back from the dentist... it's a small world.

i have to be back at the dentist at 8:30 in the morning. i showed my butt (imagine that) because they didn't want to see me at ten when i finally made it to the office... it wasn't my fault.

anyway, they took x-rays and found out some rather crazy stuff. apparently, i have a severe infection along my lower jaw, which has damaged nine of my lower teeth beyond repair. they have to come out. in the morning. fun.

as bad as the news is... (there's so much i'd love to say right here...) i'm glad this work will be done. and for several reasons.

the main reason is my health. the dentist, who could not have been nicer and more helpful, stressed that the infection could have easily lead to a heart-attack or even stroke. even at 26. the chest pains i get periodically could be attributed to my teeth, he said. your mouth, according to him, leads to your heart, so take care of it.

next, the ship will be taking care of a large majority of the work, including all those extractions tomorrow. the only thing i'll pay is for the nitrous gas. i'll gladly pay for it. give me a double dose.

then back to health... he says my problem with weight is probably directly related to my teeth. with the infection gone (the x-rays are cool!), my body will be completely healthy and can do its thang! maybe i'll finally get to the 160 i've been reaching for.

and, of course, with my not smoking, that is only better. this really is, i tell you, gonna be my year.

small world, too. the assistant, crystal, is from north carolina (wilmington) and her grandmother lives in blakely, georgia. she said she was just there for a funeral. weird, huh? she's here with her husband (both she and he are gorgeous) who is in the coast guard.

apparently, some nineteen-year-old girl named jennifer from atlanta is also in the coast guard... crystal obviously didn't realize how big atlanta is when she asked if i knew her (with no last name)... or take in the age difference.

so, i went to borders and stocked up on magazines to read. i figure i won't be doing too much more than laying in bed taking care of myself. where's martha?

there's a particular magazine i found call dna. it's awesome. nothing but underwear and swimsuits but in a magazine format.

speaking of magazines, scot e-mailed me about writing articles for his wedding magazine. he's mailing me one and will be sending me the topics/info to put together. that'll be a little extra money, too.

alright. i'm going to my room. i have to go see the ship doc at four to get my penicillin and pain medicine.