Who has 2 thumbs and is very likely going to get a root canal (#2) tomorrow? I swear I practice good dental hygiene, but needing a root canal makes me feel like I belong in the Big Book of British Smiles.

I had three root canals. Three of my four lower front teeth.

Played pickup football with my friends in high school without a mouthguard and got my face kicked in a bit.

It's not that bad compared to what it used to be. It's mostly kind of strange that they're (literally) rooting around inside your tooth for such along time. But they use a ton of painkillers so you'll feel nought.

Also, while poor dental hygiene increases risk, sadly great dental hygiene is no guarantee. Genes, whether the nuts have kept fluoride from contaminating precious bodily fluids in your area - all sorts of things.

Random thoughts, as I try to fall asleep (and we see how well I am doing this). Something for your entertainment as you wake.

Back when I finished grad school, and moved in with my father, he gave me the "adult tour" of the house. Being the paranoid guy that he is, that meant a tour of the place showing all the hiding locations of firearms. Yes, my father was ready to "run n gun" better than Halo. It was creepy. And I say that as a gun owner!

Why does this random thought pop in my head. Well. I noticed that I have a similiar situation in my apartment. Except the object in question isn't a firearm, but rather FLASHLIGHTS! That's right. This theater geek has LED flashlights all around the house. Keeps one in his pocket at all times. One by the bed. One on the table next to the recliner. One in the car on the driverside visor. Also, one in the center console thingie in the car. Oh, and the shaky/no batteries flashlight in the back seat map pocket. And then, there is one at the office. And a whole box of them in the closet. I guess, in earthquake country, I'm more worried about loss of power than someone gunning for me. But, I couldn't help but notice the similarities.

OK, let's see if this "turn off the iPad" notion helps ya fall asleep, like the experts claim. Pfft. Given how many times I've fallen asleep with it ON...

Root canal, but not until next Wednesday (2 days before I leave for vacation, woo). In the meantime, I have antibiotics and painkillers (the painkillers are shocking, because this dental office is loath to prescribe them).

I feel like a week is too long to wait, but the dentist didn't seem concerned, since I'm starting antibiotics today. And I can always call them if it gets worse.

Cramming in one more thing before vacation is now comical to the point of absurdity. And weeping.

random food question for ita ! - is something called manishwata one word or two?

Flashlights, firearms... what do I have scattered about the house in strategic locations? Screwdrivers. Scissors. Hair clips, lip balm, and reading glasses.

Not ita, but mannish water is what I've always seen/heard.

Yeah, brenda's got it right. It's soup of the goat--everything left over after you cooked the bits you actually wanted, you make soup with the rest.

Cass, I'm so, so sorry. So much love to you and your family.

Holding many of you in my thoughts, and in most recent particular, Cass and Steph and brother.

I'm mostly lurking due to caring for recovering mother, which is now beginning to ease up as she recovers more physical capabilities -- one cast came off two weeks ago and another last week, though that arm is still non weight-bearing. She's doing well, though. Starting tomorrow, she'll be spending morning to mid-afternoon on her own for the first time since Easter. I expect she's looking forward to the quiet of nobody checking in or reminding her about [insert exercises, to eat, to walk] for a few hours. I know I would be.

I'm still staying up at my sister's, but now I will start tapering off and rejoining my previous life. Contemplating going to Balto. Sat/Sun, but also thinking maybe I just need to spend the day a my home and... probably clean. I think it's a mess. I, too, enjoy the quiet.

But I have been lurking and reading and sending ~ma along.