Times Have Changed

Today I took the kids to the dentist for their bi-annual check-up.

My mind quickly reverted back to when I was young like them.
Going to the dentist was NOT the same as it is today.
Times have definitely changed.
For instance....the waiting room.

Back in the day....there were no train tables.
There were no video games.
....there was no sibling peace for that matter...waiting room or elsewhere.

There were no fun, colorful, squishy chairs to navigate.

And there was no need to use my tongue as a balancing stick...
There was NO mischief to be had.
There was no "all being seen at the same time"....we had to wait our turn.
There were no fun sunglasses to protect our eyes from the big bright light.
They were heartless!!!!!

My dental hygienists were middle aged....and angry. Very angry.

They were NOT 21 years old with false eyelashes.
(....which I completely understand....having your face covered with a mask all day...what 21 year old doesn't want to find a way to stand out?)

There was no selection of bubble gum, cookies and cream, mint, strawberry, malt liquor, or steak and potatoes toothpaste flavorings.
Nope. My only option was gritty mint.


There were no "spit suckers" to capture and release the gritty foam before it slid down the back of my throat. There was only a public "spit dish" that I had to "beg with my eyes" to be able to use.

There was no TV plastered to the ceiling with cartoons playing on it.


My dentist didn't count my teeth as he sang the A-B-C's.
And he also wasn't charming and young.

He never made me feel like the coolest kid in the world.....even though I was...and had an obnoxious pink shirt to prove it....that said "COOL"... just in case someone forgot.

My reward was a new toothbrush and a trial size toothpaste.
There were no golden coins to use in toy dispensing machines....there were no gemstone rings....there were no stickers.....there were no stuffed frogs with teeth. There were no "fun" colored toothbrushes with kid flavored paste. Nope. None of that.
No wonder I looked so sad. I was worried about going back to the dentist.
Congrats on NO cavities little bear cubs!!!!

p.s. - Doesn't Uncle John (in red) look just like Bryce???