A New Era for Ergonomics

I think I should use this when I work on my patients. That would be some sexy dental work!

What Would I Ever Do Without Him?

I am not a sappy person, as my poor husband will attest. But I wish to get as sappy as my cool personae will allow and brag a little about my man.

I have a great husband. Sure, he listens to really crappy music. And (though he denies it) he is one of the worst toilet seat offenders mentioned in the header of my blog... but he is a self-sacrificing stud. He has put up with my long hours at night clinic, weekends at conferences and interviews, learning how to cook every night (a la Trader Joe's), and putting all his hopes and dreams on hold for the duration of my schooling. His stay-at-home-dad-edness has been a huge blessing to our family. Just as the boys have come to the age where moms are wholly uncool, Wayne has had a chance to be Da Man! While I would be completely baffled by boy puberty and crushes on little girls, Wayne has been there to take on these awkward topics.

He has his own blog (because, as he puts it, he does not want to interfere with "corporate's" blog... that would be mine.) His latest post displays so eloquently why I am so proud to be Wayne's woman. To all the unappreciated stay-at-home-moms out there, grab your Baby Daddies and read along. Here is the champion to your cause!

I love you Wayno! Thanks for being so supportive and allowing me to grow and thrive. Had it not been for you, I could never have gone this far. You Da Man!

Hug hug, kiss kiss, hug hug, big kiss, little hug, kiss kiss, little kiss.

I'm Amazing

Things I have recently learned about myself by taking random blog quizzes:

• I am 49% geek
• My dead body would be worth $5975
• I prefer brainy men (brains vs. bod)
• My power color is indigo
• My aura is blue
• I need some green in my life
• Of all the Jane Austen characters, I am most like Elinore Dashwood
• I am strawberry ice cream
• My goth name is Contessa Lovecraft
• My celebrity baby name is Chanel Rogue
• I can take on 19 five year olds in a fight (Nate could take on 25!!!! Anybody need a babysitter?)
• I can name 74 countries in five minutes
• My love life is most like Annie Hall
• My fashion style is "girly"
• I can name 49 colors in five minutes
• My PMS disaster level is HIGH
• I have a 52% chance of surviving a zombie apocalypse
• I am 56% likely to eat my buddies in a blizzard (Mmmm...Kelly belly. You're not going to want to go to Disneyland with me anymore, are you Kelly? Not the Matterhorn, anyways.)

So there you have it. That's everything you wanted to know about me... and much, much more. I'm amazing.

Wonderful things about Caleb

I have had a flurry of blogging activity this week. I'm not sure why I've had so much to say, but in case you are joining me for the first time this week, I would certainly not expect you to wade through all of my nonsensical pontificating. So you can take your pick and click on the links to skip ahead and read the post(s) that sound of most interest to you:

1. Blog where I tease Nathan mercilessly regarding his musical prowess.
2. Rant about strange blogging practices
3. Hayden gets bullied.
4. AMAZING pictures of flowers that will make you sneeze just looking at them
5. Why I hate feet and a birthday greeting for my sister
6. Proof I actually get away from school every now and then.

Here is one more blog about my trip down South last weekend, and then I'll leave you alone for a while.

My little nephew, Caleb, can turn my heart to mush in an instant. He leaves messages on my voice mail that I have difficulty understanding, save the enthusiastic, "Hi, Auntie Shana!" that begins our every conversation. But I just can't seem to find it in my heart to erase them.

For whatever reason, I taught him the term, "Yabba Dabba Doo!" last Christmas. This is now how he greets me whenever it has been a while since I have seen him. The second I got in the car when Amy picked me up at the airport, Caleb said, "Hi, Auntie Shana! Yabba Dabba Doo!" and flashed his amazing grin.

I love to color for him (which is what this picture shows), because he loves my giraffes even though they look like llamas (llamaraffes are the coolest.) He loves to sing, but is very much an opinionated two year old... so if he isn't feeling it, he will respond, "No thanks." While driving in the car, Amy gives him an iPod shuffle that they won from the MDA fundraiser. It is filled with his favorite kid songs, which allows him to enjoy them ad lib without torturing the other passengers too much. In between each song, he consistently says, "More song" while he waits for the next tune to begin. It is always enjoyable to hear him sing "I been working on the Rainbow, all the ling-dong day."

He is getting so strong and works so hard to be as mobile as he can. I love watching him in his walker. The kid is fast (like his hero, Lightning McQueen) and is taking advantage of the freedom the walker affords him. He likes to challenge himself to stand for as long as his little body will let him. Caleb has more tenacity than a champion prizefighter.

And let me just say to Amy and Jeff, you are doing a fabulous job with Caleb. You are amazing examples to me. I admire your perspective and enthusiasm. Thank you for sharing your little turtle with me. I'm so glad to be his auntie

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Wanna Hear the Most Annoying Sound in the World?

