A Rik story...

I was sitting in bed reading one night when Erik came home from work a couple weeks ago. I look forward to our conversations late at night so I can hear all about his day. Somehow we got on the subject of unfortunate things that happen to people and how there is a lot of good in the world but a lot of evil too. He actually thanked me for always protecting him and keeping him safe while he's been growing up. And I quote: "I mean it must have been so hard on you Mom. You were so young and had to do so much on your own, and you did such a good job taking care of me and protecting me." Wow. Of course I had to tear up at that. I thanked him and hugged him, and I reminded him that I may have gotten him this far, but that it's up to him now to be safe and stay on the right track and continue to make good decisions. I love my boy!

Update minus pics...

It's been a while since my last post so I'll try to catch everyone up. Let's see... Erik has a "newer" jeep. It's about a 98 model I think. Main thing is - it has A/C that works! Woohoo! :) It's a gas guzzler for sure, but now that Jordan (Erik's girlfriend) has a car too, he doesn't have to drive as much.



Erik stopped working at Taco Bell a while back. Well, with our whole "If you don't work you don't drive" rule, he decided to find another job. He now works as a host at Stefano's (a yummy Italian place not far from us). He looks so handsome (if not a little like Johnny Cash) in his all black host attire. I'll have to get a picture later.



Lauren has switched her major, again. First she was an early education major, then graphic design, and now has settled on nursing. Apartment living is not all she thought it would be and she's mentioned maybe moving back in when her lease is up in a few months. I'd be thrilled of course if she moved back in (seeing as how I never wanted to let her go in the first place) - but now I'm going to have to let her have her closet & dresser space back that I kinda took over when she moved out. :) Anyway, I'm not really counting on her moving back in. I'm sure she'll change her mind again, as we women are prone to do. Lauren is still working at Ruby Tuesday but she has also started her training to work at Stefano's (where Erik works) as a server. It's so great to see them get along so well together. They have become such great friends and Erik helped her get the job there.



I can tell hunting season is on the horizon again when Lee starts going to do work days with his hunting club, like he has this morning. He's like a kid in a candy store ever since he got his four wheeler for Father's Day. I can't wait to ride it myself! I'm looking forward to our beach vacation week after next so he can have some forced relaxation. The man works too hard, even on the weekends!



As for me, I'm doing well. Working, playing, going to the beach when I can. Life is good. Here are a couple more funny patient stories from this past week:



Most of you are familiar with the Panoramic x-ray machine that you stand in at the dental office, and it takes a full x-ray of all of your teeth & jaw at once. You have to stand there and hold on to the handles and be very still while it moves all the way around your head and then back around. I took one on a little boy last week and here is the conversation we had while I was positioning him for the x-ray:



Me: "Ok, now hold real still while I go out of the room and push the button."

Patient: "but my nose itches!!"

Me: (I reach over and scratch it for him)

Patient: "NO!! It itches on the inside!!"

Me: "Umm, that's where I draw the line, you'll have to do that yourself!"



I always love the little ones that come in for their very first cleaning appointment ever. One little boy I had yesterday was just so smart and so good, and he did everything I asked without any hesitation or trouble! Here's our conversation after the cleaning:



Me: "You did great! Now that wasn't bad at all was it?"

Patient: "No. But I really don't like cherry flavor" (the polish)

Me: "Oh, ok, next time we'll use another flavor and you can tell me which one you want."

Patient: "Yeah, ok. My Papa told me about everything you were going to do, and I think you did a really great job."



So good to get compliments from the patients but I must say one coming from such a little person was a million times better!!! :)