"Pearl"

Well, today was the day for the dreaded dentist. I actually like our dentist. He is a dear friend. And he knows me and my dental phobias so well. But I had a routine cleaning. We have genetic placque build up in my family and that combined with 'aging' means I need to have my teeth cleaned every four months instead of every six.

I actually LOVE one of his hygenists. I can ONLY have Charlene clean my teeth. She knows everything about my mouth, and my gagging, and my lingering childhood traumas from Dr. C. She is so calm and gentle and encouraging. No surprises. "Okay Cindy. I'm going to move over to the top back teeth on the left side now...."

That being said, we have all learned that it is best if I come 'medicated'. And first thing in the morning. Which means that I can't drive myself there or back, and I park myself on the couch until it wears off by the afternoon and then I still have 1/2 of my day left to be kind of productive. Just for the record: I have made progress over the years. I only have to take ONE pill instead of TWO now, unless I have work to be done other than a cleaning! I'm very proud of myself for this.

My reputation preceeds me. I'm rather loopy waiting in the lobby until Charlene comes to guide me back to the chair. Yesterday, all the staff came by to say hello and check on me. I don't know what was so funny with my giving Traci the thumbs up today when she poked her head in to ask, "How are you doing today, Cindy?" but apparently I made a face along with it and so Jaclyn had to come and see, and then Melanie. Geez......already!

I found out today that I have earned their Best Patient Award. I am extrememly cooperative, calm, relaxed, and while in this state they can do whatever they need to with speed. This they also told Duff and Josh the last time they were in for their cleanings. And then they all laughed. Thanks, guys!

Another funny dentist story: A few years ago I wanted to whiten my teeth. No one believed I could do it. Except Dr. D. (affectionately known in our house as 'Pearl'. Get it? 'pearly whites'...)
So one afternoon while I had Christine in for a cleaning, he peeked around the corner and whispered, "Cindy. Come here." Motioning with his finger. I walked over, he plopped me in a chair and announced he wanted to check on 'something'. I opened my mouth and while he had the instruments in it, the assistant came in with two trays already prepped with impression goop which only had the bare minimum in them. He put the chair straight up as fast as it could go, leaned me forward, rubbed my shoulders, and took me through birthing breathing techniques, and before I knew it THEY WERE DONE! Everyone cheered and a week later I had my trays.

Probably only a dentist who is also a good family friend could get away with that, but it worked!

I did get the laundry done, and some more food storage arranged. And did the carpool for lacrosse.

***Natalie called and John laughed out loud for the first time last night!!!***