I hate going to the dentist. I have never gone voluntarily, or at a time when it was not an emergency. Until recently.

Not too long ago, i told my dentist saga of 2004 [inlink]leetee,24[/inlink] and gave ya'll a shout out asking for recommendations. I got 2, from (e:Hodown) (sorry, but i couldn't find the dude you recommended!) and another from (e:Mike). I was able to find that dentist. To be more specific, (e:Mike) was recommending his hygenist, since he thinks she is "the best". I ended up with a different hygenist, who i thought was pretty damn cool... She explained to me that some people have gum problems, some people have decay problems, and i seem to be the latter of the 2. Fine by me, fillings are better than gum surgery!!!

For the first time in as long as i can remember, i have a cavity count of under 10. They (and me too!!!) are hoping to get these done in 2, maybe 3 appointments. Wow... no going to the dentist for weeks and weeks up until the time i need to get another check up and cleaning. Another first for me.

You see, when i was a kid, a was a wiggly squirmly (and skinny!) little thing. I remember having my baby teeth filled. I also remember the pain, since i don't take to locals very well. I also remember the dentist being impatient with me and to keep me still, he tied me to the chair. I have strong memories of a nurse sitting on my legs to keep me still. But they didn't believe me when i told them it hurt. And my mom didn't believe me when i told her they tied me down. OK, so when i was a kid i was prone to exaggerate.. i could be a drama queen at 4, i reckon. But my little kid brain figured she would believe me. *sigh*

After a long period of not going to the dentist, i returned there (due to an emergency, of course) as an older teenager and held my hands out to be tied. I figured if my mom didn't think it was a big deal when i was a kid, i guess that is what happened at the dentist. I was just being a silly twit for being afraid, everyone gets tied down. When the look of horror crossed the faces of the dental professionals that day, i ran out of the office in tears, and i have never stepped foot into that office again. They sent me a bill and i paid it. Took me another 5 years and some therapy to go back into a dental office again.

So now, as a 36 year old, i have nightmares before i go to the dentist. Last night was no exception. I am scared shitless. Last week, i cried when i was getting my teeth cleaned, i have no idea how i am going to handle today.

I just wanted to thank (e:Theecarey) for hosting a stellar 30th Birthday party last night. Thanks, too, (e:Ladycroft) for all her sweat (and yes, thank you very much for showering!!!) in preparations. And to all who helped make the night a fun one... from being there, or bringing extra chairs to cooking and cleaning. Your mom was a great caterer, (e:Theecarey)!

We had fun. Thanks for inviting us. Was great to meet all the new peeps, some (e:peeps) and some not.

Looking forward to seeing pictures, in case anyone wants to post any (HINT HINT HINT) once they are awake, out of their tents and/or less hungover. I know i took plenty... your camera should yeild interesting things, (e:Theecarey)!

A special shout out goes to (e:Mike). I know i have only hung out with you a total of 3 times, but it was really cool to see you sober...

I know tonight is the big party, but i didn't know if today is your birthday, or just the celebration of it. Either way...

Happy Happy 30th Birthday, (e:Theecarey)!

I just read your journal, (e:Theecarey) [inlink]theecarey,12[/inlink] and i hope reconnecting with family has been and will continue to be a possitive experience. The saying is oh so true -- you cannot pick your family.

As a reminder, (e:Uncutsaniflush) and i are planning on attending tonight's party, if anyone needs a ride, just email me or him before... uhm... i don't know, about 5 - 5.30ish.

As we speak my new pants are in the washer... i am one of those weirdos that cannot, just simply cannot wear something right from the store. I worked retail too long and know the crap they spray on stuff that is shipped to North America and i just could not stand to know that awful bug spray is on my skin! Funny thing is i don't even know if that is what i am going to wear, i just want the option.

Well, we will see ya'll there!! New pants or old ones!

I like rain. When i got up this morning and saw that it was raining, i looked forward to my walk to get the paper this morning. Much better than the extreme heat, if you ask me.

But our basement doesn't like rain much. Last time it rained heavily, we had some standing water, about 6 inches, but it seemed petty to complain about it since the poor people in the gulf coast were actually flooded. Real flooding, not what i was calling flooding, this mere 6 inches or so. We went and got ourselves a little pump, thanks to a really helpful man at Home Depot.

Today, Walt decided to check the basement. Sadly, we were having some backup from the storm drains. We decided to call someone this time.

The phone book yielded the number of the Buffalo Sewer Authority, and i called. The first thing i said was "i don't know if you are the people i am supposed to call about this, but..." and proceeded to tell them the holes in our basement floor that are supposed to carry water out are carrying water in. I was asked for my name, address and phone number. I was put on hold for about 10 seconds and then told someone would be out right away. Huh? You mean i don't have to wait on the phone for hours and argue with someone about it to get someone to unclog some drains? What is this world coming to?

I will say that now, about an hour after i called, we are impressed by the Buffalo Sewer Authority. They were prompt, friendly and accommodating on the phone. I didn't have to wade through voicemail bogs too deeply. When the gentleman arrived to take care of the problem he was quick and efficent. He explained things to me, then re-explained them when i couldn't manage to explain them to my husband (i suck at anything technical!).

Our problem was fixed in less than 2 hours. You rock Buffalo Sewer Authority!

Ok, so who is going to (e:Theecarey)'s birthday blowout? [inlink]theecarey,11[/inlink]

If anyone needs a ride, i am volunteering (e:Uncutsaniflush). I would say i am volunteering us, but i don't drive and i reckon that means i am just another person he will be chauffeuring. You will have to be tolerant of our whims, though... who the heck knows how long we will stay. We were at (e:Ladycroft)'s bash until nearly 5am, after all. So, we could stay 5 minutes, we could stay 5 hours... i think (e:Theecarey) would object to 5 days, however.

Email me or (e:Uncutsaniflush) if you want a ride!