Scam artist? July 31, 2008

Seth Godin has a post today that made me think.

 

When I was in school, the dentist that advertised was very frowned upon.  I mean, the typical phone book thing, OK.  But, what kind of dentist would ever run a TV commercial?  What did that say about him and his practice?

 

I don’t do any of that.  In fact, any advertising that I have tried has been less than successful.  We try to track how people are referred to our office.  And, since I have been in practice, my business has grown mostly from referrals from other dentists and word-of-mouth from patients.

 

I really believe other patients are the best way to continue to grow.  I mean, who better to “sell” your practice than people who are happy there and satisfied with their treatment?  But, as our world changes, I want to stay on top of things.  I want to continue to be on the forefront of people’s mind.

 

How do you do that?  How do you feel about dentists and health care professionals who advertise?  How did you find your dentist?

There are just some things we don’t say! July 30, 2008

I have met him twice and her once.  I call them friends because I feel like I know them through their blogs.  I know, I know. . . . you don’t get that!  Let’s let that go for a second.

 

They make me want to have kids!  Today, that’s because I loved this, this, and this.

 

And, RIP is one of those words they teach us not to use in dental school.  I’m just sayin’!!!!

I’ll be seeing you. . . July 29, 2008

Tonight I was totally reminded that some people I love very much are leaving.

 

One couldn’t have dinner with us because she was going shopping for her dorm.  One had dinner with us but was trying to decide if she could come home from school for the Fee concert at church.

 

Are you supposed to have friends that age when you are my age?

 

I am not sure about that.  What I do know is that God has surrounded me by people much younger than me who teach me more about life and how to live like Christ than any other people.  They constantly challenge me and make me want to be a better adult.

 

I am going to miss them!

MY STAFF ROCKS!! July 29, 2008

 

We had a staff meeting last night.  I don’t have those very often, so, when I do, they turn into a bitch session, a little.

 

I guess we should have them more regularly, huh?!?

 

My staff is so amazing, though.  I just put out there some issues that we were having in the office.  They were not shocked at all.  As a matter of fact, they agreed and had some solutions to help with things.

 

God knew what he was doing when he helped me put together a staff that gets along, pitches in, and works together to be part of the solution and not the problem.  I don’t deal with drama.  I mean not at all!  I have only really had 2 days of it in almost 10 years of practice.  You know God is watching over me when you have 4 women and no drama.

 

So, today, I just felt like I needed to say how awesome they are out loud.  They don’t read this blog.  The don’t have to, though, to know how much I appreciate them.  I tell them.  A LOT!  I hope I can continue to remember that they make me successful and are a major part of why I love my job!!!

Luxury? July 26, 2008

While I was in dental school, I lived in Mexico for a summer.  I went, mostly, do to dental work in an orphanage in Miacatlan.

 

I was reminded tonight of how much I learned and experienced there.  One of the things that I found so hard to deal with when I got home was the children in the United States.

 

Now, I was warned I would feel this way, but it still was a little unexpected.

 

Here, not only kids, but most people are afraid of the dentist.  When I was in Mexico, there was rarely any fear seen or felt.  Mostly, I felt greatly appreciated and loved.

 

So, when we talked about dentistry tonight. . . I know. . . boring. . . I wondered why someone else had the same experience I did.  She talked about how she helped with dentistry where there was no anesthesia.  And, she mentioned that the people were so thankful and appreciative.

 

Then, she said something so profound to me.  I asked, “Why is it that we are so afraid of the dentist in the United States and there are people who are having work done that is painful and they are so appreciative?”  She answered “We have the luxury of being afraid.”

 

Thoughts???

Enough? July 24, 2008

I have had some interaction today with a person who totally exaggerated the truth of who they were, of what they had done, and of what they plan to do.  I know that because I got to be the fly on the wall during a conversation they were having.  I wasn’t eavesdropping. . . I was supposed to hear it!!!

 

Why don’t we ever think we are good enough?

 

That’s a loaded question, I guess, but I am wondering why we find the need to exaggerate who we are.  Why do we stretch the truth about our accomplishments and our adventures?  Why do we always think that who we are NOT is more impressive than who we are?

