There are days when you feel like dropping work and doing something stupid. I guess, for me, today is one of those days….
But then again, when did I stop doing stupid?
I have pretty molars. Pretty enough that when I look at them in the mirror, I am reminded of the ruins of the Colisseum.
Which is how I found myself at my dentist’s chair this morning.
The day before, in an act of conciliation with my boss, I accepted her offer of soft Sugus candies. And promptly broke my fillings. ON SOFT CANDY.
Now pray tell me, whoever loses their fillings on soft candy?
…..
So Doc Beth gave me the look through, “You really should get crowns. Fillings aren’t doing the job anymore.”
Sure, I said. How much?
“Five thousand.” I gave a squeal. And almost immediately, she countered, “But I’d give it to you for four.”
My, getting your teeth righted out can be so expensive.
…..
Doc Beth has been my dentist for seven years. I first met her during my time at the Manila Sanitarium. On that fateful day, she dropped by the computer lab where I was working and had a few reports printed out.
“Could you be my model?”
I was flustered. I had never been invited to model for anything before – probably something to do with me being an ugly duckling. But, ah, now I was a swan – an ugly swan. But since I was absolutely flattered to be asked to do so, I readily agreed. This here would be my stab at redemption.
“Meet me at the Science class at 10”
And so I got my best shirt. Combed my hair for once. Used shampoo for once. And trotted to the meeting place.
It turns out that the demonstration would be for a tooth whitening procedure.
I gingerly made my way to the front, and gazed at the interested faces of the class. In the back of my head, in my ego of egos, I wanted to make a good impression.
And as fate would usually have it. I did not.
First of all, I was required to sit right in from and open my mouth as wide as possible. And honestly, I really don’t think a shot of my esophagus is exactly the best way to impress anyone.
Things were pretty cool after that. Right until the assistant working the suction got lazy.
You, of course, know what happens to saliva when it is unswallowed and exposed to air? Yes, Sherlock, it gets thick and sticky, and since the guy with the suction was aiming for my tongue, thick gobs of uncollected drool started dribbling down my chin.
It got so bad that the drool started forming crystalline strands of goo that was frankly, unflattering. Albeit, quite amusing. Everyone was smiling now. Except, of course, me. I think I was crying.
After the procedure I was reduced to usual self-pity while wiping the stains from my shirt.
So ended my modeling career.
…..
The teeth whitening procedure did work, though. My previously urine yellow teeth now look pearly white, albeit on the rusty side.
…..
Aside from that, Doc Beth’s an excellent dentist. Plus, she gives discounts whenever I squeal. So if you’re in town looking for a good dentist, look for Beth Caviteno at the Legend Condominium right across the Manila Sanitarium.
By the way, this is not a paid advertisement. A discount wouldn’t hurt, though. Right, Doc?
In response to Dothy’s question as to how I’d like to die.My answer would be “Not.”
But barring that impossibility, I’d say, any way would be fine.As long as it does not involve drowning, fire, falling off heights, cancer, death by lethal odors, straining at the stool, slipping on the bathroom tiles, choking, and most especially not Alzheimer’s
God willing, here’s how I want to kick the bucket:lying comfy on my deathbed, with friends and family surrounding, I’d like to dart in and out of consciousness with this song playing in the background.
Turn up the bass forthis one.
I’ve always said that the reason I didn’t pursue a medical career was because I wouldn’t trust myself with a scalpel – I’m just too clumsy and impatient.
Last Sabbath, I have been brought to realize the real reason being a doctor was not for me:
I can’t bear to look Death in the face.
In a dramatic stare down with the last enemy, I would always look away. And that’s exactly what happened when we visited a few patients at the Manila Sanitarium.
Up to that point, we had generally been visiting patients with non mortal illnesses; we’d drop in with a song and a prayer, and hope that they’d take the message and the care back home with a smile.
But the patient we visited at 209 was different. There would be no going home for her. Her with the youngish, yellowish face and lifeless, half open stare.
Upon entering the room, you just felt the sadness in the air, a heavy tension that made it hard for me to breathe. I wanted to leave. There was no conversation, only a contemplative silence I found deafening.
We started with a song, and the people around got teary eyed. I was then asked to lead in prayer. But not being particularly blessed with the gift of prayer, I was tentative with what to do.
I first read from Psalms 146:3-6
“Do not trust influential people, mortals who cannot help you. When they breathe their last breath, they return to the ground. On that day their plans come to an end. Blessed are those who receive help from the God of Jacob. Their hope rests on the Lord their God, who made heaven, earth, the sea, and everything in them. The Lord remains faithful forever.”
I then led prayer; and like a once in a lifetime shot, I felt God talking to the family of the patient, comforting them of their grief and reassuring them of His plan. I felt like a spectator watching the unseen at work.