...Maybe it's not as bad as Lloyd Christmas in the Mutt Cuts van, but annoying, nonetheless. You will need to pause my music player to fully appreciate this video. (You can see the top of Nate's head at the center top of the screen, hidden behind a music stand.)

This is a recording from the orchestra Christmas concert at Nathan's middle school. He is mortified that I am posting it. Brace yourself...It's a bit painful. The good news is, they must have improved because they had a regional competition yesterday and ranked second. So congratulations, Nate. We enjoy hearing you practice. (It must have paid off.) What can one say when one hear such sounds, except, "OUCH!"... I mean, "Lovely." Love ya bud.

Nathan made a post on his blog about this event. You can read it by clicking on the link below (see if you can spot the point where I sneakily edited a line without his knowledge. Heh, Heh, Heh!)

http://pielord.blogspot.com/2008/04/cmea-music-competition.html

Another random blogging observation by Shana...

Don't get too excited. There is no bun in this oven. I just noticed a lot of these little tickers on people's blogs and wanted to join in.
I think this particular form of counting down to the big day is pretty cute. But there are alternatives to this that creep me out. For example, there is another html script that you can post that includes little floating fetuses in a quasi amniotic sac. It just reminds me of some sort of depraved science project. My favorite instance of this was on a blog from one of my acquaintances who just graduated dental school who was expecting triplets. Triple the fetuses, triple the creepy.

But what cracked me up even more were the OTHER things for which you could make a ticker to celebrate. For example: A breastfeeding ticker. It basically allows you to share with the world, "Look how long I've been suckling." Does the world really need to know that? I frankly don't care. And what if you are one of those uber-mom's who breastfeeds until the kid is 3 years old? How long will that ticker go??? At what point is the ticker programed to say, "You might want to find a new hobby." (BTW, in my humble opinion, if your kid is old enough to ask for milk, get it out of the fridge!)

The other ticker that I was amazed and astonished by: An ovulation ticker. This allows you to tell the world 1. "We are having difficulty conceiving" and 2. Which nights the phone will likely go unanswered while said couple tries to remedy the situation. Good luck with that!

It Started Out as Such a Lovely Day

Today was the mock boards at school. Since my patient's cavities and calculus are precious to me these days with the regional boards fast approaching, I declined to participate and save the good stuff for the actual boards. So I took the day off instead.

It began all well and good: a hike with Wayne in China camp, a picnic by the marina, and I was REALLY excited about surprising Hayden by picking him up from school.

When I got there, however, he came up behind me after having been in the principal's office. I could tell he was choking back tears. He wasn't in trouble, but was AGAIN the victim of another bully attack. One of his classmates and former friends (we'll call him J) came up behind him while he was reading and started squeezing him until he couldn't breathe. This is the second attack by J, who has just returned to school from a suspension due to a previous assault on Hayden. The poor kid has been through enough! Two other girls got suspended about a month ago: One for feeding Hayden an apple that she had put in a toilet, and the other for pulling his pants down on the playground. WHAT GIVES???

I can't begin to imagine what is not to like about Hayden. I can only surmise that it is due to the fact that he is so little and kids live the law of the jungle (little animals!). His principal was very supportive and assures us that J is not to touch Hayden again. J's parents were totally mortified and snuck out the back door of the principal's office rather than pass us as we waited in the lobby.

I just hope and pray that Hayden doesn't walk into his new school with a target on his back due to his genetic misfortune. I also hope that whatever angst is causing J to act out in this way does not transfer to some other victim once Hayden has moved away from his grasp.

A Sight to Behold

First of all, let me just say most enthusiastically that today marks exactly 2 months from graduation. Wayne reminded me today, and I just thought I would begin this post by sharing my sheer joy at such thoughts. YIPPY!!!

Now, on to the meat of this post: Carlsbad, CA erupts in color every year. Not only are the sides of the freeways covered with unbelievable fluorescent purple iceplant, but the hillside behind the Carlsbad Company Stores explodes with the blooming of acres of Ranunculus blossoms. It is impressive from the freeway, but STUNNING up close and personal. We took some time Sunday afternoon to take in the sights.

Caleb was fascinated with the "follurs" (his term for flowers... No worries, though. His mom is a speech pathologist. She's working on it with him, which is even funnier because he just says the same thing slower. "F O L - L U R S.") He was far more impressed, however with the many tractors that transported people up and down the hillside.

The flowers reminded me of the poppies in "Wizard of Oz." So the whole time we kept cackling "Poppies" in our best imitation of the wicked witch of the West.
Jeff, this is what the picture looks like when you alter the aspect ratio.

Here you can see the ocean and the power plant that Wayne's dad used to work for in the background.
Jeff was a trooper. His allergies were on in full force to begin with, and wandering around a pollen paradise sent them into overdrive. By the time we returned to their home in Vista, his nose was running like a faucet. He endured it well.
A beautiful day, a beautiful place and beautiful company. How could you go wrong?

