From the WTF files

So last month K was scheduled for her semi-annual dentist check-up. No biggie - we've been to this office - Dr. Kim - a half-dozen times before. Everyone who works there has been exceedingly kind to both girls, and the actual dentist himself? Aside from being a former Navy guy (which means I immediately respect the crap out of him), he is wonderfully calm and soothing, which are two characteristics you hope for in someone who might have to take a drill to your teeth.

But then on the day of this appointment I received a phone call from the dentist's office. Can we reschedule K's appointment? Yeah, it might snow later today, so we are closing early. WTF? Um, it's not supposed to start until around 5 (you are not calling Jim Cantore a liar, are you?), and her appointment is at 4. To change her appointment, I have to call K's mom to make sure she can meet K at the bus stop instead, and call the school to make sure K knows to get on the bus. I had changed my work schedule to make sure I could drive 3o minutes in one direction to pick both girls up from school to then drive 30 minutes in another direction to get K to the dentist before dropping her at her mom's and taking J home for dinner. Tragedies? No, but does this really need to change because it might snow earlier than predicted?

But I am a sucker, so I changed the appointment. Fast-forward to yesterday, D-1 for the New Appointment. Dr. Kim's office calls to confirm the appointment date (today) and time (4:30). Yes, I declare, that is fine. The usual arrangements are made with K's mom to send a note to school, corresponding to the one I send for J, that the girls will be picked up in the carpool lane. I am at a breakfast meeting this morning when I get the call. Can K come in at 2:30 instead of 4:30?

Um, WTF?? Well, the only other appointment we have this afternoon is at 2pm, so.... Absolutely not, I reply. They counter with 'How about 4pm?'. Nope. I don't mean to be a hard-ass, but it's just not a simple thing to change what time I do everything relating to K and school and whatnot. The dentist's receptionist then explains she can try 'a couple other things' but may need to call me back. You do that, honey. Now I am fuming.

As my meeting wraps up, here comes the last call. K's appointment now MUST be canceled. Why? Because their equipment just FAILED A STERILIZATION TEST. And so, you know, someone has to come in and sterilize everything. But we can see K tomorrow at 4:30! (How many people came in before they realized the equipment wasn't sterile, one wonders? Eww.)

So, what is worse, I ask you - a doctor's office coming up with a convenient lie to cancel an inconvenient appointment that they confirmed yesterday, or that they would ever FAIL A STERILIZATION TEST?! I think I'll go with #2. Either way, I am in the market for a new dentist, ne c'est pas?

Icing on the cake - just what I needed. It's another excuse to look like a dolt in front of JBL's ex. She already knows I am an idiot, but now I am an idiot that can't even pick a good dentist. Sheesh. And, no, I didn't do any breathing-awareness exercises during all of this.