7 down 5 to Go

I slept well and woke at 428am, and just a minute or two before the irrigation system kicked on. I was brushing my teeth when it kicked on. Man, was it loud! I heard Mindy toss and turn from bed just then. She complains of the irrigation system frequently. I gathered my running hat and shorts then headed downstairs.

Despite being up a full hour early, I felt pretty darn good. It was clear outside, plenty of stars to stare at overhead. The forecast said it would get as cool as 66 degrees but when I checked the weather it got no cooler than 72. I hit the go button on the coffee maker then started calisthenics. My routine was the same as any other work day, just a full hour ahead of schedule to facilitate meeting Ashley at her 720am ortho appt.

I did everything I usually do, including meditation and stretching. I was ready for my run slightly ahead of 530am, which any other day I would’ve just been getting out of bed. It was completely dark when I headed out the door with just a hint of daybreak on the eastern horizon.

I happened upon a couple other runners who I never see at my usual time. It was kind of nice running in the dark for a change. I was back at home by 610am and ready to make my lunch and cook my breakfast. Mindy made me a salad the night before. I cut up some cheese, threw together a container of fruit, and took the last good banana. Had three old ones needing pitched still hanging around.

I fried two eggs for breakfast and washed them down with a big glass of OJ along with  some freshly cut fruit. Off to the shower.

I was heading upstairs without coffee, but then rethought my thinking. Figured that despite the early hour, Mindy would almost certainly still want some.  I didn’t shave all weekend so that was an absolute. Started making shower racket right away. I was ready to got by 650am. I wanted to be out of the house by 7am to make to Ashley’s appointment on time.

I said goodbye to Mindy from bed. She promised to keep me apprised of the developments with my dad’s knee surgery that was scheduled for mid-day. Just before leaving, I made sure that Ashley hadn’t called or sent me a text. Nothing since confirming the appointment the night before. I quickly loaded up all my gear and headed out.

I arrived at Dr Monfort’s office by 715am. Ashley was already there and waiting in her car.  I could see that she had Olivia with her. I was a little worried that she might be unruly inside. Wasn’t sure what to expect. She was happy to see me. We all three walked in together. Olivia sat on her momma’s lap. Eventually explored the play room, which has only books and chairs.

Called us back around 730am, or ten minutes later than our scheduled appointment. Dr Monfort and Janice greeted Olivia, then jumped into the business at hand. Dr Monfort asked Ashley a series of predictable questions about when she noticed her teeth moving and then shared what he thought needed to happen to fix the problem. He had photos of the finished product from 7-8 years ago and used the models they took last week to show what’s since changed. Aside from the most obvious issue, the extreme shift of her lower register of front teeth, he pointed out that her upper molars on one side have seemingly shifted inside the lowers. He then went on for a minute or two about how he was unsure how to fee the correction. He assured Ashley that it wasn’t her fault, but took no blame himself either. He also pointed out the cavity in her upper molar, the one Ashley's having addressed this Friday at OSU. Must be huge for him to catch it/see it in the impression models. Said that needs addressed before any braces on those teeth. His preference was by a professional, not a student.

He shared that normal fees for the correction would be around $6K and then told Ashley that her root canal and crown could easily be another $2500. I think he was just trying to impress upon her the investment. She began to cry. The room grew silent while Ashley collected herself. He didn’t tell her that she would have to pay that much. He said he wants to discuss it with his billing specialist and fee it fairly. In my mind he should take full accountability for the lower teeth. He took Ashley’s email address and promised to send her an email with his decision. In the meantime, he set up an appointment to have the lower teeth braced on Aug 11 at his Arlington office. Said that it won’t be a full set. Instead, just here and there. Some even on the back side if I understood correctly.

Before we left, I asked about removing my permanent retainer. Said to set up an appointment. Hmm? Last time he said he’d have it done the next time we were in. Pat at the reception desk said they just had a cancellation and could do it then. Ashley & Olivia headed out. I stayed behind. Barb removed my retainer and then took molds for a removable, which I hadn’t previously considered. I’d have to shell out another $220 for that. I almost balked at the idea, but then thought better of it. I should get it. It would be so nice to have the permanent retainer removed, but at what cost? I want straight teeth.  I paid for the removable.

Said it would be ready in two weeks. I shared that I would likely be in NYC on that date so we moved it out yet another week. See ya in 3 weeks. It was 825am when I left for work.

My office isn’t too far from Dr Monfort’s place. Just a few miles.  I was there by 840am and settled in a few minutes later. Talked with Mindy around 10am. Said Bob updated facebook that Dad was already in surgery prep. Promised to provide more updates as they flowed in.

Meanwhile, work was moving at a leisurely pace. Nothing crazy going on. That was nice after last week’s frenetic pace and then the weekend I had on-call. I planned to ask my boss for comp time for the weekend’s hours. Not sure the time when I talked with Mindy again, but she shared that my dad’s surgery was cancelled due to extra low potassium levels. No further information. Better safe than sorry.

I didn’t bother taking a formal lunch break. Had no pressing errands. I ate my packed lunch around 145pm and did a little writing too. I finally remembered to call the car detail guy that Germain recommended to ask about his window tinting pricing and options compared to Ziebart, who is very close to home, but scheduling 3-4 weeks out. Matt answered after a couple rings. Turns out, his pricing is pretty much right on par with Ziebart, and he quoted a 2.5 week lead time. Add to that, his location is very inconvenient (Indianola & Morse Rd) and would need to keep the car all day. I thanked him for the information. Sounds like Ziebart will be a far better option.

My afternoon got a little busier but still well under control. I left for home around 530pm. Arrived home a short time later. Despite a sunny forecast, the skies looked to be threatening rain from the north. It wasn’t long after I got home that a small storm blew in and dumped wind, rain and lightning on us. Unlike Friday, it moved through fast – a narrow band moving through quickly.

Mindy and the kids had a busy day. Went to the grocery and cleaned the fridge top to bottom. We were having leftover steak, grilled corn-on-the-cob, salad and leftover green beans for dinner. It was ready shortly after 6pm. Even after two full meals, there was still a little steak left from the original three Rib Eye’s. I did clean-up. The dishwasher was already near capacity. Took some doing. Mindy helped restack.

Both kids headed off to play after dinner.  I changed into my flannel shorts and a t-shirt then went to the family room with my book. I was feeling a little off key and discouraged likely brought on by a short conversation I had with Ashley who called mid-afternoon very discouraged with the Dr Monfort meeting. I see where she’s coming from but pointed out that we don’t know what he intends to charge yet and asked that she not jump to conclusions.

It was around 7-730pm when I got comfy in the chair and did a little reading, which quickly turned into a nap. You fill my belly with steak, corn and salad and then let me relax in a chair, you’re gonna get a nap almost every time. Dinner is probably the only time each day that I eat that much. That was the end of me for the rest of the evening. I eventually upped and moved to the sofa, but went right back asleep. I woke again around 930pm and quickly slipped off to bed, but not before giving Mindy a hug and kiss. I was zonked. Might have something to do with getting up at 430am that morning too. Good night MZ!