So. I leave for Cambodia Friday night. Since I often get asked the same questions over and over, I thought I'd share my answers here on my blog for those of you following my mission.
Q: Are you ready?
A: Actually, yes. As of tonight I am pretty well packed. I want to spend the next two days just hanging out and doing nothing.
Q: Where will you be staying?
A: I don't really know. They said a Guesthouse. I am not sure what that involves. Will I be like an actual guest in someone's house? Like a foreign exchange student? Awesome! I have always wanted to be one!
Q. Is Dr. Bowers paying for your trip?
A. Haha...I WISH!! No...I am paying for it myself. And with the same amount of money I could be buying a Canon 5D Mk II nicely equiped with a big fat lens, which trust me, I really, really, REALLY want...but I want to serve a mission more.
Q. What is the time difference?
A. It is 15 hours ahead.
Q. How long is the flight?
A. 20 hrs on the way there, 26 on the way back (more stops...grr...)
Q. What will the weather be like?
A. Hot. We'll be missing the monsoon season, so that's good! Mid 90s in the day, mid 70s at night.
Q. Will you get to travel while you are there?
A. Not much. The only day we get off is the last day before going home. I am hoping to see the temples.
Q. Are you scared?
A. To death.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Ok, It's Not Actually PERSONALIZED
Ok, Courtney, and the rest of you curious ones...No, my license plate is not actually personalized. Just numbers and letters. Really- I'd never go that far.
But I did see one once that I thought was extremely clever:
PBFOOT
Get it?
Get it??
It means lead foot. For those of you not quite up to my level of nerdiness, on the Periodic Table of Elements, lead is Pb. I remember this because I made up this little trick...Pencil Broken. See? You break a pencil and see the lead inside.
Does the fun ever end?
Maybe someday I will share how I remember gold is Au, silver is Ag, antimony is Sb, mercury is Hg, and sodium is Na. Until then just wait on the edge of your seat.
But I did see one once that I thought was extremely clever:
PBFOOT
Get it?
Get it??
It means lead foot. For those of you not quite up to my level of nerdiness, on the Periodic Table of Elements, lead is Pb. I remember this because I made up this little trick...Pencil Broken. See? You break a pencil and see the lead inside.
Does the fun ever end?
Maybe someday I will share how I remember gold is Au, silver is Ag, antimony is Sb, mercury is Hg, and sodium is Na. Until then just wait on the edge of your seat.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Share the Road
So anyway.
Several weeks ago I recieved a notice in the mail telling me I was due for my 5-year license plate renewal. I'm not really a personalized license plate kind of gal, but as I glanced through the forms I honed in on this catchy bicycle one. Why not? I thought. I'm a roadie.
Do I think it's message to SHARE THE ROAD will really deter those jerks who try to drive as close as they possibly can to me while I am on my bike? I doubt it, but heck, it's worth a try.
Several weeks ago I recieved a notice in the mail telling me I was due for my 5-year license plate renewal. I'm not really a personalized license plate kind of gal, but as I glanced through the forms I honed in on this catchy bicycle one. Why not? I thought. I'm a roadie.
Do I think it's message to SHARE THE ROAD will really deter those jerks who try to drive as close as they possibly can to me while I am on my bike? I doubt it, but heck, it's worth a try.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
My Teeth Will Be Clean While I Shovel Hot Coals
I get a lot of mixed reactions from my patients when I tell them I am going to serve a dentistry mission in Cambodia. Most people, of course, are very supportive, excited for me, want to see my blog, can't wait to hear all about it, tell me it will change my life, bring me blessings, etc. Some people aren't as supportive, saying things like "I don't know why ANYONE would ever want to do that!" Yes, one lady said just that. Whatever. It doesn't bother me.
Today though, was a different story.
I have this regular patient. He's an older guy. He always brings a various religious book with him and keeps it in his lap while I clean his teeth. At some point during every appointment I have with this patient, he brings up God and wants to know if I have a relationship with Him.
A word about religion: I wasn't raised under any organized religion. The only time I attended church was when I was invited to go with my friends. I know this will feel like a punch in the stomach to many close to me, but I don't attend church now and I doubt I ever will. I am not even baptized. Oddly enough, I feel close to God and always have. But I have been judged for this. I have been told, strait to my face, that this is not enough. That my relationship with God just isn't up to par. That I need to do more.
Really, what I believe matters most is that you have a personal relationship with God, and however you choose to manifest that relationship is fine by me (as long as you don't go and join the Taliban).
So I am cleaning this guy's teeth, and I tell him about my mission. He asks me if my team is going to be spreading the word of God while we are there in the orphanages. I sort of kinda gently say no, that MTI is a Christian based organization, but the purpose of our mission is dentistry.
This is what he said to me, looking me in the eye, in an accusing tone:
"So you'll be sending these kids to Hell with clean teeth?"
*BLINK*
*BLINK BLINK*
Whaaahappen?
I was completely caught of guard. He continues to lecture me:
"It just amazes me that people will travel all over the world and not spread the word of Jesus Christ. You know if people never hear of the gospel, when they die, they will go to Hell. You have a responsibility to these children."
