I’m a “2nd-generation” Mac user raised on Apple computers from their birth, so you can imagine the pride I felt when my wife returned from a recent trip and reported that even though she saw the Apple store in a Texas mall, she couldn’t physically allow herself to go in. She explained, “I knew if I went in I would do something foolish and buy a laptop on your credit card.” You see, Apple released some sexy new laptops, and our house is really feeling the urge for an upgrade. All I can say is: Honey, I’m proud of you, and I admire your discipline!
Category Archives: Daria
Daria is Home
I’m really grateful to have my sweet wife home from Texas. Weekends and Nights are lonely without you Daria. I’m hoping Daria can come to my next course in November to Tampa, Florida. I still need to take her on a birthday getaway and shopping spree.
PS - A Toonie to whoever posts a comment first and a loonie to everyone else. You have till Halloween!
Going Home
After an enjoyable 4 days in Tampa, Florida I am returning home. I miss my family and I am excited to deliver some goodies I bought for them. The shopping in some of these larger U.S. cities is truly impressive, and I always wish that Daria was with me. I want to spoil her rotten and take her on a shopping spree someday.
The purpose of my trip was a Cone Beam CT Diagnosis and 3D Treatment Planning course not only for dental implants but for complete dentistry. What is exciting is we are almost at the point where we will not even need to take impressions of people’s mouths with goo. After working daily with CB/CT I cannot imagine practicing without this technology. A sleep apnea component is on its way as well where we will be able to use the CB/CT to calculate the volume of a person’s airway to predict apnea. This past year has been one of tremendous growth and I am fortunate to have studied under many of the world’s leading clinicians. I took to the course like a fish to water as there was a tremendous hands-on computer component and it felt good to be ahead of the pack. I also had the chance to have a lot of conversations with surgical specialists and learn lessons of life, career and techniques and even pass on a few of my own. I continue to love dentistry it is my passion. My sincere gratitude goes to Bryan Murray for his mentoring and prior to him Murray Knebel.
The Darndest Things
More and more I’m aware that my children are listening to every word I say and interpreting it. This can lead to some funny moments. Here’s one that still has me laughing.
Last week Brigham was very sick. At one point we suspected he had contracted the measles and were even discussing the possibility of quarantine. Daria said, “Nate, I think we are going to have to isolate Brigs.” A few moments later a concerned Joshua bellowed from the other room, “You’re going to freeze Brigs?!!” After our laughter died down I explained to Josh the difference between ice and isolate. What a kid.
Las Vegas Review
For the third time in as many months I find myself in Las Vegas. Each trip has found me pursuing advanced education in implant surgery and prosthetics. I’m very excited about this field and the remarkable things I have already done. I look forward to pacing my ever expanding knowledge with clinical experience. My passion grows and grows each month on this front.
But enough on that subject. This trip found me at a different venue: the Rio, a good walk from the strip. The Rio is a typical Vegas hotel with pretty good restaurants, and some 70 floors spread over 2 towers. The buffet was the best of the four I have tried in Las Vegas and also the lowest priced! A typical casino resides on the main floor and I am amazed how the motivation for the big win seems to override the boredom of tv screen gambling. Scantily clad women are sprinkled throughout. I spent most of my time in the convention center only catching a half-hour of sun beside the under renovations pool.
Nonetheless, the larger than life presence of Vegas is still a wonder to behold. In particular the incredibly imaginative entertainment. The highlight of the trip by far was The Beatles: Love by Cirque de Soleil (note the trailer does the performance no justice). I have never been more enthralled at a live show. No circus, grandstand, play, or even musical of my experience came close. The story-telling, imagery, costuming, group and individual performances, athleticism, staging, and music were completeley out of this world. At one point I wondered if this show would approach entertainment in the afterlife. Absolutely incredible choreography coupled with the best band of all time created a delirious and delightful experience weaving through each of the creative periods of music produced by the Beatles. I think even the Beatles would approve, and I was left with not a single disappointment. If you haven’t already caught my strong recommendation to see this show let me seal it with this - I absolutely expect anyone travelling to Vegas to attend and an invitation to go with you. I’ll be reliving the experience via my Beatles music collection in the mean time. Perhaps the only way to better experience the Beatles would be an actual Beatles concert.
I’m hoping to take Daria to the show at the end of this month when I return yet again. Anyone else in?
I miss Daria
Daria is away in California this weekend enjoying thePodcast and New Media Expo that just so happens to coincide with her birthday. I miss her and can acutely attest for the disturbance felt in her absence. I’m looking forward to seeing her face come through that Lethbridge door. I can’t wait to hear about her trip and future podcast plans.
A new friend
My wife has an inviting soul. Her ability to connect and form fast friends with others speaks volumes to me of her character—she has that “I am like a star shining brightly” quality (2 bonus points if you can figure out that obscure reference) that draws people in close. For instance she recently went in to do some personal banking and at the conclusion of the visit her banking representative came around the desk to give Daria a hug goodbye. Seriously, how often does that happen?
More recently, Daria met a bright young doctor, Kristina, at a women’s conference. Daria has told me so much about Kristina that I’ve looked forward to meeting her for several weeks. Friday night we met at Earl’s for dinner and had a fabulous time. I would describe Kristina as spirited, delightful, talented and spiritual. She is at an instant likeable, which is probably why Daria and Kristina connected so quickly. We talked of things medical and dental, and of things family and spiritual; and all ever so freely.
It was great to branch out and socialize with someone outside our typical sources of friendship. The evening was like trying an amazing new dish from a foreign country; the kind where you want to write down the recipe, make it yourself and then share it with others.
The evening also made me realize how much I enjoy socializing with others. Currently I find myself very focused on career, and that intense focus can sometimes dull you to the richness of life. I found the whole evening rejuvenating.
A toast to our new found friend: Kristina, may our friendship prosper and grow.
In Thanks, In Faith
I had the opportunity to give two blessings this past week, one a blessing of peace and counsel the other a blessing to heal. I’m in awe of the beauty of priesthood power and its attending peace. It’s sacredness feels at once equal with nature, and yet more.
As some of you may know my sweetheart has struggled with health as long as I have known her. Her struggle has become my struggle, as it should, however I have found my faith tested in her illness as we have searched for answers for her ailments. Interestingly, I was discussing this with those present at the first blessing I mentioned. Not two days later Daria requested a blessing. I admire her faith so much, she said “I know if you give me a blessing my headache will go away.” Circumstance prevented any time for my faith to waiver. Strengthened by my recent priesthood experience, I pronounced the simplest of blessings. It felt good. I then left for church with the older three boys.
As I sat in church I continued to contemplate this subject. The Spirit comforted and counseled me, which counsel I omit here, and it was of great service to my faith and soul.
Later Daria related, that the instant my hands were removed from her head her headache of no small stature vanished. She waited to tell me, not daring to speak or disturb her relief.
What great faith she has! How amazing is the Lord’s power! How thankful am I to have faith strengthened through this experience. The priesthood is a marvelous gift and blessing that allows us to exercise our faith and receive comfort from God. All praise be to his name.
Special Note: I know that for some the discussion of the sacred, personal or religous may seem taboo or unusual. I think discretion is highly important, but I also feel complete censure deprives us of sharing and recognizing what should be a common experience for all-enlightenment and the uplifting peace knowledge and love that is only obtained from one source. Therefore, I continue to share —but a hint and portion—of what in the final analysis is most meaningful to me; and to the soul.
I also have a poor memory.
