Wisdom Teeth Out of Head, Sara tucked in Bed

Well, my wisdom teeth are finally out. I remember the Doctor asking if I'd seen the eclipse finish last night. I was pretty confused about how to answer because I had seen the moon being eclipsed, but didn't watch the whole thing and I didn't know if I should nod yes or no. I've come to the conclusion that I don't like "laughing gas". When the effects first started the desire to rip the nose mask off my face was nearly overwhelming. Apparently everything was easy and we were home by about 9:30am (after an 8am appointment). My face was/is all puffy and numb. In the car, I felt like I had a cotton swap stuck in my throat, but when I check there was nothing there. We got home and mom pointed out I should take my pain pills before I fell asleep so that when I woke up I wouldn't be dying of pain (good idea mom). But things are easier said than done. My whole mouth was numb so I couldn't feel if I was swallowing or not and I also couldn't tell if my lips were opened or closed which resulted in mom quick running for a towel.

Well, typing correctly is hard to do so I guess I will have to say goodbye.

Death I Can Understand, But I'm Not So Sure About Taxes.

I did my federal taxes, those were easy. I tried to do my Michigan state taxes, those are hard.

I just don't understand why it all has to be so complicated and why confusing instructions see to be the norm. I remember last year trying to do state taxes and ending up at one point in tears of frustration. I wish I earned enough that I could pay someone else to do my taxes.

Recently I received training to work at customer service. It is a frustrating position dealing with returns and everyone's complaints. Sometime the problems/excuses are funny and sometimes people are just really bitter, but I try to remain cheerful, or at least helpful, no matter what.

Why It Is Important to Learn to Speak the Language of the Country You Live In

The other day I went to the doctor. Nothing wrong with me, I just needed a physical. Everything went fine, the tests that were supposed to come back negative, came back negative. I got two shots, a vaccine and a TB test and went merrily on my way. As I came up to the payment desk, I was next in line. 

It quickly became apparent that the woman in front of me didn't speak much English. After finally getting it worked out that she owed $20 for her appointment, the nurse at the desk asked her to go to the next window to schedule a good time for an ultrasound. The was a pause. "I go work one o'clock." 

As I paid my bill it was hard not to listen to the conversation at the other window.

"Yes, but the doctor believes you have a blood clot. You need to have an ultrasound today."

"No today. I go work"

"Ma'am this is very serious, you could have a blood clot. You need an ultrasound today."

"I go work one o'clock"

"If this is a blood clot you could die. You need an ultrasound today."

"No today. I go work one o'clock"

As I was walking out of the office, the nurses were scrambling to call an interpreter.

This is why it is important to speak the language of the country you are living in. Whether you are an immigrant in America or an expat in France. 

Quiet Canadian Christmas

Well, Laura was surprised at the airport when I jumped out of the trunk of the car. She and dad didn't know I would be in Alliston for Christmas. Of course Laura, thinking I would be in Grand Rapids sent my presents from herself, Andrea and Matt to my house so I didn't have any presents :( But being able to surprise Laura was well worth it.

Sunday night (after i arrived at Mom and Dad's house) Mom and Laura were on the phone when Laura mentioned she couldn't wait to make chocolate covered cherries by herself with no siblings around. So of course I had to disrupt her plans and quick make some before she got here. Her face when I presented her with them was priceless.

So far we've played lots of Settlers of Catan and Carcassonne. Had a delicious Christmas dinner and delightful Christmas naps.

Yucky

There is a dead mouse in the basement.

It will stay there until Janson gets home from work.