Navigating Life's Ups and Downs: A Personal Journey
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Chapter 1: The Canker Sore Crisis
Recently, I faced one of the most painful canker sores imaginable, making it impossible to consume anything except liquids for several days. While antibiotics have been beneficial, the discomfort was overwhelming.
To complicate matters, I needed to renew my Medicaid but had delayed the process due to frustrating phone calls involving my sister. Of course, just as my insurance was set to expire, I found myself needing a dental appointment.
In a rush, I sought an emergency walk-in appointment. Despite my insurance not being valid until May 1st, they assured me it would be fine. However, upon arriving at the address, I discovered it was an old school undergoing renovations, and the phone line was disconnected.
I moved on to the next option, only to find that number was also out of service. The third contact finally connected, but it turned out to be a thirty-five-minute drive away. Frustrated, I attempted to grab a coffee at a favorite shop, only for my card to malfunction. Eventually, it worked, but they charged me extra for no ice. Just great!
Arriving at the dentist's office located within a hospital, I was greeted by an overly enthusiastic security guard who handed me a neon green visitor sticker. Inside the waiting room, chaos ensued with an overwhelming number of people—mostly children—making it hard to find a seat. The line I stood in seemed to be at a standstill, and those behind me were impatiently attempting to cut in.
Amidst the crowd, I overheard two elderly women discussing their candy habits, each boasting about their sugar consumption and the dental issues that followed. Their conversation served as a wake-up call for me. I realized I would have to say goodbye to my beloved Chamoy pickle kits and share my stash of Gushers and fruit roll-ups with my sister. The pain simply wasn’t worth it.
Feeling lightheaded from the crowd, I stepped outside for fresh air. Near the water, I noticed the discarded lime green visitor stickers scattered around. As I approached the water, I was struck by the beauty of the sky and the choppy waves—likely a remnant of the 4.8 earthquake we had experienced that morning.
This was my first earthquake, and the bed shook for eight seconds. Initially, I thought it was just nearby construction. As I gazed out, I could see the One World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty in the distance, giving me a sense of perspective amidst the chaos.
The scene was serene, with boats gliding across the water and seagulls soaring above. One boat was named “Timeless,” which resonated with me.
Suddenly, I realized I needed to use the restroom, and I’m not one to use public facilities. So, I began the trek back home, feeling a burst of energy to quicken my pace. Upon reaching my neighborhood, I found a café. Thankfully, I slipped into the bathroom without needing to purchase anything first. This quirky café, known for its bland menu, was a welcome sight.
After days of not being able to enjoy spicy or sweet foods, I opted for a plain burrito filled with black beans, melted cheddar, avocado, and tomato—my first soft meal in ages. I devoured it at home, where I could eat freely, feeling like a T-Rex.
That was Friday; now it’s Sunday, and I’m feeling down. My boyfriend left unexpectedly, likely upset, and hanging out with his friend, which usually means trouble.
This morning was rough. The pain had me focused solely on finding relief and returning to sleep. Hours later, I felt much better, peeling dried yellow residue from my lips. I have a slight allergy to antibiotics, which caused this mouth sore. Thankfully, my previous sore has healed, and my tooth is feeling better.
My boyfriend wants me to meet him at the gym, while my sister needs me to drop off some keys. Both tasks seem daunting, and all I want is to recuperate.
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