Dental School Family Day

Saturday was family day at the dental school. It was an event to review and celebrate the end of the first year for the UFCD class of 2013 and a chance for the, now second year, dental students to show us what they've been doing and where they've been spending most of their time. It was a fun event! The dean spoke and there was a picture slide show of all of the fun activities over the last year and we got a tour of the clinics. However, the highlight of the grand tour was the simulation lab. This is where the dental students get plenty of practice before they encounter real human beings and I thought we were just going to get to see it, but, to my delight, we were actually able to play in it!

Jeff was really excited to show me all of his newly acquired dentist skills!





This is Jeff's simulation dummy. Say ahh... (Notice that Jeff likes to fold the dummy's lower lip over its chin while he's working...a practice he'll have to abandon when he moves to humans.)



Jeff in action...





And me pretending to be a dentist! I carved a smiley face into one of the teeth so that he'll smile and think of me every time he looks at the distal-mandibular-watchamacallit.



Isn't my dentist so cute!?! I'm so proud of him. Only 1,028 days until graduation...

Funny Story...

So, I just began my last month of my 20's. The big 3-0 is just around the corner and I'm a little less than thrilled about it. Jeff and I are always lamenting about growing old. Why can't we just be 25 forever? Alas, we have yet to figure out how to stop time. I did, however, have a flattering experience on Friday night that I will have to remember when I'm consoling myself on my big day.

I was at Youth Conference with my young women on Friday night, happily set up outside, guarding against any mischief in the pool area while the dance was in full swing. I was listening to some music (on my new iPhone--did I tell you I have one? And love it?) and doing some reading for work whilst a group of 5 young men were hanging out across the way. I was keeping a little eye on them but not paying much attention when, suddenly, they all came and sat down by me. The conversation went something like this:

Me: Hi, what can I do for you?

YM (young men): Hi, so, what are you doing?

Me: Oh, not much. Just a bit of reading.

Yadda, yadda, yadda (a bit of small talk but I could tell they weren't sure if I was a leader)

YM: So, how old are you?

Me: (laughing) How old do I look?

YM: Umm...18 or 19.

Me: (laughing harder) Really? Actually, I'm 29. I'll be 30 next month!

They inquired further about my marital status and the whereabouts of my husband before I ushered them back into the dance so that they could make their move on someone of a more appropriate age.

So, on my 30th birthday as I'm drowning my sorrows in sushi and cake, I will remind myself that just one month earlier a group of 15 year olds boys thought I looked young enough to try and pick up at a dance. I will also promptly write a thank you note to Olay--apparently my anti-wrinkle cream is working.

An Excellent Weekend...

After some much needed time with my sweetheart, I am, indeed, feeling happy and human again. We didn't do much this past weekend--ate at a couple of our favorite restaurants, watched several episodes of "Dexter" and "Arrested Development" on netflix, ran, swam and slept. It was glorious. Oh yeah, we also played with our new iPhones! They have definitely exceeded our (high) expectations!

Sucked Into Another Vampire Series

I've been sucked into another teenage vampire series! Jeff thinks this is hysterical and I'm only slightly embarrassed. His latest hook for my attention to TV shows or movies (regardless of content) is "I think it has vampires in it so, you'll like it."

Honestly, I think I like these books better than Twilight (I know..gasp!). Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart kind of damped my enthusiasm. Taylor Lautner? That's another (jailbait) story! But, I digress. There are 5 books in the Vampire Academy series that have been released so far, with the 6th, and final, book coming out in December. (I may, or may not, have read all 5 within the last week.) They are a fun read and I definitely like the leading lady in these books much better than the whiney Bella Swan!

P.S. I apologize to those I may have offended with my comments about Twilight. I hope you will see past my flaws and keep reading my blog anyway.

Burnt Out

I have had an extended hiatus from my normal life. Usually, I rejoice in my cushy, university job and the life it affords. However, the past 6 weeks have found me traveling and working way too much. I've had 6 trips in the last 6 weeks (thankfully, some were in state) and let me tell you, traveling for work is not as sexy as it may seem--at least not so much in such a short amount of time and especially when normal life doesn't stop while you're away!

Anyway, I find myself burnt out--from work, from my church calling (even though I haven't been present for that in about a month), physically, mentally, and from life in general. I'm in desperate need of a vacation but, a long weekend will have to do. Thankfully, I get to celebrate our Independence with my sweetheart--time with him is just what I need to feel happy and human again.

My Dirty Old Man...

Happy Birthday, My Love! I'm sorry that we have to grow old but, at least we get to do it together! Besides, you make 30 look good (or at least better)!

A Design Flaw...

Why is it that there are places on our bodies we cannot reach? My new set of stitches (courtesy of my days in the Florida sun) is in one of these places. Normally, this would not be a problem but, my better-half is currently on the West coast and cannot help me with this predicament. It sure would be nice if I could bandage myself without severe cramping in other areas and/or use of tweezers, chopsticks, etc. to overcome this flawed design.

7 Years and Counting...

Seven years ago today, Jeff and I were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City temple. It is, and always will be, one of the best days of my life. It was the beginning of a lifetime (and beyond) with my very best friend.

Our wedding ceremony was profoundly spiritual--we knew without doubt that getting married was right, that we were doing it in the right way, in the right place, and at the right time. The love we felt for each other and from our families, friends and our Heavenly Father was overwhelming and almost palpable. When I think about joy, true celestial joy, I think of that day.

The best part is that Jeff and I are happier and more in love than we were then! The past 7 years have been truly wonderful and we look forward to all that's ahead of us.

What do you think? Do we look older?

Seriously Folks...

Wear the sunscreen. I had the first of two pre-cancerous ("severely displastic") growths on my back removed on Wednesday. Ouch! I swear they inserted the anesthetic directly into my muscles--I've been really sore! The spot was about the size of a pencil eraser. And now I have this lovely two-inch scar as a souvenir of my days of being young, tan, and invincible. Souvenir #2 will arrive in two weeks.

Oh yeah, I also happen to be allergic to bandage adhesive of all kinds. It's been real fun trying to find something to keep this sucker covered that doesn't make me want to itch a hole in my skin! Jeff told me on our way to lunch today, "Lover, you get more special (as in special needs) every day."

Stay tuned for a 7-year anniversary celebration of our love on Sunday!

A Quick Public Service Announcement

Wear sunscreen when you're outside and get suspicious skin spots examined by your favorite dermatologist.

That is all.