On dentists and unexpected super powers, things I’ve learned from my life.

It’s true, I’ve been in something of a funk these past few weeks. And I’ve been quite cross with myself about it.

Then I overheard a conversation between two of my inner voices which went like this:
IV1 We’ve got a fabulous new job, there are new pets in the house and we are between calamities, what’s the problem?
IV2 We’re a bit scared.
IV1 About what, for goodness sake?
IV2 Dunno. Maybe that this is all there is.
IV1 What on earth…? We’ve got more than most people.
IV2 I know. I know. But, well, we’re special, aren’t we?
IV1 Erm. No.
IV2 Then we’re also scared that we’re not special.
IV1 Righty ho. We need to get a grip, you know that?
IV2 Yes, yes. We know this. But it’s not our fault. Maybe it’s the patriarchy…
IV1 (Deep sigh). So the patriarchy – which admittedly is responsible for a lot – is also responsible for us being an ungrateful brat?
IV2 Can it be?
IV1 No, it can’t. We know this.
IV2 Don’t shout at me.
IV1 Sorry, but sometimes things are hard and there’s no point in whingeing and quitting. In fact, as your most senior inner voices, if we did that I’d have to give serious thought to retiring.
IV2 No, don’t do that. We like you.
IV1 Awww. OK, I’ll stay, but we need a new plan. Do what works for goodness sake and have a laugh, you miserable creature.
IV2 Yes. OK. Um… I know. We’ll start doing a ‘things I’ve learned’ series. It’s worked before.
IV1 There you go. That wasn’t too difficult, was it?

Things I’ve learned from my life lately

You get accustomed to your surroundings.
I worked at home yesterday for the first time in ages. Working from home is a huge privilege and makes the whole ‘having it all’ thing a bit more doable. But, man, it was cold. I spent much of the day in my mittens on – between hot flushes. It’s the first time that being menopausal has seemed like a superpower. Hotinhere Lady, bringing a blast of warmth where ever it’s needed (and quite a lot of places it isn’t).

Dentists are the best people to do ‘facial aesthetics’.
It was the regular trip to the general dentistry and family dentistry office, for the Boys and I, and we couldn’t help noticing that the small room was somewhat overshadowed by a banner offering all manner of fillers and ‘anti-wrinkle’ injections. Apparently, they also tackle ‘bunny lines’ whatever they may be. Actually, I don’t want to know because it’s almost certainly something that’s got a name in order that it can be worried about (and addressed as a problem to make someone some money). I asked the dentist about it and, while my mouth was full of plastic and the gunk you need to take impressions so I can get my dental implants, he told me that dentists know all about how faces are made and that lots of people go to their dentist for their aesthetics because it’s less embarrassing than going to the botox salon (or at least that’s what I think he meant, I couldn’t ask for clarification because I don’t talk with my mouth full). It was one of those simultaneous thought moments – why would the dentist peddle this nonsense versus wondering how much it costs and whether it helps.

Don’t judge a book by its cover (version 234)
Another school night out. This time the Tontine Hotel in Greenock where it was a retirement do for someone from the district scouts. It’s fair to say that a damp Wednesday evening in Inverclyde doesn’t usually hold much promise and hopes weren’t high. Which just goes to show… It was a delight – laughter, music, twinkly lights, good company and excellent food.