The Way I See It...

I've been spending some quality time at my local Starbucks writing my final paper and my APC (Association of Professional Chaplains) competency essays...OK and my Level II CPE Application essay. So in the midst of all of this mad writing I actually take a moment and read what is on the back of my Starbucks cup. I gave me a giggle even if to some degree I can't agree totally with theology behind it...Ithink this is my favorite one to date!

The Way I See It #230

“Heaven is totally overrated. It seems boring. Clouds, listening to people play the harp. It should be somewhere you can’t wait to go, like a luxury hotel. Maybe blue skies and soft music were enough to keep people in line in the 17th century, but Heaven has to step it up a bit. They’re basically getting by because they only have to be better than Hell”
~ Joel Stein Columnist for the LA Times

Feeling Older

So I haven't blogged in a while, at least not more than putting together a Friday Five. Which really isn't a blog it's sort of blog filler but still it is sort of fun. So...the reason I haven't really posted on my blog is sort of a two fold reason. The other resident that I worked with chose to leave the VA to pursue other ministry options so for the last month or so I've been two CPE residents rolled into one. Needless to say, I have begun working overtime for which I am not paid and taken on more and more responsibility here, also for which I am not paid but my CPE Final Evaluations make me look like I can walk on water. I think I would rather be able to turn water into wine. It seems the only thing I can't do is self care.

In the midst of all this working and finishing up my last class for seminary my body decided to let me in on a little secret. I'm no longer 22. In fact I'm pushing 30. I can't abuse my body the way I used to and I found this out last Monday when the muscles in my lower back decided to pinch a nerve and I couldn't walk. I was off site at a CPE meeting and my Supervisor had to take me to the ER. (That is another story that I will have to share. Going to the ER with three professional chaplains.) And to add insult to all this injury...I found yet another gray hair on my head. I must be getting old.

Friday Five: Oh...The Chairs We Find Ourselves In

This week's Friday Five is brought to us by Cheesehead and ReverandMother who have both sat in dental chairs this past week. In remembrance and honor of these two brave women who have survived a trip to the dentist humbly I offer my play at the Friday Five.

1. Are you a regular patron of dentists' offices? Or, do you go
a) faithfully, as long as you have insurance
b) every few years or so, whether you need it or not
c) dentist? what is this "dentist" thing you speak of?

A. My answer is A. Less than a year ago I had my braces removed. While I was wearing braces I went to the Orthodontist monthly and the Dentist every four months. I got twice a year faithfully, insurance or no insurance. I have invested WAY too much in my teeth to not have them cleaned and checked regularly.

2. Whatever became of your wisdom teeth?

I had four wisdom teeth and one was removed, so now I have three. The other three are still in my head but they don't seem to want to come down at all and my dentist doesn't like to do oral surgery for no reason at all so I get to keep them until they start to bother me.

3. Favorite thing to eat that's BAAAAAD for your teeth.

Gummy Peach Rings and Sour Gummy Worms. If you don't tell my orthodontist I ate them when I was wearing braces and that is a big no-no.

4. Ever had oral surgery? Commiserate with me.

I had one wisdom tooth removed but that's it and to be honest it wasn't a bad experience at all. Now if you really want to remember pain...lets talk about braces.

5. "I'd rather have a root canal than _________________."

have to go and visit my grandmother in Vermont. I lovingly call her "The Wicked Witch of the East." I really do think that she killed my grandfather.

Bonus: Does your dentist recommend Trident?

No. With the number of fillings I have my dentist doesn't recommend any kind of gum to me at all. If I need fresh breath it's Listerine Fresh Strips for me.