Monday, September 15, 2008

Not So Deep Thoughts

I was thinking today how I started this new blog with the intention of writing my deeper thoughts. Yeah, that obviously hasn't happened yet. For some reason I haven't been my "Deep Thinker" self lately. I've been more preoccupied with Mary Kate's lack of pants and the so-called controversy at the VMA's involving Robert Pattinson. (Twilight fans: Overreact much?) I know the deep thoughts will come back, one day. Maybe when my brain stops hurting so much I'll be able to handle more sophisticated thinking.

Speaking of hurting brains, I went to the doctor today to explore my TMJ theory. So why is it I'm paying $30 to tell them what I think it is, just to have them tell me, "Yeah, that could be it. You need to go see (insert specialist here.)" Um, thanks. Glad to see that degree in medicine's working out for you. One thing that did make me laugh though was when Doctor had me sit up on the paper-covered bed thing and checked my jaw. She put her fingers in front of my ears and had me open and close my mouth. The first time I did it she literally jumped back a tiny bit and said, "Oh! You're...crunchy." Yeah. It scared her. Apparently 15+ years of sucking on gum has a negative affect on your jaw. Huh. I do have to admit I felt a hint of validation that my theory is not too far-fetched. And she even said, "This is good news, actually, we may have found the problem." Of course, she doesn't know, so off to Dentist I go. We did rule out allergies (sort of), though, so that was good. I really appreciate everyone's suggestions and theories on what could be causing these headaches. I've taken them ALL into consideration. Hopefully we'll have answers soon...

So today marked the first completed week of doing Weight Watchers, and I lost 2.6 lbs!! I am so excited. I know it could have been more if I'd eaten a tad bit healthier than I did, so I'm glad, because it showed me that I can still do better. Either way, I am thrilled with my success so far.

I've had sick kids at home for four days now and I'm slowly losing my mind. I've been robbed of two of my kid-free days and I'm feeling it. CURSE YOU COMMON COLD!! In related news, Macy came home from school the other day and informed me very matter-of-factly that her teacher told their class that her dad invented bar code scanners. Hmmm. Needless to say, I was a bit doubtful. But Macy was adamant, and went on to say that her teacher also said her friend's dad invented planes and trains. Really. I gently explained to her that planes and trains were invented long ago, and unless her teacher's friend was Grandma Moses, there was no possible way her dad invented trains. Macy accepted that, but insisted the bar code thing was real. I want to believe her, bless her soul, but last year she came home and told me with that wide-eyed innocence that her teacher told their class she had a flying cat, and was almost in tears when I tried to argue it. Nod and smile, nod and smile.

Here's hoping the headaches end soon, the colds go away, and Macy stops having liars for teachers.

13 comments:

Melissa Mae Johnson said...

Whats this about Robert Pattinson at the VMA's?
I'm sorry about your head. My jaw has popped for years whenever I chew. I also tend to clench my teeth which was a big part of my headaches.
Anyways, I'm glad you liked me memory post! Horray for cousins! I totally forgot about the blair witch thing. That is so funny. Your mom was so mad at us.

AOlson said...

Kevin's Doctor had the same reaction that your doctor did when they felt his jaw. Do they really even study TMJ in school?

meohmyers said...

Ha! Liars for teachers. That was funny.

Congrats on a great 1st WW week!! I can't wait to see your results next week, too! I love your scale and running weight loss total idea on the right. Clever! Now you're accounting to a lot bigger crowd!

I REALLY REALLY hope that this TMJ is the answer. Or the problem. I hate what you're going through right now. Hopefully when you start treating the TMJ, all these crazy symptoms will start going away and with eating healthy you'll feel like a brand new woman! I can't wait! You deserve to feel great!

Shayla said...

Been thinking about you today. Sounds like the Dr. appointment went just as you predicted. Have you gotten a Dentist appointment already?

YAY for the pounds lost...you're really starting to inspire me... Guess I shouldn't have just eaten that chocolate ice cream cone and the five or more brownies earlier today... Sigh.

I was totally laughing over the teacher conversation with Macy. Although Kenzie hasn't come home with stories of dad's amazing inventions...we did hear the flying cat story last year. A LOT! Kenzie would argue with me almost to tears over that one, too. I was so frustrated with her darn teacher telling what I'm sure were "light-hearted stories", that I almost called her to get the real story. Why, when we're trying to teach our children honesty, does a teacher pull out some photoshopped picture of her cat with wings and convince them that her cat REALLY CAN fly?! Seriously. Glad to know I'm not the only one at home hearing this stuff. :-)

Brenda said...

Ok, so here I am thinking the poor Macy has just misunderstood what her teachers were telling her....but they have picture?? That is just strage.

CONGRATS on the weight! You are inspiring me to do better!

JenFielding said...

Alicia, I realize this isn't completely feasible but I went to a chiropractor in Cedar City who was incredible. I would recommend him to anyone. I was having regular headaches, plus back problems, and he knew exactly why and how to fix it. If you can't find answers soon, I seriously recommend going down for a consultation. At least you could try to find out what's wrong from him and then find a Dr in Washington that you could see regularly. It's unbelievable the role that your neck and spine play into the overall health of your body. I didn't even think about him until you mentioned TMJ and then it clicked b/c that was ONE of a few things that were wrong with me. I bet you have some alignment issues that are contributing to the headaches. If you want to call him, his name is Russell Smith 435-865-6636

Alicia Leppert said...

Shayla-- did she really have a picture??!! That sheds a lot of light. I was with Brenda, I thought Macy must have surely misunderstood. No wonder why these poor kids thought it was real. Really, teachers, think. Come on.

Kate said...

Your last line almost made me fall on the floor laughing! So funny :)
I hope you are on the right track now for your headaches. Good luck!

Jessica said...

"Oh! You're...crunchy." That is too funny, not exactly a medical term! Luke and his mom go to the chiropractor to help their headachs. And you do have a cousin chiropractor connection now......

Brenda said...

Hopefully the Dentist will have an answer that works for you.

Isn't it crazy how kids believe everything their teachers tell them, even above their parents! I think she should be more honest with them, poor kids!

COngrats on WW! It is the only program that really worked for me. Probably because I could control what I wanted to eat and eat anthing without feeling deprived, just count the points! Way to go Alicia, you deserve to feel good about this accomplishment!

Marilyn said...

Alicia, I haven't read everyone's comments yet, but I did read cousin Jenn's. She is so right on. The alignment of our spine plays a large part in our overall health and when we are out of alignment, all sorts of things can manifest themselves.

And by the way, I happen to know a GREAT doctor in town now. Oh, you know him too...he goes by Dr. Marshall Mathews and he would love to see you. You should call him.

Congrats on the weight loss. Keep it up. You are inspiring me to work harder too. Love you.

andrea said...

Ok, I googled TMJ so I now have a clue as to what the heck you are talking about. I guess I hope that's it, so you can feel better!

Being married to a teacher has given me a new perspective on what REALLY goes on at school. And, I must admit, making up stories is definitely something my husband would do to break up the monotony. Macy's poor teacher was just bored! But, NOT telling the kids it was just a joke seems a bit much.

Ms. Kristen said...

I can not believe that the teacher made the children believe that a cat can fly!!! That is not right!

As for your jaw! I hope they figure things out!