(I went to the dentist yesterday. I came up with this list while being subjected to their rituals.)
5. The blinding light--That light, which hangs so innocently above the chair, suddenly becomes a spotlight...an interrogation beam. All the better to see my teeth with, I suppose, but when they walk away leaving the beam on, I practically am given a sun tan, whether I want it or not. To compensate for the high beam, they give you the most spectacular pair of sun glasses to wear...the type of sun glasses that wraps around your entire head; big, black, completely from the 80's...lovely.
4. The questions--Let's wait until your mouth is open as far as it can go, with two tools, two fingers, and other such contraptions all poking around in there, before we ask you a question which requires an answer. Really? You want me to mumble an answer or could you kindly remove yourself from my mouth to hear me properly. Maybe they took a "MSL" (mumbling as a second language) class in their dentistry school.
3. The water spray--This little gem is supposed to spray all debris from your teeth so that by the end of the your enchanted-visit/forced-appointment your teeth feel squeaky clean and not gritty. However, what ends up happening is that first my entire face and neck gets a rinse and a consequent wipe down. The miniature super-soaker sprays my teeth but also ends up deflecting off my teeth to douse my face. I'm laying there hopelessly under the hands and tools of the dentist and his assistant, who is mercilessly spraying me down, with water going out my mouth, down my check and neck. Nice...I didn't know a change of clothes (or a swimsuit) was required when visiting the dentist.
2. The air vacuum--What is worse than the water spray...the air vacuum thing. Yep! During my entire visit the air vacuum all but takes a permanent residence in my mouth. I know the purpose is to remove all natural, re-occurring saliva, along with any aforementioned debris, but really, the lack of any moisture becomes quite painful. Suddenly, about half way through my appointment, I notice that not only my mouth dry but it was going numbingly cold. My teeth felt sensitive and my gums were aching as that little tube of deprivation was robbing me of any relief. Just when tears were about to flood my eyes (My mantra: I will not cry at the dentist), sweet relief came when the vile vacuum was removed, albeit ever so briefly, so that my mouth could flood itself with saliva, easing my pain.
1. The noise--goodness gracious! The noise is a constant ear-piercing, nails on a chalkboard types of sounds. Why don't they make tools that make a low pitched hum instead of a high pitched squeal. You walk in there a bit tense already (if you're like me) and those sounds are enough to make your shoulders swallow your head. You know you've been to the dentist when you walk out and your neck is missing and your face/mouth is numb from the shock of having so much going on inside.
Oy vey!
Tuesday, July 13
Monday, July 12
A Plan of Attack
As of yesterday, another class is done. I only have one more class (Intercultural Communication) and my thesis paper remaining!
In August, I start my thesis paper class but during these six weeks prior to the class, I want to make great segue into the paper. Feeling a little bit ambitious, my goal during these six weeks is to write my introduction and first two chapters. This means that I need to finish my research or at least get well enough into it that I can start formulating thoughts.
So, since time is of the essence, I'm going to do my best to be uber-productive and have written out a schedule of my time for the whole week. Each week I'm going to create a schedule for the upcoming week, to keep me focused and minimize procrastination.
Each week, my goal will be to read two books...which includes adding important quotes or thoughts into my computer. Each day, my goal is to read a minimum of 2-3 hours. This of course, does not apply to the weekend where I should be able to read 4-6 hours! Hopefully by the end of July I can start formulating my thoughts into some kind of structure.
Doesn't this sound well thought out?
What this nice blurb does not account for is the fact that I am overseeing a book-club which needs my devoted attention now that my class is done, a book club finale/celebration that is three weeks away and still needs to be planned, days where I won't feel like reading or doing anything homework related, spur-of-the-moment times to hang out with friends or family, or any other unforeseen event.
So come August 23rd when my thesis paper class starts, ask me then how much I've accomplished and we shall see if this post was just a product of wishful thinking or willful determination. Wish me luck!
In August, I start my thesis paper class but during these six weeks prior to the class, I want to make great segue into the paper. Feeling a little bit ambitious, my goal during these six weeks is to write my introduction and first two chapters. This means that I need to finish my research or at least get well enough into it that I can start formulating thoughts.
So, since time is of the essence, I'm going to do my best to be uber-productive and have written out a schedule of my time for the whole week. Each week I'm going to create a schedule for the upcoming week, to keep me focused and minimize procrastination.
Each week, my goal will be to read two books...which includes adding important quotes or thoughts into my computer. Each day, my goal is to read a minimum of 2-3 hours. This of course, does not apply to the weekend where I should be able to read 4-6 hours! Hopefully by the end of July I can start formulating my thoughts into some kind of structure.
Doesn't this sound well thought out?
What this nice blurb does not account for is the fact that I am overseeing a book-club which needs my devoted attention now that my class is done, a book club finale/celebration that is three weeks away and still needs to be planned, days where I won't feel like reading or doing anything homework related, spur-of-the-moment times to hang out with friends or family, or any other unforeseen event.
So come August 23rd when my thesis paper class starts, ask me then how much I've accomplished and we shall see if this post was just a product of wishful thinking or willful determination. Wish me luck!
