U is for Unexpected Health Issues

People who don't think toothaches are a health issue haven't read much about them. I was one of them. I had no idea that a toothache could lead to abscess which could lead to an infection entering the brain and causing multiple problems up to and including death. Quite the wake-up call, I have to say.


My tooth began aching Friday night (on the weekend, of course). By Sunday, it was showing no signs of diminishing and I felt like the right side of my face was swollen. When I looked in the mirror, I could see it, but when I put my hands on my face, I could feel it. And, it was so tender to the touch. Any movement of my mouth and tongue practically made the top of my head explode. No pain I've experienced before matched this. 


Finally, I couldn't take it anymore, so after making my promised appearance at my friend's Tupperware party, I drove myself to the ER where I was examined by one of the ER physicians who diagnosed an abscess. When he told me to open my mouth so he could examine my tooth, I almost cried. I literally had to pull my chin down to make my mouth open wider for him to examine me. Holy cow, I was in pain.


While I was there, they gave me a shot for pain and a double dose of antibiotics to kick start healing. I also left with two prescriptions for the same. I only filled the antibiotic because I have no insurance and couldn't afford to pay full price for two prescriptions. But, the nurse had advised that I could get an OTC pain reliever and take the prescription dose of that as needed and that's what I did. I feel much better now.


My jaw still hurts and I still have limited movement (even eating a banana was hard to do!), but can finally chew things without wishing someone would punch my jaw and knock me (and my tooth) out. It was a seriously painful thing that I never EVER want to experience again.


So, I'd like to say to all, please don't ignore your teeth! They don't just make it easier to swallow and digest foods, but they also can transmit infection directly to your brain if they are not treated properly. I'm still enjoying the headache that this brought with it, but it's not as bad as it was the first couple of days. I don't wish this on anyone!

Tupperware - A Place For Food

Well, it's Monday and loads of things took place yesterday while you were gone. The biggest thing was that I ended up going to the ER because of my toothache. I just couldn't take the pain anymore. Turns out I have an abscess on my back molar, so they gave me a very painful shot of pain reliever and a double dose of antibiotic with two prescriptions for the same plus a list of places I can go.


But, the second thing I did yesterday, actually the first thing on the timeline, was attend a Tupperware Open House at my friend's house. She and her daughter have begun selling Tupperware and I haven't seen her in a long time. My daughter wanted to go, too, so we both headed on down.


Boy, have things changed with Tupperware!! So many pretty colors, so much versatility, and the new items they have! Some aren't even Tupperware-ish. Like the ice cream scoop, the knives and the can opener. They reminded me of the ones Pampered Chef sells. Still, it makes sense, since they're food related, to offer them with food containment items. 

Smooth Chopper

Personally, I fell in love with their new Smooth Chopper. Personally, I don't think it's worth the full price they're charging. But, my friend advised that it would be going on sale for $20 less in a week, so I ordered it. The selling point for me, besides helping her out in this business venture, was Tupperware's lifetime guarantee. It's like having a mini-food processor, but without electricity. I doubt it will chop up meats, which I like about a processor, but it sure did a number on the baby carrots she used to show me! And, it has paddles for whipping and blending. 

Crystalwave Soup Mugs

I also ordered a pair of CrystalWave soup mugs for my daughter's up-coming birthday. She just loves them. She uses the one we have all the time. I was able to split the order, paying half now and having the other half pay in two weeks. I normally wouldn't spend much on Tupperware, but it helps a friend and I actually had some available funds that I don't normally have. 

Twistable Peeler

They even still have the hour-glass shaped salt and pepper shakers that I grew up with. I plan on getting those, too, at some point. My daughter fell for their Twistable Peeler. I prefer the old style, but she likes the new kind that you can use lengthwise.


Anyway, other than the pain my tooth was causing me, I was glad to see my friend and to see all the new and colorful items Tupperware is selling these days.

S is for Shopping and Sonic

I just got home from taking my daughter to work, her first day scheduled in weeks. Her car's in the shop (at last) and I still have my friend's car to use. I noticed as we took the turn to the reception center where she valets that a new Bottom Dollar grocery store had opened across the street. I needed to do some shopping anyway, so I went there after letting her off.


I don't know if they're a nationwide chain, but they are growing fast in our area. The prices are fantastic. Three-lb chubs of ground beef were $.99/lb with a limit of two chubs per customer. Yes, it's only 73% lean, but for $.99, I can drain the fat. I NEVER see ground beef that cheap anymore.


Hot dog and hamburger buns were $.99 each. Campbell's canned condensed soups were $.48 each. Their brand of crispy raisin bran was $1.79 as was their version of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Brand name cereals were $2.50. Large eggs - $.99. I've had the raisin bran before and it is as good as Kellogg's.


You bag your own groceries there, either buying your own bags, bringing your own bags or using the empty product boxes they provide. I brought home three boxes full of groceries, a large bag of cat litter and two 2-liter bottles of soda that were $.59 each. I spent less than $60.00.


From the grocery store, I stopped at the new Sonic down the road because I hadn't eaten yet and was hungry. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to finish my sandwich because I have a raging toothache. Just the movement of my mouth and tongue make it hurt so bad, so I'll have to save the sandwich to eat later, cut up into little pieces, I guess. I did eat the tater tots and got a 44 oz. ice tea. The Sonic near us went out of business a few months ago and the one I stopped at today just opened. Not sure why ours closed, but I do like them. I wish this new one well. It's on a very heavily traveled highway.


So, I'd better put the food away - everything that needs to stay cold before it isn't cold any more. I had to sit down after carrying it all in because my back was aching. Of course, the cats are super curious and cat-scanning each and every thing they can touch their noses to. I bought food for them, too. Gotta keep the furry kids happy.