6/22/2008
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.
2/4/2008
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.
10/21/2007
If you read my previous two posts you might also agree: It takes effort and attention to live a life of influence and greatness. In recognition of this, I think the number one thing I would do more of is frequent planning. Daily planning that connects me to my core goals and allows for the tasks of the day. Weekly planning with my wife that directs our family. This isn’t new but for whatever reason it seems easy to both say this, start planning and even easier to stop shortly after.
No longer.
10/21/2007
Sage advice on choosing between good, better and best in your life.
We should begin by recognizing the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives.
As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best. Even though a particular choice is more costly, its far greater value may make it the best choice of all.
Consider how we use our time in the choices we make in viewing television, playing video games, surfing the Internet, or reading books or magazines. Of course it is good to view wholesome entertainment or to obtain interesting information. But not everything of that sort is worth the portion of our life we give to obtain it. Some things are better, and others are best. When the Lord told us to seek learning, He said, “Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom”
I highlyrecommend reading and watching the entire talk.
9/29/2007
A big thank you to my mother, sister, and in-laws for their gracious help this weekend as we descended upon Calgary this weekend with nary a plan. The food, the childcare and the shelter were greatly appreciated—particularly on such short notice. A personal crisis certainly would have ensued if not for all of your help. God bless you.
9/29/2007
When we started the process of moving to Lethbridge I started to muse about the idea of what could be different about our family and myself and coined the terms “The Lethbridge Muirheads” and “Lethbridge Nathan.” Almost like an alter-ego for change. In my head I use sentences like, “The Lethbridge Nathan loves to work out and lead his family in righteousness,” or “The Lethbridge Muirheads teach each other gospel principles through family home evening, scriptures and everyday conversations.” Or the Lethbridge Nathan doesn’t mind the wind. I like this way of thinking because it disregards any sense of past failure and simply affirms a positive desire. So I’m going to keep using it.
I can already sense I am so going to be teased about this.
That’s okay, the Lethbridge Nathan doesn’t mind a good ironic ribbing now and then.
7/8/2007
This past week we spent an amazing 3 days at Echo Lake, Montana. Activities included: Swimming, Kayaking, Jet-Skiing, Wakeboarding, Tubing, Quadding on the ATV’s, putting together a playground and watching movies. Jam packed fun! Everyone got a ton of sunshine and the water was 80°F. Absolutely amazing.This is exactly what our family needed as I transition to the new job and the trip really got our summer off to an incredible start. Dylan learned how to wakeboard and it was a real treat to watch him. I even managed to get in some solid reading time on my Jack Canfield book and the New Testament and the Book of Mormon.
We also went to the Calgary Stampede: The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. My In-Laws graciously got us tickets to the grandstand show which was a singing, dancing, fireworking, gymnastic, comedian, motorcross spectacular absolutely amazing production. We also hit the rides and had this amazing lemonade with the must-have mini-donuts. Dylan and I got on just about every ride and I was impressed with how daring he was this year.
I finally got to start learning about Rich Dad, Poor Dad the money book which I started listening to on my iPod. A definite eye-opener that I’m really greatful to have come across. I also spent the greater part of the day organizing our entire basement spurred on by the purchase of three Billy shelves from Ikea. Managed to put in a couple of hours of dentistry while I was at it too.
All in all a most satisfying week.
6/25/2007
Four more days till the iphone hits the United States and mass euphoria sweeps the nation. I confess openly that I want one. Badly. So badly that I have even considered having my brother, Conor, buy one for me without the ability to use the phone portion of the triple threat device—at least until Apple and Rogers work out a deal. If you don’t have to buy a plan to use the device I just might.
But I want something even more badly than the iPhone.
I want to know what life-altering course Conor (my brother) is going to be pursuing. So I’ll start with this simple request, even plea, to be brought into the inner sanctum of family support. If this doesn’t work, however, I am prepared to resort to other ‘methods’.
