It’s My Imagination

Ways to Pass The Time

March 20, 2008 on 1:25 pm | In Some of This Some of That | 2 Comments

I finally started reading a book I’d purchased a few weeks ago. The main character is a gal in New Jersey who leads a very interesting life, to say the least. She has a grandma that is full of spunk and vinegar and this particular book centers quite a bit around her.

I think I only got as far as the 2nd or 3rd chapter, but the grandma has stumbled across a duffel bag full of money and, because she found it on St. Patrick’s day, she believes it is her “pot of gold” and thereby, she feels she doesn’t need to turn this money over to the police. Instead, she heads to Atlantic City to spend some time in the casino. She’s such a character, she adds a lot of humor to the story.

Anyway, in reading previous books by the same author, with the same characters, one thing I’ve learned is that the senior citizens in New Jersey really enjoy spending their time at the casinos. They love playing the slots and, as in the case of grandma, machine poker. It got me wondering about seniors in real life. I visited a casino in Indiana a couple of years ago and I was shocked at the fact that most of the clientele were seniors! So much for having to live on a fixed income!

In today’s internet world, I wonder how many seniors utilize online contests and game websites. I think the benefit is that these individuals, who may not be able to get out and about, have access to something they enjoy, particularly if, once a member, there are unlimited chances at winning cash or a prize.

What do you think? Do any of you play online games? How about your grandparents?

Tags: online contests

Thursday Thirteen

March 20, 2008 on 8:18 am | In My Imagination | 10 Comments

Thirteen reasons I fear going to the dentist. (I had my check up appointment yesterday).

1. As a kid, it seemed that every time I went to the dentist I had a cavity and we all know what’s in store for us if we have a cavity.
2. Great big needles filled with novocaine, need I say more?
3. The sounds at the dentist office:  drills, saws, screams
4. The smells at the dentist office:  cleaning solutions, dental chemicals, novocaine, mouth wash smells
5. Being told I need to floss.  I’m 47 years old, I know I should floss, but I also know that it’s not likely that I will, so don’t waste your breath telling me what to do.
6. Telling me how to brush my teeth.  Again, I’m 47, if I don’t yet know how to brush my teeth, do you think I’m going to change my ways?
7. Having anyone stick their hands in my mouth.
8. Having sharp tools poking around in my mouth and gums.
9. Being asked a question while someone’s hands and sharp tools are in my mouth.
10. Having x-rays done.  I have a bad gag reflex whenever those little sharp edged cards are wedged into my mouth for an x-ray.
11.  Wondering if there is anything in my nose that shouldn’t be there while my head is tilted back and someone has their hands and sharp tools in my mouth, making my nose visible to the world.
12. Having a multiple people put their hands in my mouth.  First the hygienist, then the dentist, then the hygienist again.  Assign one person to me and be done with it!
13. Being made to feel that I don’t know how to take care of my teeth.

Because we relocated in April, I had to find a new dentist.  This is never an easy task for me because I really do have a fear of going to the dentist.  I prefer to find a local dentist in a small office who will tend to me personally rather than having to see both the dentist and the hygienist.  Unfortunately, after almost a year of looking, I was unable to find the ideal dentist.  So, I found what I hope is close.  I will have to see the hygienist for cleanings, but I can ask to be scheduled with the same one every six months so I can build some sort of level of trust.

I had some very bad experiences as a kid and my fear stems from those experiences.

I had my first appointment yesterday.  The dental assistant did all my x-rays and the dentist did the exam.  He was very gentle and didn’t tell me how to brush or floss which is a definite plus.  I also don’t have any cavities, another HUGE plus.

I go back Monday morning for my cleaning, hopefully that will go well and I’ll be done for another 6 months.

Do you like going to the dentist?

Tags: dentists, thursday thirteen