 

And, do I do that?  Do I believe that I am not enough? 

 

Today I am praying that I remember it is enough for me to be made in the image of God.  I am praying that it is enough to know that Christ loves me exactly as I am now.  Today I am praying that God’s plans for me are exciting enough for those around me.  Today I am praying that everyone around me remembers these things about themselves as well.

Is kidnapping a crime? July 23, 2008

I have had two days of non-stop emotions.  There has been tons of fun had by all with so much laughing that my sides are still hurting.  There has even been some crying.

 

Last night a group of us went to see the Jesus for President tour with Shane Claiborne and Chris Hall.  I don’t know if I even have the words to explain what that was all about.  

 

Let me first say that there were some great points.  And, all in all, it was an awesome night.  It just was not anything like what I expected.  I loved the passion that these guys showed for Christ and a way of life that can change the world.  A life full of love for everyone.  A life that is Christ-centered in everything.  A life that I am not sure I can lead but so desperately want to.

 

I know that doesn’t sound funny, but when things are different, sometimes they are humorous.  And, we went with people who just make me laugh.  I mean, look at these pictures.  I think they say it all!!

 

 

Do they need explanations?  I don’t know if McDonalds or Raleigh will ever be the same.  And, who knew that so many people ate at McDonalds at 10:30 at night.  I am just so old that I usually don’t see that late.  That’s what hanging out with people younger than you will get you. . . A LIFE!!!

 

Tonight, however, was a totally different night.  There was some laughing, but I did a lot of crying.

 

Don’t ask me why I am so emotional.  But, I went to see the African Children’s Choir tonight and, if I could have gotten on the bus, one of them would be living with me!!

 

It was such a blessing to watch them perform tonight and see the joy that was in their eyes.  And, to see the hope.  The hope for a better future and a better life.  I don’t even think they believe that life is with a new family.  I think they believe they are going to make that life a reality in Africa when they grow older.

I don’t remember ever feeling that way.  I am sure I did, but tonight, I felt like I could do more.  Tonight I felt that yearning to change the world.  Tonight I felt thankful for all that I have and the friends that I have been able to spend time with this week.

CRAZY!!! July 21, 2008

So, I saw it.  It was good.  I will say that.  But, I am so disturbed by how crazy and demented it was that I can’t get past that.  Brant says it best, and I definitely couldn’t do it better.  So, go here.

I’m Exhausted! July 19, 2008

Why is it that when you do nothing, you are more tired?

 

That is exactly what I did today.  I watched 3 episodes. . . .count them, 3. . . of Beverly Hills 90210.  It is my favorite thing to do on a Saturday.  (And, can you believe that they are coming out with a spinoff?  The anticipation may kill me!!)  I finally forced myself off the couch to learn some music and eat lunch around 1:00.

 

I know. . . it’s hard to be me!!

 

But now, I am exhausted.  I mean, I did have to sing at church tonight.  That wears a girl out, right?  Not really.  It was nice to have some motivation to, you know. . . move. . . today.

 

And, on a totally unrelated note. . . every time I go somewhere with a bottle of Fiji water, someone tells me how expensive it is.  Let me state, for all of those who haven’t asked yet. . . I got it on sell.  And, I am refilling the bottles and risking the poisons that leak from the plastic.  I don’t know if I will ever buy it again!!  It is getting a little ridiculous!

What am I afraid of? July 17, 2008

It’s about 7:20 in the morning.  I have been at work for about 45 minutes.  I am sitting in my office in the dark, with only the light of the computer screen because Sierra has gone back to sleep before she heads out to summer school.

 

The darkness is a funny thing to me.  At night, when I go to bed, there is something so peaceful about it.  It is calming and relaxing.  But, when I walk into a room and it is dark, there is always an edginess (is that a word?) to me.  I am a little nervous about what is there and sometimes even scared.

 

That is so funny to me.  What is there to be afraid of?

 

The fear of the unknown can be so gripping sometimes.  It is so hard to completely trust God and believe that he will guide and protect me according to his plan.  It’s the thought that his plan might involve something difficult or scary that gets me.

 

This morning, however, I am just spending some time with him.  Letting him love me and remembering that I love him.