Honestly...This guy's intentions were pure, but his in-my-face delivery just really rubbed me wrong.
I changed the subject.
Toward the end of the appointment, the conversation turned to his many years working as an RN. I thought that surely he has served a mission at some point in his career, considering how passionately he judged how I will and will not be serving mine. So I asked him if he'd ever gone on one. "...Uh, no..." he said, gazing off into the distance. "I'd like to...but...I've never really gotten around to it."
Today though, was a different story.
I have this regular patient. He's an older guy. He always brings a various religious book with him and keeps it in his lap while I clean his teeth. At some point during every appointment I have with this patient, he brings up God and wants to know if I have a relationship with Him.
A word about religion: I wasn't raised under any organized religion. The only time I attended church was when I was invited to go with my friends. I know this will feel like a punch in the stomach to many close to me, but I don't attend church now and I doubt I ever will. I am not even baptized. Oddly enough, I feel close to God and always have. But I have been judged for this. I have been told, strait to my face, that this is not enough. That my relationship with God just isn't up to par. That I need to do more.
Really, what I believe matters most is that you have a personal relationship with God, and however you choose to manifest that relationship is fine by me (as long as you don't go and join the Taliban).
So I am cleaning this guy's teeth, and I tell him about my mission. He asks me if my team is going to be spreading the word of God while we are there in the orphanages. I sort of kinda gently say no, that MTI is a Christian based organization, but the purpose of our mission is dentistry.
This is what he said to me, looking me in the eye, in an accusing tone:
"So you'll be sending these kids to Hell with clean teeth?"
*BLINK*
*BLINK BLINK*
Whaaahappen?
I was completely caught of guard. He continues to lecture me:
"It just amazes me that people will travel all over the world and not spread the word of Jesus Christ. You know if people never hear of the gospel, when they die, they will go to Hell. You have a responsibility to these children."
Honestly...This guy's intentions were pure, but his in-my-face delivery just really rubbed me wrong.
I changed the subject.
Toward the end of the appointment, the conversation turned to his many years working as an RN. I thought that surely he has served a mission at some point in his career, considering how passionately he judged how I will and will not be serving mine. So I asked him if he'd ever gone on one. "...Uh, no..." he said, gazing off into the distance. "I'd like to...but...I've never really gotten around to it."
Monday, December 21, 2009
TUCHINBRUSH
Not long ago I was looking through Bella's list to Santa (deciphering her kindergarten handwriting -all caps- and spelling) and I'm all, Bella what's TUCHINBRUSH? And she's like, you know mom, so I don't have to do this anymore. And she does this motion with her hands like she is putting toothpaste on her toothbrush. And then I was like Oh yeah! Touch-n-Brush!
So I have a very strong hunch that Santa Claus will be bringing Bella a TUCHINBRUSH for Christmas. And soon that girl will have neat, clean, precisely measured out portions of toothpaste perfectly applied to her toothbrush. The rest of us will continue to struggle the old fashioned way, just like the guy on the infomercial...fumbling about, all uncoordinated, hands and counter top all covered with blobs of toothpaste while awkwardly attempting just get some of it onto the bristles.
So I have a very strong hunch that Santa Claus will be bringing Bella a TUCHINBRUSH for Christmas. And soon that girl will have neat, clean, precisely measured out portions of toothpaste perfectly applied to her toothbrush. The rest of us will continue to struggle the old fashioned way, just like the guy on the infomercial...fumbling about, all uncoordinated, hands and counter top all covered with blobs of toothpaste while awkwardly attempting just get some of it onto the bristles.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Am I Back in Yakima?
What's wrong with this picture??
As I waited in line for coffee this morning (tall nonfat Latte, extra foam...it's all about the foam) this is what the temp gauge read.
Yikes it's cold.
The word 'teen' should never be used when describing the weather. Thirteen. Degrees. That's just wrong.
...Actually, I kinda like it ;) It's supposed to snow tomorrow! Yay!
As I waited in line for coffee this morning (tall nonfat Latte, extra foam...it's all about the foam) this is what the temp gauge read.
Yikes it's cold.
The word 'teen' should never be used when describing the weather. Thirteen. Degrees. That's just wrong.
...Actually, I kinda like it ;) It's supposed to snow tomorrow! Yay!
My Sister
I did a photo shoot over the weekend of my sister's family and before I was ready to start I snapped a few test shots of her while I got my camera settings just right.
I saw this one and I was like...What a hot mama my sister is!
I saw this one and I was like...What a hot mama my sister is!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Hey Tooth Fairy!
A short time ago we discovered Bella's tooth was loose (letter O). I had no idea how long it takes for a tooth to actually fall out from the time it starts feeling a little wiggly. She's never lost a tooth before, and hello it's been like YEARS since I've lost one...I was worried that she would loose it while I was gone to Cambodia, and it goes without saying that as a mother and a dental hygienist the thought of not being there to witness my daughter loose her first tooth would just make me curl up and die.
Good thing I get to live another day.
