Grumpsters

I feel a bit grumpy this morning. I've been to the malls way too many times in the past few days fine-tuning Christmas presents for the family. My family's Christmas celebration is up in the air since the shingles outbreak. See, the big surprise that was to be revealed on Sunday is that my sister is pregnant (I'm really excited!! First niece/nephew for me!!). The problem is that we're not sure if my newly pregnant sister can be exposed to the shingles. Her doctor is doing some type of testing (I could explain, but it would take too long) to determine if she can be around the shingles. If he says no, then she won't be able to see my parents for Christmas--which would really dampen the holiday spirit. So we've got this really happy woo-hoo news alongside potentially sad news. On the up side, my dad is recovering and the shingles rash appears to be fading. I think they caught the illness early (cases can last several months to a year).

See that silvery thing in the not-so-flattering picture of my mouth? That is the temporary crown the dentist put in on Tuesday. The nice tooth-colored temporary crown popped out while I was flossing (good case for not flossing). I am scheduled to be fitted for a permanent crown next month at the cost of $900. YIKES, FUCK IT! Nope, I have no dental insurance (nor health insurance, knock on wood kids!!) So, since I can't live with the idea of spending $900 on anything other than a new sofa, plane tickets to Buenos Aires, or a mad-cap shopping spree (the last two only in my dreams), I'm looking to Ciudad Juarez to fulfill my dental needs.

There are plenty of people who cross the border (both of them) to see doctors, dentists, and get prescriptions (although the last one is illegal). Earlier this year, I thought about getting the root canal done there. I would have saved soooo much money, however, I have an enormous fear of dentists who speak English, let alone any who speak Spanish. This time, it is just a matter of making a mold, fitting the crown, and making sure it is even with the other teeth. There should be no needles or drilling involved. I could do it, right? Just mix up some plaster of paris and wa-la! a crown. Well, I can't, but I'm pretty darn sure a competent dentist in Juarez can. No need to worry, right?