Being able to endure pain is symbolic of being "macho". Some people handle pain better than others.
I have had a "low grade" pain in my lower jaw for a month. It usually means that a tooth is abscessed and eventually forces a dental "root canal". The pain can reach levels that force you to offer your first born for relief. Yesterday my troublesome tooth began "pounding" and pain killers didn't help. I think I had tears in my eyes. So much for "macho man".
My regular dentist was gone. His son was covering for him. Usually that means doing some-thing temporary until his Dad gets back. Not in this case. Within an hour, the existing crown was popped off my tooth, my mouth was numbed with novacaine and most of the infected root was extracted. A temporary cap was put on the tooth and several weeks from now the root canal will be completed (along with a brand new crown). I know that root canals run $800 and new crowns another $800. The exorbinant costs make me angry. Having my life back without pain is priceless.
On top of incurring large dental costs, my free lunches have run out. Our Christmas gift card to our favorite restaurant has been used up and I have to begin using my own money. Awwwww!
This weekend sets the stage for the Super Bowl. The winner of the Jets/Colts game will play the winner of the Favre/New Orleans game in the big event in Miami. There is a lot of complex analysis that can take place but the truth is that a couple fumbles or interceptions can determine winners. I believe "quirky" destiny will prevail. Wouldn't it be interesting if Favre's team made it to the Super Bowl and had to face the New York Jets (the team he dumped after one year). The ultimate irony would be that the Jets then beat Favre in the Super Bowl. No. No. Say it couldn't happen! You have just received by prediction.
By the way, I am not a macho man. I have no desire to be a macho man. Just call me Whimpy. Make the pain go away!
Stay dry this weekend.
Love,
Dad