Last night I told Bella, "Tomorrow lets take take a "before" picture, then will pull that tooth out." That tooth was so loose she could push it over completely horizontally with her tongue.
Here's Bella Before:
Then I tried to talk her into taking out her own tooth. (I have had patients who have tried that but it usually involves Jack Daniels and is often unsuccessful.)
Little guy was too slippery so I reached in with some guaze and plucked it out!
Good thing I get to live another day.
Last night I told Bella, "Tomorrow lets take take a "before" picture, then will pull that tooth out." That tooth was so loose she could push it over completely horizontally with her tongue.
Here's Bella Before:
Then I tried to talk her into taking out her own tooth. (I have had patients who have tried that but it usually involves Jack Daniels and is often unsuccessful.)
Little guy was too slippery so I reached in with some guaze and plucked it out!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
I Got to Meet My Team Yesterday!
A while back, I chatted with a doctor who had gone to Peru, while in his residency, to serve a mission repairing cleft palates with Operation Smile. There's one thing that I clearly remember him saying. "On your mission, you will get to work along side of the most inspiring, highly motivated people who will remain your friends for life."
Yesterday I went to work and saw my one and only patient for the day. Then I went and saw my MD for an H1N1 vaccine, then I hit the road and headed down to Portland. We had an official Cambodia mission team meeting at Medical Teams International HQ.
I got there early and sat in my car for a little while. I was nervous to meet my team. I was! What if they didn't like me? What if there was no chemistry in the group? What if none of us clicked? What if they were competitive, or cliquey, or standoffish? We'll be spending 14 days in close proximity under extreme conditions. We'll be working together, eating 3 meals a day together, staying in the same place together, hanging out together. What if we didn't get along?
My team consists of our team leader, who is a practicing dentist in Portland but is from Cambodia. His daughter Brittany is coming along as well. Then there are two retired dentists and their wives (one of the wives is the other RDH besides myself). These two couples are friends with each other. Then there's me, and lastly, two guys who are in a committed relationship. One of the guys has done this mission five times before, while it is his partner's first time.
The moment I met these people all of my worries were gone in an instant. They were so warm, friendly, and welcoming. We all got along like lifelong friends. When we all left to go home there was lots of hugging and "See you soon!" and "See you at the airport!"
As I drove away in my car I was so happy. It just feels right. This is the mission I am suppose to be on with the people I am suppose work with. It's meant to be. I feel it in my bones.
Yesterday I went to work and saw my one and only patient for the day. Then I went and saw my MD for an H1N1 vaccine, then I hit the road and headed down to Portland. We had an official Cambodia mission team meeting at Medical Teams International HQ.
I got there early and sat in my car for a little while. I was nervous to meet my team. I was! What if they didn't like me? What if there was no chemistry in the group? What if none of us clicked? What if they were competitive, or cliquey, or standoffish? We'll be spending 14 days in close proximity under extreme conditions. We'll be working together, eating 3 meals a day together, staying in the same place together, hanging out together. What if we didn't get along?
My team consists of our team leader, who is a practicing dentist in Portland but is from Cambodia. His daughter Brittany is coming along as well. Then there are two retired dentists and their wives (one of the wives is the other RDH besides myself). These two couples are friends with each other. Then there's me, and lastly, two guys who are in a committed relationship. One of the guys has done this mission five times before, while it is his partner's first time.
The moment I met these people all of my worries were gone in an instant. They were so warm, friendly, and welcoming. We all got along like lifelong friends. When we all left to go home there was lots of hugging and "See you soon!" and "See you at the airport!"
As I drove away in my car I was so happy. It just feels right. This is the mission I am suppose to be on with the people I am suppose work with. It's meant to be. I feel it in my bones.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Elfie's Return
Today is December 1st and that means Elfie's in the house! Let me refresh your memory about Elfie.
We started this cute little Christmas tradition with our kids a few years ago. Elfie is this tiny little elf (whom Bella named, appropriately) who shows up at our house each year on December 1st. Elfie is on special assignment for Santa Claus. His one and only duty is to watch Bella and Rowan throughout the day. Then after they are fast asleep, he flies back to the North Pole and reports to Santa whether have been good or bad. Elfie returns back to the house before the kids awake, and each morning he takes a new perch to spy from. When the kids get up, we make a game of who can find Elfie first. There is also one very special thing about him, we tell them. They cannot touch Elfie, or it takes away his magic.
Here are a few places we've found Elfie in the past carrying out his reconnaissance mission:
We started this cute little Christmas tradition with our kids a few years ago. Elfie is this tiny little elf (whom Bella named, appropriately) who shows up at our house each year on December 1st. Elfie is on special assignment for Santa Claus. His one and only duty is to watch Bella and Rowan throughout the day. Then after they are fast asleep, he flies back to the North Pole and reports to Santa whether have been good or bad. Elfie returns back to the house before the kids awake, and each morning he takes a new perch to spy from. When the kids get up, we make a game of who can find Elfie first. There is also one very special thing about him, we tell them. They cannot touch Elfie, or it takes away his magic.
Here are a few places we've found Elfie in the past carrying out his reconnaissance mission:
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