My Missing Flipper

Recently, I had one of my front teeth surgically extracted.  Before I left the office, my dentist prepared a “flipper”.  This is a temporary, nearly undetectable dental appliance that serves as a replacement tooth for cosmetic purposes until the permanent implant can be installed. I was supposed to wear mine until November, when I’m scheduled to return for the implant.

I have many basic habits, such as eating the same breakfast every morning.  To facilitate keeping track of the flipper, I tried to establish a new habit. I would always keep the flipper in one of three places:

1. My mouth.
2. My pocket.
3. Next to my bathroom sink.

I tried this plan after a month of searching for the darned thing several times a day.  Often for hours.  I can’t begin to fully express my acute frustration with the flipper that always went missing.  I felt like Sisyphus, doomed to roll a large boulder up a hill, losing my grip near the top and having to start over again.  For eternity.  Yuck.

I lost my flipper almost every time I removed it from my mouth. You might not be surprised to learn that Daveen was far better at finding it than I was.

I had planned to write this week’s blog announcing how successful I had been in keeping track of the flipper for two weeks.  Hurrah for me.  But, as you know, pride goeth before a fall.

Sadly, as of today, I’m not able to report that I triumphed in establishing a new habit.

I have lost the flipper once again, this time perhaps for good.  Even Daveen hasn’t found it.  She suggested that I return to my dentist and ask him to make two of them.

I have a different idea.  I’m not going to replace it. That way I can end my constant irritation over losing it, since that is something I’m really talented at.

It is said that a habit is first a cobweb, then a cord, and finally a cable.  Maybe so.  But in this case I’m taking a short cut.

So those of you who see me smile before the middle of November, please just smile back.  Hopefully, with all of your teeth intact.

Alan