death-bed repentence

The night before I go in for a dental cleaning, I tend to have a certain bit of remorse, or as I like to call it death-bed repentence.

I start thinking things like I really should have flossed more during the last six months or did I really have to eat so much sugar?

A certain amount of anxiety starts to build within me as I think about all my past dental transgressons.

I really hate going to the dentist. It probably stems from a mixture of pain and money. Both of which I don't want to dispurse.

I arrived at Barry Family Dental at 8 am sharp this morning. As the dental assistant walked me back to the dreaded chair, she attempted to make small chit-chat, as they always do. She asked how I was doing. I replied, "Well, I wish I was having a filling so I could have some of that gas." She laughed at me and said, "Oh we can totally give you some of that anyway."

I stared at her in disbelief. Really? You would dispense nitrous oxide to me for a simple cleaning? A million thoughts raced thru my head (am I a baby for getting the gas for a cleaning? would my insurance find this legit? am I in heaven?) in a matter of the 1 second it took for me to say yes, I would love that.

Turned out to be a delightful morning. For the most part.

Dr. Dave informed me that everything looked good except for this one tiny tooth. Years ago (when they still did silver fillings) I had my #5 tooth worked on for a cavity. Underneath it's silver filling, is a bit of a problem that needs to be worked on. A build-up, crown and $400 later, the tooth should be in good shape (well, what will be left of it, of course).

Oh, the pleasures of the dentist's office.

ain't no thang

Since my last post was ages ago (sorry, but not that sorry), I will give you all a quick recap of my last few months. I hope to put this all behind me and start fresh.


So this night was a really long time ago, but it was definitely a highlight. One night I was driving home from work and I heard an announcement on the radio for an upcoming Utah Jazz contest. All you had to do was either text or email an entry, and you could win movie tickets to Avatar in 3D with Ronnie Price, Ronnie Brewer, and Paul Millsap. So naturally I texted in my entry (when I got home of course - don't drive and text my friends.) A week or so later I got a phone call from a suspicious number. It was some lady from the Utah Jazz saying that I had won the contest. I was at work when I got the call - so needless to say I kinda made a big scene in the office. There were some 5000 or so entries, and only 50 winners, so I was feeling lucky. Anyway, as you can see I went with BF Tito. The event was at the Jordan Commons. We showed up and they took this professional photo of us all and then sent us on our way for some free hotdogs, popcorn, and drinks. Afterward we were ushered to the huge 3D theatre. I always told myself I would never pay to see Avatar; it just didn't appeal to me. It was a very visually stunning film, but the storyline was nothing to write home about. But if I did see it, I'm glad it was for free with the Utah Jazz.

I had my clinical rounds this semester at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. I had some good experiences and learned quite a bit. One point of interest was when I learned how to use leeches (you heard me right) for medicinal purposes. When someone is at risk of losing a smaller body part like a finger or ear because of poor blood circulation, leeches are used to get the blood flowing thru the tissues again. I got to personally pick a leech out of a jar (like shown above) and place it. It was awesome.

My mom turned 50 on February 18th! It's kind of weird because it felt like yesterday when we were having her 40th birthday. Anyway, the night before the big day, we stole her keys to Canyon View and broke into the school. We filled her office with 50 black balloons and placed these classy posters on her door. She got to school the next day with not only that surprise, but we also had her office wear that brown t-shirt shown above without her knowing (we later gave her a copy for herself). So we pretty much got her good! You may also notice the quilt she is sitting on. I made her this birthday quilt. She shed a tear; a real honest to goodness tear. Happy Birthday Mom!

Hannah celebrated her 1st birthday on March 20th. I can't believe it's been a year since her birth - which I incidentally missed because I was in Washington DC with Tara and we didn't expect Hannah for eight more weeks. Although she was two months early, she had a very good and healthy first year.

I received my first boot on my car while watching LOST at Kristine's house. I thought I was in a visitor spot, but my mistake - I was one spot over. It was an empty parking lot, but that didn't matter to the stupid provo jerk. I may have called him an inappropriate name to his face in my flight of anger. I have since repented.

Let's be honest, I haven't ran a mile since my Triathlon last May. So what possessed me to just up and run a 5k a few Saturdays ago is beyond me. But it was actually a good run! I was determined to run the whole way without walking, and I did. Sometimes the body just feels good! I ran it with Krista and Ally. Thanks for getting my bum in gear Krista!

Instead of attending the Festival of Colors this year, I went to the Elite Eight game at the ESA with my bro, Brandon. It was the Kansas St v Butler game. It was awesome! (Aside from the fact that my brother left my ticket at home (oops) and I had to go thru all these hoops with Ticket Services to get myself thru the door.) I totally joined the Butler Bandwagon. I was really rooting for them to go all the way.

I recently celebrated a birthday. I am now 23ish. My birthday, if it's on the weekend, will always fall on General Conference. So since my birthday was on Saturday, my day went like this: Woke up and watched GC. Went to lunch with Heather, Lindsey, and the Katie's at Olive Garden in Sandy. Then I came back and, you guessed it, watched the afternoon session of GC. Afterward I went out to dinner with Meg, Lara, Kristine, and Tara to Texas Roadhouse. My day was full of spiritual and physical feasting. Shown above is a picture of a sweet tent my bro Jordan got me. It made up for 23 years of missed presents. I also got a new pair of black Chaco's from the parents. Good day!

Last Saturday was a nice spring day (finally). I went with Brandon, his wife Stacey, and Hannah to the spring practice for BYU. It was cool to see a few of the new guys, and just sit out in the warmth. Hannah got these star glasses the day before at a birthday party. It was hilarious because she loves wearing them. Wish I had a pair big enough for this head...

Well there you have it. I'll try and be better.