Teeth

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I hate going to the dentist. Maybe because when I was eight years old, I had a cavity filled after the Novocain had worn off. Maybe it's because I had braces and developed dental appointment burnout. Maybe it's because I've reached an age where I feel like I shouldn't have to do anything I don't want to do. Maybe it's simply because I don't want to put on a bra. Whatever the reason, I usually start feeling anxious a few days before a dental appointment because I like to devote ample time to my neuroses. On Sunday, I started feeling this low buzz of anxiety running through my daily life and I finally figured out that it was related to my upcoming appointment. For some people, insight helps relieve anxiety. For me, insight leads me to tell every single person in my life that I am anxious.

Things get weird in a text conversation? My response, "You have to understand I have a dental appointment this week."

Getting dinner on the table makes me snappy? "I'm sorry. I have a dental appointment in a few days."

Someone asks me to do something? "My schedule is tight this week because I'll be busy stressing about my dental appointment."

My appointment was scheduled for this morning at 10:20 a.m. I got Zeca to school and then showered and left the house with plenty of time to drive downtown and find a parking place. I arrived at the office at 9:55 a.m. and approached the desk to check in.

Receptionist: Name?

Me: Vikki Reich

Receptionist: Hmmm. I can't find you here. R-I-C-H?

Me: No. R-E-I-C-H.

Receptionist: Oh, ok. I'm going to look you up by your name because sometimes I just don't see things.

Me: I totally understand! Same here.

This, my friends, was foreshadowing.

Receptionist: I found you...but we have you down for Friday at 10:20 a.m.

Me: That can't be right. I got a card that said 1/6/16 and a text this morning confirming the appointment.

I pulled out my phone and pulled up the text. 1/8/16 at 10:20.

Me: And look at that...Friday, 12/8.

I was two days early for the appointment and now I have to go back on Friday. Sixes look a lot like eights. Probably time to schedule an eye appointment as well.