Happy Birthday, Aim!

My business trip to San Diego happily coincided with my little sister's birthday. WAIT...I take that back... Since I celebrate an annual 29th birthday, she officially passed me up last year. She said her actual birthday was kind of lackluster. It consisted of taking Caleb to get his haircut as he screamed bloody murder, picking me up from the airport, and finding out that the florist delivered her flowers to the wrong address. Bummer! So we did go out for a pedicure to celebrate.

Now let me put it bluntly: I HATE FEET! I would rather be a proctologist than a podiatrist (as it is, I am a dentist, which is probably more bacteria laden than either of those choices. Go figure!). So the idea of entering a temple of feet was a little horrifying to me. I'd do it for Amy, though.

When we first got there, it was entirely peer pressure that got me to put my feet into the blue swirling water. I watched, horrified, as it bubbled and frothed before me. I wondered silently how many people's foot sluff was brewing in that tub. I looked around, trying not to make eye contact with anybody's tootsies, and saw that everybody was doing it without hesitation, so why not me? I then happily observed one of the workers draining and scrubbing the adjacent chair as my neighbor departed, and I breathed a huge sigh of relief. I have no idea where this foot phobia came from, but it is what it is. Here's a picture of me trying to keep it together.

Jeff entitled the following picture "May the force be with you... and make you wear turquoise." He believes there is a cosmic force that calls out to Amy and I and whispers to us what color to wear whenever we see eachother. It's much more than coincidence, as it happens ALL THE TIME! So Amy, the next time you see me I will be wearing a black cap and gown. Even though you are also graduating next month, don't show up wearing the same thing... No matter what the force whispers. It might get a little embarrassing.

We got the chance to have a proper birthday celebration at my mom's house a couple days after the fact and had a great time swimming, playing games, and eating a home cooked Mom feast. Caleb, you've got a little something on your cheek... Oh, and on your chin... And I'm pretty sure there's a little in your eye... And up your nose... And I'm not sure if you were trying to style your hair, but you got a little something in there, too. Did you get any in your mouth?
Grandpa Chuck in his Irish t-shirt, eating his shredded pork tacos and latkes. When the night was over, I got a Swedish goodbye from Mom (It was kind of an international bonanza). See you all in June!

All Work and No Play Makes Shana a Dull Girl...

Fortunately I didn't work all weekend. I presented my research at the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry in Rancho Bernardo this weekend. BUT it doubled as and excuse to see my mom and sister's family. So here is proof that I actually worked, and I will later post all the pictures of the fun that we had a little later. Back to the old grind tomorrow. UUUGH!!! (I'm so freaking trunky now, it's not even funny!)

Things are looking up.

As I am so vertically challenged, I am more likely to be looking up your nose than staring at the top of your head. Hence, I have been in the habit of looking skyward more often than not. This has given me a unique perspective on life, both proverbially and literally. Along the more literal lines, I have often found the most unique architectural nuances in ceilings. "CEILINGS?" you say? "She's blogging about ceilings?" Yep. Come walk a mile in my shoes, as I show you my fascination with all the stuff you'd miss if you kept your eyes on the ground.

The first is a picture of the atrium in the Palace Hotel in downtown San Francisco. They serve high tea in the afternoon under this ornate skylight. Little girls wear tiaras and little boys wear crowns as they practice their best table manners and munch on cucumber sandwiches without the crusts. *They also serve truffle fries in the restaurant on the same floor: a surprisingly decadent treat that takes potatoes to a whole new level.


This is the inside of the V.C. Morris store, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. You can find it tucked away on Maiden Lane, just across from Union Square. Opera can often be heard echoing against the buildings lining Maiden Lane, as the acoustics are so superb that many world renowned singers will burst out in song in the small alley just for fun. Another Frank Lloyd Wright creation: This is the view I have partaken of every finals week for the past three years. The civic center library is my favorite study site, and this is what you see as you head there from the main elevator. What is this fascination with Frank Lloyd Wright? He was the architect that designed my Grandma's house in San Anselmo. There is actually a display on the second floor of the civic center with the story of how "The Berger House" came to be.

This was the chandelier inside the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles, where many of the dental wives spent a Wicked weekend. Everything about this theater screamed old Hollywood, with its ornate art deco style.
More art deco in the form of mirrored tiles on the ceiling of the Empire State Building. Though I was already 86 floors above street level, it didn't hurt to keep looking heavenward.Okay, so this is not really a ceiling, but a view that I would have missed, had I been overly concerned with the shuffle of my shoes. Everything in New York City pointed skyward. I'm sure anybody looking at me as I walked the streets of Manhattan would be able to pick me out as a tourist by the constant craning of my neck to see all of the skyscrapers.
Also not a ceiling, but this was my favorite shot of the Golden Gate while Hayden and I took a stroll a couple of weeks ago. Look at the color of the sky juxtaposed against the bridge. So cool! So these are the things I see when I'm not looking up somebody's nose. I hope you enjoyed the view down here.

