It's only March and already I'm done for the year.  Some say bad luck comes in 3's.  Well, this week, I paid my dues.  My luck has to get better now.  After dealing with a scam two weeks ago, a trip down onto the concrete sidewalk literally the day after and a tremendous heartache this week, I am done.  Initially, I thought dealing with sexism was my third but I was wrong.  The male ego was too easy to handle.  It was a problem that was quickly dealt with.  My final task had to be a heartache, as it is the only thing that would bend me.
This weekend, my family experienced a medical emergency of life and death.  Everything is fine now but going through the first two days was heart wrenching.  I think anxiety would be an understatement.  Then to deal with tweenage hormones.  God, help me.  The latter was the lesser evil of the two but both were potent.  My mind needs an emotional break.  I'm told every once in a while, you have to deal with drama to balance out life.  With happiness, there's sadness.  Honestly, I think I can be balanced without the emotional high swings.  In fact, I prefer to be pretty boring, mundane really.  I like the happy medium.  That is my spot, it serves as my point of reference.  I don't sway easily but I was on bent knees.  It's quite humbling.  
I carry no elitism but confidence.  I try to teach that to my children, but sometimes I fail.  Other times, I succeed.   That's a tough lesson to teach anyone truthfully.   Today I interviewed a doctor who cried on the phone.  It took me by surprise.  Then I later found out she was going through some tough changes in life.  As an older person, I advised her to just breathe and not try to grab anything in thin air in hope of catching something new.  Desperation is an abyss.  As I'm going to Chicago next month for a leadership development symposium, she asked me to meet her for more career advices.  I reiterated that she had a great resume.  I don't think she believed me wholeheartedly.  Her lack of professional confidence resulted from a failed personal goal.
Ahhh... life.  Sometimes you just want to whack it in the head.  But then it whacks you right back.  I'm still learning to take it in stride.  Fight only when necessary.  Not doing anything just means peace for the moment.  Silence is golden.  As I reassured my older patients who dislike the idea of me going to Chicago for a "re-programming" of Vu, my edge will always  be there.  They can't take that.  But learning how to fight better is what I'm going for.   Maybe next time my bad luck will end at 2, not 3 as I would know how to strategize better.

Funny Story of the week
One day I answered the phone to help Daisy as she was busy on the other line. Immediately on the other end, a patient asked, "Dr. Vu?"
Me (surprised someone recognized my voice so quickly): Hello?
Patient: Dr. Vu? Is that you?
Me: Maybe?
Patient: Maybe, Dr. Vu?
Me (recognizing the voice now): Yes, maybe Dr. Vu
Patient: It's me, David.
Me: David?
Patient: Yes, David. Maybe, David?  
Me: What? (smiling now)
Patient: No, wait. It's not maybe. It's definitely David.
Me (laughing): What?
Patient: It's definitely David. I need to see you soon.
Me: Okay, when can you come in?
Patient: After lunch.
So the patient came in after lunch, sat down in the chair to show me his concern then turned to me and said, "Okay Maybe Dr. Vu, I'm Definitely David..."
So funny. I have some of the funniest patients. I think I will have to call him Definitely David from now on. He has been my patient for over a decade. We have a long history together. A few years ago, he said some people have cigarette addition, alcohol dependency or waste their money on junk. Him, he just lacks proper dental hygiene at home so his "vice" is to pay me to clean his teeth every 2 months. Therefore, it's a "good" bad habit to have. Also, it's a good excuse not to floss or keep up with nightly home care (according to Definitely David.) Silly guy. here to edit.

Today we had a young man with a broken heart come in.  His cheerful demeanor was a distraction to his sunken heart.  Our normal cordial exchanges took place and something was amidst.  As I laid him back to start my exam, tears started to well up in his eyes.  Slowly, he closed them only to let one run down quickly to his cheek.  I stopped for a second.  Not wanting to make the obvious evident, I continued my exam calling out the pocket numbers and anything else I would see.  As I was only half way done, a smile suddenly came across his face as I took another moment before proceeding again.  I couldn't help but asked what he was thinking.
His replied left me laughing so hard I couldn't continue for a few minutes.
He said, "For some reason, Dr.Vu calling out the numbers is so soothing."
Me: WHAT??!!
Bobbie: It's probably not her voice but just a sound of a woman's voice being so gentle and not screaming at you is soothing.  
We all laughed.  Of course I couldn't be soothing anymore.  I gave him a hug before I continue.  Another tear followed the release of my arms.  As an older sister, I reminded him to always try to be kind even to mean people.  When he finally left, he was thankful for the 2 hours of  therapy and support, along with some dental treatment.  
Our patients are like family to us.  We know them for so long that we exchange stories and information throughout the years.  When one is hurt, we all gather to form a pillar of support.  This is why our little office is so unique.  We embrace all kinds of pain and will help you work through it slowly.  We will also find a song to sing to cheer you up.  The singing may not be good but the intention is pure love and greatness. 

Last weekend my family was asked to foster 3 weeks old puppies.  As my youngest had been asking for a dog, we thought fostering would be a good option in lieu of actually getting a dog.  It's a win-win for everyone.  So we got these two little ones.  They are sweet.  They comfort each other and play together nicely.  I'm looking for a nice stable home for these little guys.  They will be returned to the humane society if I can't find someone for them.  My hope is not to have them stay at the shelter as they are so young.  It could be intimidating for young pups at the shelter.  I also hope someone can take them together so they don't have to be separated and be alone.  They're joyful now, I would like for them to remain that way.  So, if you are interested in adopting these little guys, please let me know.  I will help you get all the adoption papers done.
FYI...there are more dogs out there who could use a loving home.  Please visit www.hssv.org to see all your options.  
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Sometimes during the holiday rush and busyness, someone just lays in despair.  Some of our patients were amongst that crowd of loneliness.  So with some thoughts and much consideration, we decided to celebrate the holidays quietly.  We had an amazing time with our families and each other, as we are a family of dental sisters.  Each and everyone of us contribute our own uniqueness to this office ambiance and personality.  
As we reflect on the past year, we truly had the circle of life again.  Jessica gave birth to her daughter and Bob lost an extended family member.  Both my dads were at doctor appointments and hospitals.  I got so confused one day that I was calling my dad back for his doctor's appointment when it should have been my father-in-law's.  That was how my daily schedule was, one appointment after another.
Now with the normalcy of life slowly creeping back in, I just want to thank everyone for your continual support of our office and its growth.  Every year we welcome so many amazing new patients that bring us into their lives.  We are so humbled by the gestures.  I started with little kids who are now young adults.  It is quite sweet to witness  individual human evolution.  The up close and personal aspect of it has made me a better parent, friend, doctor, and wife.  The changes I see in myself are reflections of my patients' experiences and stories.  I don't think I could have raised my kids by myself.  My patients' stories and lessons learned were passed onto me.   Now I see it does take a village to raise a child.  I am very grateful.  
For 2019, of course I'm an optimist for a better world.  I don't think we all have to change the world.  I think we just need to make our own little world better for ourselves and those around us.    Please stay healthy, find your source of happiness in any small amount and  definitely be yourself.   A visage is too hard to keep up.  May you make your 2019 to your likings.  Cheers!