Anyone have experience with using a dentist outside of your network? I need a teeth cleaning, and the last dentist I saw told me that I have gingivitis (long story as to why I didn't take care of it then). Also wondering if gingivitis has turned into periodontal disease and that is causing the current health issues.

But, I said all that to say that the dentist recommended by my friend told me that all of their costs are negotiated, and I'm responsible for any costs outside of what the insurance company pays. It irritates me that I have insurance, but may need to pay extra for basics like a teeth cleaning.

I dig that style of pendant, too, smonster. I bought 2 (because I just.couldn't.decide which one) from a vendor at the farmer's market. I've got 1 that's 2 different pre-Rapaelite-looking knights and one that's 2 different Alice in Wonderland scenes.

Now, she's sprawled across her car seat, very Greta Garbo-esque, staring out the front door, sobbing softly to herself and muttering, "I want mommy. I miss my daddy. No snowflakes for anyone."

I love this picture So Much.

Do you really, really like this dentist, Vortex? Or is she a specialist?

Teeth cleaning once a year is something I have never had to for, beyond a small co-pay, and I have had some shitty-ass dental insurance. I would be reluctant to pay for an OON dentist, unless there was a really compelling reason to use them.

I haven't been to said dentist, so I don't want to go through all of the hassle. But, good news is that I found my old dentist who did my braces is still around and in network, so I'm going to go back to him.

I'm glad your old dentist is still around! I was informed on Monday that I have been seeing my dentist for 31 years. Between him and the OB/GYN, I see that I am very loyal to medical profesionals. Of course, it helps that the care I get from them is totally great.

Also - Em went to her gramma's for the weekend and I gotta tell you, me and the girls are bored without her. I miss my buggle.

Seska

Are there any Pagans on b.org?

I identify Pagan as well, though I tend to the more esoteric Discordian end of the spectrum. I've done lots of reading in the various traditions and have a fairly good base in the Celtic/standard neo-Pagan stuff. Feel free to throw any questions my way.

I liked him a lot. Drama happened when my mother offered to pay for my braces, but gave me a hard time every time I asked for a check. I was unemployed at the time (had started the process while employed), so couldn't just pay it myself. I was embarrassed at how long it took to get him paid, so I never went back.

What lovely new kitties, Seska!

Are there any Pagans on b.org?

Me. I'm following a fairly Neo Platonic path, flavored more with Hellenism than Celtic influences, because that happens to speak to me more. I got to pour out a glass of wine to Gaia while on Crete a couple of years ago--very satisfying.

I've been exploring the druid/ancient Celtic religions recently (under the influence of my wonderful father, who is both a Taoist and a shaman!) It's certainly an interesting mix with Christianity, but for some reason it's totally working for me.

Great! Isn't it lovely to find a path that "clicks"?

Dear me: I understand that you want to keep buying local and/or organic, despite your unemployed status. However, buying a bottle of rum, two magazines, and several kinds of cheese? Don't do that again. For a long while, at least.

Love, me

Impulse control: I do not has.

My hygienist checks for signs of cancer and cardiac issues every time she cleans my teeth. I always feel a little healthier when she okays me. Even though I have no idea what she actually sees.

very Greta Garbo-esque, staring out the front door, sobbing softly to herself and muttering, "I want mommy. I miss my daddy. No snowflakes for anyone."

I, too, have had those days.

A month or two ago when both Jilli and my mom were visiting here, we went to breakfast at a favorite spot and there was a girl at the next table who was so, so grumpy and so unhappy. I wanted so badly to tell her that not every day is like that but I'd felt on the inside exactly how she was acting on the outside.