These are a few of my favorite things...

My girth has increased significantly since starting dental school. Wanna know why? Since we have lived in the Bay Area, we have had a chance to taste some of the yummiest concoctions known to man.

These are the best hole-in-the-wall places to chow down. There is always (of course) crab at Fisherman's Wharf, sundaes at Ghirardelli Square, sourdough at Boudin... All of the places that make San Francisco famous. But it's the little spots that you happen to stumble upon that make the tastiest treats, in my humble opinion.

For some exotic fare, Persian food may be in order. Maykeadeh in North Beach has fabulous kebab and a lentil dish that I still crave, but could in no way spell or pronounce it.

Forget Chinatown for Chinese food. It's crowded, overpriced and touristy. Shanghai Dumpling King in the avenues is my absolute favorite. The place is a HOLE... But the food is superb. Don't go for the ambiance, but definitely order the Shanghai Dumplings (order two, just for good measure) and you will not be disappointed.

My favorite meal to eat out is brunch. And for the best in breakfasts and brunch, Mama's in Washington Square is supreme. Wayne and I went there while I played hooky on Valentine's Day. I ordered the Monte Cristo sandwich and enjoyed this sweet and savory confection. My stomach is grumbling just thinking about it.

For a sweet treat in the city, try the Bittersweet Cafe. Only a block away from my school, I have partaken of the Spicy Hot Chocolate on many a chilly day in Pacific Heights. The spicy sensation doesn't hit until the cocoa has trickled down your throat, adding to the warming sensation of the tasty warm goodness. Another favorite of mine: the bite-sized cinnamon chocolate cake.











On to some eateries in Marin County: For the value, you can't beat "THE burrito" from Mi Pueblo Taqueria in Novato. The $17 Abuelo Macho burrito is the size of a young human child, and the Mexican fare is the most authentic we've found since moving to Northern California (we still have yet to find a decent Machaca burrito that compares to Alberto's in San Diego). We will order this beast and have food enough to last a week.

Notice the size of the burrito next to the dinner plates. This bad boy is plated on a serving platter!!!

The bright green facade of Sol Food has stirred up some controversy in Downtown San Rafael (note the angry letter from a former local patron). It should be noted, however, that the angry letter that adorns the display case next to the front door is usually blocked by the throngs of people that line up around the corner to be seated in this temple of deliciousness. You may be seated at a table with other families, as you chow down on Puerto Rican favorites such as the Cubano sandwich or their tasty rice and beans at the family style tables. Lime-aid is served out of mason jars, and congo drums echo throughout. Great food. Great ambiance. Good times!

Last, but certainly not least, here is one of the best dessert haunts around town: The Fairfax Scoop. Located in the quaint and quirky hippy-haven to the West of us, Fairfax scoop makes all-natural homemade ice cream and cooks up a fresh waffle cone for every order. The menu is never the same, and unique flavors like Lavender Honey or Chai Vanilla may be interspersed amongst the traditional strawberry and chocolate ice creams. It's a great way to finish up a day at Drake's beach in the summertime.

So bring on the poundage. We are here but for a moment longer.

MARS ATTACKS!

Yesterday was a red-letter day for Nathan. Since he was about two years old, he has been terrified of the martians from the Tim Burton movie, "Mars Attacks!" When he was still a toddler, he happened to walk into the room as Wayne, my mom and I were watching the movie, and as soon as the martian ambassador emerged from the space ship, he let out a girly scream that rivaled Mariah Carey. That was it... A full-on phobia was born. We tried to expose him to the green, brainy, lidless creatures on other occasions, but to no avail. He was terrified each time to the point where he would be frozen solid in panic. While we tried to assure him that the movie was a comedy, he could not get past the terror of his first glimpse. Last night, however, I blindsided him. Nathan had a friend spending the night, dinner was cooking, and newly arrived from the Netflix queue: Mars Attacks! He swore he would hate me forever. He swore he would be humiliated and find himself bawling in front of his friend. I persisted, knowing if he could get through the first encounter, he would see the humor inherent in the movie and be cured.

Again, the martian ambassador emerges from his flying saucer... his coarse voice barks the incoherent greetings of his planet, motions to the American general the "International Sign of the Donut," Nathan is gripping his brother and mother as though his life depended on it...heart beating like a drum. And then it came: Laughter. Hysterical laughter. Nathan was cured. The movie concluded with Nathan saying, "I don't hate you anymore. It was funny." Congratulations, Nate. You faced the biggest fear of your life, thus far.