I felt used. And it was a good feeling.
Tears freely flowing, they thanked us for the visit and saw us out the room.
Maybe if I got to hang around the dying more often, I’d get used to seeing life escape the mortal coil. But you know what? I don’t want to get used to it. I just want it to end. And if what the Book says is true, then it should end soon.
But until then we need His reassurance, and each other, to tide us over to that day.
Penge naman ako nyan, ang pangit ng araw ko…
…
Remember how last time I blogged about almost losing my phone and PSP to thieves on a bus? Well, someone came along and finished the job.
I am stewing mad, mad, mad!
In an earlier post I explained that I got myself a PSP because all the buses that ply the Buendia-Ayala route invariably tune in to Love Radio, which I vengefully detest because there’s no worse way to start your day than with synchronized mirthless laughter courtesy of Nicole Heyala and Chris Tsuper.
So there I was toying with my PSP. At my stop, I got up along with a few dozen people to squeeze out of the bus. And the 30 seconds it took for me to stand up and get off the bus was enough for some fanged thief to slash into the innards of my bag with a blade and steal my PSP. And I was completely unaware.
And I just got that bag! Grrrr! My animal instincts are kicking into high gear. I could just about perform wondrous feats of inhumane violence right now.
My casualties? 1 Sony PSP. 1 Deuter Speedlite 20 bag. 1 absolutely shattered ego.
….
Later that day I accidentally ripped my polo shirt up its sides. And if that wasn’ t bad enough, I also accidentally ripped my slacks’ zipper – and at this point I would like explain to my office mates that this was the sole reason I kept my hands on my crotch the whole day.Please don’t read anything else into it.
….
So now I am really cross, and I hope I don’t run into any foul jokesters because, frankly, I’m in the mood to crack skulls.
…
So much for catharsis…
…
This here is an endorsement.
You see, I easily bore, and I don’t often watch any flick no matter how good it may be more than once unless I REALLY, REALLY like it.It’s just not worth the time.But for the sake of context, the films I have watched more than once include:The Incredibles (2), Fist of Legend (Jet Li! 2), Shaolin Soccer (2), and so on.
I watched Facing the Giants four times.And I don’t mind a fifth.
Yeah, I know, the critics slammed it for being too “evangelical,” but from me to you, this inspirational film (made on a shoestring budget with church members volunteering for acting parts production needs) is one of my favorites 
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0805526/
I am morbid and I am weird.Why is it that whenever I check the updates on Wikipedia, I go straight to the recent deaths section?It’s probably because there’s nothing like a fresh dose of obituaries to get your day started.
….
In my defense, I believe that the sum of life, its fascination and totality, finds meaning in the obituary.It is here that a sudden appreciation of life springs forth.You suddenly realize, from hindsight, who was important, and who was relevant.
Nice try, Chee.
….
There used to be a journal published in the early 1900’s that dealt primarily with this subject.I think it was the Renacimientos something…my memory fails me.But anyway, the journal, presented in lurid detail, death scenes of society’s renown.It showed photographs from burols, deathbeds, coffins, etc.If you were notable in society, you’d find yourself on the front page come your expiry.
What a creepy journal for the newsstands.
Well, that’s what you get when you don’t have tabloids.You go for the next best scandalous thing.Nowadays, we have starlets in various stages of undress to titillate the masses.We probably won’t be seeing any resurgence from Renacimientos any time soon.
….
I have a friend who, in an effort to make death less mysterious, posted pictures of his/her father right before and right after he passed away.ON FRIENDSTER!
There is merit there, I know, “Don’t be afraid of the dead.They’re already dead.”But, come on, it’s Friendster for crying out loud!
….
My friend is right on one point. Death is the enemy, but depending on your beliefs, It can either be a nap for eternity, or a nap before eternity.I choose the latter.
….
One of the happiest wakes I’ve been to was that of Neil’s lolo, who died of liver problems.We were playing, singing, joking around– maybe a little too hard though.This was a family that was confident of a resurrection.No need for goodbyes.Only see you laters.
The joke of the night? “Let’s sleep in the sala (the coffin was there), we’ve never had a slumber party with lolo before.”
….
We’ll there, forget I talked about death.Let’s all go back to the land of the living and smile and play and say it’s good to be alive.
I’m usually late for anything. Class. Work. Bath.
Same goes for my new year. I’m celebrating it tomorrow. I guess.
Looking back at the year that was, I’d like to say:
Thank you to everyone in the periphery of my life
Sorry to those I’ve hurt, intentionally or otherwise
God bless to those who’d like to know Him more this year
Stop! to those who are planning to spend a lot.
And good riddance to a lot of bad things I’ve been last year.
I’m probably moving to a new blog site sometime soon. It’s getting a little dusty (and cluttered) over here.
