I don't remember to many details about my last experience getting my cavities filled. All I remember is that my dentist (at the time) did a horrible job and I felt everything. Needless to say, when I had to get my new set of cavities filled last week, I was acting like a gigantic baby who couldn't stop worrying. I was so scared and freaked out, that I ended up taking Benadryl to help me take the edge off. When I got to the dentist office, I was talking to one of the ladies who works there and I think she could tell I was nervous because she asked me how I was doing, I replied," I would rather be giving birth again." I was very serious too. She just laughed and said I would be fine. "Yeah, that's what the last guy said too!" By the time all the numbing meds and shots had taken effect, I had lost my nerves in the right side of my face. I started frantically texting my mom, who just said," It could be worse. It could be Cancer. It could be a root canal." Those are my mom's typical answers. No offense mom, they aren't reassuring.
The drilling went by quickly and though I was uncomfortable, I wasn't in any pain. Within 45 minutes my appointment was over and I was rescheduled for the end of the month to take care of the rest of my cavities. Oh, Joy! I picked up my daughter from my parents who were watching her for me and we went home. And I quickly discovered that when I got home, I couldn't smile very well. My face sagged on it's right side when I would try and smile. And on top of that, my jaw was getting sore ( because I have TMJ) and my eyes were getting watery due to my nerves being messed up.
Because I'm a good sport, I'll show you my face with my severely screwed up nerves. Don't laugh.
But still, at the moment...this was awful. I got this fear that my face would never return to normal again, and I suddenly had a new appreciation for those who suffer from strokes and bells palsy. But I was determined not to let my face ruin my day. I took my little Eden down to Canby ( a town about 15 minutes away) and we went to a Spring Bazaar. Granted, I had to wear sunglasses the whole time because my eye wouldn't stop watering, and I couldn't smile at anyone and I think everyone thought I was rude, but I did buy some Easter treats for Grace and Eden and these amazing toasted coconut marshmallows for me and my mom. ( Which by the way, we're in search of a recipe so we can make them and then eat them!)
By the time early evening rolled around, I had most of my face back to normal and though my face, jaw, and cheek were sore...I was determined to make dinner. This dinner. This pasta was the perfect thing to eat. It was soft and flavorful and so easy and fast to make that I didn't really mind cooking it, even though I was really tired and feeling slightly traumatized from my day. That's right, I AM that dramatic. Aren't you glad your not married to me? Look what you would have to put up with? Instead you get to read about my traumatizing day that thankfully ended up with delicious warm flavorful pasta!
Penne Pasta with Sun-dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Yields: 7 servings
2 cups (8 oz.) dry penne pasta
8 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (about 1/3 cup)
1 can (12 fl. oz.) Nestle Carnation Evaporated Lowfat 2% milk
2 cups (8 oz. pkg) shredded Italian style cheese blend
1 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Prepare pasta according to package directions, adding sun-dried tomatoes to boiling pasta water for the last two minutes of cooking, drain.
Meanwhile, combine evaporated milk, cheese, and seasonings to a sauce pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted. Remove from heat.
Add sauce to the sun-dried tomatoes and pasta. Stir until combined. Serve immediately.
