Is Dental Surgery as Awful as it Sounds? The Truth How to Survive it

When my dentist put a temporary cap on my front tooth he told me, "That should hold about two weeks, and then we have to start the process of putting in an implant."

My first thought was "Do you know how much an implant costs? $3,000 to $5,000."  I decided to wait until it was necessary and then.....THREE years later, I had a problem.

I tried a new 'recommended' dentist in hopes of walking out with another temporary fix. WRONG! He wouldn't touch it and said I had three options:

• Do one implant but that was risky as the neighbor teeth had issues - $5,000 for the one tooth which could fall out
• Repair the surrounding teeth including the implant $12,500
• Dentures - $4,500      
  

After spending most of the day deciding on my options, having X-rays and consults, dentures seemed the best option.

Was I scared? YUP. My past experiences in the dentist chair, especially as a child, made me sweat and shake. When I was a kid Novocain was not used and screaming out loud was not allowed. See why I waited as long as I did?

With the new technology, dentists no longer have to take an 'impression' to make teeth using a wax mold. They use a scope that takes pictures of your entire mouth. This is sent to the denturist to create your new smile. 

My appointment was set. Three days before Christmas. Excited? Well, it meant I didn't have to cook a turkey dinner but could veg at home for a week or more.

Scared? Terrified! Fifteen teeth to be removed.

The day-by-day journey was unlike anything I have experienced. I had a lot of questions through the different phases but few answers. I have considered writing a book to help anyone going through this nightmare. Extensive research was the only way I survived. 

I knew the endgame would be worth it - but it is the getting there.

Kids are born older now

When I was five years old I played in the dirt; in fact, I ate dirt. I found out years later that is a  calcium deficiency. 

BUT NOW.....the stuff my grandbaby knows....and does.... is a thrill to watch. I'm learning from her instead of the other way around! 

Her birthday party was planned and as my daughter always does -- it was over the top. But we woke up to a blizzard.

As expected, Brie had a positive attitude about it, even though you could see she was disappointed. One little girl was able to make it to the party and the day turned out wonderful. My daughter rented the town pool for an hour and the two little girls and Brie's brother had a great time.

A few days before the party Brie had her dyed with rainbow colors. She was so proud of her new 'look.'

NEVER EVER GIVE UP HOPE

My podcast, Never Ever Give Up Hope, is now in its seventh year. I love doing this show and more passionate about it now than ever. Recently, celebrities from every arena are sharing their journeys of hopelessness to hope. I am booked until 2022!

Please tune in - have a look around and choose an episode to encourage, motivate, or challenge you. I would love your feedback.

Welcome to a Fly on the Wall group post. Today four bloggers are inviting you to catch a glimpse of what you would see if you were a fly on their wall. Buzz around and click on the links for a peek:

Baking In A Tornado

Menopausal Mother

Wandering Web Designer

 

How to Cut Your Veterinarian Costs to Almost Zero

BRINGING OUR DOGS BACK TO LIFE

Have you had to sacrifice your own luxuries, vacations, or fun because of the high cost of maintaining your pet’s health?  Have you noticed that these costs seem to be rising because your dog needs more trips to the veterinarian’s office?

As animal lovers and dog rescuers, we would do whatever was needed to ensure our pets lived a happy, healthy life.  But having to say good-bye to our precious furry friends never got easier, especially when they died too young. 

As a kid, we fed our dogs table scraps (which since has become taboo). Long before ‘pet food’ turned commercial, people rarely if ever, took their dogs to the doctor. They lived long, happy lives. So WHAT HAPPENED?  Pet food, that’s what.

What Happened to My Right to Celebrate Christmas?

After I wrapped the last Christmas gift a few days ago, I began my Christmas baking. While baking my grands favorites I heard the devastating news: CHRISTMAS IS CANCELLED.

Of course, it came with a lame apology but our peninsula is on 'house arrest.' No Christmas celebrations. No family get-togethers. A $2800 fine if you are caught.

Many people might ignore this mandate but we don't have a choice. The ferries will not be running. 

I am angry and sad because I know this decision is more about control than it is facts. In our area, we have ZERO cases and where we were headed there has only been a handful. Yet, here we are - on house arrest. The worst part is explaining to the kids who do not understand.

Appreciate the little things

Thank God we were able to see the grands a few weeks ago. Brie wants piano lessons for Christmas and it is evident she has musical talent waiting to be exposed. Here she is practicing on Papa's keyboard:

Do You Struggle with that Dirty Little 15 Letter Word?

One word that almost always brings groans and utterances and people often wish they could remove it from their vocabulary. 

That word is 'procrastination.' Many people hate to admit they are procrastinators, yet some are proud they can put things off until the last moment and still get them done.  Are you one of these people?

Maybe you have monthly, weekly, daily even half-daily lists. When crossing tasks off those lists, it can bring you great pleasure.  The tricky part is to be flexible and spontaneous when something fun or necessary takes priority and totally messes with your lists!  To do this without getting flustered is an art, creativity at its best.  It takes practice and a lot of patience.

Only you can choose

You Can Find Joy and Contentment No Matter What

Most of us plan our holidays to share with family and/or friends. Especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Yet, this year our plans may be altered or shattered for many of us.

This must be especially difficult for children to understand. I am thrilled that I have not had to make any changes to how we spend our holidays (dinners, travel, etc.) and look forward with enthusiasm and excitement to the impending celebrations. I trust you will be able to enjoy your holidays as well.

When Rochelle took the kids trick-or-treating, they passed a father walking with his kids. The father was dressed up as Jesus. 

In a loud scream of delight Brie shouted, "Mom, I see Jesus!" 

The man must have heard someone say Brie's name because he said, "Hello, Brie."

"Mommy. Jesus knows my name!" She was absolutely thrilled and I think the man felt pretty good about making that little girl's day.

What is the Secret to Handling the Little BIG Things?

I wanted to scream but resorted to talking to myself out loud. Could this day get any worse?

Stress Management. How many articles and books have been written on this subject?  How many medications are taken daily in hopes of managing the stress we experience? What coping mechanisms can we practice?  

Is Your Life a Rose Garden or Does Poop Mess it Up?

There must be a Murphy's Law that says: "When you are dressed to the nines, that is when mishaps/mini disasters/poop happens."

My daughter, her two children, my husband, and I had attended the Celebration of Life service for a dear friend of ours. It was exceptionally hot outside and we were anxious to get home. My husband was in the rear seat of the SUV facing our one-year-old granddaughter in her car seat. Hubby entertained the baby as she giggled having a great time with Papa.  

"Why did you give her chocolate?"  Hubby shouted from the rear of the SUV.

"What chocolate? I didn't give her any chocolate. William, did you give your sister some chocolate?

"MOM, it isn't chocolate.  It's POO!"

During Stressful Times, We Can Be Thankful We Have A Home

Every other year my Christmas shopping would be done by now. Usually, I shop in August and September and wrap gifts in October. By the time Christmas comes around I have forgotten what I purchased for everybody so it is a big surprise for me as well. I get my thrills where I can!

Not sure what happened this year except that it has been incredibly busy. Although I have not been on the road for any speaking tours during this pandemic, every other part of our businesses has soared. 

Angels Took on a New Form