Numb the Pain...

I woke up on Tuesday morning looking forward to a visit with the dentist.
Yes, I know this sounds like loads of fun. The reason? I like having complete strangers poke and scratch my teeth with sharp metal objects. Not really. And come to think of it , I don't think a single human being (with access to good dental care,) has ever woken up and shouted aloud
"Wohoo, today I'm going to the dentist!" While I was lying in the chair having my teeth drilled and filled, I got to thinking. Which insane human being came up with this crazy idea?
Who suddenly said, " Aha, I know how to fix holes in teeth, I will construct a drill and drill them out, and then I shall fill the holes with, well, something solid." Who was the first volunteer dental patient?
"Excuse me sir, you look like your teeth hurt, I know just how to fix that"
"How?"
"Well its very simple you see, I am going to use this drill I have constructed, and then drill your teeth out"
"Great"
Crazy.

I also re-discovered the effects of Novacaine on Tuesday.
So for fun, I took a few pictures of myself desperately trying to smile after receiving about 6 shots in my mouth.


I swear, this is not an exaggeration.
Worst, after arriving home, I volunteered to go pick up the pizza Marci ordered for dinner.
I thought, what the heck, I'm going to see how the guys in our local pizza shop like my new face.
And that evening I pronounced it "pppftttthhheethzzaa" not "pizza"

So brush you teeth tonight.

Or you may end up looking like this.

Sean.

Bridge to Tear-a-bithia

So a few nights ago, I happened to record the movie "Bridge to Tarabithia" on the DVR (fancy term for a "tivo" like device)

Marci and I settled in to the couch, and curled up with a nice warm blanket to watch the film.

I was enjoying every minute of it, taken in completely by the sweet story of two middle school kids and their growing friendship. After 45 minutes, I found myself completely emotionally invested in the wonderful imaginary world I was seeing on our new TV.

To say that the young lady that producers had cast in the film was endearing, would be an understatement. One could easily feel why Jess, the main character, falls in love with her.

Marci kept saying "she is adorable"

So their story moves from, a simple friendship, to innocent love. Needles to say that this is the kind of movie that is simply heartwarming.

And then it hits you. (WARNING: SPOILER CONTENT BELOW!!!)

They kill the girl off. BAM. Completely unexpected.

WHAT??!! Yes, that is correct. She hits her head, falls in a river and drowns.

Nice.

And now you, just like Jess are left sitting on your couch with a broken heart.

I fought back 1 tear, 2 tears, 6 tears. And then I saw Marci crying.

And then I cried.

Like a little girl.

So my wife and I were sitting in our living room, sharing tissues, wiping our eyes and holding hands.

I spoke with a good friend of mine today, who also saw this movie. And he cried too.

So now I don't feel so bad anymore.

So I challenge any man, to sit through this movie and not cry. You cant do it.

So why do we cry? I have no clue.

But here is a website doing some research on crying. Maybe you can help them out.

Sean.

www.crying-survey.co.uk/

Phoenix

The sun was high but the temperature was not. I thought Phoenix, Arizona was supposed to be warm. But when my mom and I arrived there the day after Christmas, it was only about 50-something. That didn't bother us too much because we were there to see my sister, my new brother-in-law and my crazy nephews. My sister didn't tell the boys we were coming. So when she pulled up to the curb at the airport, the 7-year-old sees my mom and starts yelling "Momma!" They were so excited to see us, and we were thrilled to finally hug them. It's not always easy having family across the country, especially with the boys growing up so fast.

We spent a lovely 5 days with them in their new house. My mom and I took the boys with us as we did some sightseeing. If you ever head out that way, I highly recommend a trip to Sedona. It's breathtaking. My photos do not do it justice. The rocks are just red and amazing. The variety cactuses (you don't have to say "cacti" anymore) were neat to see. The architecture of the homes and buildings was interesting since it's so different than back east. The southwest flare is everywhere. I really enjoyed Old Town Scottsdale as well and it's quaint cowboy-esque and southwestern buildings and shops.

Our vacation ended quickly and I already miss the boys. But it's back to reality.

Click here to see the photos from the trip . . . Phoenix