat him on the table and held his little hand while the anesthesiologist grabbed Evan's arms from behind and put the mask over his face to make him fall asleep. It seemed a little cruel, but I know Evan would have immediately reached up to move the mask away, so I understand why the doctor held his arms. I sang Evan the ABC's and worried he would never forgive me for looking on as this man held him down and made him breathe some sort of gas.
They escorted me out, and I fought back a few tears. Bryan bought me a Diet Coke and tried to get me something out of the vending machine, but it wouldn't take his dollar. Darn it. I was hungry!
A little while later the surgeon came out to give us the thumbs up speech. All went well and it didn't take very long. I was relieved, but they still wouldn't let me go back to be with Evan. They wanted him to wake up a little first. I kept trying to sweet talk one nurse after another, but I finally gave in and sat down to wait for someone to call my name.
Finally. A nurse came to take us back to be with Evan. I was practically running with images of my little guy screaming mercilessly for his mama. Imagine my surprise when I rounded the corner to see Evan sitting up in bed, sipping on some juice with four nurses making goo-goo eyes at him. He looked happy as a clam with all of the attention he was getting--not to mention having four women at his beck and call. When he finished his first apple juice, a nice nurse promptly brought him another. That treat was followed by some Cars stickers. Here I thought he'd be pining away for me. He didn't even seem to notice I had arrived. When they did finally let me hold him, he simply wanted his dad. Is this a sign he is growing up? Maybe he was still a little mad about that whole anesthesia thing. I really think it boils down to the fact that kids can handle a whole lot more than we give them credit for.
We brought him home a little while later and he has been doing well. I hope tonight goes as well as the rest of the day did. Let's all keep our fingers crossed. I have to give a special thanks to my friend Sarah who brought us dinner tonight. It was the perfect ending to a stressful day. She brought us Italian beef sandwiches, salad and potato chips, and I'll freely admit that I finished almost all of the chips by myself. Poor Bryan only got crumbs.
We arrived at the hospital an hour and a half before the surgery to do all the paperwork that seems totally unnecessary since I had three phone calls earlier in the week to confirm all the information. We were moved from one waiting room to another until they finally gave me a blue cap and yellow gown so I could walk Evan into the operating room. I sat him on the table and held his little hand while the anesthesiologist grabbed Evan's arms from behind and put the mask over his face to make him fall asleep. It seemed a little cruel, but I know Evan would have immediately reached up to move the mask away, so I understand why the doctor held his arms. I sang Evan the ABC's and worried he would never forgive me for looking on as this man held him down and made him breathe some sort of gas.
They escorted me out, and I fought back a few tears. Bryan bought me a Diet Coke and tried to get me something out of the vending machine, but it wouldn't take his dollar. Darn it. I was hungry!
A little while later the surgeon came out to give us the thumbs up speech. All went well and it didn't take very long. I was relieved, but they still wouldn't let me go back to be with Evan. They wanted him to wake up a little first. I kept trying to sweet talk one nurse after another, but I finally gave in and sat down to wait for someone to call my name.
Finally. A nurse came to take us back to be with Evan. I was practically running with images of my little guy screaming mercilessly for his mama. Imagine my surprise when I rounded the corner to see Evan sitting up in bed, sipping on some juice with four nurses making goo-goo eyes at him. He looked happy as a clam with all of the attention he was getting--not to mention having four women at his beck and call. When he finished his first apple juice, a nice nurse promptly brought him another. That treat was followed by some Cars stickers. Here I thought he'd be pining away for me. He didn't even seem to notice I had arrived. When they did finally let me hold him, he simply wanted his dad. Is this a sign he is growing up? Maybe he was still a little mad about that whole anesthesia thing. I really think it boils down to the fact that kids can handle a whole lot more than we give them credit for.
We brought him home a little while later and he has been doing well. I hope tonight goes as well as the rest of the day did. Let's all keep our fingers crossed. I have to give a special thanks to my friend Sarah who brought us dinner tonight. It was the perfect ending to a stressful day. She brought us Italian beef sandwiches, salad and potato chips, and I'll freely admit that I finished almost all of the chips by myself. Poor Bryan only got crumbs.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Year. New Resolutions.
I am a sucker for New Year's resolutions. I have been making them ever since I understood what the word resolution meant. Even if I might tell you I didn't make any resolutions, I lied. I can't help but to make them. Which is why I think I have a hard time keeping them--I make too many. Typical ones for me include being a better wife, mom, sister and friend. All of which is very vague. I've also jumped on the bandwagon and resolved to eat better, exercise more and floss every single night no matter how tired I am.
I specifically remember one year when my resolutions included putting on more lotion. Really? Did I need a resolution for that? Given how dry my skin is right now I apparently did, but I obviously wasn't able to stick with it.
A few years ago Bryan and I told ourselves we would call one long-distance friend a week. It seemed like an attainable goal. I mean, how hard is it to spend one hour a week reaching out to friends? Apparently harder than you'd think since we had given up on it by February. I think I'll try it again this year.
For the last few years I've told myself I would use the coming year to spend more time writing fiction and less time reading about writing fiction. I still haven't finished any spectacular stories. I'm making that resolution again this year and since the cover story on my latest issue of Writer's Digest is "Finish Your Novel in 2009," I'm obviously not alone.
Like many women across America, I also plan to get more organized this year. I have several magazines cluttering up my living room right now that promise to teach me how.
I don't know why I think making a resolution will actually make me change the way I live and think. But, I try every year. At least it makes me feel better to know that I'm not alone! So, wish me luck as I start off the year with my 57 resolutions and I'll thank you in advance for not mocking me when I fail to keep any of them going past March!
I specifically remember one year when my resolutions included putting on more lotion. Really? Did I need a resolution for that? Given how dry my skin is right now I apparently did, but I obviously wasn't able to stick with it.
A few years ago Bryan and I told ourselves we would call one long-distance friend a week. It seemed like an attainable goal. I mean, how hard is it to spend one hour a week reaching out to friends? Apparently harder than you'd think since we had given up on it by February. I think I'll try it again this year.
For the last few years I've told myself I would use the coming year to spend more time writing fiction and less time reading about writing fiction. I still haven't finished any spectacular stories. I'm making that resolution again this year and since the cover story on my latest issue of Writer's Digest is "Finish Your Novel in 2009," I'm obviously not alone.
Like many women across America, I also plan to get more organized this year. I have several magazines cluttering up my living room right now that promise to teach me how.
I don't know why I think making a resolution will actually make me change the way I live and think. But, I try every year. At least it makes me feel better to know that I'm not alone! So, wish me luck as I start off the year with my 57 resolutions and I'll thank you in advance for not mocking me when I fail to keep any of them going past March!
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