Friday, July 9
The Photo Session Gone Wrong
Two years ago, my church has this "lovely" idea to do a photo directory of the attendees. For several weeks, our bulletin encouraged all regular attenders to sign up for a photo slot. To bribe such cooperation, they offered a free 8x10" photo.
Now, even though my parents still attend there, I am very much my own person and live in my own place, etc, etc, etc. So I had no plans to have a picture taken with my parents and having a photo session of just me did not produce large amounts of excitement. So I more or less just shrugged off the whole thing...until the phone call came.
About a week or two before the cut-off date, a lady in my church called to personally encourage me to sign up and will I commit to a time? I have no problem saying no if I have a good reason. However, for this instance, I couldn't think of a good reason to not have my picture taken so I agreed and signed up for a time. (The next time I saw my mom, I asked her if they received a phone call...they did not! So why me, I wonder???)
I showed up for this photo session, trying to ignore the fact that I was very much single and telling myself that this is no big deal. I had to fill out a form: name, age, name of my future first child, etc...which I handed over as soon as I was done. From there, things went down hill. The photographer, who clearly read that I was 29 years old and not 13, placed a table in front of me and asked me to fold my arms on the table and lay my head on my arms. Can you picture it? Immediately, I started blushing just thinking about how embarrassing even posing this way was...all I knew THIS WAS NOT GOING IN THE CHURCH DIRECTORY!!! Thankfully she took a few more head-on shots, which calmed my panicked heart.
Then I was directed to another room in our church basement where I could review the photos. The next lady pulled up my 3 or 4 pictures and zoomed in so that we could make an "informed" decision. When she pulled up the "I'm-13" photo, I instinctively cringed (inwardly, of course, lest I offend) and was appalled when she "ooh-ed" and "aah-ed" over it. I adamantly said "no" which shocked her. I sensibly chose one the head-on photos for the church directory and settled that whole matter.
"But what of your free 8x10"?"
No, thank you! Call me crazy but I have no desire to have an 8x10" self portrait! How vain and silly that would look!
"But you could give it to your mom! That would make a nice gift!"
Really, I know my mom and she wouldn't want an 8x10" photo of me...she'd never hang it up or prop it anywhere and I'm not sure I'd want her to have it anyways. But then, another member of our congregation entered the little room...someone who knows me. She saw the "I'm-13" photo and "ooh-ed" and "aah-ed" just like the photo lady. And so, between the two of them, I let them talk me into getting an 8x10" photo of the "I'm 13" photos. I walked out of there, just wanting to get away, and wondering what I had just done.
Two weeks later, the horrid picture arrived. Between those two points of time, I had already changed my mind and knew I would not be handing this photo over. But I had already told my family of this nightmare, which gave us all a good laugh, so I figured I'd show them so that we could further our amusement. I handed the envelope to my mom and said "here's your silly picture." Little did I know that before I left that afternoon with the photo, my dad had scanned the photo since he knew my intent was to tear and throw it away. My wonderful dad, then proceeded to email the photo to my aunts, making me cringe and them "ooh-ing" and "aah-ing."
I somewhat wish I had a copy to show you and am somewhat glad that I don't. I'm sure my dad still has a copy somewhere on his computer but as far as I'm concerned, the evidence is gone.
Now, even though my parents still attend there, I am very much my own person and live in my own place, etc, etc, etc. So I had no plans to have a picture taken with my parents and having a photo session of just me did not produce large amounts of excitement. So I more or less just shrugged off the whole thing...until the phone call came.
About a week or two before the cut-off date, a lady in my church called to personally encourage me to sign up and will I commit to a time? I have no problem saying no if I have a good reason. However, for this instance, I couldn't think of a good reason to not have my picture taken so I agreed and signed up for a time. (The next time I saw my mom, I asked her if they received a phone call...they did not! So why me, I wonder???)
I showed up for this photo session, trying to ignore the fact that I was very much single and telling myself that this is no big deal. I had to fill out a form: name, age, name of my future first child, etc...which I handed over as soon as I was done. From there, things went down hill. The photographer, who clearly read that I was 29 years old and not 13, placed a table in front of me and asked me to fold my arms on the table and lay my head on my arms. Can you picture it? Immediately, I started blushing just thinking about how embarrassing even posing this way was...all I knew THIS WAS NOT GOING IN THE CHURCH DIRECTORY!!! Thankfully she took a few more head-on shots, which calmed my panicked heart.
Then I was directed to another room in our church basement where I could review the photos. The next lady pulled up my 3 or 4 pictures and zoomed in so that we could make an "informed" decision. When she pulled up the "I'm-13" photo, I instinctively cringed (inwardly, of course, lest I offend) and was appalled when she "ooh-ed" and "aah-ed" over it. I adamantly said "no" which shocked her. I sensibly chose one the head-on photos for the church directory and settled that whole matter.
"But what of your free 8x10"?"
No, thank you! Call me crazy but I have no desire to have an 8x10" self portrait! How vain and silly that would look!
"But you could give it to your mom! That would make a nice gift!"
