Separation Anxiety

I’m taking the week off from blogging. I know you’ll miss me, but in the meantime I’ve got some AWESOME guest bloggers to help fill the days. Actually, they’re more like VIBs, Very-Important Bloggers. They’re really that fantastic. Maybe even more fantastic than me. I know that’s saying a lot, but I don’t like to lie to you guys.

Today’s VIB is none other than Jessica Lynn from Jesstagirl and her Officer. Jess is living my dream job as a freelance writer, so when she emailed me to offer to guest blog it was like getting an email from a celebrity! Plus, have you seen her wedding pictures? She is just gorgeous!

~Mrs. Moots

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Oh wow. I feel like I have a lot to live up to with this post after that flattering introduction, so I feel it’s only fair to let you in on a little secret…I’m writing this while watching Super Troopers and drinking wine. Meow, where was I? Ah yes, feeling flattered. As Mrs. Mootz so kindly pointed out, I do write for a living and I love it! But when Mrs. Mootz said this post could be about anything, my mind went into overdrive. “Anything” is so broad it made my brain hurt from thinking too hard about finding an idea. Luckily, an idea brushed over me while I was on the phone this afternoon.

But let me back up. Twenty-six years ago I met a man who saw me grow up and go through all of those awkward phases you hope nobody remembers. Not to mention, he got very up close and personal…with my teeth. Yup, when I was just months old I met our family dentist with a flashy, albeit, gummy smile (I had just started teething, so maybe I had a tooth or two by then). This particular dentist watched as each tooth grew in—and fell out—and then kept a close eye on my permanent pearly whites. Needless to say, that same dentist literally saw me grow up, and I owe him from transforming my vampire-esque teeth into one of the most complimented parts of my body. My dentist and our families are so close that I even invited him and his family to my wedding!

So imagine my shock when I finally let the realization sink in that getting married meant joining Tricare, moving across the country, and having to switch dentists! I wish I could tell you that I didn’t spend a minute pondering this situation, but that would be a giant lie. I even went as far as setting up an appointment with him for when I knew I’d be back home (while my husband was deployed) and I was going to call Tricare and beg them to approve my cleaning. One thing led to another while I was home and I canceled the appointment.

Which leads me to my phone conversation today. I asked around and found “the best” dentist in this Middle-of-Nowhere-Georgia town, but it’s been like pulling teeth to actually coax myself into calling and making an appointment. I set up my United Concordia dental plan weeks ago, but I keep “forgetting” to call this new dentist…until today. I finally picked up the phone and called.

Well, do you know where all of my scheming and procrastination got me? The first available appointment they have is in April. April, as in April 2011. Next year. SEVEN months from now. Of course I asked to be put on their wait list in case of cancellations, but I’m secretly hoping they won’t call and I’ll be forced to take matters into my own hands and pay out of pocket to see my old dentist when we go home over the holidays. I guess in the mean time, while I wait for April 11, 2011 to roll around, I’ll continue brushing and flossing my teeth. Actually, I should probably work on setting up my OBGYN appointment now so I don’t have to wait until I already pop out a child to see a doctor. Sheesh!

When you “joined the military” did you experience any separation anxiety from having to change your dentist or another doctor?