Moving like molasses in the winter

Just to keep my readers busy, I'm writing this post. There isn't much to say because not much has been happening. I've only been waiting for doctor appointments and figuring out what I really want to do about my teeth. However, I didn't want you guys thinking that things have changed. I'm still on for Peace Corps. It's just a reeeaaallllly sllllllow waiting period right now.

the best day ever...EVER!!!!

Today has definitely been a day of great adventures and strange occurrences. I have good news and bad news. I'll share the bad news first, although it is bad, it is slightly humorous and will leave a good taste in your mouth to receive the good news.

Bad news: A kid in my class got a bead stuck in his nose! He was obviously embarrassed about it because it took him awhile to actually tell me what was wrong. He whimpered a little while he was on his cot, then got up and sat at a table not answering my question about what was wrong. He then proceeded to cry and tell me that his nose hurt. I didn't know what he meant so I took a look and a small clear bead was stuck in his nostril. I had to take him outside and get him to blow it out. After a few minutes, we were able to retrieve the small object. His nose will probably be sore for awhile today.

Good news: 1) I do not have tuberculosis. Thank you VA hospital for telling me that. 2.) I got paid. Twice. 3.) I got to share all my exciting news with my therapist who helped me through a really hard time this past year. That was a blast! 4.) The weather was beautiful. Spring is almost here.

Now for a quick update, I've got three appointments at the VA during my spring break. I'm still trying to find a dentist (wisdom teeth extraction, crown, fillings) that will do inexpensive work for people who don't have insurance (or even free for Peace Corps peeps). If anybody knows of a dentist or a clinic let me know, please and thank you. I'm so glad that this process has been moving so quickly...I'm excited to get through this month of medical stuff and start waiting for my official invitation.

I was abducted today

If I did drugs, today would've been a day that I thought I had experienced an alien abduction. For about an hour and a half today, I sat under two little hot lamps, with things clipped around my neck and my mouth pried open. Two people with weird facial accessories peered down on me through weird colored spectacles speaking some foreign language that included a long series of numbers. I couldn't talk or move and strange sounds were coming from other rooms. At the beginning of this long process I had stood awkwardly (feet forward, back straight and tilted backwards, hanging on by just a bite clamp) and watched and listened to this huge machine squeeze my face and rotate around my head. It produced a black and white photo of an alien version of me.

But I don't do drugs! so this was just a routine exam and x-ray at the dentist. And it only cost my 'free'! There was so much going on in my mouth today but nothing was actually done. They just looked and examined every square millimeter of the surface of my teeth. I have 11 cavities and I need three wisdom teeth removed. Ugh, and this all has to be done asap. Where's really good insurance when you need it?! I'm calling around trying to find dental clinics or schools that will take care of this for free or cheap. If anybody knows of anybody who offers dental work for cheap or free let me know! Or if you know someone who would like to make a great donation on behalf of a future Peace Corps volunteer then let me know!

Tomorrow, I have another series of medical tests and blood work and things like that. This ball is really rolling fast for me. I've heard that this whole Peace Corps process for many people takes a really long time, but it's only been a few months for me. I don't think that I have any reason to be medically disqualified or deferred so I'm hoping that after this I'll only have to wait just a few more months. I'll be keeping you guys posted about everything.