One Hundred Eighty-Fifth Entry

Today was a very weird day. Well, the weirdness started last night.

I got my monthly Columbia House mailing yesterday. My commitment ends sometime this month. So when a deal came through saying "Buy 1 Get 3 Free", I decided it's time to fulfill my commitment. So I leafed through the literature they gave me. I needed to find 8 CDs that I am remotely interested in. I started at 6:30 pm.

I could only find 3 CDs in the literature they gave me. I decided to hit the website. At 8pm, I was no closer to my goal and watched the "Simple Life" reunion on FOX, and browsed the website during commercials. By the end of the show, I only had 5 CDs.

I submitted my list to Columbia House at about 10pm.

I woke up this morning knowing that I would only be at work for 45 minutes before I had to leave to go to the dentist. I get to work. I get to the dentist. They were showing Finding Nemo again. I love that movie!

The lady tells me to have a seat in the same place I sat in last week. I sit down and we begin.

I'm certain that the dentist tried to kill me. He put the topical anesthesia on my gums and stuff, but didn't wait long enough for it to kick in. He pulls out this giant half inch diameter needle full of stuff and jams it into my gums. At first I didn't feel anything, but the more novocaine he injected the more pain I felt, until I felt a huge sharp pain from my jaw up into my temple. There is nothing more emasculating than shedding a tear in front of a stranger.

Once I was all good and numb, the drilling began. After about 2 minutes of drilling, the suction tube lady said, "Doctor, 30." I didn't realize what that meant until after I got back to work.

Then the dentist tried to drown me. The nozzle on the water gun he had was too small so it kept falling out and shooting water all over my shirt. I couldn't help but laugh. I don't think they liked me laughing.

Finally, they were finished. The dentist advised me that there was a possibility that I needed a root canal in one of the teeth that I had filled, but only if pain or heat sensitivity persisted. I paid my $25 deductable and went on my way.

Back at work, the novocaine started to wear off when I noticed that the tooth in between the two that got fillings was extra sensitive. I was perplexed. Then I remembered the "Doctor, 30" thing that the suck lady had said. I borrowed a mirror from Danny(who has all of a sudden developed a germ fetish, think Lysol wipes all over the place) and confirmed what I had just thought. When she said "Doctor, 30", she was reminding the dentist to drill in tooth 30. I discovered two perfect little holes in tooth 31! I did not have a cavity in 31!! I was like WTF...fucking kangaroos!

I was going to let it lie until my appointment next week, but Jane urged me to call. I called...

"Tulare Health Clinic, blah blah speaking, how can I help you?"
"I'd like the dental office."
"One moment."
(two rings)
"Dental Office."
"Hi. My name in Phillip Toste and I was in earlier this morning for two fillings. The tooth in between the two teeth that got fillings is really sensitive, and upon looking in the mirror, I found two tiny holes in it. I think the doctor made a mistake and drilled the wrong tooth initially."
"Hold on a second, please."
"Thanks."
(on hold for about 30 seconds)
"Can you come in at 9 tomorrow?"
"Yes I can."
"See you tomorrow."
"Thanks."

No questions. They know they fucked up. If I have to pay a cent tomorrow, I will say the two little words that I never thought I'd say, "Malpractice lawsuit." That should fix them right up.

I heard at work today that we are definitely going to hire a new engineer. I'll never get promoted.

You know that my supervisor and I were the same age when we started working for the county? Except he started 4 months before I was born. I like reminding him of that. Hahahaha.

I don't know why Danny has developed a germ fetish all of a sudden. We did have a discussion at length about the perks and perils of digital cable. He just got it and expressed his confusion with the remote control. It's easy once you get used to it. No more are the days of the preview channel.

If anyone ever goes to Taco Bell, you must must must try the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito. It is pure pleasure.