Really, I know my mom and she wouldn't want an 8x10" photo of me...she'd never hang it up or prop it anywhere and I'm not sure I'd want her to have it anyways. But then, another member of our congregation entered the little room...someone who knows me. She saw the "I'm-13" photo and "ooh-ed" and "aah-ed" just like the photo lady. And so, between the two of them, I let them talk me into getting an 8x10" photo of the "I'm 13" photos. I walked out of there, just wanting to get away, and wondering what I had just done.
Two weeks later, the horrid picture arrived. Between those two points of time, I had already changed my mind and knew I would not be handing this photo over. But I had already told my family of this nightmare, which gave us all a good laugh, so I figured I'd show them so that we could further our amusement. I handed the envelope to my mom and said "here's your silly picture." Little did I know that before I left that afternoon with the photo, my dad had scanned the photo since he knew my intent was to tear and throw it away. My wonderful dad, then proceeded to email the photo to my aunts, making me cringe and them "ooh-ing" and "aah-ing."
I somewhat wish I had a copy to show you and am somewhat glad that I don't. I'm sure my dad still has a copy somewhere on his computer but as far as I'm concerned, the evidence is gone.
Tuesday, July 6
What its all about?
My class on missions has been pretty good. The class ends this Sunday, which makes me happy!
The final book that I have to read and write a 2 page (single space) report on, is "Truth to Tell: The Gospel as Public Truth," by Lesslie Newbigin. Lesslie Newbigin was a influential missiologist (so my books all say) for our time. This book is only 90 pages and so I actually read it all yesterday just to be done with it.
Ever have one of those books where you read and read but have no clue what you are reading about? This is that type of book! There were a few quotes that stood out to me, which I noted but how am I to write a 2 page report on this book when I'm not even sure I can summarize the book? I think it's about Christians sharing the gospel as truth to the world...but the title alone almost says that, right? Oh geez...
Gotta love it!
On a different note, last Friday I registered for my last two classes for this Master's degree...wahoo! And, I played in my kitchen this weekend...both of which make me happy.
The final book that I have to read and write a 2 page (single space) report on, is "Truth to Tell: The Gospel as Public Truth," by Lesslie Newbigin. Lesslie Newbigin was a influential missiologist (so my books all say) for our time. This book is only 90 pages and so I actually read it all yesterday just to be done with it.
Ever have one of those books where you read and read but have no clue what you are reading about? This is that type of book! There were a few quotes that stood out to me, which I noted but how am I to write a 2 page report on this book when I'm not even sure I can summarize the book? I think it's about Christians sharing the gospel as truth to the world...but the title alone almost says that, right? Oh geez...
Gotta love it!
On a different note, last Friday I registered for my last two classes for this Master's degree...wahoo! And, I played in my kitchen this weekend...both of which make me happy.
Thursday, July 1
My Weary Soul
Work, school, church...that's my life. I try not to complain...it's the life I've chosen for the time being. Plus, school will be done in December (Lord willing...it's all dependent on my thesis paper!)
I read a blog today asking the readers if they were a fan or storyteller in their own life. Upon thinking about that, I concluded that I am a fan right now...I'm too tired to create stories, tell stories, and engage with my own story. Whatever free time I have, I usually read a book or watch TV or movies in order to give my brain the chance to shut down and not be thinking. I feel like I'm putting one foot in front of another just to get done what needs to be done. But upon reflecting on this, I also realised that I don't like simply be just an observer.
In the past, I've told people that cooking/baking is one way in which I can be creative...a kind of therapy and creative outlet. I haven't played in the kitchen for almost this whole class. **Note to self: must create something this weekend!!!
Also relationships/community is always an element to keep me energized and encouraged. Thankfully I've had a couple opportunities throughout this class to have a night out with friends, which have been great blessings. But I think I need to also try to be more intentional in my relationships with others knowing how much it affects me. It's easy to allow busyness to isolate myself...then I end up feeling alone, emotional, and overwhelmed.
This is an ongoing thing for me, at least at this phase of my life. I need to center myself around God, engaging the creativity He has put in me, and allow relationships to a consistent part of my going-ons.
I read a blog today asking the readers if they were a fan or storyteller in their own life. Upon thinking about that, I concluded that I am a fan right now...I'm too tired to create stories, tell stories, and engage with my own story. Whatever free time I have, I usually read a book or watch TV or movies in order to give my brain the chance to shut down and not be thinking. I feel like I'm putting one foot in front of another just to get done what needs to be done. But upon reflecting on this, I also realised that I don't like simply be just an observer.
In the past, I've told people that cooking/baking is one way in which I can be creative...a kind of therapy and creative outlet. I haven't played in the kitchen for almost this whole class. **Note to self: must create something this weekend!!!
Also relationships/community is always an element to keep me energized and encouraged. Thankfully I've had a couple opportunities throughout this class to have a night out with friends, which have been great blessings. But I think I need to also try to be more intentional in my relationships with others knowing how much it affects me. It's easy to allow busyness to isolate myself...then I end up feeling alone, emotional, and overwhelmed.
This is an ongoing thing for me, at least at this phase of my life. I need to center myself around God, engaging the creativity He has put in me, and allow relationships to a consistent part of my going-ons.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)